A bipartisan coalition is pushing voters to support a constitutional amendment on the November sixth ballot that would require a unanimous jury verdict in serious felony trials. Louisiana is one of two states, where a person can be convicted of a murder if 10 of the 12 jurors agree on a defendant’s guilt. Alexandria lawyer Ed Tarpley says the current law was passed during the post-civil war reconstruction era, to deprive blacks a jury of their peers…
cut 4 (10) “…repeal this”
The coalition consists of conservative and religious groups to liberal activists.

About 10-thousand Louisiana homeowners who had flood damage in 2016 will receive federal aid to pay for all of their repairs. The feds have agreed to expand reimbursement assistance for residents eligible for the state’s Restore Homeowner Assistance program.

Three flood damaged Louisiana State Parks will soon be back in business. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has announced flood-damaged cabins at Lake Bistineau, Lake Fausse Point, and Tickfaw State Park will re-open October 22nd. Director of Louisiana State Parks Gene Reynolds says the cabins received substantial damage from the Floods of 2016.
Cut 7 (12) “now they’re ready”
You can now make reservations for the renovated cabins, which again open October 22nd.

Doctor Eric Davis, the principal at Wossman High School in Monroe, has been named Principal of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education. Wossman has seen its school performance scores improve in the two years he’s taken over. Davis gives credit to his staff…
cut 14 (11) “…work for you”
And Spencer Kiper, who teaches STEM classes at Elm Grove Middle School in Bossier City has been named Teacher of the Year.

Alexandria lawyer Ed Tarpley is leading a bipartisian coalition that will educate voters on why they should support requiring unanimous jury verdicts in felony criminal cases. Matt Doyle reports the issue will appear before voters on the November 6th ballot.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The National Flood Insurance Program is set to expire at midnight tonight, but the US Senate is planning to vote today on extending the N-F-I-P for another four months.

A Farmerville woman is dead after falling out the window of a moving truck. Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates says 22-year-old Bridget Tucker was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday. Gates says the vehicle was traveling around 35-40 miles per hour.
Cut 10 (12) “…and fell out.”
21-year-old Dustin Hines of Marion was the driver and he’s been charged with vehicular homicide and obstruction of justice.

The Louisiana Department of Education has named Spencer Kiper as the 2019 Louisiana Teacher of the Year. Kiper teaches STEM classes at Elm Grove Middle School in Bossier Parish….
cut 16 (10) “…do with it”
Doctor Eric Davis at Wossman High School in Monroe has been named the Principal of the Year.

A statewide coalition has been formed to educate voters about constitutional amendment number two on the November sixth ballot. It would require that felony convictions must be reached with a unanimous jury, instead of the current standard that requires 10 of 12 jurists to agree on a guilty verdict. Alexandria attorney Ed Tarpley is leading the effort….
cut 5 (12) “…the constitution”
No major organizations have announced their opposition to the amendment.

Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates says 22-year-old Bridget Tucker died after falling out of the window of a vehicle traveling around 35 to 40 miles per hour. Gates says the driver of the vehicle has been arrested…
cut 11 (07) “….obstruction of justice”
Gates says they believe alcohol was a factor.

Looking for a temporary escape from Louisiana city life? State Parks has some good news for those who like to explore the great outdoors, but don’t want to fiddle with setting up a tent.
Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle”

Alexandria lawyer Ed Tarpley laid out his case for why voters should support requiring unanimous jury verdicts in criminal cases. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Looking for a temporary escape from Louisiana city life? State Parks has some good news for those who like to explore the great outdoors, but don’t want to fiddle with setting up a tent.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The Louisiana Department of Education have announced the most recent recipients of the titles of Teacher and Principal of the Year.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Advocates are ramping up the campaign to convince voters to vote yes to the unanimous jury verdict constitutional amendment on this fall’s ballot. The amendment requires over 50 percent of voters in the fall to back it, and would undo the Jim Crow era legislation that sets up Louisiana as a legal outlier in the American justice system. Alexandria Lawyer Ed Tarpley says the law’s racist roots need to be addressed.

Cut 4 (10) “repeal this”

The law was passed during the post-civil war reconstruction era, where critics say the objective was to deprive African Americans of the ability to have a jury of their peers. 48 other states, along with the federal justice system require unanimous juries.

Tarpley says if you read their letters, the founding fathers intent for unanimous juries in the justice system was clear. He says Louisiana’s deviation from that expectation flies in the face of the desires of the men who founded the United States.

