08:30 Newscast November 19, 2015

The Grand Theater in Lafayette will reopen tonight for the first time since the tragic summer shootings, and the community is thrilled. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A second man has been arrested in the slaying of an elderly Baton Rouge couple last month. Hollywood, Florida Police have arrested 48-year-old Frank Garcia in connection with the deaths of Denis and Suzanne Duplantier. The Duplantier’s were found dead at a truck stop in Hammond on October 18th. Garcia is charged with two counts of first degree murder. 42-year-old Ernesto Alonso was previously charged in the deaths of the couple.

Dr. Randall Webb, former president of Northwestern State University, has passed away at the age of 72. State Senator Gerald Long of Natchitoches says the former president focused greatly on enhancing the college experience for students and letting graduates leave the school feeling accomplished…

cut 12 (09) “fully accredited”

Long says Webb was an incredible leader and model of integrity.

What does the future hold for Governor Bobby Jindal now that his presidential campaign is over? The governor and his family are currently preparing for life as private citizens. They are building a home in the Baton Rouge area that’s expected to be completed in early December. He says his wife, Supriya, has been working with the builder…

cut 10 (12) “new home”

He says one of his top priorities is to help the next governor prepare for their four-year term.

07:30 Newscast November 19, 2015

The Jindal administration releases its plan to solve a 487-million dollar budget deficit and it does NOT call for cuts to higher education or state worker layoffs. Council for a Better Louisiana president Barry Erwin Erwin is glad to see Louisiana’s public colleges and universities spared…

cut 15 (09) “significant amount”

The plan calls for 150-million dollars in cuts to state agencies, dipping into the state’s “rainy day” fund, and using revenues from lawsuit settlements.

The Lafayette community is thrilled the Grand Theater in will reopen tonight for the first time since the tragic July 23rd shootings. Lafayette Mayor-President Joey Durel says he’s happy for the occasion and for theater owner, George Solomon…

cut 6 (10) “were a victim”

11 people were shot in the incident and Jillian Johnson and Mayci Breaux lost their lives.

Now that his presidential campaign is over, what’s next for Governor Bobby Jindal? Jindal says he’s already cast his ballot for governor, but says he does not want to get involved in Saturday’s election…

cut 9 (09) “I’m optimistic”

Jindal still has a little over seven weeks left in his final term as Louisiana’s governor.

The former president of Northwestern State University Dr. Randall Webb has passed away at the age of 72. State Senator Gerald Long of Natchitoches knew Webb for almost 50 years and says he had a great love for the school and for life itself…

cut 11 (08) “of education”

Webb was the longest serving president in the history of the University, serving for 18 years, from 1996 to 2014.

06:45 Sportscast November 19, 2015

The Pelicans sure missed Anthony Davis last night as they lost to Oklahoma City 110-103. Davis sat out last night’s game after injuring his shoulder Tuesday against the Nuggets. The Thunder’s Russel Westbrook led all scorers with 43, while Ryan Anderson led the Pels with 30. The Pelicans are now 1-11 on the season and will host the San Antonio Spurs Friday night.

In college basketball, Mike Hawkins scored 13 and Dimi Cook and Zay Jackson each added 12 as Southeastern Louisiana picked up their first win of the season defeating Mississippi College 76-69. The Lions shot an impressive 52-percent from the field and forced the Choctaws to turn the ball over 22 times. Southeastern travels to Nebraska for a game Sunday evening.

Tonight, Tulane travels to Baton Rouge to face Southern, Northwestern State will host ULM, and number 23 LSU will take on South Alabama.

ULM athletics director Brian Wickstorm is reportedly a candidate to become the next A-D at Tulane. Wickstorm has been leading the Warhawk athletic program since July 2013 and he’s one of five finalists to replace Rick Dickson. Wickstorm is currently working with ULM president Nick Bruno as they search for a new football coach. Coach Todd Berry was let go Saturday after ULM’s loss to Arkansas State.

