Today the Federal Communications Commission will implement nationwide regulations establishing just and reasonable charges for calls to and from incarcerated individuals.  Jeff Palermo has more.

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A new report from the Committee of 100 shows signs of economic growth, but some challenges lurk ahead. Colleen Crain reports.

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If you’ve made losing weight your new year’s resolution, you’re not alone. Andrew Greenstein has some tips to make that resolution successful.

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After years of paying excessive rates to communicate with incarcerated loved ones, Louisiana families will soon find relief. Starting today, the Federal Communications Commission will implement nationwide regulations establishing just and reasonable charges for calls to and from incarcerated individuals. PSC Commissioner Foster Campbell says in Louisiana, call rates will drop from 25 cents per minute to as low as 6 cents.

Cut 4 (14) “…a great thing.”

Campbell highlighted the long-standing issue, saying Louisiana families have for years been charged outrageously high rates and unauthorized fees.

Cut 5 (15) “…people operating them”

An investigation led by Campbell in 2011 revealed that the rates for inmate phone calls in Louisiana averaged 30 times higher than those for calls made outside correctional facilities with Sheriff’s receiving 40 to 50- percent commissions from inmate phone calls. Campbell says with the new law it’s a great day.

Cut 6 (09) “…talk to their children.”

These changes aim to alleviate the financial burden on families while ensuring fair communication costs.

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A new report from the Committee of 100 shows both signs of economic growth and challenges ahead. CEO Adam Knapp says Louisiana gained thousands of jobs over the course of 2024.

Cut 7 (09) “…in for December.” (Nearly 20,000 jobs created)

Knapp says he expects that economic growth to continue into 2025, thanks in large part to the tax reform package that the legislature passed in November.

Cut 8 (12) “…for the state.”

And the legislature got rid of some taxes that other states do not impose, including the inventory tax and the corporate franchise tax. All that said, Knapp says the state still needs to address some challenges that exist, such as the high poverty rate.

Cut 9 (10)  “…to focus on.”

Knapp says while inflation is certainly up in Louisiana and coast to coast, wages have increased by about 25-percent statewide in the last five years – more so in North Louisiana than in South Louisiana.

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A new year is upon us; and with that, scores of new year’s resolutions to lose weight. Normally, those resolutions are out the window by January 3rd. But there are some things that you can do to actually be successful in your weight loss endeavor. Candida Rebello, the director of the nutrition and chronic disease program at LSU, says when choosing foods, look for foods that are low in energy density – those are foods that have high dietary fiber content and high water content.

Cut 10 (15) “…without adding calories.”

Rebello says people tend to eat based on the size of the portion and not by the calorie content. So for the same 100 calories, you can eat a large portion of some foods or a tiny portion of others.

Cut 11 (13) “…lot more food.”

Rebello says when choosing grains, choose whole grains, since they will be high in dietary fiber.

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LSU football ends its season on a high note, beating Baylor in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl, 44-31. Garrett Nussmeier had a big day, completing 24 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns were caught by Trey’Dez Green, who caught six passes for 53 yards. Coach Brian Kelly said the freshman Green’s preparation paid off.

Cut 13 (12)  “…attached tight end.”

Green wasn’t the only freshman who had a big game. Kelly praised the freshmen who contributed on defense, including linebacker Tylen Singleton, safety Dashawn Spears and cornerback Javien Toviano – and he said they’re prepared for the future.

Cut 14 (16) “…a healthy roster.”

Linebacker Whit Weeks was carted off late in the first half with a gruesome ankle injury. Kelly addressed his prognosis after the game.

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With the win, LSU ends its season with a record of 9-and-4.

If you plan on popping off fireworks, the State Fire Marshal’s office is urging you to do so in the safest way possible. That means detonating devices 200 feet away from structures and vehicles. Never allowing children to light fireworks, lighting devices one at a time; and Deputy Chief Nick Heinen says never use fireworks while impaired.

Cut 3 (08) “…Happy New Year.” 

Louisiana steps onto the worldwide stage tomorrow morning at the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the state’s float features all the unique things that make Louisiana such a special place to live.

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Backed with an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump, Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is confident he will be re-elected as House Speaker. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is departing Congress after nearly a decade, choosing not to run for reelection due to redistricting that significantly altered his constituency.

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Louisiana Fourth District Congressman Mike Johnson wants to remain Speaker of the U-S House and his chances of being re-elected improved with President elect Donald Trump’s endorsement.  A new Congress will be sworn in on Friday and that’s when the U-S House will vote on the Speaker. A serious challenger to Johnson has not emerged…

Cut 11 (08) “…get the votes.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is departing Congress after nearly a decade. He focused on practical infrastructure and disaster recovery projects rather than high-profile legislation. His accomplishments include the Red Snapper regulation returned to the state, using technology to comply with the Privacy Act, and upgrades to Baton Rouge-area highways like the Washington Street exit.

Cut 13 (08)  “…new terrace exit.”

Louisiana steps onto the worldwide stage tomorrow with a float at the Tournament of Roses Parade. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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Tonight, New Year’s revelers will fire off fireworks to ring in the new year. State Fire Marshal Deputy Chief Nick Heinen says to ensure a safe celebration, set up a Safety Zone.  Use stakes, twine, or decorations to mark a safe area away from the fireworks display.

Cut 5 (09) “…like that.”

After nearly a decade, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is departing Congress and he recently reflected on accomplishments including the Red Snapper regulation returned to the state, using technology to comply with the Privacy Act, and relieving interstate traffic coming off the Mississippi River Bridge by upgrading interstate roadways like the I-10 Washington Street exit.

