Destinee Patterson

Reporter - KSLA

Shreveport, La.

Destinee Patterson joined KSLA News 12 in July of 2020.

Destinee is new to southern living, but visited Louisiana and Texas several times growing up. She's originally from Schaumburg, Ill. (a suburb outside of Chicago), but always knew she wanted to venture out and experience different parts of the country.

She started her journalism career at KOMU 8 News in mid-Missouri, covering everything from the exoneration trials of Jonathan Irons to the student outcry of racial injustice on Mizzou's campus to the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on real estate and unemployment.

Destinee graduated from the University of Missouri's School of Journalism with honors, majoring in Convergence Journalism and minoring in sociology and Spanish. During her time there, she also interned at ABC 7 Chicago and contributed to Cheddar News and Columbia Missourian.

A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Destinee is also a spring 2019 initiate of the Epsilon Psi chapter, formerly serving as journalism and publicity co-chair and parliamentarian.

When she's not reporting, you can find Destinee cuddled up with a romance novel, watching a musical, trying new food, or hopping on a plane to travel the world.

Education

University of Missouri School of Journalism, major in convergence journalism with minor in sociology and Spanish

Affiliations

Delta Sigma Theta, Epsilon Psi

News

Dylan Young, Broderick Moore, and Tyran Williams

3 SU Human Jukebox band members killed while changing tire on side of I-49 in Natchitoches Parish

Updated: Jan. 20, 2023 at 6:02 PM CST

By Rachael Thomas and Destinee Patterson

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office says just after 7 p.m. Tuesday night, multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a two-vehicle wreck on I-49 N near Powhatan.

News

“I can only assume that they just don’t think that it’s worth it to let the neighbors know...

Caddo residents hope for resolution to persistent drilling problems

Updated: Dec. 19, 2022 at 12:07 AM CST

By Destinee Patterson

“It’s about the noise and the living conditions”

Your Vote – 2022

A breakdown of Louisiana’s Dec. 10 amendments

Updated: Dec. 10, 2022 at 4:16 PM CST

By Destinee Patterson

These amendments are different from the those that appeared on the Nov. 8 ballot.

News

Hustler Hollywood officially opens for business after much drama

Updated: Dec. 7, 2022 at 10:13 AM CST

By Amia Lewis and Destinee Patterson

This is the company’s 47th store in the U.S.

COVID-19

The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the United...

Surge in respiratory illnesses hits ArkLaTex

Updated: Dec. 5, 2022 at 6:01 PM CST

By Destinee Patterson

Flu seems to be most prevalent virus in this region

Great Health Divide

A doctor uses a hand-held Doppler probe on a pregnant woman to measure the heartbeat of the...

Caddo Parish’s preterm birth rate worsens, receives ‘F’ grade

Updated: Nov. 30, 2022 at 11:28 AM CST

By Destinee Patterson

Shreveport Community Impact hosted focus groups to gauge the experience of Shreveport mothers.

Your Voice

Authorities say a 22-year-old gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs,...

ArkLaTex community reacts to deadly Club Q shooting in Colorado

Updated: Nov. 21, 2022 at 12:21 PM CST

By Destinee Patterson

At least five people were killed and 25 others were injured at Club Q over the weekend.

Community

Minden nonprofit hopes toy drive will help provide for 500 families

Updated: Nov. 19, 2022 at 6:24 PM CST

By Destinee Patterson

The giveaway will be held at the American Legion at 5 p.m. on Dec. 18.

Your Vote – 2022

Analysis: Republicans eye possible comeback among Shreveport leadership

Updated: Nov. 9, 2022 at 4:06 PM CST

By Destinee Patterson

Based on voter registration and election results within the past 25 years, Shreveport is largely a Democratic city.

Your Vote – 2022

8 proposed amendments to Louisiana Constitution explained

Updated: Nov. 7, 2022 at 9:46 PM CST

By Destinee Patterson

The amendments cover issues like taxes, state finances and slavery and indentured servitude.

Your Vote – 2022

Governor Greg Abbott made a campaign stop in Texarkana, Texas on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott makes campaign stop in Texarkana just days ahead of election

Updated: Nov. 2, 2022 at 9:58 AM CDT

By Destinee Patterson and Rachael Thomas

Election Day is Nov. 8, and many candidates are making last-minute efforts to sway some voters.