Speaking of ULM football, they’re on the road to take on Texas State tonight. The 1-9 Warhawks will be led on the field by Defensive line coach John Mumford. ULM is seeking revenge after the Bobcats won last year’s contest 22-18. Kickoff’s at 8:30 and can be seen on ESPNU.

Southeastern Louisiana will host Nicholls State tonight in the annual River Bell Classic. The all-time series record between these two teams is 12-12, with the Lions having won the last four meetings with the Colonels. Tonight’s game starts at 6 and you can watch on the American Sports Network.

06:30 Newscast November 19, 2015

The Jindal administration releases its plan to solve a 487-million dollar budget deficit. It calls for 150-million dollars in cuts to state agencies, dipping into the state’s “rainy day” fund and using revenues from lawsuit settlements. Council for a Better Louisiana president Barry Erwin says this is a short-term fix to the state’s budget woes…

cut 14 (09) “structural problem”

The plan does NOT call for cuts to higher education or state worker layoffs.

So what’s next for Governor Bobby Jindal now that his presidential campaign is over? He has a little over seven weeks left as Louisiana’s governor. Jindal says one of his top priorities is to help the next governor prepare for their four-year term….

cut 8 (12) “as possible”

Jindal says he’s already voted, but would not tell reporters who for.

The Grand Theater in Lafayette will reopen tonight for the first time since the tragic summer shootings, and the community is thrilled. A man opened fire on a crowd during a movie on July 23rd, killing two women and injuring several others, and since then the parking lot at The Grand on Johnston Street has been empty. Bret Fruge, a former employee, will be there tonight

cut 4 (10) “to seeing it”

Before the opening tonight, a dedication will take place honoring the victims of the gunfire and first responders. A small vigil will take place at 6pm, the ribbon cutting is at 6:25 then the newly renovated Grand 16 Theater box office will open at 6:45.

AM Newscall November 19,2015

The Grand Theater in Lafayette will reopen tonight for the first time since the tragic summer shootings, and the community is thrilled. Michelle Southern repors…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Bobby Jindal says he has no specific political plans once his second term as governor ends in January. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

 The longest serving president in the history of Northwestern State University has passed away. Emelie Gunn has more on the life of Dr. Randall Webb….

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The Grand Theater in Lafayette will reopen tonight for the first time since the tragic summer shootings, and the community is thrilled. A man opened fire on a crowd during a movie on July 23rd, killing two women and injuring several others, and since then the parking lot at The Grand on Johnston Street has been empty. Bret Fruge, a former employee, will be there tonight

cut 4  (10)  “to seeing it”

The first movie, The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part II is scheduled for 7pm. Fruge says he goes to the movies every chance he gets and he will definitely be there tonight…:

Cut 5  (09)  “is the 16”

Before the opening tonight, a dedication will take place honoring the victims of the gunfire and first responders. A small vigil will take place at 6pm, the ribbon cutting is at 6:25 then the newly renovated Grand 16 Theater box office will open at 6:45. Lafayette Mayor-President Joey Durel says he’s also happy for the owner of the theater, George Solomon…:

Cut 6 (10)  “were a victim”

11 people were shot in the incident and Jillian Johnson and Mayci Breaux lost their lives. Durel says during a vigil following the incident, he told the community that he wanted to buy the first ticket when the theater reopened…:

CUT 7 (10)  “lead the way”

_______________________________________________

So what’s next for Governor Bobby Jindal now that his presidential campaign is over? He has a little over seven weeks left as Louisiana’s governor. Jindal says one of his top priorities is to help the next governor prepare for their four-year term….

