Federal hate crime charges have been filed against the man who is accused of setting fire to three predominately black churches earlier this year in St. Landry Parish. 21-year-old Holden Matthews is facing a six-count federal indictment, three counts are for intentional damage to religious property.

The Shreveport City Council has repealed its 2007 ordinance that bans the wearing of saggy pants after critics say it led to racially motivated arrests….
cut 2 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The House Judiciary Committee, which includes Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson, has approved the 9-11 first responders bill which provides health care benefits to those who were on the scene for the 2001 terror attacks..
cut 4 (10) “…day”
Johnson says the hearing brought up memories of his own firefighter father who was permanently disabled from a critical burn. He says the hearing was full of similarly tragic stories.

Friday marks the two year anniversary of when Congressman Steve Scalise and three others were shot during a practice for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Scalise welcomed U-S Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner to today’s practice for this year’s charity baseball game to thank the special agent for her bravery…
Cut 10 (09) “…that day”
Griner was also shot, but she’s credited with stopping the shooter,

18 years after the towers fell, the House Judiciary Committee passes legislation guaranteeing first responders who got sick working in the aftermath healthcare funding. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

The Shreveport City Council has repealed its 2007 ordinance that bans the wearing of saggy pants after critics say it led to racially motivated enforcement. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________________________

The House Judiciary Committee passes legislation permanently authorizing healthcare funds for 9/11 first responders who suffer health effects from the attack. Congressman Mike Johnson sits on the panel and says while the first responders fund has been well managed, it was time to guarantee their benefits long term.

Cut 3 (10) “…that now.”

Johnson says the hearing was the most emotional he’s ever sat through, and it brought up memories of his own firefighter father who was permanently disabled from a critical burn. He says the hearing was full of similarly tragic stories…

Cut 4 (10) “…day”

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 Johnson says there was one issue…

Cut 5 (11) “…were not.”

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

________________________________________________

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, adding the government having to the ability to dictate clothing choices is 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, although it is unclear if anyone was arrested for the violation alone.  Schwartzmann says the law could lead to a police interaction that might not end well.

Cut 7 (11) “…off the books.”

The lone vote to keep the law in place came from Councilman James Flurry who says he decided on the vote after hearing feedback from constituents.

Cut 8 (08) “…of the people.”

Flurry says he believes the law was put into place, not as an excuse to target a particular population, but to regulate decency standards for fashion.  He adds he believes his own fashion is regulated and has no issue with the public’s expectations.

Cut 9 (12) “…like a redneck.”

____________________

Friday marks the two year anniversary of when Congressman Steve Scalise and three others were shot during a practice for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Scalise welcomed U-S Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner to today’s practice for this year’s charity baseball game to thank the special agent for her bravery…

Cut 10 (09) “…that day”

Griner was also shot, but she’s credited with stopping the shooter, James Hodgkinson. Scalise says the Capitol Police were the epitome of what’s great about law enforcement…

Cut 11 (10) “…these people”

__________________________ –

The 21-year-old man accused of setting fire to three historically black churches in St. Landry Parish now faces federal hate crime charges. U-S Attorney David Joseph says attacks against a group because of their religious briefs will not be tolerated. Legal analyst Tim Meche expects the feds will be the first to prosecute Holden Matthews

Cut 12 (10)   “…that fatal crash.”

Matthews is facing multiple federal charges, three counts using fire to commit a felony and three counts of intentional damage to religious property. Meche says the US Attorney’s office can put a lot of resources into this case

Cut 13 (09) “…same charges” 

Matthews is currently being held in jail without bond as he faces several state charges that include simple arson, aggravated arson and three counts of hate crimes. Meche says if Matthews is found guilty, he’ll receive a substantial prison sentence whether it’s in state or federal court

Cut 14 (11) “…either jurisdiction.” 

The 21-year-old man accused of setting fire to three historically black churches in St. Landry Parish is now facing federal hate crime charges. U-S Attorney David Joseph says attacks against a group because of their religious briefs will not be tolerated. Legal analyst Tim Meche expects the federal government will likely be the first to prosecute Holden Matthews…
cut 12 (12) “…federal court”
Meche expects Matthews to receive a prison in excess of 20 years if he’s convicted in either jurisdiction.

Friday marks the two year anniversary of when Congressman Steve Scalise and three others were shot during a practice for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Scalise welcomed U-S Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner to today’s practice for this year’s charity baseball game to thank the special agent for her bravery that day…
cut 10 (09) “…that day”
Griner was shot herself that day, but she’s been credited with stopping the shooter.

The Shreveport City Council has repealed its 2007 ordinance that bans the wearing of saggy pants after critics say it led to racially motivated enforcement. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
cut 2 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office says two people are dead after an airplane crashed on the levee of the Atchafalaya River. The F-A-A is now leading the investigation. No other details are known. The crash happened near the St. Martin Parish line.

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.

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.