Education

Inside the affirmative action debate

Updated: Nov. 1, 2022 at 11:16 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

It’s an issue that has been a debate for years. Now, it’s up to the highest court.

Keeping You Safe

Authorities say you should talk with your children about the dangers that are out there before...

Keeping your kids safe on Halloween night

Updated: Oct. 31, 2022 at 3:15 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

As the sun goes down, trick-or-treaters have to be more cautious.

Education

Haughton family involved in ‘ongoing disagreement’ with Bossier Schools bus driver

Updated: Oct. 26, 2022 at 12:51 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

The mom says she started documenting their issues in 2021 via email, setting up meetings with district officials, and recording her own videos and screenshots of incidents.

Keeping You Safe

St. Louis Police patrol the outside of the Central Visual and Performing Arts High School...

Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office explains how to stay safe in active shooter situations

Updated: Oct. 25, 2022 at 12:49 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), there were 61 active shooter situations in 2021.

Community

Burgers for the Badge event shows appreciation for law enforcement

Updated: Oct. 19, 2022 at 4:16 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

Chief Wayne Smith says the event means a lot to his department.

Sports

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins announces new multi-sport facility. He says this will be...

Shreveport to partner with Arlington company to create multi-sport venue

Updated: Oct. 17, 2022 at 7:20 PM CDT

By Rachael Thomas, Destinee Patterson and Doug Warner

Announcement may herald return of minor league baseball to Shreveport

News

Effort to alter city workers’ health benefits plan for 2023 is withdrawn on 5-2 vote

Updated: Oct. 11, 2022 at 7:32 PM CDT

By Curtis Heyen and Destinee Patterson

Withdrawal means what Health Care Trust Fund Board adopted Sept. 30 still stands

Community

Moms on a Mission group sets out to better Shreveport

Updated: Oct. 6, 2022 at 11:05 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

Two Shreveport moms have set out to make an impact in the community.

News

DiamondJacks will likely not reopen until as early as 2024

Updated: Oct. 5, 2022 at 1:56 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says the closing of DiamondJacks, the smoking ban, competition from Oklahoma casinos, and the current economy are all playing a role in the dip in revenue.

Your Vote – 2022

Bossier City Council delays vote on slashing funds for Bossier Arts Council

Updated: Oct. 4, 2022 at 10:45 AM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

According to the agenda, the “management services of the Bossier Arts Council are no longer needed.”

News

Bossier City Police Chief Daniel Haugen (right), shown here with Mayor Tommy Chandler, says...

One-on-one interview: Bossier City’s new police chief spells out his initial goals

Updated: Oct. 3, 2022 at 5:44 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

Daniel Haugen says his first order of business is manpower

Crime

Real-Time Crime Center says ‘small cases’ to blame for delay in camera installations

Updated: Sep. 28, 2022 at 4:36 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

Only two cameras have been permanently installed, aside from cameras registered with citizens.

News

Shreveport law firm demands cease and desist for Fair Grounds Field demolition

Updated: Sep. 27, 2022 at 11:09 AM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

The letter was sent to Mayor Perkins’ office late in the day Monday, Sept. 26.

Making Ends Meet

AARP recommends you save, pay down debt, keep money on-hand and ease your way back into the...

How the current economy could affect your retirement plans

Updated: Sep. 26, 2022 at 12:15 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

The economy could force people to "delay retirement — or return to work — in reaction to their shrinking nest eggs."

Crime

Criminal justice professor discusses rash of crime across Louisiana

Updated: Sep. 21, 2022 at 2:14 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

Within the last two weeks, KSLA has covered at least eight shootings in Shreveport.

Local Politics

Chris Estess, shown here when he was sworn in as Bossier City police chief, plans to challenge...

Now-removed Bossier City police chief prepares to challenge the decision

Updated: Sep. 19, 2022 at 5:46 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

Estess’ attorney said he was not given proper notice of the board meeting regarding his removal

Good News

Shreveport native’s new film showing at Robinson Film Center next week

Updated: Sep. 18, 2022 at 5:41 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

Policing Joy is a 22-minute documentary short film.

