The Shreveport city council votes 6-1 to abolish a 2007 ordinance banning people from wearing pants below their waistlines. ACLU Louisiana Legal Director Katie Schwartzmann says the law is has proven to be racially motivated and a violation of rights.

Cut 6 (10) “…we can wear.”

Police data shows the ordinance resulted in the arrest of 699 black men and 12 white men.

Congress passes legislation permanently authorizing healthcare funds for 911 first responders who got sick in the aftermath. The issue grabbed national headlines after a fiery speech at a subcommittee hearing yesterday by comedian Jon Stewart, who blasted lawmakers for poor attendance as sick first responders testified, but Congressman Mike Johnson says there was one issue…

Cut 5, 11 seconds, were not

The Washington Post reports only two of the members were not present for the hearing.

PTSD has been added to the list of covered injuries for public sector first responders, giving them the ability to get worker’s comp coverage for the illness. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti wrote the law that was signed by Governor Edwards, and says previous policy made a nightmare situation for many first responders suffering from PTSD even worse…

Cut 10 (10) “…obvious.”

The rules go into effect August 1^st.

The Louisiana Watershed Initiative is hosting an Interstate Summit on watershed management with representatives from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas in an effort to mitigate flood risks. State Office of Community executive director Pat Forbes says the team effort is needed.

 Cut 14 (12) “…or a town.”

Forbes says Congress has allocated $1.2 billion in federal dollars as a result of the 2016 flooding that are helping to avoid future disasters.

District Attorney Warren Montgomery held a brief press conference where he announced former St. Tammany Parish Sherriff Jack Strain had been charged with rape, incest, and other crimes…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The city of Shreveport mas moved to abolish a 2007 ordinance banning people from wearing pants below their waistlines, following a 6-1 vote from the city council.  Police data shows the ordinance resulted in the arrest of 699 black men and 12 white men, although it is unclear if anyone was arrested for the violation alone.

PTSD has been added to the list of covered injuries for public sector first responders, giving them the ability to get worker’s comp coverage for the illness.  Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says if you are a first responder suffering from PTSD, take action and talk to your higher ups because the earlier you start seeking treatment, the better your outcomes…

Cut 12 (11) “…immediately.”

The National Alliance for Mental Health estimates 3.5 percent of US adults suffer from PTSD.

Saints and defensive end Cam Jordan agree on a three-year, 53-million dollar contract extension. Jordan spoke with reporters after Tuesday’s minicamp practice and said he wants to finish his career with the Black and Gold.

Cut 16  (12) “…me out”  

The new deal will keep Jordan under contract in New Orleans through the 2023 season.

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain has been booked on charges of rape, incest, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and sexual battery. District Attorney Warren Montgomery says in the fall of 2017 he was presented with evidence that Strain had engaged in sex crimes.
Cut 4 (09) “…in prison”
The evidence arose out of a separate investigation into a work release kickback program that is still underway. Strain’s attorney, Billy Gibbens has not commented.

Louisiana is hosting a summit on watershed management today in Bossier City, with officials from Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas. Governor Edwards created a watershed initiative after the state’s historic 2016 floods and state office of community executive director Pat Forbes says today’s summit is part of that effort…
cut 15 (06) “….watershed initiative”
Starting August 1st, PTSD will be added to the list of covered injuries under public employee benefits, which will allow policemen, firefighters and first responders to seek coverage for that illness under Louisiana workers’ compensation. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti wrote the law and says many first responders suffer from this illness and do not get the treatment they need…
cut 10 (10) “..obvious”
The National Alliance on Mental Illness says PTSD affects about 3.5 percent of adult Americans and that percentage is higher for first responders.

The bill that expands Uber and Lyft statewide has been signed by Governor Edwards. The state department of transportation will handle regulation and DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says…
cut 8 (08) “…to Point B”

Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation that helps first responders get the mental healthcare they need if they suffer from PTSD. Matt Doyle spoke with the man who authored the bill…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Shreveport City Council has repealed its saggy pants ordinance, which bans residents from wearing pants below their waistline, exposing a person’s skin or underwear. Councilwoman Levette Fuller says the anti-saggy pants law is discriminatory and unconstitutional.

Former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain is behind bars today on charges of rape, incest and other sex crimes. Prosecutors says Strain raped two children who were under the age of 12 about 40 years ago. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the charges stemming from an alleged crime that long ago may not have been brought against the average citizen…
cut 6 (10) “….politician”
Strain faces life in prison if found guilty.

The state department of transportation has been put in charge of writing the rules for statewide ridesharing service, which will bring Uber and Lyft to areas of the state where it’s not available. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says individual responsibility and driver responsibility will play a big role in modeling the service after other states.
Cut 9 (06) “…service will be.”
Wilson expects the regulations will be put in place by the end of the year.

