The person of interest in the brutal death of Baton Rouge therapist Doctor William Abraham was taken into custody in Texas Tuesday night. Authorities say 20-year-old Terryon Thomas known as Mr. Prada by his Tik Tok followers was apprehended in Dallas and faces extradition back to Louisiana. It’s unclear what role if any Thomas played in Abraham’s death. Abraham’s body was found along a highway wrapped in a tarp in Tangipahoa Parish on Sunday. The coroner’s office says the Doctor Abraham was beaten before he died.

Beginning January 1st, thanks to a new federal policy, phone calls to and from Louisiana jails and prisons will drop dramatically from 25 cents per minute to six cents per minute. Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell welcomes the change, saying sheriffs were taking advantage, motivated by just one thing.

Cut 15 (10) “…G-R-E-E-D, greed.”

A small business group is reacting to Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Publisher of LaPolitics dot com, Jeremy Alfred says though Landry’s fellow Republicans have a supermajority in the legislature, getting this tax reform plan passed is not a foregone conclusion and business groups will have their lobbyists out in full force…

Cut 9 (11)  “…their own turf.”

As of this morning, Union Dock Workers are on strike and if it lasts a week, it could cost nearly $3.8 billion according to industry estimates. UNO Economics Professor Walter Lane says the fallout would likely impact multiple sectors of the economy with consumers seeing higher prices and fewer available products.

Cut 14 (09) “…a lot of people.”

Beginning today, a person could face a five-thousand-dollar fine or up to five years in prison for possessing mifepristone and misoprostol without a prescription.  Opponents have expressed concern this will negatively impact the health care of pregnant women, but Attorney General Liz Murrill says this is fearmongering from the pro-abortion activists…

Cut 9 (09)  “…for women.”

Facing a 700-million-dollar budget shortfall, Governor Landry unveils his tax reform plan in a news conference at the Capitol. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Southeastern Louisiana University celebrates its 100th year. A big celebration in the Student Union breezeway  University President William Wainwright says you’ll be able to drink to the milestone too!

Cut 5 (05) “…few short weeks.”

The celebration was originally scheduled for the middle of September, but Hurricane Francine forced those plans to change.

Governor Landry will be calling lawmakers back to Baton Rouge for a special session next month to take up his tax reform plan that he says would close most of a 700-million-dollar budget shortfall. He calls his plan Driving Louisiana Forward and says it would increase the take-home pay for all Louisiana taxpayers.

Cut 6 (14) “…to 12,500 dollars.”

The law reclassifying the abortion drugs Mifepristone and Misoprostol as controlled, dangerous substances goes into effect today making possession illegal without a valid prescription.  Attorney General Liz Murrill says securing medications that can and have been abused isn’t new…

Cut 10 (08) “…emergency situation.”

Illegal possession could cost one a five-thousand-dollar fine or up to five years in prison

Union dockworkers went on strike this morning at ports across the country.  Experts say we could see similar supply chain issues like we did during Covid.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Happy 100^th to Southeastern Louisiana University. President William Wainwright says in that century SLU has awarded tens of thousands of degrees.

Cut 4 (11) “…our centennial year.”

Union dockworkers hit the picket lines early this morning, including those at the Port of Baton Rouge and the Port of New Orleans. UNO Economic Professor Walter Lane says prolonged work stoppage could significantly impact the U.S. economy, potentially raising the cost of consumer goods and causing shortages ahead of the holiday season.

Cut 12 (11) “…saw in Covid.”

Beginning today, a person could face a five-thousand-dollar fine or up to five years in prison for possessing mifepristone and misoprostol without a prescription. Opponents, argue that it may delay access to medications with other medical uses. Attorney General Liz Murril says the law includes protections.

Cut 11 (11) “…violating federal law.”

Governor Landry unveils his tax reform plan that he says would close most of a 700-million-dollar budget shortfall. He says he plans to tax lobbying services, eliminate some tax breaks and impose new sales taxes on services that are currently not taxed, like house cleaning, pet grooming and TV streaming services.

Cut 8 (11) “…forms.”

Landry will be calling lawmakers back to Baton Rouge for a special session next month to take up his tax reform plan.

Southeastern Louisiana University celebrates a major milestone today – its 100th year. University President William Wainwright says SLU has come a long way in one century.

Cut 3 (08) “…of higher education.”

Good Morning America anchor and SLU Alum, Robin Roberts joins the celebration in the Student Union breezeway via video message.

We could see another named storm in the Gulf of Mexico later this week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says this will be a slow developing system…

Cut 8 (11) “…forms.”

Keim says it’s also too early to tell where the storm will go.

The Louisiana Fire Service has been mobilized to support rescue and recovery operations in South Carolina following Hurricane Helene. An Incident Support Team (IST) and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams from Louisiana arrived last week. Baton Rouge Fire Chief Mike Kimble says some team members will work in the state’s Emergency Operations Center, and others will directly engage in rescue operations.

Cut 3 (11) “…this  county.”

Many Louisianians are waiting on word of a special session on insurance reform. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A 5-year-old died and a ten-year-old suffered severe injuries in a crash Claiborne Parish over the weekend. State Trooper Eddie Thomas says 31-year-old Jordan Burton of Homer crossed the centerline on Highway 146 and hit another car. Neither child was properly restrained, and the 10-year-old child was in the front passenger seat of Burton’s SUV. Thomas says impairment of Burton is suspected…

Cut 13 (12) “…investigation.” 

The body of a Baton Rouge man was found rolled in a tarp along Highway 51 between Fluker and the Village of Tangipahoa Sunday morning. A passerby traveling along the highway first reported a suspicious rolled-up tarp on the side of the road. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff deputies responded and discovered the body of 69-year-old William Nicholas Abraham. Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s office reports the cause of death as homicide by blunt force trauma.

