The National Retail Federation is forecasting record-setting spending for Valentine’s Day. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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Check out the DEQ website for an interactive map that shows the swim and fish advisories for 58 bodies of water statewide…
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You couldn’t tell from how quiet the campaigns have been, but we’re only eight months away from voting for Louisiana’s next governor…
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According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend $20.7 billion for Valentine’s Day. Fewer Americans are spending money on Valentine’s Day compared to other years, but NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says those that are making purchases are spending enough money to make it a record-breaking year.
Cut 4 (04) “…and spending more.”
Cullen says people are budgeting to spend on average $162 this year, with men being the big spenders.
Cut 5 (08) “…planning to spend.
Cullen says animals are also reaping the benefits of the holiday.
Cut 6 (10) “…more than doubled.”
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The Department of Environmental Quality has an online, interactive map on it’s website that lets anglers see the fish consumption and swimming advisories for rivers, lakes, and bayous in Louisiana. DEQ Scientist Al Hindrichs says it’s an intuitive tool, and gives a comprehensive look at the advisories for 58 bodies of water statewide.
Two of the advisories warn against both swimming and fishing and two other warn only against swimming, but the majority are warnings about contaminants in the fish. Hindrichs says once you see the advisories, click the icons because each area has its own, unique, restrictions.
The advisory also lets you know how many servings of the contaminated fish would be safe to eat.
A quick survey of the site showed a vast majority of the warnings were related to one problem area for fish: mercury. Hindrichs says the state has once again begun extensive mercury testing in it’s waters to get a clearer picture of just how contaminated our waterways are.
Hindrichs notes the majority of the mercury poisoning is not from one source, but from general atmospheric contamination.
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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 Alto Congressman Ralph Abraham. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the race has been quiet so far, but is set to blast off soon.
Cut 10 (08) “…they’re spending”
Candidates have already begun their social media campaigns, with all three candidates sporting an active campaign page Facebook page and accompanying paid ads on the site.
It’s a governor’s race in an off year, no federal races will be on the ballot, but it comes just a year before a 2020 national election that will be in full swing by the time Louisiana voters visit the ballot box in fall. Pinsonat says expect the national climate to bleed over and mix with local issues.
The 2015 cycle saw Democrat and now Governor Edwards upset Louisiana Republican kingmaker David Vitter in a campaign that focused on a series of scandals that plagued the end of Vitter’s tenure in Washington. Pinsonat says expect a more policy focused race this time around.
If no candidate receives over 50 percent of the vote in the fall primary, the top two will head to a run-off in December.
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Following the popularity of The Chute at Tiger Stadium, LSU baseball fans can now look forward to The Yard. The Yard is composed of two areas around Alex Box Stadium where fans can purchase and consume beer and wine during games so long as they are at least 21 and have purchased a wristband for the area. Sr. Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says the area comes in response to fans to enjoy alcohol as part of their game day experience.
Putting the area outside of the stadium along with the restricted entry keeps the school in compliance with SEC regulations.
Munson says fans don’t have to worry about missing any action while hanging out in The Yard.
Munson says The Yard will be ready to endure whatever the Louisiana weather may throw out it.
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19th ranked LSU faces its biggest test of the season tonight when they face 5th ranked Kentucky in Lexington at 6 PM. Both teams are tied for second in the SEC with 9-and-1 conference records. Coach Will Wade says Kentucky head man John Calipari has the Wildcats playing some tough defense..
Wade says LSU will need to do the little things in order to win tonight…
LSU has made a habit of getting behind by double digits and then roaring back to win games. Wade says that recipe will likely not work tonight