06.29.18
by

PM Newscall LRN June 29

An invisible menace haunts the beaches of Florida this summer, Connor Ferrill has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

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A Louisiana US Congressman is introducing legislation that would toughen up requirements for imported seafood. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The NBA free agency period starts this Sunday at 12:01AM, and after one of the best years in franchise history, the Pelicans have a lot of big decisions to make. Locked On Pelicans Publisher Jake Madison says it could be a dramatic few days, as New Orleans has crucial call to make about whether to resign All-Star Center Demarcus Cousins, who’s coming off a major injury.

Cut 3 (11) “friendly deal.”

The rumor mill is currently not connecting the Pels with any of the big names on the market, like Lebron James or Paul George.

It’s not just Boogie on the market, point guard Rajon Rondo, who excelled leading the Pels up tempo attack last year after Cousins went down, is out of contract. Madison says Rondo’s leadership and ball handling allowed the team to get a career year out of Jrue Holliday, and he expects they’ll fight to bring him back, if the price is right.

Cut 4  (12) “his career”

But bringing back the same crew likely will not be enough to push the team past Houston, Golden State, or a potential LeBron led Lakers team. New blood, and upgrades on the wing are needed to keep pace in the Western Conference arms race. Madison says the teams options are limited when it comes to bringing in that 3 and D wing they’ve been missing for more than half a decade.

Cut 5  (10) “depth here.”

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Those headed to the beach need to be aware of a menace plaguing Gulf waters. Gulf coast beaches, especially those in Florida are dealing with microscopic baby jellyfish known as sea lice. Audubon Aquarium Curator James Arnold, says beachgoers should watch for a purple flag as the creatures aren’t something that can be seen in the water…

 

Cut 6 (12)  “…hour or so later.”

Those who swim through swarms of sea lice can be subject to large rashes where the jellyfish have latched on.

Arnold says those who suffer from the stings aren’t out of luck as there is a tried and true remedy…

Cut 7 (09)  “…vinegar on it”

Arnold says the baby jellyfish should not be a huge deterrent as families head out to enjoy the weekend. But those with particularly sensitive skin should be on the lookout for the purple flags…

 

cut 8 (07) “…be aware of”

 

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Southwest Louisiana US Congressman Clay Higgins is introducing legislation that would require imported seafood be held to the same safety standards as American seafood. The Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act would beef up the amount of inspections conducted on foreign fish. Higgins says US protecting US seafood isn’t just a Bayou issue.

cut 9 (10)  “playing field.”

The bill would increase inspections to 20 percent of all food imported, up from roughly ten percent now, demand that food meet FDA standards, and require that first set of shipments from any new overseas company have 100 percent of its cargo inspected.

Higgins says it’s not just about protecting the state and countries’ economic interest, he says allowing tons of uninspected food from countries with lax regulations to end up on American plates could be a public safety issues.

Cut 10 (12) “are tested.”

The topic has been a focus for past Louisiana Congressman, but all previous efforts have stalled out. The Republican Congressman says he expects it won’t be an easy fight, considering the resources available to international seafood companies.

Cut 11 (09) “American Worker”

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The heat that has impacted the state this past week is now expected to continue through the weekend.  According to state climatologist Barry Keim, a weak trough is expected to form along the northern Gulf Coast and will increase the chance for thunderstorms and bring down temps around the area.

Cut 12 (07)   “…mid to upper nineties”

Keim says those temps will be much welcomed after the sweltering week experienced in the state.

Cut 13 (08) “…Saturday and Sunday.” 

For those considering a beach day this weekend, Keim gives it a thumbs up.

Cut 14 (04)  “…the beach, for sure.”