A 5-year-old was killed and a ten-year-old injured over the weekend in a two-vehicle crash in Claiborne Parish. Investigators say impairment is a factor in the wreck and both children were improperly restrained. State Trooper Eddie Thomas says 31-year-old Jordan Burton of Homer crossed the centerline on Louisiana Highway 146 hitting another car. Thomas says proper restraints can often be the difference between life and death in serious crashes.

Cut 14 (07) “…to turn.”

There’s the possibility of another named storm in the Gulf of Mexico this week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the National Hurricane Center is watching a disorganized area of low pressure in the western Caribbean that has a medium chance of developing into at least a tropical depression. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 6 (09) “…anybody’s guess.”

Louisiana has some of the highest property and auto insurance rates in the country and many are hoping for a special legislative session to address them. Chairman of the House Insurance Committee, Pollack Representative Gabe Firment says there’s little the legislature can do to lower insurance rates short of making Louisiana a more attractive state for business, but he says any insurance reform discussion should focus on families and small business owners who have to make tough choices to afford their insurance premiums.

Cut 11 (12) “…can be successful.”

United Way of Southwest Louisiana is partnering with their counterparts in Tallahassee to provide relief for the people impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Cut 12 (12) “…Florida are today.”

United Way of Southwest Louisiana President and CEO Denise Durel says the people of Florida could use your help.

As Amazon opens its first fulfillment center in Shreveport, Paige Carter, the chief development officer at Louisiana Economic Development, says Amazon currently employs more than three-thousand people throughout the state and those are just the direct jobs.

Cut 11 (10) “…around our state.”

She says Amazon has also partnered with community schools to set up career pipelines.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Poverty Point World Heritage site in Pioneer this Saturday with a ranger-led hike.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The LSU Tigers take on South Alabama Saturday night as about a three-touchdown favorite. The Jaguars are 2-and-2 scoring 135 points in their last two games and that has the attention of Coach Brian Kelly and the players…

Cut 7 (08) “…they have.”

Kick off on Saturday is at 6:45 and the weather should be perfect for a night game in Tiger Stadium.

Three suspects are in custody for their alleged involvement in a shooting that left an 18-year-old girl dead in May. The Ruston Police Department says Haleei Newton was in a vehicle that was shot on I-20 on May 25. She was taken to a hospital at the time of the shooting and later died there. 19-year-old Jamion James, 18-year-old Emmanuel Seals, Jr. and 18-year-old Earnest Chatman are being held in the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.

United Way of Southwest Louisiana is partnering with their counterparts in Tallahassee to provide relief after Hurricane Helene. President and CEO Denise Durel says the people of Florida could use your help and the best thing you can donate is cash.

Cut 14 (05) “…in-kind as well.”

Contributions can be made on United Way of Southwest Louisiana’s website, by texting UNITEDGULF – one word – to 40403.

Amazon’s investment in Louisiana continues with the opening of its new massive fulfillment center in Shreveport.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Poverty Point World Heritage Site in Pioneer celebrates National Public Lands Day Saturday. Site Manager Mark Brink says they’re starting with a guided hike exploring the ancient mounds and earthworks and highlighting the historical and natural significance of the site. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves to the two-hour trek to help pick up litter along the trail. The weather should be beautiful for the hike that begins at the museum at 10:00 AM.

Cut 6 (07) “…of Earthworks.”

Amazon opens its first fulfillment center in Shreveport. The five-floor 2.5-million-square-foot facility is expected to serve three-million customer shipments per week. Paige Carter, the chief development officer at Louisiana Economic Development, says Amazon currently employs more than three-thousand people throughout the state.

Cut 10 (14) “…positioned for tomorrow.”

United Way of Southwest Louisiana President and CEO Denise Durel says the people of Florida need help after Hurricane Helene and she’s asking Louisianans to contribute as the Southwest Louisiana chapter partners with the Tallahassee chapter.

Cut 13 (08) “…neighbors in Florida.” 

The weather should be perfect for a night game in Tiger Stadium as LSU takes on South Alabama who are averaging 48 points a game and close to 8 yards per play. The Tigers have had a hard time giving up big plays and Coach Brian Kelly wants his defense to play fundamentally sound, especially in the secondary…

Cut 8 (09) “…better back there.”

Kick off on Saturday is at 6:45.

The Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival returns to downtown New Iberia this weekend.  Festivalgoers will also enjoy the wonderful weather and Sugarcane Festival President Lisa Norris says there’s a variety of activities, including parades, carnival rides, and livestock shows.

Cut 3 (09) “…farmers.”

As Louisiana’s top sugarcane-producing region, Iberia Parish is the ideal host for this annual event.

Three suspects are in custody, arrested for their alleged involvement in a Ruston shooting that left an 18-year-old girl dead in May. The Ruston Police Department says Haleei Newton was in a vehicle that was shot on I-20 on May 25. She was taken to a hospital at the time of the shooting and later died there. 19-year-old Jamion James, 18-year-old Emmanuel Seals, Jr. and 18-year-old Earnest Chatman were arrested Thursday and charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.

In Lake Charles, United Way of Southwest Louisiana is partnering with their counterparts in Tallahassee to provide relief for the people impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Cut 12 (12) “…Florida are today.”

United Way of Southwest Louisiana President and CEO Denise Durel says the people of Florida could use your help and she says the very best thing you can donate is cash.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Poverty Point World Heritage site in Pioneer this Saturday at 10 AM with a ranger-led hike.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Amazon opens its first fulfillment center in Shreveport. Paige Carter, the chief development officer at Louisiana Economic Development, says this is the culmination of the cooperation of a lot of entities.

Cut 9 (13)  “…in our communities.”

The five-floor 2.5-million-square-foot facility is expected to serve three-million customer shipments per week.