The Pelicans land the first pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, which is almost guaranteed to be Duke phenom, Zion Williamson, the most hyped college prospect in nearly two decades.  Zion gives the franchise a clear future, but GM David Griffin has to sort out a messy present with reports circulating that star forward Anthony Davis still wants off the team.  Locked on Pelicans Podcast publisher Jake Madison says that issue just got a lot easier to fix with key potential trade partners grabbing good picks…
Cut 5 (12) “…up.”
The draft will be held June 20th.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation broke ground on the I-20/I-220 Barksdale Air Force Base Interchange project in Bossier City today. Governor John Bel Edwards says this project means enhanced security for deliveries onto the base, congestion relief for several other access points and an entrance that is not contingent upon crossing a railroad track.  Cut 11 (08)“…of their operations.”

President Trump announced on his visit to Louisiana yesterday that a new I-10 bridge was coming to the Lake Charles area if he is reelected.  DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the President’s commitment for such a large project came as a surprise.

Cut 12 (09)   “…to deliver it.”

Wilson says the bridge is actually older than the interstate system itself and that the state has been working toward getting a new bridge project moved along for quite some time.

Louisiana’s version of the fetal heartbeat abortion ban bill has cleared another legislative hurdle. No one on the House Health and Welfare Committee objected to the measure. But Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson says if lawmakers support this bill, they should also support a measure to abolish the death penalty…

Cut 7 (12) “…of jail.”

The city of New Orleans is celebrating after the Pels landed the first pick in the NBA Draft, which is almost guaranteed to be Zion Williamson, the best prospect since LeBron James. At Duke Williamson stunned college basketball last season as a human highlight reel with multiple dunks a game. Locked on Pelicans Podcast publisher Jake Madison says Zion combines jaw dropping athleticism with a motor that just doesn’t stop.
Cut 4 (10) “…dunk machine”
The Louisiana Department of Transportation broke ground on the I-20/I-220 Barksdale Air Force Base Interchange project in Bossier City today. Governor Edwards says since January 2016 they’ve invested 239 million in north Louisiana transportation projects…
Cut 10 (11) “…in the world.“.
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A proposal to ban abortions in Louisiana when a fetal heartbeat is detected is one step away from final legislative passage. Jeff Palermo has more…
cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Pelicans are back in a big way after landing the first pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, which is almost guaranteed to be Duke phenom, Zion Williamson, the most hyped college prospect in nearly two decades.
Locked on Pelicans Podcast publisher Jake Madison says it’s impossible to overstate how big a deal it is for New Orleans basketball…
Cut 3 (12) “…overall.”
The Pels only had a six percent chance to win the first pick.
Louisiana’s version of the fetal heartbeat abortion ban bill has cleared another legislative hurdle. The House Health committee voted for the Senate approved measure that seeks to ban abortions when a heartbeat is detectable. The bill’s author is Shreveport Senator John Milkovich
Cut 6 (12) “…be killed.”
The Louisiana Department of Transportation broke ground on the I-20/I-220 Barksdale Air Force Base Interchange project in Bossier City today. Governor John Bel Edwards was on hand for the event and says the $72 million comes out of necessity with a bigger and stronger economy.
Cut 9 (07) “…our economy forward.”
Edwards says since January 2016, the state has invested over $2.2 billion in transportation around the state.
A bill setting the minimum age for marriage in Louisiana to 18 cleared a Senate committee.The proposal passed without objection, but concerns were raised by Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau about the bill blocking two 17-year-olds from getting married in the event that there’s an unplanned pregnancy…
Cut 11 (10) “…setting.”

A bill allowing medical marijuana patients access to an inhale-able version of the drug heads to the Senate after passing the House. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The New Orleans Pelicans have won the NBA draft lottery and will receive the first draft pick.  In the hours since the news broke, over 2500 season tickets have been sold for the upcoming season.  Duke Forward Zion Williamson is widely considered the most promising prospect to enter the NBA draft since Lebron James.

A bill setting the minimum age for marriage in Louisiana to 18 cleared a Senate committee.  Tigers Against Trafficking Vice President Claire Stagg says a nonprofit called Unchained At Last documented cases of children being married to adults in rural areas of the state, with their parents permission. She says that’s unacceptable.

Cut 10 (08) “…abuse.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

Today marks the deadline for Louisiana taxpayers to file their 2018 state income tax return.   If a taxpayer needs more time to prepare and file the paper work, Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says an extension needs to be filed today. Henderson adds so far this year has been a smooth tax filing season with no major issues.

