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 a big decision 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. Madison says the teams options are limited when it comes to upgrading their wing position, something they’ve missed for over a decade.

Cut 5  (10) “depth here.”

He says this year the depth in those wing positions is looking promising, and surprisingly affordable.

22

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” 

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.”

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 protecting US seafood isn’t just a Bayou issue.

cut 9 (10)  “playing field.”

he bill would increase inspections to 20 percent of all food imported.

The heat that has impacted the state this past week is now expected to continue through the weekend. Considering next weekend could be a bit rainy, State Climatologist Barry Keim says the heat shouldn’t keep you away from the beach.

Cut 14 (04)  “…the beach, for sure.”

And in LSU news, gymnastics coach D-D Breaux has been approved for a 47 percent raise.

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  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”

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 one key will be bringing back point guard Rajon Rondo, who’s ballhandling led to a career year from one of New Orleans’ biggest stars.

Cut 4  (12) “his career”

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, but only by a little bit.

Cut 12 (07)   “…mid to upper nineties

Republicans are taking stock of a contentious series of special sessions that took three attempts this year to come to a resolution. The final deal was a 4.45 percent sales tax, set to start July 1^st, that received support from a majority of House Republicans. House GOP Chairman Lance Harris says they didn’t not what he wanted at the session’s start, but they were able to score a few other wins.

Cut 7 (08)  “unnecessary taxes”

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

Cut 7 (11)  “…attorneys the truth.”

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame gets a little bigger this weekend. Among the inductees, Russ Springer, who began his career at LSU then spent 18 years pitching in the Major League and is also being inducted. CEO and President of the Hall’s foundation, Ronnie Rantz says his talent is undeniable.

Cut 5  (13)  “in the big leagues”

A conservation coalition led by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, or PEER, is filing a lawsuit to protect the Louisiana Black Bear. Black bears were recently delisted from the List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife, but PEER General Counsel Paula Dinerstein  says the Louisiana Black Bear plays an important role in our state culture and iconography and she emphasizes the importance of its preservation.

Cut 16 (12) “…endangered species act”

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 (11)  “…over 350 years.”

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 13 (08)   “…Saturday or Sunday”

Republicans are split on how they view the budget battle that ended with a renewal of a portion of the one point four billion dollars in expiring taxes. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m  Matt Doyle” 

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame gets a little bigger this weekend. Among the inductees, Louie Cook, who served eight seasons as an offensive coordinator for the Ragin’ Cajuns. CEO and President of the Hall’s foundation, Ronnie Rantz says he’s got an impressive resume.

Cut 6 (09) “doesn’t complain about it”

Louisiana is no longer leading the nation for incarcerations. That distinction is now locked up by Oklahoma.  Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the latest research that showed the numbers indicating prison populations are going down in the state. The governor says the change has also produced financial savings.

Cut 13 (08)  “…this fiscal year.” 

The governor says a report outlining the savings will be available sometime next month.

A conservation coalition led by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, or PEER, is filing a lawsuit to protect the Louisiana Black Bear. Black bears were recently delisted from the List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife, but PEER General Counsel Paula Dinerstein says the black bear’s habitat is at risk now that federal restrictions have been lifted.

Cut 15 (07) “…vulnerable to development”

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame gets a little bigger this weekend. Becca Dill has more.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Becca Dill.“

Republicans are taking stock of a contentious series of special sessions that took three attempts this year to come to a resolution Haughton Representative Doddie Horton, who rejected attempts to renew any portion of the one point four billion in expiring taxes, says the state had plenty enough money as is.

Cut 9 (10)  “our means”

Louisiana is no longer leading the nation for incarcerations. That distinction is now locked up by Oklahoma.  Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the latest research that showed the numbers indicating prison populations are going down in the state.

Cut 11 (13) “…going to work better.”

The governor says a report outlining the financial savings from the changes will be available sometime next month.

A conservation coalition led by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility is filing a lawsuit to protect the Louisiana Black Bear. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delisted black bears from the List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife in March of 2016, but PEER General Counsel Paula Dinerstein says the decision was premature.

Cut 14 (08) “…of the species”

Eleven bayou legends will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches this weekend. CEO and President of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, Ronnie Rantz, says Russ Springer began his baseball career at LSU then spent 18 years pitching in the Major League and is also being inducted. Rantz says Springer’s talent is undeniable.
Cut 5 (13) “in the big leagues”

Republicans are taking stock of a contentious series of special sessions that took three attempts this year to come to a resolution. The final deal was a 4.45 percent sales tax, set to start July 1st, that received support from a majority of House Republicans. House GOP Chairman Lance Harris:
.
Cut 8 (07) “every turn”

Louisiana is no longer leading the nation for incarcerations. That distinction is now locked up by Oklahoma. Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the latest research that showed the numbers indicating prison populations are going down in the state.
The governor says the change has also produced financial savings.
Cut 13 (08) “…this fiscal year.”
The governor says a report outlining the savings will be available sometime next month.

A conservation coalition led by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility is filing a lawsuit to protect the Louisiana Black Bear. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delisted black bears from the List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife in March of 2016, but PEER General Counsel Paula Dinerstein says the decision was premature.
Dinerstein says the Louisiana Black Bear plays an important role in our state culture and iconography and she emphasizes the importance of its preservation.
Cut 16 (12) “…endangered species act”

Louisiana is no longer leading the nation for incarcerations. That distinction is now locked up by Oklahoma. Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the latest research. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
Eleven bayou legends will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches this weekend. CEO and President of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, Ronnie Rantz, says its a strong year, with two wide receivers who were Super Bowl champions, Reggie Wayne of New Orleans and Brandon Stokley of Lafayette.
Cut 4 (12) “in the NFL.”
Republicans are taking stock of a contentious series of special sessions that took three attempts this year to come to a resolution. The final deal was a 4.45 percent sales tax, set to start July 1st, that received support from a majority of House Republicans. House GOP Chairman Lance Harris says they didn’t not what he wanted at the session’s start, but they were able to score a few other wins.
Cut 7 (08) “unnecessary taxes”
A conservation coalition led by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility is filing a lawsuit to protect the Louisiana Black Bear. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delisted black bears from the List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife in March of 2016, but PEER General Counsel Paula Dinerstein says the decision was premature.
Cut 15 (08) “looking for them.”

Republicans are split on how they view the budget battle that ended with a renewal of a portion of the one point four billion dollars in expiring taxes that threatened to wreck state finances. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) ” I’m Matt Doyle”
Eleven bayou legends will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches this weekend. CEO and President of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, Ronnie Rantz, says its a strong year, with two wide receivers who were Super Bowl champions, Reggie Wayne of New Orleans and Brandon Stokley of Lafayette.
Louisiana is no longer leading the nation for incarcerations. That distinction is now locked up by Oklahoma. Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the latest research that showed the numbers indicating prison populations are going down in the state.
The governor goes on to say, 7% more of the prison beds are filled with violent criminals. .
Cut 12 (06) “…work to do.”
A conservation coalition led by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility is filing a lawsuit to protect the Louisiana Black Bear. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delisted black bears from the List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife in March of 2016, but PEER General Counsel Paula Dinerstein says the decision was premature.
Cut 14 (08) “…of the species”