The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension worth up to as much as $231 million. Zion has played in just 85 of a possible 226 games over his career so far. FOX Sports’ Rob Parker says that even with his injury history, the Pelicans’ potential reward is worth the risk.

Cut 7 (10) “…gotta sign him.”

–

The Pelicans haven’t made much noise at the start of free agency. Head Coach Willie Green’s team already has plenty of players who will be looking for minutes, a problem he says he’s glad to have.

Cut 16 (20) “…just keep rolling.”

–

Now that USC and UCLA have made the move to the Big Ten, NYU Sports Law professor Dan Lust says that he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against the surging juggernauts in the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference. One of the biggest could be on the national level as the notion of amateurism in collegiate athletics, which took a major hit from the emergence of NIL, will be tested by players who see billions of dollars changing hands and ask for their fair share.

Cut 15 (09) “…entitled to.”

In other conference realignment news, the Southland Conference officially welcomed Texas A-and-M-Commerce as the league’s ninth member, while the Sun Belt adds James Madison, Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss.

–

Former Louisiana Tech star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died last week from the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, based on the results of an autopsy on the body of the 26-year-old as reported by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. Ferguson was found unresponsive in the late hours of June 21.

You’ll be paying less for feminine products and diapers from now on, thanks to the “Pink tax” exemption. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

—

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this Fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says if you plan on drinking to celebrate America’s birthday, let someone else drive.

Cut 3 (04) “…to drive.”

Based on data from LSU 100 people were injured and six killed in alcohol-related crashes last Independence Day weekend.

—

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says it was a no-brainer for both sides.

Cut 6 (11) ”…match made in heaven.”

—

28-year-old Brian Allen of Alexandria is facing second-degree murder charges for allegedly providing fentanyl that led to an overdose death in Pineville. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office chief of staff Tommy Carnline says over the past several months, detectives have been investigating overdose-related deaths

Cut 12 (08) “…made the connection”

Allen has also been charged with criminal conspiracy and possession and distribution of a C-D-S-two, which is fentanyl. Carnline says Sheriff Mark Wood has made it a priority to arrest drug dealers responsible for overdose deaths…

You’ll no longer pay state sales tax on feminine products along with diapers. It’s called the “Pink Tax” exemption and it’s a result of New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman’s legislation from the 2021 legislative session. She says it’s a tax exemption that will help women in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (09) “…without a tax.”

The “Pink Tax” exemption includes diapers for both children and adults. Freeman proposed legislation this year for schools to provide feminine products for students which ultimately failed but she plans to refile the bill next year.

—

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this Fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says if you plan on drinking to celebrate America’s birthday, let someone else drive.

Cut 3 (04) “…to drive.”

Based on data from LSU 100 people were injured and six killed in alcohol-related crashes last Independence Day weekend.

—

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says it was a no-brainer for both sides.

Cut 6 (11) ”…match made in heaven.”

—

28-year-old Brian Allen of Alexandria is facing second-degree murder charges for allegedly providing fentanyl that led to an overdose death in Pineville. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office chief of staff Tommy Carnline says over the past several months, detectives have been investigating overdose-related deaths

Cut 12 (08) “…made the connection”

Allen has also been charged with criminal conspiracy and possession and distribution of a C-D-S-two, which is fentanyl. Carnline says Sheriff Mark Wood has made it a priority to arrest drug dealers responsible for overdose deaths…

Beginning today you’ll pay less for feminine products and diapers thanks to the pink tax exemption. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The Essence Festival is underway in New Orleans, after having to be done virtually for two years because of the pandemic. Headliners include Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj, New Edition, Doug E. Fresh, Stephanie Mills. Over a half-million people attended the last LIVE Essence Festival in 2019.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this Fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says remember to not drink & drive, but also be aware that your meds could also impair your judgement…:

CUT 05(12)      “…not as good.”

Federal highway safety grant dollars will go to pay local and state LEO’s to patrol the roadways. Lambert says don’t let a DUI ruin your holiday.

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says, for the Pels, he’s worth every penny…:

CUT 07(10)      “…gotta sign him.”

As you head out on the highway this holiday weekend, be aware extra officers will be patrolling the roads; seeking out impaired drivers. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesman Mark Lambert says if you’re planning on having some drinks, let someone else drive…:

CUT 04  (11)        “…good judgement.”

He says drunk driving a major travel threat for families. Last year six people were killed and over a hundred injured on Louisiana highways over July 4^th Weekend.

Former West Feliciana High standout, Louisiana Tech football star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died from using fentanyl and cocaine. That’s the result of a blood toxicology report. He was found unresponsive in a Baltimore home just over two weeks ago. Funeral services and visitation for Ferguson are Saturday in St. Francisville.

