The nation’s attention will be focused today on testimony from Doctor Christine Blasey Ford who will answer questions about her sexual misconduct allegations made against US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Senator John Kennedy is on the Senate Judiciary Committee, so what can we expect from him? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…
Cut 13 (10) “…the full senate.”
Kennedy says he has not prepared any questions for today’s hearing.

In the House, U-S Representative Ralph Abraham gave a touching speech honoring Adolf Wesselhoft of Ruston, who flew bombers during the Vietnman War. He’s now legally blind because of Agent Orange exposure…
cut 6 (07) “….be forgotten”
Wesselhoft and his family also lived through a German internment camp during World War II.

A new poll for the Secretary of State’s special election in November is out, with Democrat Renee Fontenot 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.
Cut 10 (10) “six ways.“
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.

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.

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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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…

Cut 4 (10) “…America”

Following the war Wesselhoeft started saving money to return home to America. Abraham says “Wes” bought the cheapest passage to the United States available…

Cut 5 (07) “…Air Force”

Abraham says after he spoke with the veteran he is excited to see the history of German internment camps in the US be recognized…

Cut 6 (07) “…be forgotten”

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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, 3^rd 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.

Cut 10 (10)   “six ways.“

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.

Cut 11 (09)   “…catch up”

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.

Cut 12 (06)   “…very end”

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…

Cut 16 (22) “.. high level” 

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…

Cut 17 (22)  “he’s learning” 

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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…

Cut 20 (15) “something else” 

After 15 years on the run, 44-year-old Lonnie Payne is returning to East Feliciana Parish in shackles.  Payne had been living in Mexico since his July 2003 escape, when he was serving twelve years for a burglary in Jefferson Parish.  East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Jeff Travis says they couldn’t get him before he got away.

cut 9 (10) “…got into Mexico.”

Last month, he presented border officials with a fake identity.

The Louisiana economy is looking good going forward.  According to a report, the state should see just shy of 60-thousand jobs added going into 2020. LSU economist Loren Scott says It’s now expected that the oil patch has bottomed out and will now be on the rebound.

Cut 13 (10) “…continue to rise.”

The Lake Charles area is the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States

After treading water Congress only has four days to reauthorize the Land and Water conservation fund before the environmental program that helps funds outdoor destinations across the state comes to an end. Louisiana Hypoxia Working Group Coordinator Doug Daigle, on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, says that could jeopardize parks that are rebuilding after the 2016 floods.

Cut 8 (10) “…recreation”

The fund was created in 1964.

A Georgetown study is out that touts the results of the state’s Medicaid expansion as a major success when it comes to improving the quality of life in rural communities. The university report showed major declines in the uninsured rate in those communities after the expansion. Research Professor Adam Searing says the expansion is benefitting more than just the working poor…

Cut 5 (11)  “…the community.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards says the expansion is more than paying for itself.

After 15 years on the run, 44 year old Lonnie Payne is returning to East Feliciana Parish in shackles. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Louisiana Economic Outlook for 2019-2020 has been unveiled and is showing optimism in much of the state.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

After 15 years on the run, 44 year old Lonnie Payne is returning to East Feliciana Parish in shackles. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A Georgetown study is out that touts the results of the state’s Medicaid expansion as a major success when it comes to improving the quality of life in rural communities. Research Professor Adam Searing says the numbers were fairly astonishing.

Cut 3 (10) “…small towns.” 

He says the disparity between rural and urban health outcomes has begun to shrink.

According to a report, the state should see just shy of 60-thousand jobs added going into 2020, surpassing the 2 million job mark for the first time in history in 2019.  LSU economist Loren Scott says after emerging from the 2016 floods and the 2017 lull in construction, Baton Rouge should see a continuing rise.

Cut 12 (06)   “…19 and 20.” 

Scott says Louisiana economy suffered a 28-month recession.

After treading water Congress only has four days to reauthorize the Land and Water conservation fund before the environmental program that helps funds outdoor destinations across the state comes to an end. Louisiana Hypoxia Working Group Coordinator Doug Daigle, on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, says it’s a vital program that funds the construction of many parks.

Cut 6 (08) “…conservation fund.”

The fund was created in 1964.

After treading water Congress only has four days to reauthorize the Land and Water conservation fund before the program that helps funds outdoor destinations across the state comes to an end. Louisiana Hypoxia Working Group Coordinator Doug Daigle, on Talk Louisiana, says efforts to rebuild parks that were damaged in the 2016 floods could be jeopardized.

Cut 8 (10) “…recreation”

The fund was created in 1964.

After 15 years on the run after escaping prison, 44 year old Lonnie Payne is returning to East Feliciana Parish in shackles.  Last month, he attempted to come back to the states, presented border officials with a fake identity.  East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Jeff Travis says previous they couldn’t get him.

cut 9 (10) “…got into Mexico.”

Payne had been living in Mexico since his July 2003 escape.

According to the report, the state should see just shy of 60-thousand jobs added going into 2020, surpassing the 2 million job mark for the first time in history in 2019.  LSU economist Loren Scott says It’s now expected that the oil patch has bottomed out and will now be on the rebound.

Cut 13 (10) “…continue to rise.”

The Lake Charles area has been the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States.

A Georgetown study is out that touts the results of the state’s Medicaid expansion as a major success when it comes to improving the quality of life in rural communities. Research Professor Jack Hoadley says it’s not just the uninsured and working poor that see a boost from Medicaid expansions. He says the additional revenue from Medicaid patient’s makes its way back into the community in ways insured people may not realize…

Cut 5 (11)  “…the community.” 

