A senate committee is expected today to discuss a proposed constitutional amendment that would require unanimous jury verdicts for felony cases. Kelley Ray has more….

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Miss USA and Miss Teen USA are rolling into Shreveport-Bossier, with Miss USA confirmed for May 21^st. Matt Doyle reports.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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State Representative Robert Johnson is the new House Democratic Caucus Chair. Jeff Palermo spoke with the Avoyelles Parish lawmaker on how the Caucus can bring a divided House back together…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Senate Committee hears a constitutional amendment today from New Orleans Democrat J-P Morrell that will require a jury’s verdict in a felony trial to be unanimous for conviction. Louisiana and Oregon are the only states that allows for ten out of twelve jurors to agree on a guilty verdict. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the nations’ highest court has heard numerous challenges to Louisiana’s “majority rule” standard…

Cut 4  (10) “by jury.” 

Ciolino expects the Louisiana District Attorneys Association will argue against this proposed amendment, but….

Cut 5  (11)  “for concern.”

Ciolino says its unclear why Louisiana only requires 10 out of 12 jurors for a guilty verdict. He says some say it was established to diminish the affect African-Americans would have on a jury, but there’s another theory as well…

Cut 6 (07) “more efficient.”

Oregon is also looking at a possible amendment in 2018 or 2020 to abolish the “majority rule” standard.

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Today marks the start of spring in Louisiana. Our winter produced two snow events and a warmer than usual February. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the La Nina effect will dictate our weather the next few months, as it pushes all the rain and colder temperatures to the north…

Cut 7 (10)  “the state.”

A very rainy February left the Mississippi, Ouachita and Red rivers inundated. Keim says the record rainfall amounts will benefit many…

Cut 8 (09)  “right now.”

Keim says spring can bring severe weather in the form of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. He says the clashing of the seasons can be expected once again…

Cut 9 (10)  “and May.”

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Shreveport-Bossier will play host to both this year’s Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, with Miss USA confirmed for May 21st. It’ll be the first time both pageants have ever been held at the same location back to back, and Miss USA will air live on FOX at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum. Shreveport Chief Administrative Officer Bryan Crawford says the city is perfect for Miss USA.

Cut 10 (09) “Bossier region.”

The competition will bring contestants from all 50 states and DC together in Shreveport, and draw in a national TV audience. Crawford says the crush of tourists will be a big boost to the region.

Cut 11 (10) “being here”

Bossier City mayor Lo Walker fondly remembers the first time the competition rolled into town, back in 1998.

The Senate Finance committee is scheduled to hear Senate bill 423 in the near future. If passed, it would provide 250-thousand dollars to the families of any teacher or school employee that’s killed while performing their job. Cynthia Posey is with the Louisiana Federation of Teachers

Cut 3 (12) “more important”

The House Appropriations Committee resumed its review of the proposed budget for next fiscal year by hearing from various state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain raised concerns and says the state’s firefighting capacity is already stretched thin, and that a particularly nasty season could exceed his department’s budget…

Cut 13 (09) “fighting capacity”

Strain says the most pressing issue facing state firefighters is outdated equipment.

A Ruston man has been arrested and charged with 7 counts of attempted second degree murder after allegedly plowing his truck into a crowd of people Saturday night. 47-year-old Jason Rockett fled the scene after the incident at the North Village Mobile Home, and was arrested later that night. Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Steven Williams says it was a crime of passion.

Cut 6 (08)  “than that”

A Thibodaux man faces attempted murder and other charges after Lafourche deputies say he attacked another man with a pitchfork and then led them on a chase Saturday night.  The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office says 28-year-old Colby Perez was spotted by deputies and began a pursuit, which he ignored. He finally surrendered after he hit a spike strip. He was charged with battery about four months ago in an incident involving the same victim, and Perez was ordered to stay away from him.

A bill to put teachers on the same plane as firefighters and police when working is being heard today at the legislature. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is promoting his book about removal of the Confederate Monuments with appearances and signings in the coming days. Landrieu’s book, “In the Shadows of Statues” hits stores tomorrow.  He’s been doing national media and local interviews promoting the release. He told WWL TV he never expected the statue controversy to be stirred up for so long.

That new car in the neighbor’s driveway probably has you thinking that their tax return came in, but if you’ve filed and are getting worried about where your money is, the Department of Revenue wants to remind you not to worry, it’s on its way. Spokesperson Byron Henderson says even if you filed on day one, your return won’t technically be late until the end of this month.