An Alexandria man faces murder charges for supplying a person with the fentanyl that cause their overdose death. Rapides Parish sheriff’s Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says Sheriff Mark Wood is focused on catching the pushers responsible for overdoses, and they’ve made several so far…:

CUT 14  (09)        “…overdosed and died.”

Starting today, certain women’s products and diapers are state sales tax free; like essential groceries and prescription drugs. The bill establishing that in law was passed in 2021. New Orleans Democrat Representative Aimee Freeman says her “Pink Tax Exemption” affects all women, regardless of their politics…:

CUT 10  (07)        “…went forward.”

An Alexandria man is charged with murder for providing the fentanyl that led to an overdose death. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says 28-year-old Brian Allen is charged with 2^nd-degree murder, plus criminal conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute dangerous drugs. He says their investigation turned up evidence linking Allen to that overdose…:

CUT 13  (11)        “…make an arrest.”

He says Rapides Sheriff Mark Wood is focused on catching the providers of the deadly drugs and putting them behind bars.

Good news! Starting today, diapers and feminine products are sales tax free. It’s the result of a bill passed in the 2021 legislature by New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman…:

CUT 09  (09)        “…without a tax.”

Diapers – for babies and  adults – are also now tax-exempt.

Deputies in St. Bernard Parish say the man wanted for abandoning a baby on a busy overpass Wednesday has turned himself in. Officers say 21-year-old John Perkins stole the car the infant was in, then dropped the child in the roadway and drove on.

It appears Zion Williamson will be nesting with the Pelicans for a few more years. David Grubb has the details…:

CUT 01(35)      “…David Grubb.”

Beginning today you’ll pay less for feminine products and diapers thanks to the pink tax exemption. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Cooking out for the 4th of July will cost 17-percent more than last year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson….
cut 29 (09) “…on average”
But Davidson says the cost for strawberries, sliced cheese and potato chips is lower.

28-year-old Brian Allen of Alexandria is facing second-degree murder charges for allegedly providing fentanyl that led to an overdose death in Pineville. Rapides Paris Sheriff’s Office chief of staff Tommy Carnline says over the past several months, detectives have been investigating overdose related deaths
Cut 12 (08) “…made the connection”
Allen has also been charged with criminal conspiracy and possession and distribution of a C-D-S-two, which is fentanyl.

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says it’s a no-brainer for both sides.
Cut 6 (11) ” …match made in heaven.”

Now that Governor Edwards is done signing and vetoing bills, will lawmakers seek to override any of his vetoes? Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agents are participating in Operation Dry Water. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says it’s their annual enforcement of state waterways looking for impaired operators…
Cut 10 (07) “…on the waterways.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says if you plan on drinking to celebrate America’s birthday, let someone else drive…
cut 3 (04) “….to drive”
Lambert says 100 people were injured and six people were killed in alcohol-related crashes during last year’s Independence Day holiday.

The world of college athletics is changing again as U-S-C and U-C-L-A are heading from the Pac-12 to the Big 10 and will begin playing in the Big 10 in 2024. NYU Sports Law professor Dan Lust says the SEC’s move to poach Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12 last year certainly pushed the Big Ten to make a counter move….
cut 14 (12) “…keep pace”
Lust expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against these two juggernauts.

Governor Edwards has vetoed over 20 bills from the regular legislative session. Now, the question is “will lawmakers convene a veto override session?” House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says members of the legislature will vote on if they’ll shave a veto session and while there are member who are not anxious for another special session…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…some of them are…”

Lawmakers must have ballots returned on the 11^th.

Cooking out for the 4^th of July will cost 17-percent more than last year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says but on the bright side the cost of strawberries, sliced cheese and potato chips are down from last year, however…

Cut 5 (09) “…on average.”

Has the Power 5 been shrunken to the Super 2? David Grubb has the story on the major shakeup in college sports…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m David Grubb” 

Essence Fest says their COVID vaccination policy remains in place. There’s been confusion and a tweet, sent in error, that said you can bring a negative COVID test in lieu of proof of vaccination. According to NOLA.com the proof of vaccination policy for attendance remains in place.

Ballots were sent out this week that ask state lawmakers if they want to cancel a veto session currently scheduled for June 16th. The governor vetoed over two dozen bills from the recent regular session. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says the deadline for returning ballots if they do not want a veto session is July 11th…
cut 9 (12) “….when they come in”

The world of college athletics is changing again as U-S-C and U-C-L-A are heading from the Pac-12 to the Big 10 and will begin playing in the Big 10 in 2024. NYU Sports Law professor Dan Lust says the SEC’s move to poach Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12 last year certainly pushed the Big Ten to make a counter move….
ut 14 (12) “…keep pace”
Lust expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against these two juggernauts.

Cooking out for the 4th of July will cost more this year. Brooke Thorington has more on what you can expect to pay.
ct 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agents are conducting Operation Dry Water this Fourth of July weekend. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says they will arrest boat operators who are impaired…
cut 12 (10) “….already”