Congressman Ralph Abraham honored a Ruston veteran on the House floor. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Connor Ferrill”
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A Pineville man has been arrested after an alleged sexual assault as well as trying to entice the victim not to report it by pretending to be a cop. Kevin Barnhart has the details.
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What can Louisiania residents expect from Senator John Kennedy this week on the Senate Judiciary Committee? Kevin Barnhart speaks with political analyst Bernie Pinsonat to find out.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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Congressman Ralph Abraham honored a Ruston resident on the House floor with a speech to remember his many years of service. But before Adolf Wesselhoeft was a veteran, he was the son of German immigrants. He and his family were forced into a US internment camp during World War II before being traded to the Germans in 1944 for American POW’s. Abraham says though “Wes” had vivid memories of bombings in Hamburg, Germany from allied forces the love for his country did not fade…
Following the war Wesselhoeft started saving money to return home to America. Abraham says “Wes” bought the cheapest passage to the United States available…
Abraham says after he spoke with the veteran he is excited to see the history of German internment camps in the US be recognized…
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After establishing enough probable cause, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest of 38-year-old Mark Roberts of Pineville following a report of a sexual battery that occurred last month. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says Roberts was allegedly a friend of the victim’s family.
Cut 7 (09) “…third degree rape.”
Carnline says following the initial incident, Roberts once again made contact with the victim, this time pretending to be a cop and implied there would be consequences if the incident was reported.
Cut 8 (12) “…not reporting anything.”
Carline says Roberts is facing charges of sexual battery, 3rd degree rape, false impersonation of a police officer, stalking, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. But his legal troubles don’t end there…
Cut 9 (07) “…vehicle charges there.”
Roberts is being held on a $34,500 bond on the local charges while he awaits extradition to Mississippi.
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A new poll for the Secretary of State’s special election in November is out, with Democrat Renee Free in the lead, followed by Republicans Julie Stokes and Rick Edmonds. The poll, by JMC Analytics, was commissioned by Edmonds. Pollster John Couvillion says the early lead for a Democrat in a red state isn’t surprising, considering how many republicans are running.
The rest of the candidates sit in the low single digits, including Interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin who took over after Tom Schedler’s resignation that sparked the special election. Couvillion says Ardoin’s late entry into the race has him chasing the pack.
It’s still early, and candidates are reportedly having a difficult time raising money for the nominally non-partisan position that oversees state elections. Couvillion says the lack of name recognition has many voters unsure who they support.
The poll also included results that show a 43 to 37 split on the question of whether or not Governor Edwards deserves to be re-elected.
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The attention of the nation is focused on the testimony of Christine Ford who will answer questions about her sexual misconduct allegations that could tip the scales in the confirmation proceedings of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. US Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana is on the Senate Judiciary Committee, so what can we expect from him? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…
Cut 13 (10) “…the full senate.”
Pinsonat says it’s a smart move on behalf of the all-male Republicans on the committee to have a female come in to ask the tricky questions.
Cut 14 (11) “…the Republicans then.”
Pinsonat adds Senator John Kennedy, who could soon be running for Governor in Louisiana, can reap the benefits of the media attention from the situation.
Cut 15 (09) “…popular in Louisiana.”
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After battling with Louisiana Tech into the 4th quarter last week, the Bulldogs will jump into Conference USA play this Saturday by facing one of the best teams in the league. North Texas is 4-0 and that includes a blowout win over Arkansas. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says the Mean Green do a lot of things well…
Adrian Hardy has become Louisiana Tech’s top receiver as he’s grabbed 19 passes for 365 and three touchdowns. Holtz says he’s not surprised by the sophomore’s success…
North Texas leads the nation with 10 interceptions. Holtz says they are very aggressive in the secondary…
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The new roughing the passer rule is the new big controversy for the NFL. In an attempt to protect the quarterback, 34 roughing the passer flags have been thrown through the first three weeks of the season, compared to just 16 a year ago. Saints Coach Sean Payton, who sits on NFL’s competition committee, says the flag should be thrown when a player intentionally places all his weight on the quarterback, but flags have been thrown when they should have stayed in the refs pocket
Cut 19 (14) “ biggest challenge”
This Sunday the Saints will take on the New York Giants. The G-Men beat Houston 27-22 last week as the second overall pick Saquon Barkley rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown. He also caught five passes. Payton says the former Penn State standout is off to a great start in this league…