It’s New Year’s Day and if you want to keep your resolutions this year, Brooke Thorington has some advice from a professional.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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2024 is here and Louisiana’s new Legislature will get to work soon on redrawing the state’s Congressional map. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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If you’re looking for a way to give back in the new year, the American Red Cross is making a call to action for more volunteers in Louisiana. Regional Volunteer Services Officer Rebecca Merritt says the need for more volunteers to help respond to disasters in the Bayou State has never been greater.

Cut 3 (12) “…keep happening.”

The American Red Cross has responded to nearly twice as many large disasters across the country as it did a decade ago.

Merritt says more than 900 people voluntarily give time to help the Louisiana Red Cross. In the last year, she says volunteers responded to more than 16 hundred local disasters.

Cut 4 (13) “…Cross going.”

Volunteers have helped serve more than five thousand meals to Louisianans who were seeking shelter from severe weather, severe heat, and wildfires.

Merritt says 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce is made up of volunteers. She says there are lots of different disaster-related volunteer roles.

Cut 5 (12) “…as well.”

Take action by lending a hand to the Louisiana Red Cross by visiting www dot redcross dot org forward slash Louisiana.

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It’s New Year’s Day and the beginning of 2024 resolutions. In order to avoid a setback, LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says choose realistic resolutions, let them be things you can control, and have a support group.

Cut 6 (08) “…positive future.”

The pandemic and long-term isolation raised awareness about its links to depression. Bailey says having positive support in your life increases your chances of being more likely to keep your resolutions.

Cut 7 (09) “…very beneficial.”

Bailey recommends joining or participating in group activities that involve hobbies you enjoy. At the same time, you’ll meet people with shared interests.

And when you do find that you’ve failed to keep your resolution, remember you can always start over again, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Cut 8 (06) “…in our lives.” 

If you or someone you care for is having a mental crisis you can call 9-8-8 for free counseling and guidance to local resources.

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2024 promises to be a busy year politically with a new governor and legislature set to take over on January 8th. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says two special sessions are planned. Pinsonat says a special session to redraw a new Congressional map will begin January 15th and a criminal justice reform session is expected to take place in February…

Cut 9 (06)  “…serious outcomes.”

Pinsonat says after the two special sessions, a three-month-long regular session begins on March 11th. He says property insurance reform, education, and the budget will be big issues in the regular session…

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Republicans will have a supermajority in both the House and Senate, but Pinsonat says this will not be a lost year for Democrats. He says they will likely have a new Congressional map that would provide the opportunity for two Democrats to be elected to Congress in November or in a December runoff

Cut 11 (09) “…for em.” 

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A significant tax change takes place with the start of the new year. Tax Expert for Advantous, Jason DeCuir says Louisiana is moving to a Uniform Local Sales Tax Board to collect taxes from businesses, instead of the Parish E-File System which DeCuir calls one of the most complex collection systems in the country.

Cut 12 (11) “…local government.” 

DeCuir says after the Wayfare lawsuits, new federal rules regarding sales tax collection require states to have a simple centralized collection method. He says the state’s previous fragmented system cost Louisiana uncollected revenue from remote online businesses…

Cut 13 (12) “…remitting to Louisiana”

DeCuir says the new sales tax collection system is not perfect but it’s moving in the right direction

Cut 14 (11) “…right direction.” 

The State Supreme Court has opted on a five to two vote not to hear Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal to keep his one-vote victory in the run-off election. Brooke Thorington has more.

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The U-S EPA is giving Louisiana the authority to approve permits for underground storage of carbon dioxide. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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In Ouachita Parish, four-year-old Bentley Whittlesey was killed in a fatal crash involving two vehicles. Trooper Ryan Davis says the child was a passenger in a Toyota Corolla that slammed into a Ford pickup truck on Highway 546 Thursday afternoon.

Cut 3 (12) “…serious injuries.”

Davis says Bentley Whittlesey was rushed to a local hospital but did not survive…

Cut 4 (12) “…his injuries.”

Davis 27-year-old Kaytlin Whittlesey, the driver of the Toyota, and the driver of the Ford received minor injuries. He says routine toxicology samples were taken, however…

Cut 5 (06) “ …this crash.” 

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The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will not hear Caddo Parish sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal, so there will be another run-off election between Whitehorn and John Nickelson. Political Analyst Scott Hughes…

Cut 6 (12) “…new election.”

Nickelson lost the November 18th election by one vote, but a lower court judge ordered a new election after several questionable votes were counted. Hughes expects an intense re-do election…

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The election will be held on March 23rd and early voting begins March 9th. Hughes says the presidential primary will also be on the ballot, so that should favor the Republican in the race, John Nickelson…

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The election will be on March 23^rd with the presidential primary.

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If you plan to start the New Year with a bang, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind you of some simple tips regarding fireworks safety. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says to make sure there are no fireworks restrictions in your parish.

Cut 9 (09) “…our state.” 

Rodrigue says it’s best to attend a public display where professionals are handling the pyrotechnics. But if you are going to be purchasing fireworks…

Cut 10 (12) “…set ablaze.”

Rodrigue suggests having a water source nearby in case of any type of emergency or fire. Also, do not pop fireworks when impaired because it slows your reaction time. She reminds adults to never give children fireworks, even sparklers.

Cut 11 (13) “…and bracelets.”

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The federal government is giving Louisiana the authority to issue permits and provide oversight for wells that store carbon dioxide. Officials call it a monumental step in advancing the state’s energy future as it looks to become a leader in the carbon capture industry. Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Patrick Courreges says they’ve been waiting for the U-S EPA to give them this power…

Cut 12 (10)  “…or denial.”  

The Edwards administration has been working to make Louisiana a major player as a hub for Carbon Caputure and Sequestration. It’s taking carbon dioxide from industrial sources out of the air and storing it deep underground in a well. Courreges says Louisiana now has the power to approve these wells…

Cut 13 (09) “…a lot.” 

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, LABI, and Senator Bill Cassidy all released statements saying that Louisiana receiving primacy over the permitting and regulation of wells will lead to economic growth. Courreges says there are a lot of businesses interested in underground sequestration of carbon dioxide in Louisiana…

Cut  14 (08) “..in Louisiana”