Cut 9 (11) “60 days.”

Those who filed a paper return could have to wait up to 14 weeks.

A Ruston man has been arrested and charged with 7 counts of attempted second degree murder after allegedly plowing his truck into a crowd of people Saturday night. 47-year-old Jason Rockett fled the scene after the incident at the North Village Mobile Home park, and was arrested later that night. Lincoln Parish Deputy Steven Williams says Rockett got into his truck, and aimed it at the crowd.

Cut 7 (10)  “the vehicle”

Senate bill 423 is scheduled to be heard this afternoon in the Senate finance committee. If passed the measure will provide 250 thousand dollars for any teacher or employee of a school system killed while in the performance of doing their job. Cynthia Posey is a  spokesperson with the Louisiana Federation of Teachers

Cut 3 (12) “more important”

Currently fire and police officers are covered under a similar law which was prompted by the tragic events in Florida. Columbia Senator Neil Riser is the bill’s author.

Cut 4  (09) “our teachers”

Forty-six percent of LSU Health of New Orleans graduating medical students have chosen to remain in Louisiana to complete their medical training. Kelley Ray tells us the number of grads deciding to stay continues to fall

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Despite talk of budget cuts to public colleges and TOPS, a record 23-thousand students have applied for entry at LSU for the academic year that starts in August. The school’s chief enrollment officer, Jose Aviles,

Cut 14 (08) “going to be us”

23-thousand students have applied to attend LSU. LSU’s Chief Enrollment Officer Jose Aviles says it’s impressive. The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved three scholarships to help students choose the school. Aviles says thousands of dollars are available to students who qualify for these scholarships…

Cut 14 (08) “going to be us”

46 percent of LSU Health New Orleans graduating medical students participating in the National Resident Match Program this year chose to remain in Louisiana. That is down from 49 percent staying in state last year and 64-percent in 2012. Dr. Steve Nelson says it’s a trend that could cost Louisiana some great doctors…

Cut 7 (11)  “not return.”

Louisiana is two million dollars short on its funding for voucher students this year Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says if the legislature doesn’t come up with another two-million dollars to fill the shortfall for this academic year, private and charter schools that are educating students would be on the hook to pay for their educational expenses.

Cut 11 (07) “other expenses”

Farmerville police say one woman has been arrested in connection with an alleged home invasion. 28-year-old Charlecia Shyne of Homer entered a residence armed with a knife and stabbed a female victim in the face several times. An adult male and a juvenile also suffered from injuries. Shyne was found in Caddo Parish and was transported back to Union Parish. Her bond is set at 240-thousand-dollars.

A report from America’s Health Ranking says the rates of maternal mortality and teen suicide have risen over the last two years in Louisiana. UnitedHealthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Peters says we are one of the worst states when it comes to taking care of expecting mothers.

The maternal mortality rate increased 28 percent to 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017, while the infant mortality was down 11 percent.  Teen suicides were also up seven percent. Peters says mental health is a nationwide issue that Louisiana in particular lags behind on.

Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and West Virginia made up the five lowest ranked states. Peters says they all have something in common, low state healthcare funding.

Cut 6 (11) “state programs.”

The good news is that the uninsured rate for women 18-40 was down 34 percent. Peters attributes this to the Medicaid expansion in 2016.

46 percent of LSU Health New Orleans graduating medical students participating in the National Resident Match Program this year chose to remain in Louisiana. That is down from 49 percent staying in state last year and 64-percent in 2012. Dr. Steve Nelson says it’s a trend that could cost Louisiana some great doctors…

National studies find a high number of physicians set up their permanent practices in areas where they complete their residency program. Nelson says a decline of 18 percent in the last five years is a concern and it’s up to the legislature to provide a stable source of funding for higher ed…

Nelson says the future medical achievements and the new physicians that will fill our hospitals and medical practices come from Louisiana, not elsewhere…

Cut 9 (10)  “at LSU.”

Despite talk of budget cuts to public colleges and TOPS, a record 23-thousand students have applied for entry at LSU for the academic year that starts in August. The school’s chief enrollment officer, Jose Aviles, says they  hope for an incoming freshman class of 58-hundred, but TOPS funding is a factor…

Aviles says it’s impressive LSU has so many applicants, especially considering there are fewer high school graduates. On Friday, the LSU Board of Supervisors approved three scholarships to help students choose LSU. Aviles says thousands of dollars are available to students who qualify for these scholarships

The Innovation Award would give Louisiana freshman up to 3-thousand dollars. The Tiger Excellence Award is for nonresident students who have ACT scores of 28 or 29 and then there’s the Transformation Merit Scholarship. Aviles says that’s for students who have a 26 or 27 ACT and those are students most universities are trying to attract….

