As expected the Pelicans grabbed Zion Williamson last night with the first pick in the draft. He’s the most hyped NBA Draft prospect to come out since Lebron James, and shared a teary-eyed hug with his mom and little brother after the life changing selection.

That wasn’t the only big move the team made, as they traded out of the 4^th pick with Atlanta and picked up the 8^th selection, which they spent on hyper-athletic Texas Center Jaxson Hayes, and the 17^th pick, sharpshooting Virginia tech guard Nikeil Alexander-Walker.

Allegiance Health Management facilities across Louisiana are fighting against the opioid crisis, and bringing that fight to the courtroom.  The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, seeks damages for hospitals and emergency rooms impacted by the opioid epidemic.  New Orleans attorney Mark Stein.

Cut 4 (11) “…and opioid addiction.”

On his monthly talk show Governor Edwards responded to criticism of his signature of a fetal heartbeat abortion ban from pro-choice voters. When asked what the state is doing to help poor families afford to raise kids they haven’t planned for, Edwards responded by mentioning this year’s budget focused on educating working class families’ children…

Cut 8 (06) “…of that.”

Edwards made the comments on his monthly talk show Ask the Governor yesterday.

Today marks the first day of summer and State Climatologist Barry Keim indicates this summer is going to a scorcher. Keim says the long range forecast from the climate prediction center is forecasting normal rainfall patterns for the summer and says the temps are expected to run above normal for the entire summer.

Cut 14 (08) “…summer even worse.”

Keim adds the month of June has seen above average temperatures.

The picks are in and the new era of the New Orleans Pelicans began last night with the selection of once-in-a-generation level talent Zion Williamson with the team’s first overall pick. Before that thought the team traded their 4^th overall selection to the Hawks in exchange for the 8^th and 17^th pick. With those two selections the team grabbed Texas Center Jaxson Hayes, a hyper athletic rim defending big man, and Virginia Tech shooting guard Nikeil Alexander-Walker, a slippery off ball sharpshooter.

The team was also able to offload the onerous Solomon Hill contract in the deal, freeing up cap space for a potentially splashy offseason free agency signing. In the second round the team grabbed a Brazillian shooting guard Marcos Silva.

On his monthly talk show Governor Edwards responded to criticism of his signature of a fetal heartbeat abortion ban from pro-choice voters. Opponents say the governor’s signature shows a disregard for women’s healthcare and wellbeing but Edwards countered…

Cut 7 (11) “before.”

An anonymous individual donates a $2.52 million gift to the Nicholls State athletics department to contribute to a $6.5 million building project. The project will fund the expansion of Barker Hall to include a football operations center. Athletics Director Mike Roan says the size of the gift is one of the record books.

Cut 10 (10) “…Nicholls State University.”

Today marks the first day of summer and State Climatologist Barry Keim indicates this summer is going to sizzle.  Keim says the hot temps are already in the Bayou state as the month of June has exceeded the historical average.

Cut 13 (07) “…the low 90s.”

Keim says the long range forecast from the climate prediction center is forecasting normal rainfall patterns for the summer and says the temps are expected to run above normal for the entire summer.

Big night for the New Orleans Pelicans as the team set the mood for the next few years with the selection of generational talent Duke legend Zion Williamson with the first pick in the draft. The teary eyed Williamson celebrated with this mother and little brother after the pick was made.

Just before Zion was selected, the Pels made a trade with Atlanta, sending the 4^th pick in the draft, the pick the Pels acquired from the Lakers in the Anthony Davis trade, to the Hawks in return for the 8^th pick, the 17^th pick. The Pels also offloaded Solomon Hill’s terrible contract, opening up cap space for free agency.

With those two picks the team grabbed Texas center Jaxson Hayes and Virginia Tech shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The Pels also snagged Brazillian shooting guard Marcos Silva in the second round.

Not a great night for LSU basketball in the draft though. Tremont Waters did manage to get picked up by the Celtics in the second round with the 51^st overall selection, but former five-star recruit, two-year Tiger Naz Reid fell out of the draft completely after being thought of as a lottery selection in the pre-season. Reid underwhelmed at the athletic testing portion of the combine, and reportedly scared away teams with his inconsistent effort levels throughout the season.

Reid eventually found a potential pathway into the NBA when the Minnesota Timberwolves negotiated a two year “two-way” contract that will see the former Tiger likely spend most of the first year or two of his career playing in the G-League with the Wolves evaluate his progress.

Saints Defensive End Cameron Jordan congratulated 1^st overall pick Zion Williamson before the draft, telling him to just embrace the community, and if you buy all the way in, the community will too.