Cut 9 (05) “…out the door″

Legislation allowing medical marijuana patients to use an inhaler to get the therapeutic cannabis in their system passes on a 73-3 vote in the House and is headed to the Senate. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says his bill does not legalize smoking medical marijuana for those who get a prescription…
cut 13 (09) “….inhalation”
Doctors say inhaling medical marijuana allows patients to get quicker relief from their symptoms.

18 would be the minimum age to get married under legislation heading to the Senate floor after getting committee approval. But Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says he’s not sure if 18 is the right number…
cut 12 (11) “…happens sometimes”
More discussion is expected on the Senate floor.

Republican Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain has picked up another challenger for this fall’s election. New Orleans flower and vegetable farmer Margee Green says Strain has put up red tape to slow down the state’s effort medical marijuana program and that hurts the ag industry…
cut 5 (11) “….more economically viable”
Strain has said he’s following state law when it comes to the testing requirements for medical marijuana produced in Louisiana.

Today is tax day in Louisiana as taxpayers have until the end of today to file their state income tax returns. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says if you need more time, you can file for an extension on the department’s website, but that only gives you more time to file…
cut 8 (10) “…late payment penalties.

It’s been a rough year in sports for Louisiana with the no call in the NFC Championship game, the drama surrounding Anthony Davis, the Will Wade FBI wire tap scandal, so the state was due for some good luck. And they got it last night with the Pelicans winning the NBA Draft Lottery, which gives them the right to draft Duke superstar Zion Williamson next month.

If you have yet to file your 2018 state income tax return, your time is running out….
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would allow medical marijuana patients to use an inhaler to deliver the therapeutic cannabis into their system. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says the proposal would also allow doctors who live out of state to prescribe medical marijuana to Louisiana patients…
cut 15 (12) “…medical examiners”
The measure faces more discussion in the Senate.

New Orleans vegetable and flower farmer Margee Green announces she will run against Republican Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain this fall. The Democrat says she wants to do more to help small and midsize farmers, advance the state’s medical marijuana program and she’s also concerned about the environment…
cut 6 (08) “….the entire country’
Natchitoches Parish farmer Charlie Greer is another Democrat running against Strain.

During President Trump’s visit to Sempra Energy’s liqueied natural gas plant in Hackberry, he praised the workers for fueling a new American revolution when it comes to delivering clean energy worldwide. And Mr. Trump credited his leadership for promoting fossil fuel development…
cut 24 (11) “….under assault”
The President also promised a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge if re-elected.

A bill heading to the Senate would allow medical marijuana patients to inhale therapeutic cannabis, much like an asthma patient uses an inhaler. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says veterans came to him and asked for the expanded option for treatment…
cut 14 (09) “…inhalation”
The House approved the bill on a 73-3 vote.

A Senate committee has approved legislation that would set the minimum age for marriage in Louisiana at 18-years-old. The proposal passed without objection, but Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau raised concerns about the bill blocking two 17-year-olds from getting married when there’s an unplanned pregnancy…
Cut 11 (10) “…setting.”
Luneau says he’ll work to amend the legislation so there are exceptions.

A New Orleans vegetable and flowers farmer enters the race for agriculture commissioner. “Margee” Green is running as a Democrat. Green says she’s running because there are barriers that keep small and midsize farmers from becoming successful….
Cut 4 (09) “… the effects most.”
Green is the second Democrat to challenge Ag Commissioner Mike Strain. Natchitoches Parish farmer Charlie Greer is also running.

If you have yet to file your 2018 state income tax return, your time is running out.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A bill establishing 18 as the legal age for marriage passed committee, where dramatic written testimony was heard from a woman who was pressured into a marriage with a much older man…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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 A bill allowing medical marijuana patients access to an inhale-able version of the drug heads to the Senate after passing the House. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

A New Orleans farmer enters the race for agriculture commissioner.  Marguerite “Margee” Green is running as a Democrat.  Green says she’s running because she realized that the barriers for small and midsize farmers to being successful were becoming untenable.

Cut 4 (09) “… the effects most.”

Green is an LSU graduate and has been farming professionally for just over ten years.  When it comes to the topic of medical cannabis, Green says the current administration has been very limiting by throwing up lots of red tape, adding it hurts those that want the product as well as the farmers who could benefit from it.

Cut 5 (11) “…more economically viable.”