Cut 5 (12) “the constitution.”

No major organizations have announced their opposition to the amendment.

During the legislative process, the amendment, brought by New Orleans Senator JP Morrell, drew passionate defenses from legislators on the left and right. Tarpley says that bipartisan passion has carried over to the campaign to persuade voters, and led to some alliances he could have never imagined making.

Cut 6 (12) “invited to”

Tarpley is a part of the Unanimous Juries Coalition, which says it plans to hold events in major cities across the state to raise awareness of the ballot issue.

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Three flood damaged Louisiana State Parks are soon to back in business.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser announced the official reopening of cabins at Lake Bistineau, Lake Fausse Point, and Tickfaw State Parks. Assistant Secretary and Director of Louisiana State Parks Gene Reynolds say the cabins faced substantial damage after the Flood of 2016.

Cut 7 (12) “now they’re ready”

Reynolds says these cabins provide guests the access of Louisiana’s most impressive views.

Cut 8 (09)  “enjoy nature”

Each cabin is fully equipped, and Reynolds says they can comfortably fit families of six to eight.

Cut 9 (05)  “walking and fishing”

You can now start making reservations for stays beginning Monday, October 22nd. For more information visit LaStateParks.com.

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A Farmerville woman is dead after falling out of a truck and striking the pavement.  According to the Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates, on Saturday night, 22-year-old Bridget Tucker was pronounced dead at the scene after falling from the vehicle’s window while it traveled around 35-40 miles per hour.

Cut 10 (12)   “…and fell out.”

Gates says the driver of the vehicle was arrested.

Cut 11 (07) “…obstruction of justice.” 

Gates says alcohol was involved with the incident.

Cut 12 (11) “…hide the alcohol.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education have announced the most recent recipients of the titles of Teacher and Principal of the Year.

The Principle of the Year honor goes to Dr. Eric Davis of Wossman High School in the City of Monroe School District.  Davis says he believes the growth in his students is what landed him the award.

Cut 13 (08) “…in the state.” 

Davis says his staff deserves recognition for their efforts.

Cut 14 (11) “…work for you.”

Spencer Kiper of Elm Grove Middle School in Bossier City picked up the award for Teacher of the Year.  Kiper, a STEM teacher, says the surprise of the recognition serves as further motivation for his job.

Cut 15 (07) “…leaders of Louisiana.”

Kiper says his formula to success is putting everything he can into enabling his student with knowledge.

Cut 16 (10) “…do with it.”

There’s now a reward of 25-thousand dollars for information that leads to the conviction of the gunmen responsible for Saturday’s mass shooting in New Orleans that killed three people and wounded seven others. Becca Dill has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Becca Dill”  

Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says it wasn’t the legislature’s goal to suspend the state’s three different sales tax holidays, they were just casualties of the final budget deal.

Cut 3 (11) “tax holiday”

According to the latest LDWF bald eagle nest survey, the population continues to flourish in the state.  Once a rare sight, spotting bald eagles in Louisiana is now commonplace, as the population in the 1970s was devastated by use of the now-banned pesticide, DDT. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour…

Cut“6 (07) …in the state.”

DDT, when broken down in the environment, effected the ability of many birds to produce calcium which caused thin egg shells.

The Legislative Auditor has a new report claiming the state health department and the Attorney General’s Office misappropriated money intended to fight Medicaid fraud. Auditor Daryl Purpera says auditors also found 475-thousand dollars in salaries for fraud detection were used for other purposes and the report showed the state blew 642- thousand dollars in 2012 on software not compatible with their systems and they did not get a refund.

Cut 11 (07) “use them”

A mass shooting in New Orleans left three dead over the weekend.  Now, investigators are looking for answers from the public and they are increasing the reward money for information in the case.  NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison says the money is now up to $25,000.

Cut 12 (13)   “…someone knows something.”

The Legislative Auditor has a new report claiming the state health department and the Attorney General’s Office misappropriated money intended to fight Medicaid fraud.  Auditor Daryl Purpera says the two agencies lacked an effective process to properly identify and deposit the monies…

Cut 10 (10) “the future”

According to the latest LDWF bald eagle nest survey, the population continues to flourish in the state.  Once a rare sight, spotting bald eagles in Louisiana is now commonplace, as the population in the 1970s was  devastated by use of the now-banned pesticide, DDT. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour…

Cut 6 (07) …in the state.”