The battle against the opioid crisis moves to the courtroom. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

Governor Edwards addressed criticism of his signature of a fetal heartbeat abortion ban from the left on his monthly talk show yesterday…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

______________________________________________

It’s the first day of summer and the Climate Prediction Center says it is going to be a scorcher for the Bayou State.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________

Allegiance Health Management facilities across Louisiana are fighting against the opioid crisis to the courtroom.  The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, seeks damages for hospitals and emergency rooms impacted by the opioid epidemic.  New Orleans attorney Mark Stein says the economic impact goes beyond the patients.

Cut 4 (11) “…and opioid addiction.”

Stein says the deceptive practices by opioid makers are very broad.

Cut 5 (12) “…prescription of opioids.”

Stein says beyond seeking to recover monetary losses they have incurred treating adults and opioid-dependent born children, the lawsuit aims to stop the overuse of opioids.

Cut 6 (12) “…of these drugs.”

 ________________________________________

On his monthly talk show Governor Edwards responded to criticism of his signature of a fetal heartbeat abortion ban from pro-choice voters.

Opponents say the governor’s signature shows a disregard for women’s healthcare and wellbeing but Edwards countered saying his administration has made substantial improvements in women’s healthcare outcomes the last four years.

Cut 7 (11) “before.”

When asked what the state is doing to help poor families afford to raise kids they haven’t planned for, Edwards responded by mentioning this year’s budget focused on educating working class families’ children…

Cut 8 (06) “…of that.”

Edwards tried to alleviate concerns of pro-choice Democrats before the fall governor’s race that Louisiana’s economic progress under his watch will allow the state to invest in programs championed by progressive voters.

Cut 9 (11) “…investments.”

Edwards made the comments on his monthly talk show Ask the Governor yesterday.

_________________

__________________________________

An anonymous individual donates a $2.52 million gift to the Nicholls State athletics department to contribute to a $6.5 million building project. The project will fund the expansion of Barker Hall to include a football operations center. Athletics Director Mike Roan says the size of the gift is one of the record books.

Cut 10 (10) “…Nicholls State University.”

Roan says shovels could be in the ground within a couple of weeks with the facility ready for the 2020 football season. The expansion will be placed at the south end zone of John L. Guidry Stadium and will include coaches’ offices, a new locker room, and players’ lounge among other amenities.

Cut 11 (08) “…several other programs.”

Roan says the success of the program as well as the culture established by the coach and players is a big reason for the donation.

Cut 12 (09) “…to our program.”

The donor will be revealed as a future date, along with naming information of the new center.

_________________

Today marks the first day of summer and State Climatologist Barry Keim indicates this summer is going to sizzle.  Keim says the hot temps are already in the Bayou state as the month of June has exceeded the historical average.

Cut 13 (07) “…the low 90s.”

Keim says the long range forecast from the climate prediction center is forecasting normal rainfall patterns for the summer and says the temps are expected to run above normal for the entire summer.

Cut 14 (08) “…summer even worse.”

Keim says two factors are likely contributing to the hotter than normal temps.

Cut 15 (10) “…less cloud cover.”

More shootings have been linked to murder suspect 22-year old Sean Barrette in Jefferson Parish now. Barrette was arrested yesterday and charged with the murders of three people in West Metairie Avenue and one in New Orleans. Now Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s authorities have connected him to a June 17^th shooting of a female driver on I-10. The victim was not killed but her vehicle was struck multiple times with bullets. And Kenner Police says another driver was followed closely on 1-10 and the vehicle pulled beside them and fired several shots, that driver also was not injured.

Mental health has been the focus of conversation following that spree that left four people dead. The suspect Sean Barrette had been committed twice in recent months prior to the murders.. New Orleans licensed professional counselor Mark Saucier says mental health issues are something that Louisiana as a whole needs to face.

Cut 5 (11) “…help they need.”

Governor Edward signed the Seafood Labeling Bill yesterday so restaurants that aren’t serving seafood from the U-S must let you know. Bill sponsor Representative Truck Gisclair acknowledges that many Americans do not realize that 90-percent of the seafood they consume at restaurants is imported. He wants tourist in Louisiana to know if they’re getting the real deal.

Cut 12 (12)   “…or wherever”

The Pelican’s top pick Zion Williamson was in New Orleans this week and he enjoyed some shrimp at Commanders Palace. Williamson is set to be the face of a squad that’s had a major overhaul in the last few weeks, ditching its former superstar Anthony Davis after the Brow demanded a trade to the Lakers. Williamson has big plans…

Cut 15 (12) “…for”

The NBA Draft kicks off at 6pm tonight and New Orleans has the first pick, and are looking to draft Duke legend Zion Williamson who says he’s excited to put on the Pelicans’ uniform and move on south to the Big Easy.