When it comes to the topic of climate change, Green says significant changes need to be made and she doesn’t think that the state has the time to have another administration sleep on the issues related to agriculture industry.

Cut 6 (11) “…this entire country.”

Green becomes the second Democrat to challenge current Ag Commission Mike Strain.  Natchitoches Parish farmer Charlie Greer is also running for the position.

_____________________

Today marks the deadline for Louisiana taxpayers to file their 2018 state income tax return.   If a taxpayer needs more time to prepare and file the paper work, Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says an extension needs to be filed today.

Cut 7 (09) “…late filing penalties.”

Henderson says filing an extension will only give someone the extra time to prepare and file a return.

Cut 8 (10) “…late payment penalties.”

Henderson says so far this year has been a smooth tax filing season with no major issues.

Cut 9 (05) “…out the door″

_____________________

A bill setting the minimum age for marriage in Louisiana to 18 cleared a Senate committee.

Tigers Against Trafficking Vice President Claire Stagg says a nonprofit called Unchained At Last documented cases of children being married to adults in rural areas of the state, with their parents permission. She says that’s unacceptable.

Cut 10 (08) “…abuse.”

The proposal passed without objection, but concerns were raised by Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau about the bill blocking two 17-year-olds from getting married in the event that there’s an unplanned pregnancy…

Cut 11 (10) “…setting.”

Luneau says he supports the legislation, but will work to get an amendment addressing this issue.

STAR Center Legal Director Morgan Lamandre says if it’s illegal for unmarried adults to sleep with children, it shouldn’t be legal for the two groups to get married, and enter a situation where sex is likely.

Cut 12 (09) “…regulate.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

______________________

Legislation allowing medical marijuana patients access to an inhale-able form of the treatment passes 73-3 on the House floor, and is headed to the Senate.

Bill author Ted James used his time to remind lawmakers, and constituents that this bill does not legalize smoking medical marijuana for those who get a prescription…

Cut 13 (09) “…inhalation.”

James says patient groups, veterans in particular, came to him and asked for the expanded option for treatment. He says particularly for people suffering an acute episode, the fast acting relief from an inhaler can be lifesaving…

Cut 14 (09) “…inhalation”

The proposal included a separate piece of policy that would allow doctors who live out of state to be licensed to prescribe medical marijuana, as long as they’re credentialed with the right agencies.

Cut 15 (12) “examiners.”

The House Criminal Justice Committee passed a bill to end the death penalty amid an intense debate that got personal at times. Bill author New Iberia Representative Terry Landry took some harsh criticism, but held firm to belief that racial disparities in arrests and sentencing, and the number of death sentences that have been overturned justify ending the practice…
Cut 6 (12) “…for you.”
But some members of the public opposing the legislation took issue with Landry’s, and other’s accusation that discriminatory policing effects the integrity of the death penalty. Death penalty proponent Michelle Perkins went after the New Iberia Democrat…
Cut 7 (12) “…Louisiana.”
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A House panel green lights a bill to eliminate the need for inspection stickers. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
A bill setting the minimum age for marriage in Louisiana to 18 cleared a Senate committee. Supporters cited instances in Louisiana where judges in rural towns were allowing children as young as 12 to get married to adults, as long as the children had their parent’s signatures, and noted that the State Department classifys child marriage as a human rights abuse. It passed unanimously, but there were concerns the legislation would tread on religious tradition involving marriage between two young people.

President Donald Trump told the seven-thousand workers at the 10-billion dollar Sempra Energy LNG facility in Cameron Parish that they are helping to make America the energy superpower of the world.Before leaving Cameron Parish, the President promised a major infrastructure upgrade in southwest Louisiana if he’s re-elected

Cut 15 (14) “…we want to be prepared”

US News & World Report has released its third annual ranking of the “Best States” and Louisiana is ranked last for the third year in a row. When it comes to the election for Governor, ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says the findings will likely find value in Governor Edwards’ campaign, showcasing the progress the state has made, but his opponents could potentially use the data to their advantage as well.

Cut 12 (08)   “…be to do.”

A bill abolishing the death penalty narrowly clears a House committee amid a fiery debate about racial discrimination in policing and sentencing. Matt Doyle has both sides…

cut 2 (31) I’m Matt Doyle”  

The Secret Service says four motorcycle officers were involved in a wreck while escorting President Trump’s motorcade in Louisiana today. Two Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies and a Sulphur police officer were taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries following the crash on Interstate 210 eastbound over Broad Street in Lake Charles. Police are investigating how the wreck occurred.