District Attorney Warren Montgomery announces former St. Tammany Parish Sherriff Jack Strain has been charged with rape, incest, and other crimes…
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The trial for accused cop killer Grover Cannon is headed to Baton Rouge. Cannon’s capital murder case was set to begin Monday in Caddo Parish, but the Louisiana Supreme Court has granted a change of venue. A new trial date for Cannon who is accused of killing Shreveport police officer Thomas LaValley, has not been set.

Legislation signed into law by the governor adds P-T-S-D to the list of covered injuries under public employee benefits for police officers, firefighters and first responders. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says many of our policemen and firefighters are suffering from this illness…
cut 11 (12) “./..suck it up”
Gatti says if P-T-S-D is caught early enough, it’s not disabling.

The Louisiana Watershed Initiative is hosting an Interstate Summit on watershed management today with representatives from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas in an effort to mitigate flood risks. State Office of Community executive director Pat Forbes says many of the rivers within Louisiana originate from neighboring states.
Cut 13 (10) “…might work together.”
The event in Bossier City is the first of its kind in Louisiana.

Saints and defensive end Cam Jordan have reportedly agreed on a three-year contract extension that’s worth up to 55.5 million dollars. The new deal would keep the team’s sack leader under contract in New Orleans through the 2023 season. The first round pick in 2011 is entering his ninth season and the Arizona native says he’s a New Orleanian now…
cut 17 (17) “…of the city”
Saints coach Sean Payton says the contract extension for Jordan is deserved and he believes wide receiver Michael Thomas will be the next Saint to get a new contract.

Quarterback Drew Brees remains away from the team. Brees is involved in a trial involving a San Diego jeweler, who allegedly defrauded Brees and his wife.

Pelicans Executive Vice President David Griffin says there is no urgency to trade six-time All-Star Anthony Davis before the NBA draft on June 20th. If the Pels unload Davis before the draft, it will result in more high draft picks for New Orleans. It’s been reported Davis is only willing to sign long term deals with the Lakers and Knicks, which could hurt the Pels leverage if they try to work out a deal with other teams.

LSU freshman pitcher Cole Henry reportedly had a nerve issue on Saturday which ended his start after just two innings against Florida State. Henry underwent laser treatment to fix a buildup of scar tissue around the median nerve and according to Henry’s father his son can throw again without any issues.

LSU Catcher Brock Mathis and relief pitcher Will Ripoll are looking to transfer.

Louisiana Tech’s leading hitter this past season, Mason Mallard, has signed a free-agent contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. Mallard hit .374, scored 65 runs and had 20 stolen bases.

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain is facing multiple sex crime charges from allegations that date back to the 1970s. St. Tammany D-A Warren Montgomery says the case involves four victims and Strain has been booked on charges of aggravated rape, aggravated incest, sexual battery and indecent behavior. Legal analyst Tim Meche says if this case goes to trial, it’s doubtful that it can be held in St. Tammany….
cut 5 (11) “…decision”
Strain was elected in 1995 and lost a re-election bid in 2015.

Governor Edwards has signed the bill that creates a statewide framework for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. The state department of transportation is in the process of establishing rules for the issuance of permits. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson expects the process to be done by the end of the year…
cut 7 (10) “…an annual basis”

Officials from Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas are meeting today in Bossier City to discuss disaster mitigation from river flooding. …
voicer 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Enjoy another day of lower humidity levels, but the humidity cranks back up again on Friday.

District Attorney Warren Montgomery held a brief press conference where he announced former St. Tammany Parish Sherriff Jack Strain had been charged with rape, incest, and other crimes…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

A new law helps first responders get the mental healthcare they need if they suffer from PTSD. Matt Doyle spoke with the man who wrote it…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

_______________________________________________

Officials from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas are meeting today in Bossier City to discuss disaster mitigation from river flooding.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain has been booked on charges of rape, incest, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and sexual battery.

District Attorney Warren Montgomery says in the fall of 2017 he was presented with evidence that Strain had engaged in sex crimes.

Cut 4 (09) “…in prison”

The evidence was brought to Montgomery by Louisiana State Police, the FBI, and the IRS. The evidence arose out of a separate investigation into a work release kickback program that is still underway.

Legal analyst Tim Meche says the publicity has prompted concerns about whether the trial should even be held in St. Tammany.

Cut 5 (11) “…decision.”

Strains 20 year run as parish sheriff ended in 2016.

Meche believes the case is defensible, because some of the allegations are more than 40 years old, and the alleged victims, according to media reports, appear to have credibility problems. He says the same charges may not have been brought against the average citizen…

Cut 6 (10) “politician.”

The indictments allege four separate victims, two under the age of 12. Some of the crimes are alleged to have occurred while Strain was in office

 ________________________________________

The DOTD is in the process of establishing the rules to the issuance of permits for the statewide framework for rideshare services like Lyft and Uber.  DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says he expects the process to be done by the end of the year.

Cut 7 (10) “…an annual basis.”

Wilson says he uses the platforms often, adding he is looking forward to enabling more citizens to have the same ability.

