A high drama, high stakes hearing takes place today involving one of the woman who has accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct. Senator John Kennedy will be in that room. Kevin Barnhart has more…
voicer 3 (32) “…reporting”

Just after midnight, a State Trooper had to use deadly force on a suspect during a traffic stop in Hammond. The Trooper was not injured, while the suspect died at a local hospital. L-S-P has not released any other details.

A Pineville man charged with third-degree rape allegedly tried to tell the victim he was a police officer. Captain Tommy Carnline is with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office….
cut 8 (12) “…report anything”
Carnline says 38-year-old Mark Roberts is facing numerous charges including third degree rape and false impersonation of a police officer.

A Ruston resident who is now legally blind from exposure to Agent Orange while flying bombers in the Vietnam War was honored on the House floor by US Representative Ralph Abraham. The Congressman says Wes Wesselhoeft also spent time in a German internment camp during World War Two and then traded to the Germans for American POWs. Abraham says when Wesselhoeft returned to the U-S, he knew what he wanted to do…
cut 5 (07) “…Air Force”

An historic hearing takes place today as Doctor Christine Blasey Ford testifies in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee where she is expected to provide detailed allegations of sexual misconduct by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Louisiana’s John Kennedy, who may run for governor, sits on that committee and says he plans to listen very carefully. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Kennedy’s vote on Kavanaugh’s confirmation could have an impact on next year’s governor’s race…
cut 15 (09) “…popular in Louisiana”

A poll on the November Secretary of State’s race shows Democrat Renee Fontenot-Free leading eight other candidates, while Republicans Rick Edmonds and Julie Stokes are battling for the second run-off spot. Edmonds commissioned JMC Analitics John Couvillon to conduct the poll and he says the undecided vote is rather high…
cut 12 (06) “…very end”

A Pineville man who claimed to be a police officer has been booked for third-degree rape, plus other charges. Captain Tommy Carnline is with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office….
cut 7 (09) “…third degree rape”
Carnline says 38-year-old Mark Roberts is also charged with False Impersanation of a Police officer for allegedly telling the victim that he was cop in an effort to keep the victim from reporting the incident.

Congressman Ralph Abraham took time on the House floor to honor Vietnam Veteran Adolf Wesselhoeft, who is now legally blind from exposure to agent Orange. Abraham says the Ruston resident is 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 during that difficult time Wesselhoeft’s love for his country did not fade…
Cut 4 (10) “…America”
Abraham says Wesselhoeft returned to the United States, he promptley joined the Air Force.

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”

__________________________________

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” 

__________________________________

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”

_________________________________________

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”

____________________________________________

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.

______________________________

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.

____________________________

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.”

___________________________________________

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” 

_____________________________________________________

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”

_____________________________________________

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.