The 6’7 280 pound Naismith College Player of the Year visited New Orleans earlier in the week and got a taste of city life and culture…

Cut 13, 12 seconds, Commanders’

Williamson got fried shrimp and mash potatoes at Commanders’ Palace, the iconic New Orleans food mecca.

Zion is the most hyped prospect to enter the draft since Lebron James, and the highest rated prospect since former Pelican Anthony Davis. The phenom says he’s ready to spearhead the Pelicans’ revival.

Cut 14, 7 seconds, sport

Williamson averaged 23 points and 9 rebounds on 68 percent shooting in 33 games at Duke last year.

The Draft kicks off at 6pm tonight.

The Pelicans also have the 4^th pick in this years draft but reports are out indicating the team is working hard to try and move the pick. If they were to keep the selection, Vanderbilt point guard Darius Garland, Virginia’s DeAndre Hunter, and Texas Tech’s Jarrett Culver are likely the be the best players available.

Zach Hess announced yesterday his decision to sign with the Detroit Tigers, ending his stay as an LSU tiger. Hess, a junior pitcher from Virginia wrote a note on Instagram with his decision. After reflecting on his time at LSU Hess thanked his teammates, LSU, and the state of Louisiana.

Drew Brees has been nominated for two ESPY’S. The Saints quarterback is nominated for best NFL player and best record-breaking performance. Brees already has 4 espy’s. The other nominees for the best player include Patrick Mahomes of the chiefs, Aaron Donald of the rams, and Todd Gurley also of the rams.

Congressman Mike Johnson was on hand for an in depth subcommittee hearing on reparations for slavery and racial injustice. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Mental health has been the focus of conversation following a recent killing spree that left four people dead in Metairie and New Orleans. The suspect in the case had been committed twice in recent months prior to the recent acts of violence. New Orleans licensed professional counselor Mark Saucier (So-shay) says there are signs to look for in the mentally ill that could foreshadow a violent outburst.

Cut 3 (09) “…other angry people.”

Governor Edwards’ signed a seafood labeling bill at The Shack seafood restaurant in Houma Wednesday. Larose Representative Truck Gisclair feels that Louisianans deserve to know where their seafood is from when it’s served up, not just from an economic standpoint, but for health reasons as well.

Cut 11 (11) “…imported shrimp.”

Soon-to-be Pelican, Duke legend Zion Williamson is the most hyped prospect to enter the draft since Lebron James, and the highest rated prospect since former Pelican Anthony Davis. The phenom says he’s ready to spearhead the Pelicans’ revival.

Cut 14 (07) “…sport” 

Williamson visited Commanders Palace earlier in the week.

The newest Pelican, Duke legend Zion Williamson is the most hyped draft pick since Lebron James, and the highest rated prospect since former Pelican Anthony Davis. The phenom says he’s ready to spearhead the Pelicans’ revival.

A Congressional subcommittee tackled the question of whether or not African Americans should receive reparations for the United States’ history of slavery and racial injustice. Congressman Mike Johnson spoke out against the idea at the hearing. Congressman Johnson believe taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook for actions taken while they were not alive.

But proponents of the measure say the US government’s history abusing the black population isn’t just restricted to the years before the end of the Civil War. Southern Professor Albert Samuels says the logistics of reparations would be complicated, but it warrants further study by a congressionally appointed commission, because it raises serious questions about our nation’s central narrative…

Cut 9 (12) “…subject.”

John Paul Funes entered a guilty plea in Federal Court today to charges of wire fraud and money laundering after a scheme that siphoned off more than a half a million from the Our Lady of the Lake foundation in Baton Rouge. Today it was revealed that Funes admitted he chartered a flight from Houma to Tampa for a Saints game and gave approximately a hundred thousand dollars to the family of former LSU football player Rohan Davey. Sentencing is deferred until the pre-sentence investigation is complete.

Soon-to-be Pelican, Duke legend Zion Williamson says he’s excited to put on the Pelicans’ uniform and move on south to the Big Easy.

The 6’7 280 pound Naismith College Player of the Year visited New Orleans earlier in the week and got a taste of city life and culture…

Cut 13 (12) “…Commanders’”  

Williamson got fried shrimp and mash potatoes at Commanders’ Palace, the iconic New Orleans food mecca.

Congressman Mike Johnson was on hand for an in depth subcommittee hearing on reparations for slavery and racial injustice. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

Governor Edwards signed into law requiring restaurants to tell you where your seafood is from.  Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (30) I’m Brooke Thorington”  

_____________________________________________

Mental health has been the focus of conversation following a recent killing spree that left four people dead in Metairie and New Orleans. The suspect in the case had been committed twice in recent months prior to the recent acts of violence. New Orleans licensed professional counselor Mark Saucier says there are signs to look for in the mentally ill that could foreshadow a violent outburst.