Community

Robinson’s Rescue celebrates 80,000 spay/neuter surgeries

Updated: Sep. 14, 2022 at 2:25 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

"Their spaying/neutering has helped the Caddo Parish animal shelter."

Education

“Literacy is the foundation of all learning,” Keith Burton, Caddo Schools chief academic...

Caddo Schools discuss measures to combat statewide literacy concerns

Updated: Sep. 13, 2022 at 12:31 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

“If you don’t start a child off well with those literacy foundations...they’re going to struggle.”

Community

This week, people may start to notice the construction going on, but the work began in August...

SWEPCO begins removal of historic Arsenal Hill chimney stacks

Updated: Sep. 12, 2022 at 12:38 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

“While the chimneys are a part of Shreveport history, removing them will mitigate potential risks to our employees and our operations.”

News

Members of Youth United pick up litter Sept. 10, 2022, in Shreveport's Mooretown neighborhood.

Members of youth-led organization clean streets of a Shreveport neighborhood

Updated: Sep. 11, 2022 at 9:13 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

“... We’re trying to show high schoolers that we need to help our community ...”

News

Dozens of people gathered Sept. 7, 2022, for a special meeting about the City of Shreveport's...

City of Shreveport says three-tier health plan did not pass

Updated: Sep. 7, 2022 at 5:22 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson and Tayler Davis

On Friday, Sept. 9, the city clarified that the three-tier plan did not pass.

News

Special meeting regarding healthcare, city retiree benefits set for Sept. 7

Updated: Sep. 6, 2022 at 2:21 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

Several current and former employees have spoken out against the city’s decision to change their insurance provider for 2023.

News

Cole was diagnosed with T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma when he was six years old. Now he’s almost...

Minden child making progress in fight against cancer

Updated: Sep. 5, 2022 at 3:08 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

He was 6 years old when he was diagnosed with T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma

Crime

Charles Spraberry, 44, and an unidentified woman, were arrested Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022 after...

IN CUSTODY: Cass County inmate captured in Caddo Parish after brief chase

Updated: Aug. 31, 2022 at 2:51 PM CDT

By Alex Onken, Rachael Thomas and Destinee Patterson

A woman was also taken into custody.

Webster Parish fire departments to face new 911 fees

Updated: Aug. 29, 2022 at 7:39 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

With this new fee, fire departments can opt out and use their own dispatch services.

Education

How federal student loan forgiveness is affecting people in the ArkLaTex

Updated: Aug. 24, 2022 at 3:49 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson and Curtis Heyen

Many students are heading back to college dorms across the country. At the same time, borrowers are looking to President Joe Biden for the fate of student loans.

Crime

Rebecca Pauline "Becky" Gary's family in Shreveport says they've not heard from her since Dec....

Family reacts to fresh push to solve missing persons case with Shreveport connections

Updated: Aug. 23, 2022 at 5:34 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

Rebecca Pauline “Becky” Gary has not been heard from since Dec. 27, 1988

News

Workers begin removing bat infestation from Fair Grounds Field

Process of removing bat infestation begins at Fair Grounds Field

Updated: Aug. 22, 2022 at 4:54 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

The gate was closed and caution tape roped off the main entrance of the once-beloved ballpark.

Back to School

A Texarkana ISD faculty member directs traffic Wednesday morning, as the district re-opens its...

Texarkana ISD welcomes students for new school year

Updated: Aug. 17, 2022 at 9:05 AM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

The focus this school year is encouraging leadership skills and implementing new technology.

East Texas

Marshall Police Department expands community policing program

Updated: Aug. 16, 2022 at 2:29 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

“It’s not just a crime issue, we’re dealing with quality of life.”

News

Shreveport fine-tuning its responses to 911 calls involving mental health issues

Updated: Aug. 15, 2022 at 4:52 PM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

SPD has responded to 1,691 calls involving mental health crises so far this year, police chief said

Back to School

Caddo Parish Public Schools has been holding its annual Ring the Bell event for many years to...

Caddo Parish Public Schools holds annual Ring the Bell event to welcome students back to the classroom

Updated: Aug. 10, 2022 at 9:47 AM CDT

By Destinee Patterson

The new school year is here, and to celebrate that new beginning, Caddo Parish Public Schools held a special bell ringing ceremony Wednesday morning (Aug 10).

Back to School