Returning R.I. lawmakers face budget battles, debate over casino - 2004-01-02
For decades, lawmakers have been strong advocates on boards and commissions that manage billions of dollars in state assets. If voters give their approval this year, legislators will oversee but no longer control everything from the lottery to waste management, though no one knows exactly how that will work.

The restructuring of boards and commissions, a budget deficit, casino gambling and civil unions are some of the thorny issues expected to be debated in the legislative session beginning Tuesday.

With a potential two-year deficit of $226 million, the budget will be an immediate priority for legislative leaders.
Read the full story at The Call

Casino employees accused of theft - 2004-01-02
Four Hollywood Casino workers whose job was to unload money from slot machines have been arrested for an orchestrated attempt to steal cash from the machines and block the security cameras, state police stated.

Troopers with the riverboat gaming division said one person was removing money and putting it in his pockets while the other members tried to block the view of security cameras and security officers.

Reginald Dewayne Martin, Michael Derrick Martin, LaQuinta Shane Watson and Frederick Antonio Mathews, all of Shreveport, were arrested Saturday and booked on charges of felony theft, criminal conspiracy and skimming off gaming proceeds.
Read the full story at KTBS