Cut 8 (08) “…to Point B”

Wilson says while the DOTD is regulating rideshare, he believes individual responsibility and driver responsibility will play a big role in modeling the service after other states.

Cut 9 (06) “…service will be.”

___________________________________________________

PTSD has been added to the list of covered injuries for public sector first responders, giving them the ability to get worker’s comp coverage for the illness.

Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti wrote the law that was signed by Governor Edwards, and says previous policy made a nightmare situation for many first responders suffering from PTSD even worse…

Cut 10 (10) “…obvious.”

The National Alliance for Mental Health estimates 3.5 percent of US adults suffer from PTSD.

Gatti says the old policy was a relic from a time when the importance of mental health wasn’t fully appreciated.

Cut 11 (12) “…it up.”

The Senator added he was shocked during the legislative process because they were still some who said, “what if these guys are faking it?” and asked if there were other ways people could cope with PTSD.

Gatti says if you are a first responder suffering from PTSD, take action and talk to your higher ups because the earlier you start seeking treatment, the better your outcomes…

Cut 12 (11) “…immediately.”

Studies indicate there have been more PTSD linked suicides among first responders in recent years than there have been deaths in the line of duty.

_________________

The Louisiana Watershed Initiative is hosting an Interstate Summit on watershed management with representatives from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas in an effort to mitigate flood risks.  State Office of Community executive director Pat Forbes says many of the rivers within Louisiana originate from neighboring states.

Cut 13 (10) “…might work together.”

The event in Bossier City is the first of its kind in Louisiana.  Forbes says towns and parishes already work together in combatting flood risks, now it’s time to further the efforts by working with other states.

Cut 14 (12) “…or a town.”

Forbes says Congress has allocated $1.2 billion in federal dollars as a result of the 2016 flooding that are helping to avoid future disasters.

Cut 15 (06) “this watershed initiative.”

_______________________________________

Saints and defensive end Cam Jordan have reportedly agreed on a three-year, 52-million dollarcontract extension. Jordan spoke with reporters after Tuesday’s minicamp practice and said nothing has been signed yet, but he wants to finish his career with the Black and Gold

Cut 16  (12) “…me out”  

The new deal would keep Jordan under contract in New Orleans through the 2023 season. The former first-round pick is entering his ninth season and the Arizona native says he’s a New Orleanian now…

cut 17 (17) “.the city” 

The 29-year-old has recorded 25 sacks over the last two seasons, but he’s still going after the ultimate team goal

Small business optimism is up, but the National Federation of Independent Business calls for a change in the governor’s mansion in the fall election. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (28) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

The governor’s race four years ago was a bloodbath that featured a slate of Republicans who tore into former Senator David Vitter, over his personal life. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says don’t expect that level of venom this year.

Cut 4 (10) “…philosophy”

Governor Edwards signed legislation today that will bring ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft statewide. Previously, ridesharing services only operated in the state’s major cities and not present in many rural and suburban communities, or Alexandria. Uber spokesperson Evangeline George says they had success expanding into rural areas once similar legislation passed in other states.

Cut 10 (10) “…button.”

A Houma man is dead after State Police say he wrecked his car into a tree following another crash where he fled the scene. Trooper Jared Sandifer says 44-year-old Ricky Giroir Jr. was driving a Dodge Durango southbound on Highway 315 in Terrebonne when the initial crash happened.

Cut 12 (10)   “…that fatal crash.”

Sandifer says investigators are uncertain why Girior fled from the initial crash, adding the investigation continues.

ESPN reports the Saints and defensive end Cameron Jordan have agreed on a three-year, 52-million dollar contract extension. Jordan has two more years on his current deal, so this would keep him with the Black and Gold through the 2023 season. ESPN also reports Jordan would receive 42-million dollars in guaranteed earnings. Jordan will turn 30 years-old in a month and he’s coming off a season in which he recorded a dozen sacks.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees was not at today’s minicamp practice as he remains involved in a trial in San Diego with a jeweler who allegedly defrauded his family.

Pelicans Executive Vice President David Griffin said today there is no urgency to trade Anthony Davis before the June 20th NBA draft. If the Pels unload Davis before the draft, it could result in more draft picks for New Orleans. Meanwhile, Griffin plans to meet soon with Zion Williamson and his family. The Pels are expected to take the former Duke star with the number one pick.

There are four teams from the SEC in the College World Series, but LSU is not one of them for a second straight year. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says a key to next year’s team success is the development of Gavin Dugas and Drew Bianco, as they will likely be starting infielders next season. He says the incoming freshmen that will play a role on next year’s team are Denham Springs shortstop Cade Doughty, Memphis outfielder and football star Maurice Hampton and former Airline star Hayden Travinski, who can swing the bat
Cut 18 (16) “Travinski”
NOLA-dot-com reports LSU freshman pitcher Cole Henry will be ready by next fall after dealing with a nerve issue that ended his start on Saturday night after just two innings. Henry reportedly underwent laser treatment and he’s able to throw again without any issues.