Cut 3 (09) “…other angry people.”

Saucier says sometimes those that have the potential to hurt others may keep to themselves, but there are cues to listen for that might raise some red flags.

Cut 4 (11) “…take it anymore.”

Saucier says mental health issues are something that Louisiana as a whole needs to face, and not just when events like this happen.

Cut 5 (11) “…help they need.”

________________________________________________

A Congressional subcommittee tackled the question of whether or not African Americans should receive reparations for the United State’s history of slavery and racial injustice.

Congressman Mike Johnson was at the hearing, and spoke out against the idea. He says American taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook for actions taken while they were not alive.

Cut 6 (10) “…passed.”

Johnson was jeered at the meeting by some attendees while making his statements.

But proponents of the measure say the US government’s history abusing the black population isn’t just restricted to the years before the end of the Civil War. Southern Professor Albert Samuels says African Americans lack generational wealth for a reason.

Cut 7 (11) “…slavery”

Johnson argues the plan is unconstitutional, and unfeasible. He says even major civil rights leaders and other prominent African Americans have come out against the idea.

Cut 8 (10) “…reparations.”

Samuels says the logistics of reparations would be complicated, but it warrants further study by a Congressionally appointed commission, because it raises serious questions about our nation’s central narrative…

Cut 9 (12) “…subject.”
____________________________________

Governor Edwards’ signed a seafood labeling bill at The Shack seafood restaurant in Houma Wednesday. Larose Representative Truck Gisclair fought hard for the measure and was extremely happy to see it become a reality.

Cut 10 (11) “…were there.”

Gisclair feels that Louisianans deserve to know where their seafood is from when it’s served up, not just from an economic standpoint, but for health reasons as well.

Cut 11 (11) “…imported shrimp.”

Gisclair acknowledged that many Americans do not realize that 90-percent of the seafood they consume at restaurants is imported. He wants tourist in Louisiana to know if they’re getting the real deal.

Cut 12 (12)   “…or whereever”

Gisclair hopes this will encourage restaurants to serve local seafood.

_____________________________

Soon-to-be Pelican, Duke legend Zion Williamson says he’s excited to put on the Pelicans’ uniform and move on south to the Big Easy.

The 6’7 280 pound Naismith College Player of the Year visited New Orleans earlier in the week and got a taste of city life and culture…

Cut 13 (12) “…Commanders'”  

Williamson got fried shrimp and mash potatoes at Commanders’ Palace, the iconic New Orleans food mecca.

Zion is the most hyped prospect to enter the draft since Lebron James, and the highest rated prospect since former Pelican Anthony Davis. The phenom says he’s ready to spearhead the Pelicans’ revival.

Cut 14 (07) “…sport” 

Williamson averaged 23 points and 9 rebounds on 68 percent shooting in 33 games at Duke last year.

The top pick is set to be the face of a squad that’s had a major overhaul in the last few weeks, ditching it’s former superstar Anthony Davis after the Brow demanded a trade to the Lakers. Williamson has big plans…

Cut 15 (12) “…for”

_____________________

Cut 16 (08) “…initial release”

____________________

More shootings have been linked to murder suspect 22-year old Sean Barrette in Jefferson Parish now. Barrette was arrested yesterday and charged with the murders of three people in West Metairie Avenue and one in New Orleans. Now Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s authorities have connected him to a June 17^th shooting of a female driver on I-10. The victim was not killed but her vehicle was struck multiple times with bullets. Authorities say she originally thought it was hail and drove to her home and then discovered bullet holes. This was hours before the first killing in Metairie. And Kenner Police says another driver was followed closely on 1-10 and the vehicle pulled beside them and fired several shots, that driver also was not injured.

Mental health has been the focus of conversation following that killing spree. The suspect Sean Barrette had been committed twice in recent months. New Orleans licensed professional counselor Mark Saucier says sometimes those that have the potential to hurt others may keep to themselves, but there are cues to listen for that might raise some red flags.

Cut 4 (11) “…take it anymore.”

A Congressional subcommittee tackled the question of whether or not African Americans should receive reparations for the United States’ history of slavery and racial injustice. Congressman Mike Johnson argues the plan is unconstitutional, and unfeasible. He says even major civil rights leaders and other prominent African Americans are against the idea.

Cut 8 (10) “…reparations.”

Governor Edward signed the Seafood Labeling Bill yesterday so restaurants that aren’t serving seafood from the U-S must let you know. Bill sponsor Represenative Truck Gisclair acknowledges that many Americans do not realize that 90-percent of the seafood they consume at restaurants is imported. He wants tourist in Louisiana to know if they’re getting the real deal.

Cut 12 (12)   “…or whereever”

Gisclair hopes this will encourage restaurants to serve local seafood.