Cut 8  (12)  “as possible”

Jindal says he’s already voted, but would not tell reporters who he voted for to succeed him. He does not want to get involved in Saturday’s election…

Cut 9 (09) “I’m optimistic”

The governor and his family are preparing for life as private citizens. They are building a home in the Baton Rouge area that’s expected to be completed in early December. He says his wife, Supriya, has been working with the builder…

Cut 10 (12) “new home”

______________________________________

The former president of Northwestern State University Dr. Randall Webb has passed away at the age of 72. Webb was the longest serving president in the history of the University, serving for 18 years, from 1996 to 2014. State Senator Gerald Long of Natchitoches knew Webb for almost 50 years and says he had a great love for the school and for life itself.

cut 11 (08) “of education”

Long says Webb was an incredible leader and model of integrity. He says the former president focused greatly on enhancing the college experience for students and letting graduates leave the school feeling accomplished.

Cut 12 (09) “fully accredited”

Long says Dr. Webb was an icon because he made a commitment to the small rural school and grew it to one of the most respected in the state. He says many other university presidents looked up to him.

Cut 13 (11)  “entire state”

______________________________________

The Jindal administration releases its plan to solve a 487-million dollar budget deficit. It calls for 150-million dollars in cuts to state agencies, dipping into the state’s “rainy day” fund  and using revenues from lawsuit settlements. Council for a Better Louisiana president Barry Erwin says this is a short-term fix to the state’s budget woes…

Cut 14 (09) “structural problem”

The plan does NOT call for cuts to higher education or state worker layoffs. Erwin is glad to see Louisiana’s public colleges and universities spared

Cut 15  (09)  “significant amount”

The proposed deficit reduction plan calls for a 130-million dollar reduction in state spending by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. The joint legislative budget committee will review the plan on Friday. Erwin says the entire legislature must approve the use of 28-million dollars from the rainy day fund…

Cut 16  (06)  “there for”

16:30 Newscast, November 18th, 2015

LSU Coach Les Miles says there’s no added pressure to win, despite a published report suggesting he could be fired if they lose their last two games. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Jindal Division of Administration announced Wednesday that higher ed would be spared in their proposal to re-balance Louisiana’s operating budget, but healthcare changes might take the biggest hit. The state needs to reduce a mid-year deficit of about $500 million. They say the plan avoids layoffs of state workers and protects vital services.

Governor Bobby Jindal was back in Baton Rouge today after he decided he would no longer try for the presidency. Some politicos wonder if Jindal’s announcement was meant to intentionally upstage Republican David Vitter before the runoff Saturday as it’s believed Vitter slighted the governor in the 2007 prostitution scandal. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says Jindal working on the state’s budget deficit may keep Vitter out of the headlines before the election:
CUT 5 (12) “budget cuts”
Jinday says he plans to do just that and go on a statewide tour highlighting the achievements made during his two terms as governor…:
cut 14 (08) “job creation”
Jindal said he is not getting involved in the governor’s race.

 

15:30 Newscast, November 18th, 2015

There’s a report in the Advocate indicating LSU coach Les Miles could be fired if the Tigers don’t improve for the Ole Miss and Texas A&M games. LSU has been unable to beat Alabama five straight times and fans are frustrated a team with such great players is under performing. On today’s SEC coaches teleconference, Miles says his they can win these last two games and play in a significant bowl game…:
CUT 8 (07) “on track”
The Advocate article says there is a serious threat to Miles tenure based on sources at LSU.

Governor Bobby Jindal was back in Louisiana today after ending his run for the White House and told reporters at the Governor’s Mansion his future is up in the air…:
CUT 13 (05) “being governor”
He says he’s going on a statewide tour to highlight the achievements made during his two terms as governor. He said he’s not getting involved in the Governor’s runoff election Saturday, but did say he early voted just not who he voted for.

State Police Col Mike Edmonson says they are taking the threat to the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge very seriously. The organization helps Syrian refugees resettling in Louisiana and said they got a call Tuesday from a person making gun threats because of it. Edmonson says threats like these are why the public needs more information from the feds…:
CUT 10 (09) “State Police”
He says they are investigating the threat.

A Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force in Ouachita Parish has netted 75 arrests in cities including Monroe, West Monroe, Sterlington and Bastrop. Cops say totals for narcotics seized in the operation were six pounds of marijuana, 2.5 grams of crack, 28.7 grams of cocaine, 7.1 grams of meth and 22 units of prescription pills. They added this operation is not over.

