Jackpot: The state Department of Children and Family Services has intercepted more than $806,000 in casino winnings from 599 parents to cover back child support payments. The department says collections from 18 participating casinos range from a high of $106,771 from players at the Hollywood Casino in Baton Rouge to a low of $12,218 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in Bossier City. A pilot program was launched in September 2011 at Hollywood, netting $1,995 from a non-custodial father two days after its start.
Eastern influence: Tulane University has signed an agreement with the Confucius Institute Headquarters of China to establish a Confucius Institute at the New Orleans university. Tulane says the center will promote the study of Chinese culture and language. The institute, of which there are 64 at American universities, will enhance Chinese language classes in Tulane’s Asian Studies Program with a range of new teaching materials. Tulane has more on the new institute here.
One thing leads to another: Officials in Hancock County, Miss., are opposed to a proposed 24-foot barrier levee that will close or partially close Lake Pontchartrain and protect St. Tammany Parish, and they’re asking the federal government to thoroughly study the potential effects of any proposed new levee construction in southeast Louisiana. The officials say altering natural storm surge through levees, gates or other means could adversely affect water levels in coastal areas.
