Cupid is doing his part to stimulate the economy this Valentine’s Day. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Lenten season starts today and there should be plenty of seafood in the Bayou State for Catholics who have to ditch meat. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The Louisiana Department of Insurance holds a two-day hearing starting today on the controversial proposed sale of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to Elevance Health of Indiana. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Love is in the air and it’s making a dent in the economy with a record $25.8 billion expected to be spent on Valentine’s gifts this year. That’s according to the National Retail Federation and Vice President of Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen that’s the third highest among in their survey’s history.

Cut 4 (05) “…partner.”

That’s $14.2 billion expected to be spent on significant others.

Consumers plan to spend on average $186 for Valentine’s Day this year, that’s up almost $8 more than the average spending over the last five years.

Cullen says lovers will be spending the most on jewelry or an evening out.

Cut 5 (08) “…greeting cards.” 

And the age group that plans to celebrate more than any other age group, Cupid says it’s ages 25 to 34, or 62-percent of consumers.

And it’s not just cards, flowers, and jewelry, Cullen says about a third of consumers plan to gift an experience to their special someone.

Cut 6 (12) “…painting class.”

And the NRF says among those not celebrating Valentine’s Day, 29% still plan to mark the occasion by either treating themselves to something special or planning a get-together with other single friends or family members.

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Today is the first day of Lent season for the Catholic community and that means steering clear of red meat and consuming more seafood. Owner of Harlon’s LA Fish in Kenner Harlon Pearce says the 2024 crawfish season is not going to be great in terms of supply and prices due to last years drought.

Cut 7 (11) “…have crawfish.”

Many Louisiana crawfish farmers produced zero crawfish, while others did not have quite an average production due to the drought.

For Catholics, tonight’s dinner is probably going to consist of some kind of seafood on a plate, and Pearce says there does not seem to be a limited supply of seafood choices such as crabs, oysters, and shrimp. He says fish is also a great choice during Lent.

Cut 8 (13) “…be beat.” 

With more than 13 hundred crawfish farmers, Louisiana leads the nation in crawfish production, supplying 100 to 120 million pounds per year, according to Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries.

When it comes to crawfish, Pearce says give it a couple of months, there are promising signs of more crawfish that may be ready between March and May. But if you’re planning an Easter crawfish boil…

Cut 9 (11)  “…usage week.”

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A two-day public hearing gets underway today on the proposed sale of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to Elevance Health of Indiana. Several state lawmakers are concerned this could be a bad deal for Blue Cross’s one-point-nine million policyholders.  Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath says Elevance Health has a troubled history…

Cut 10 (09) “…profits soaring.”

But Elevance Health says Louisiana ranks dead last in almost every public measure in healthcare. They say the acquisition will lead to more affordable care, a better overall experience, and improved health outcomes. Elevance Health says its resources can also bring better technology. But Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly is skeptical…

Cut 11 (08) “…technology issues.” 

For the sale to go through, two-thirds of 95-thousand Blue Cross policyholders must approve and it also needs Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s approval. McMath believes the proposed sale is not good and it needs to be stopped…

Cut 12 (14) “…in Louisiana.” 

The public can watch the hearing at the Department of Insurance’s website and L-D-I’s YouTube channel.

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After the feasting and celebrating of Mardi Gras comes Ash Wednesday — the beginning of the 40 days of Lent. LSU Professor of Religious Studies, Michael Pasquier (Pass kay) says it’s the Christian holy season leading up to Easter…

Cut 13 (10)  “…of Jesus.”

Pasquier (Pass kay) says Many people will give up something like sweets or alcohol and reflect on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus during Lent as they anticipate celebrating His resurrection on Easter…

Cut 14 (12) “…positive ways.”

While many give up things like sugar or dining out, Pasquier (Pass kay) says others will use the season of Lent to focus on others rather than their own suffering…

Cut 15 (10) “…their coworkers.”

The good times will stop rolling at midnight but in the meantime, carnival goers are making the most of Fat Tuesday in New Orleans. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Klint Kubiak is reportedly the new offensive coordinator for the Saints. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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It’s the pinnacle of carnival, Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says while it’s been an early carnival season it’s been a calm one for the most part in New Orleans because it doesn’t coincide with spring break.

Cut 3 (11) “…is good.”  

Hardy says while the crowds appear to be smaller than those from pre-pandemic Mardi Gras, he doesn’t see it as a reflection of crime in the city, he simply believes it’s timing and economics.

Cut 4 (13) “…next year.”

As for how Mardi Gras 2024 will be remembered, Hardy is quick to point out that while the Fat Lady hasn’t sung yet he believes it will be recalled as a regular one with back-to-normal parade routes.

Cut 5 (12) “…believe me.”

Next year Super Bowl LIX (59) will be on February 9th at the Superdome and Fat Tuesday three weeks later on March 4th.

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The Get a Pulse on PAD campaign raises awareness of peripheral artery disease. Dr. Foluso Fakorede (fa-lou-so fak-o-ree-dee) at Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi says PAD affects millions of Americans who have never heard of the disease or its risks.

Cut 6  (13) “..an amputation.” 

Black people have the lowest reported awareness of the disease with only six percent aware of PAD and its consequences. One in five Hispanics Americans have PAD.

Fakorede says one in 20 adults will have peripheral artery disease. He says fatty deposits called plaque can become clogged in your arteries like your kitchen sink…

Cut 7 (12) “…our arteries.”  

Some risk factors of PAD include family history, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a history of nicotine or tobacco use.

Fakorede points out 400 amputations occur every day because of PAD. He says knowing symptoms and early warning signs is critical.

Cut 8 (12) “…care doctor.” 

For more information about peripheral artery disease, visit PADPulse.org.

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Bulldog Community Outreach Incorporated is launching a name, image, and likeness collective to help Louisiana Tech student-athletes receive compensation for N-I-L deals. Spokesperson Ed Buckley says this initiative will benefit the Ruston community and the athlete.

Cut 9 (13) “…of funds.”

Buckley says this is an opportunity for student athletes to serve the community while boosting their name, image, and likeness. He believes this will be another tool in the recruiting bag….

Cut 10 (09) “…respective sports.”

Buckley says the changing landscape of college athletics requires additional support with NIL’s for student-athletes. He says fans and alumni can get in the game and get involved by…

Cut 11 (08) “…just started.”

 To support Bulldog Community Outreach, visit BuildTheLegacy.com/NIL .

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The Mardi Graws party will come to an end at midnight tonight. Former interim New Orleans Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says the revelers are enjoying sunny but cool Fat Tuesday….

Cut 12 (08)  “..Super Mardi gras”  

There are big parades across south Louisiana. This man in Covington is ready to host dozens of people along a parade route

Cut 13 (12) “…fun today’  

This woman is enjoying her first Mardi Gras in New Orleans. She’s from Richmond, Virginia and plans to be back…

Cut  14 (07) “..enjoy it”