 

14:30 Newscast, November 18th, 2015

Governor Bobby Jindal is back in Louisiana after suspending his presidential campaign…:
CUT 2 (31) “I’m Eric Gill”

LSU is on a two game losing streak and according to a report from The Advocate, Coach Les Miles will be playing the last two contests for his job. The LSU fan base is frustrated over the Tigers losing to Alabama for a fifth consecutive time and getting dominated two years in a row by Arkansas. Miles told reporters this morning that it’s imperative for the Tigers to get back on track for Ole Miss and Texas A&M.

Could the timing of Governor Bobby Jindal’s announcement that he’s ending his presidential bid intend to upstage Republican David Vitter the week of the runoff election? In 2007, Vitter made a statement about the prostitution scandal mere minutes before Jindal announced for governor. The scandal news pushed Jindal from headlines. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says this was not lost on the governor…:
CUT 4 (10) “fair play”
Dubos says Jindal will remain in the news as he releases a plan to fix the budget deficit.

The site of the Lafayette movie theater shooting is reopening tomorrow and a series of events are happening beforehand to honor victims and first responders of the tragic summer shooting. A small vigil will take place at 6pm, the ribbon cutting is at 6:25 then the newly renovated Grand 16 Theater box office will open at 6:45.

 

13:30 Newscast, November 18th, 2015

Governor Bobby Jindal is back in Louisiana after ending his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. At a Governor’s Mansion news conference in Baton Rouge, Jindal said he has no regrets seeking the nation’s highest elected office. He stated that the failure of his campaign rests solely on his shoulders…:
CUT 12 (10) “my responsibility”
He says his family is going to remain living in Baton Rouge.

Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge says they’ve been getting threats for helping Syrian refugees resettle in Louisiana. State Police Col Mike Edmonson says this is also happening in other states as concerns rise over bringing people escaping the Syrian civil war to the US. But he says threats are unacceptable…:
CUT 11 (05) “into it”
He says State Police is working to figure out where the call came from.

Could LSU coach Les Miles be on the hot seat? According to a report in the Advocate, there is a serious threat to Miles tenure based on sources at LSU. On today’s SEC coaches teleconference, Miles said the support he’s received from athletic director Joe Alleva remains the same and there are no issues there…:
CUT 7 (09) “to me”
The Tiges have lost two in a row and could be 7-4 if they lose the last two games. If LSU fired Miles at the end of the season, the Tigers would have to pay a buyout of at least 12.9 million dollars.

A man from Thibodaux was arrested for allegedly using a spare key to enter a woman’s home and watch her take a shower. Thibodaux PD says 21-year-old Brandon Polkey knew a mutual friend of the victim and he knew where she kept a spare key. The victim told cops she was showering then noticed Polkey was watching her. He is charged with unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and peeping tom.

 

12:30 Newscast, November 18th, 2015

LSU Coach Les Miles says there’s no added pressure to win, despite a published report suggesting he could be fired if they lose their last two games. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A day after suspending his presidential campaign, Governor Bobby Jindal held a news conference in Baton Rouge Wednesday and said he promises to deliver a detailed budget plan that addresses Louisiana’s deficit, but doesn’t raise taxes. He added he plans to stay in Baton Rouge once he leaves his post at the end of the year.

According to officials with Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge, a gun threat came in because they help Syrian refugees resettle in Louisiana. State Police Col Mike Edmonson says a phone call came in from out of state and they are taking it very seriously…:
CUT 9 (06) “making threats”
As concerns over the Syrian refugee situation continue to grow, Edmonson says several other Catholic Charities in other states have also received threats and that’s unacceptable.

Folks will be preparing for the Thanksgiving Holidays in a week and vacationing motorists will enjoy low gas prices. In Louisiana, the statewide average for a gallon of regular is just $1.94 according to the American Automobile Association.