With two special sessions already planned, this year will be a busy year politically. A new governor and legislature are set to take over in less than a week. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…

Cut 10 (10) “…behind him”

Pinsonat says property insurance reform, education, and the budget will also be big issues in the regular session which begins on March 11th.

The American Red Cross is making a call to action for more volunteers in the Bayou State in 2024. Regional Volunteer Services Officer Rebecca Merritt says volunteers are critical in responding to disasters.

Cut 3 (12) “…keep happening.”

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.”

An early morning shooting on New Year’s Day in Lafayette has left one person dead. Authorities responded to reports of shots fired around 3:30 a.m. in the 800 block of Martin Luther King Jr Drive. When officers arrived on the scene, one victim was found in the road with apparent gunshot wounds. Lafayette Police are asking the public to contact them or Lafayette Crime Stoppers if you have any information.

Come January Eighth, Republicans will have a supermajority in both the Louisiana House and Senate, but Political Analyst Bernie 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.” 

2024 is bringing a significant tax change for Louisiana businesses. Tax Expert for Advantous, Jason DeCuir says the new sales tax collection system with Uniform Local Sales Tax Boards is not perfect but it’s simpler for businesses and should improve collection.

Cut 14 (11) “…right direction.”

If you find you’ve failed to keep your New Year’s resolution, LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says 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.

The American Red Cross is making a call to action for more volunteers in Louisiana. Regional Volunteer Services Officer Rebecca 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.”

For more information visit www dot redcross dot org forward slash Louisiana.

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…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 new year is bringing a significant tax change. Tax Expert for Advantous, Jason DeCuir says after the Wayfair 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”

If giving of your time is your New Year’s resolution, Regional Volunteer Services Officer Rebecca Merritt says the American Red Cross needs your help. 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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

The federal government is giving Louisiana the authority to issue permits and provide oversight for wells that store carbon dioxide. The Edwards administration has been working to make Louisiana a major player as a hub for Carbon Caputure and Sequestration…which takes carbon dioxide from industrial sources out of the air and storing it deep underground in a well.  Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Patrick Courreges says Louisiana now has the power to approve these wells…

Cut 13 (09) “…a lot.” 

Four boaters were saved from a sinking 40 foot fishing boat on Lake Borgne early yesterday morning. St. Tammany Parish authorities say Marine deputies and the U-s Coast Guard were called in to help with the rescue. All four people on the boat were taken to local hospitals for treatment for exposure to the cold weather.

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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. John Nickelson lost the November 18th election by one vote, but a lower court judge ordered a new election after several questionable votes were counted. The election will be held March 23^rd with the presidential primary so political analyst John Hughes says that should favor Hughes who’s a republican.

Cut 8 (09) “…vote race.” 

In Ouachita Parish, a four-year-old was killed in a fatal crash Thursday afternoon. It happened on Highway 546. Trooper Ryan Davis says Bentley Whittlesey was rushed to a local hospital but did not survive…

Cut 4 (12) “…his injuries.”

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

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 
Sad news out of Ouachita Parish where four year old Bentley Whittlesey was killed in a fatal crash. Trooper Ryan Davis says routine toxicology samples were taken on both drivers, however…

Cut 5 (06) “ …this crash.” 

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If you’ll be ringing in the new year with fireworks at home, the State Fire Marshall’s office is reminding us all to put safety first. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue suggests having a water source nearby in case of emergency or fire. She reminds adults to never give children fireworks, even sparklers.

Cut 11 (13) “…and bracelets.”

The LSU Tigers won easily over Northwestern State last night. Will Baker had 17 points as the LSU downed the Demons 96-55. LSU will open SEC play a week from tonight against Texas A-and-M.

And the seventh-ranked Lady Tigers get one last tune-up before SEC play as LSU hosts Jacksonville at 7 PM.

If you plan to ring in the new year with fireworks, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind us all that safety comes first. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the safest route is to attend a public display where professionals are handling the pyrotechnics. But if you’re going to be purchasing fireworks yourself…

Cut 10 (12) “…set ablaze.”

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. 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.”  

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The State Supreme Court has decided NOT to hear Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal to keep his one-vote victory in the run-off election. Here’s Brooke Thorington.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Four boaters were saved from a sinking 40 foot fishing boat on Lake Borgne early yesterday morning. St. Tammany Parish authorities say Marine deputies and the U-s Coast Guard were called in to help with the rescue. All four people on the boat were taken to local hospitals for treatment for exposure to the cold weather.

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.”

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

Cut 3 (12) “…serious injuries.”

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 the best way to enjoy fireworks safely is to attend a public display where professionals are handling the pyrotechnics.

Louisiana is having one of the worst flu seasons of any state. Friday afternoon, the Louisiana Health Department released its latest weekly flu report. It shows about 14% of people who sought emergency medical caring In Louisiana during the week ending December 23^rd, did so because of flu like illness. Experts say the best way to protect yourself is still making sure you wash your hands regularly.