A Georgetown study is out that touts the results of the state’s Medicaid expansion as a major success when it comes to improving the quality of life in rural communities. The university report showed major declines in the uninsured rate in those communities after the expansion. Research Professor Jack Hoadley says in just two years since the expansion, the disparity between health outcomes in cities and small towns has begun to fall.

Cut 4 (12) “…other states.”

After treading water, Congress only has four days to reauthorize the Land and Water conservation fund before the environmental program that helps funds outdoor destinations across the state comes to an end. Louisiana Hypoxia Working Group Coordinator Doug Daigel says if it’s not reauthorized, parish and local efforts to rebuild parks and other family friendly outdoor locations that were damaged in the 2016 floods could be jeopardized.
Cut 8 (10) “…recreation”

According to a new report, the state should see just shy of 60-thousand jobs added between 2019 and 2020.  LSU economist Loren Scott says Louisiana economy suffered a 28-month recession losing many jobs in the oil patch including just over 21-thousand jobs in Lafayette and 16-thousand in Houma.  It’s now expected that the oil patch has bottomed out and will now be on the rebound.

Cut 13 (10) “…continue to rise.”

Ruston Republican Representative Rob Shadoin is calling it quits after seven years in the Louisiana House. Shadoin is leaving the Capitol to join the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in a legal capacity. He says after nearly a decade of service, the frequent special sessions were becoming too much for his private practice to bear.

Cut 10 (10)   “the time.“

Shadoin represented the north Louisiana district that was comprised of Lincoln and Union Parishes.

A Georgetown study is out that touts the results of the state’s Medicaid expansion as a major success when it comes to improving the quality of life in rural communities. The university report showed major declines in the uninsured rate in those communities after the expansion. Research Professor Jack Hoadley says the numbers were fairly astonishing.

Cut 3, 10 seconds small towns

Governor John Bel Edwards says the expansion is more than paying for itself in economic benefits to the state.

According to a new report, the state should see just shy of 60-thousand jobs added going into 2020, surpassing the 2 million job mark for the first time in history in 2019.  LSU economist Loren Scott says after emerging from the 2016 floods and the 2017 lull in construction, Baton Rouge should see a continuing rise.

Cut 12 (06)   “…19 and 20.” 

Scott says the state suffered a 28 month recession.

After treading water Congress only has four days to reauthorize the Land and Water conservation fund before the environmental program that helps funds outdoor destinations across the state comes to an end. Louisiana Hypoxia Working Group Coordinator Doug Daigle, on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, says a number of major state locations have been constructed and maintained with cash from the fund that uses revenue from the oil industry and other natural resource extractors to assist in construction efforts.

Cut 7 (11) “…river creole.”

The fund was created in 1964.

A struggling Saints secondary will be without cornerback Patrick Robinson for at least eight weeks as the Black and Gold have reportedly placed him on injured reserve after suffering a broken ankle in Sunday’s win over the Falcons. Williams has been the team’s nickel back. He could come back after staying on I-R for eight weeks. New Orleans has yet to sign someone to take his place. Former Washington and Oakland cornerback David Amerson is reportedly scheduled to visit the Saints this week.

LSU’s defense is spending the week correcting the mistakes that resulted in Louisiana Tech Quarterback J’Mar Smith throwing for 330 yards against the Tigers last Saturday. Cornerback Greedy Williams…
cut 17 (14) “…all you can do”
LSU faces the SEC’s top passing team this Saturday, the Ole Miss Rebels.

Grambling State Coach Broderick Fobbs is sticking with Aldon Clark as his starting quarterback, even though he threw for just 37 yards in last week’s shutout win over Alabama State. Clark and the Tigers are in Dallas this Saturday for their annual matchup with Prairie View A-and-M in the State Fair Classic.

ULM is at Georgia State Saturday for the start of a three-game road trip. Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says the Panthers leading rusher is their quarterback Dan Ellington and they also have a dangerous receiver and return man in Penny Hart….
cut 20 (20) “….last year”
Kick off is at 1 PM.

Houston’s 4-1 win over Toronto last night was their 100th of the season and they clinched the N-L West for a second straight year.

After treading water Congress only has four days to reauthorize the Land and Water conservation fund before the environmental program that helps funds outdoor destinations across the state comes to an end. Louisiana Hypoxia Working Group Coordinator Doug Daigle, on Talk Louisiana, says it’s a vital program that funds the construction of many parks.

Cut 6, 8 seconds, conservation fund

Daigel says Jean Laffitte and Cane River Creole state parks were created using cash from the fund.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state’s surging income levels are a substantial part of the expected 300 million dollar surplus for the last budget year. Personal incomes grew at 5.9 percent in the 2^nd quarter. Edwards says that’s propelling the unexpected revenue.

Cut 4 (08) “…fiscal year.”

Louisiana’s income growth was second in the nation behind Texas.

The personal finance website WalletHub has analyzed twenty-two key metrics for all fifty states and DC to rank the overall best states for teachers.  Kevin Barnhart tells us where Louisiana ranks…

Cut 2 (32) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Ruston Republican Representative Rob Shadoin is calling it quits after seven years in the Louisiana House. Shadoin is leaving the Capitol to join the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in a legal capacity. A special election will be held in March for the North Louisiana seat, and Shadoin will be vacating the position October 8^th.