Cut 15 (09) “want most”

The LSU Board of Supervisors approves three merit scholarships to help attract students to the Baton Rouge campus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A report from America’s Health Ranking says the rates of maternal mortality and teen suicide have risen over the last two years in Louisiana. UnitedHealthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Peters says we are one of the worst states when it comes to taking care of expecting mothers.

The maternal mortality rate increased 28 percent to 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017, while the infant mortality was down 11 percent.  Teen suicides were also up seven percent. Peters says mental health is a nationwide issue that Louisiana in particular lags behind on.

Cut 5  (08)  “our state”

46 percent of LSU Health New Orleans graduating medical students participating in the National Resident Match Program this year chose to remain in Louisiana. That is down from 49 percent staying in state last year and 64-percent in 2012. Dr. Steve Nelson says it’s a trend that could cost Louisiana some great doctors…

National studies find a high number of physicians set up their permanent practices in areas where they complete their residency program. Nelson says a decline of 18 percent in the last five years is a concern and it’s up to the legislature to provide a stable source of funding for higher ed…

Cut 8 (09) “to correct.”

Louisiana is two million dollars short on its funding for voucher students this year. The money is appropriated every June, and covers the cost of state students to attend charter and private schools, instead of public schools. Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says the state’s voucher program is paid for by a special line-item appropriation in the budget. It currently enrolls 6,600 students statewide. Dunn says it’s possible money that funds public schools may have to be redirected to cover some of the costs of the voucher program for next school year.

Cut 12 (04) “these students”

Louisiana is two million dollars short on its funding for voucher students this year. The money is appropriated every June, and covers the cost of state students to attend charter and private schools, instead of public schools. Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says the state is short this year, and if more money isn’t appropriated next year, could be short by an even wider margin.

Dunn says if the legislature doesn’t come up with another two-million dollars to fill the shortfall for this academic year, schools that are educating voucher students would be on the hook to pay for their educational expenses.

Cut 11 (07) “other expenses”

Louisiana is once again ranked 48th in the America’s Health Rankings Report for women and children. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (24) “I’m Matt Doyle”

46 percent of LSU Health New Orleans graduating medical students participating in the National Resident Match Program this year chose to remain in Louisiana. That is down from 49 percent staying in state last year and 64-percent in 2012. Dr. Steve Nelson says it’s a trend that could cost Louisiana some great doctors…

Cut 7 (11)  “not return.”

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Louisiana is two million dollars short on its funding for voucher students this year. The money is appropriated every June, and covers the cost of state students to attend charter and private schools, instead of public schools. Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says the state is short this year, and if more money isn’t appropriated next year, could be short by an even wider margin.

Cut 10 (08) “land aid.”

Despite talk of budget cuts to public colleges and TOPS, a record 23-thousand students have applied for entry at LSU for the academic year that starts in August. The school’s chief enrollment officer, Jose Aviles, says they  hope for an incoming freshman class of 58-hundred, but TOPS funding is a factor…

Cut 13 (11)  “for sure”

Well wishers continue to remember Saints owner Tom Benson one day after his death. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

Some Louisiana lottery players could get rich if they hit it big this weekend. The jackpots for the multi-state games are some of the largest seen in recent weeks. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says there will hopefully be some big winners…

Cut 3 (08) “Powerball jackpot.”

Louisiana Lottery asks that you play responsibility, it only takes one ticket to win.

After 17 years, DeSoto Parish Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle retires today. He is in his fifth term, elected back in 2000. Arbuckle says there are several personal issues he’s having to attend to and this is a good time to step aside…

Cut 8 (12) “go home.”

A bill that would prevent businesses from requiring employees to sign agreements blocking them from going to court over sexual harassment claims passed the House Labor Committee. The proposal by Representative Robert Johnson is part of a nationwide effort, Johnson says victims stand a better chance to reach a favorable conclusion if they seek litigation for sexual harassment claims instead of potentially more company friendly options. He says when human dignity is on the line, a judge needs to be called.

Cut 13 (05) “not appropriate”