Cut 14 (11) “…truly deserves.”

In a social media post, President Elect Donald Trump said Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man who will do the right thing. Johnson told News Radio 710 KEEL in Shreveport that Trump’s complete and total endorsement will certainly help his chances to be re-elected  as Speaker of the House.

Cut 10 (13) “…the line.”

Louisiana rides in the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day. And what better way to showcase the float, “Louisiana Saturday Night” than with a rendition of a song by that same title! Timothy Wayne, who’s currently studying at LSU released his version of the hit earlier this month, and he will be on the float performing that song in front of a worldwide television audience. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says it will be a very proud moment for Wayne, for LSU and for the State of Louisiana.

Cut 8 (07) “…this young man.”

The Parade airs at ten a.m. on NBC and ABC and Timothy Wayne will be featured in the first hour.

Fireworks are part of many New Year’s celebrations and a recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that fireworks-related injuries are on the rise across the U.S. Nick Heinen with the State Fire Marshall’s office says only buy fireworks from certified fireworks retailers.

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Backed with an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump, Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is confident he will be re-elected as House Speaker. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is departing Congress after nearly a decade, choosing not to run for reelection due to redistricting that significantly altered his constituency.

Cut 12 (09) “…that we have.”

Just one more day before Louisiana steps onto the worldwide stage at the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has been hands-on in the design and construction of the float, which ties in beautifully with this year’s theme.

Cut 6 (09) “…is Saturday night.”

The Tournament of Roses Parade airs tomorrow morning at ten on NBC and ABC. Tune in early, the float and Timothy Wayne will be featured sometime in the first hour.

Tonight is a big night for fireworks and the State Fire Marshal’s office is urging everyone to enjoy them in the safest way possible. That means detonating devices 200 feet away from structures and vehicles. Never allowing children to light fireworks, lighting devices one at time and Deputy Chief Nick Heinen says never use fireworks while impaired…

Cut 3 (09) “…Happy New Year.”

A recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that fireworks-related injuries are on the rise across the country.

Louisiana Republican Congressman Mike Johnson says President-elect Donald Trump’s endorsement of him for House Speaker was supposed to come on New Year’s Day, but Johnson told News Radio 710 KEEL in Shreveport he wanted the endorsement to come earlier.

Cut 9 (12)  “…so he did,”

Because the GOP has a razor thin majority in the House, Johnson’s re-election as House Speaker is not a guarantee.

LSU looks to cap off its 2024 season with a win today in Houston against the Baylor Bears in the Texas Bowl. Linebacker Greg Penn says getting a win would be a great way to wrap up 2024.

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Kickoff from N-R-G Stadium is at 2:30 this afternoon.

Louisiana steps onto the worldwide stage tomorrow with a float at the Tournament of Roses Parade. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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Several new laws will take effect with the new year. Businesses need to clearly mark on packaging or the menu if the shrimp or crawfish they are selling is foreign. Those on unemployment, can receive benefits up to 20 weeks instead of 26. And a new law going into effect will give homeowners insurance companies the ability to drop policies that are more than three years old. Supporters say it will increase competition, but consumer advocates are concerned.

2024 ends today and one of the biggest stories in Louisiana this year was the huge economic development announcement earlier this month in Richland Parish. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, officially announced its building a ten-billion-dollar artificial data center in Rayville. During a press conference on December fourth, Governor Landry called Meta’s investment a game changer for Louisiana…

Cut 7 (08) “….this year”

Louisiana Fourth District Congressman Mike Johnson wants to remain Speaker of the U-S House and his chances of being re-elected improved with President elect Donald Trump’s endorsement.  A new Congress will be sworn in on Friday and that’s when the U-S House will vote on Speaker. A serious challenger to Johnson has not emerged…

Cut 11 (08) “…get the votes.”

A 61-year-old Baton Rouge hunter is dead after he was shot by another hunter over the weekend in the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Captain Will Roberts says the hunter told investigators he was shooting at a deer when a bullet from his 45 caliber rifle fatally struck Roberto Garcia…

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As of now, no charges have been filed.

Tonight, New Year’s revelers will fire off fireworks to ring in the new year. State Fire Marshal Deputy Chief Nick Heinen says to ensure a safe celebration, set up a Safety Zone.  Use stakes, twine, or decorations to mark a safe area away from the fireworks display.

Cut 5 (09) “…like that.”

Mike Johnson’s re-election as House speaker is not a sure thing. Johnson told News Radio 710 KEEL in Shreveport that Trump’s complete and total endorsement will certainly help his chances.

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Johnson can afford to lose only one Republican vote, and Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie has publicly stated that he will not vote for him.

If you’re planning on shooting off fireworks to ring in the new year, use your head so that you don’t lose any limbs. Deputy Chief Nick Heinen with the State Fire Marshal’s Office urges you only to buy fireworks from certified retailers.

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For the second time in as many weeks, a hunter is accidentally shot by another hunter; and this time, it had deadly consequences. Captain Will Roberts with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 61-year-old Roberto Garcia of Baton Rouge was shot and killed by another hunter while the two were hunting on the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood.

Cut 13 (12)  “…the property hunting.”

2024 is drawing to a close, so it’s time to prepare for filing your tax return. Cloreece Davis Knight, the owner of Knight CPA Services, says hiring a tax professional can guide you through complex tax situations, giving you peace of mind.

Cut 12 (11) “…no knowledge about.”