The race for the governor’s mansion is now just eight months away, with incumbent Democrat John Bel Edwards currently set to face off in a jungle primary against Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone and Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the race has been quiet so far, but that will change soon…
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Qualifying for the race is in early August.

The state department of environmental quality has posted an interactive map on its website that will let the public know about which bodies of water are safe to swim in and whether it’s safe to eat the fish. DEQ Scientist Al Hindrichs says a vast majority of the warnings are for mercury…
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Hindrichs notes the majority of the mercury poisoning is not from one source, but from general atmospheric contamination.

Governor John Bel Edwards seven-day trip to Israel last fall cost 100-thousand dollars in taxpayer money according to a NOLA-dot-com report. Edwards met with Israeli government leaders, cyber-security experts and participated in other activities.

The National Retail Federation is forecasting record-setting spending for Valentine’s Day. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
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