A state lawmaker admits it was not the legislature’s intention to discontinue sales tax holidays for the next seven years.Sales tax holidays were during the first weekend of August for back to school shopping, hurricane preparedness during Memorial Day weekend, and the “second amendment” holiday during the Labor Day holiday.  Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says he’s getting a mixed response from businesses on whether the sales tax holidays were beneficial.

Cut 4 (12) “his business.”

A mass shooting in New Orleans left three dead over the weekend.  Now, investigators are looking for answers from the public and they are increasing the reward money for information in the case.  NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison says the shooting initially appears to be gang-related, but continues to encourage the witnesses to come forth with information.

Cut 14 (07) “…investigation is ongoing.”

The reward for information leading to arrests is up to 25,000 dollars.

The Legislative Auditor has a new report claiming the state health department and the Attorney General’s Office misappropriated a combined millions in money intended to fight Medicaid fraud. Auditor Daryl Purpera says they initiated the investigation at the request of LDH and the AG’s office, who’ve since put the money back in the program.

Cut 9 (09)  “time period.”

A state lawmaker admits it was couple of weeks following the final special session, before the legislature learned it had suspended sales tax holidays until 2025 as a result of the final tax and budget deal. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former Saints special team legend and now ALS advocate Steve Gleason’s wife Michel Varisco is expecting. The couple say their second child is due sometime in October.

There’s now a reward of 25-thousand dollars for information that leads to the conviction of the gunmen responsible for Saturday’s mass shooting in New Orleans that killed three people and wounded seven others. Becca Dill has more…
voicer 2 (30) “…Becca Dill”

Union Parish authorities say a Bastrop man drowned in Lake D’Arbonne attempting to retreive his pontoon boat that had blown off its trailer during a thundestorm Sunday afternoon. Authorities say 65-year-old Roddy Watt was found about 100 yards from the launching area.

A state lawmaker admits it was not the legislature’s intention to discontinue sales tax holidays for the next seven years. But Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says the state’s three different sales tax holidays went away as result of the budget and funding deal passed in the last special session.
cut 3 (11) “tax holiday”
McFarland says legislation seeking to bring back the sales tax holidays will likely be introduced next year.

Another audit is released critical of how state agencies manage Medicaid dollars. The latest report criticizes the health department and the attorney general’s office for failing to deposit money into a fund to fight Medicaid fraud. Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera says the state also blew 642-thousand dollars in 2012 on software not compatible with their systems…
cut 11 (07) “….use them”
L-D-H says they’ve been correcting a problem that was inherited from the previous administration.

The reward has been increased to 25-thousand dollars for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in Saturday night’s mass shooting that killed three people and wounded seven others in New Orleans. NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison says they are searching for at least two suspects…
cut 13 (06) ‘…rifle”
Harrison says one of the victims was targeted as a result of gang activity.

Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says it was not the legislature’s intention to halt three different sales tax holidays when legislators agreed in the last special session to a tax deal to fully fund state government. McFarland says he wouldn’t be surprised if there was legislation next year to bring them back…
cut 5 (08) “…tax holiday”
As it stands now, the sales tax holidays have been suspended until 2025.

The state legislative auditor has found the Louisiana Health Department and the attorney general’s office previously failed to identify and dposit the required money into a fund to fight Medicaid fraud. Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera says when companies overcharge the state for services, they pay a fine, and return the overpaid amount of money….
cut 10 (10) “…the future”
LDH says under the Edwards administration, steps were immediately taken to correct the problem. And the state agency says fraud-fighting and fraud prevention efforts were never compromised.

According to state Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Michael Seymour the state’s bald eagle population is flourishing with at least 600 nests statewide. In the early 1970s, there were only a handful of nests in the state. Seymour says banning the pesticide DDT was the key as DDT can lead to thin egg shells…
cut 8 (10) “…falcons and osprey”

A mass shooting in New Orleans left three dead over the weekend.  Now, investigators are looking for answers from the public and they are increasing the reward money for information in the case.  NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison says the money is now up to $25,000.

Cut 12 (13)   “…someone knows something.”

According to the latest LDWF bald eagle nest survey, the population continues to flourish in the state.  Once a rare sight, spotting bald eagles in Louisiana is now commonplace, as the population in the 1970s was devastated by use of the now-banned pesticide, DDT. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour says anywhere there is a big body of water that would support the food of the species, bald eagles have a tendency of moving into the area.

Cut 7 (05) “…throughout the state.”

A state lawmaker admits it was couple of weeks following the final special session, before the legislature learned it had suspended sales tax holidays until 2025 as a result of the final tax and budget deal. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”