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”

You won’t find your typical Mardi Gras festivities with floats and beads in Eunice today, but you will find colorful costumes and traditions at Courir de Mardi Gras and chicken run. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Mardi Gras has been called the greatest free show on earth. Colleen Crain looks at the masked riders who make it possible…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Louisiana has decided not to accept $71 million in federal funds for the Summer EBT program, which helps low-income families feed their children when they are not in school. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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If you’re looking for a different kind of Mardi Gras experience this year, head to the City of Eunice. Instead of catching beads and doubloons, revelers chase chickens in colorful costumes during Courir de Mardi Gras & Chicken Run. Events Coordinator, Courtney Elkins says the chicken run is part of their Cajun tradition that everyone loves to participate in.

Cut 4 (13) “…a gumbo.”

The Courir de Mardi Gras is Eunice’s largest community event of the year.

Elkins says the celebration dates back to the late 19th century. She says men and women on horseback wear hand-crafted wire masks, colorful costumes, and… 

Cut 5 (12) “…old clothes.” 

Elkins says attendance continues to grow each year. Last year, she says people from around the world visited their rural town.

Cut 6 (12) “…New Zealand.”

The Courir de Mardi Gras parade starts at 3 pm.

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Mardi Gras has been called the greatest free show on earth and Publisher of The Mardi Gras Guide, Arthur Hardy says it’s never been easier to join a Krewe – some you must be born into, and others are looking for members, but none are free, and none are cheap…

Cut 7 (09) “…dues, costume.”

Fat Tuesday Revelers get a free show and gifts to take home. Hardy says it’s great for the parade goers, but it makes no economic sense for the krewe members to give gifts to strangers while hiding their faces, so why would you do it…

Cut 8 (09) “…really is.” 

Hardy says, there are other expenses for krewe members throughout the year, and the price of throws has gone up but it’s worth it…

Cut 9 (09)  “…you say.”

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As we enter Deep Gras, state police remind you to use technology to stay safe this Mardi Gras.  Lt. Melissa Matey says first and foremost have a sober driver, use an app for up-to-date info on traffic, and remember it’s not just those in the front seat that need to be buckled up.

Cut 10 (12) “…the traffic.”

Parking will most likely be an issue wherever you plan to celebrate, and Matey says taking the time to simply drop a pin where you’ve parked your vehicle can come in very handy later.

Cut 11 (06) “…turned around.” 

Another app Matey suggests that you might want to have downloaded and ready to use is the See Something, Send Something app. She says if you see something that needs to be reported to law enforcement, a picture on your phone can be invaluable.

Cut 12 (10) “…Send Something.” 

And if you witness an aggressive and/or impaired driving Matey encourages you to call them at *LSP (or *577).

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The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services will not participate in the Summer EBT program. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moeller says it’s a travesty the state has opted to forgo funding for eligible children to receive meals over the summer.

Cut 13 (13)  “…this opportunity.”

DCFS issued a statement that families deserve a pathway to self-sufficiency, and they are forgoing piecemeal programs that have more strings attached versus long-term solutions as a reason for opting out of the program. Moeller blames Governor Jeff Landry for the decision that he says ultimately hurts children.

Cut 14 (14) “…ends meet.”

Moeller says if Louisiana had opted in $71 million in federal funds would have been designated for the Summer EBT program.

Cut 15 (11) “…in Louisiana.”

Moeller says Louisiana has the second-highest poverty rate in the country and the third-highest child poverty rate in the US.

DCFS says existing feeding programs remain in effect, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides about $166 million in benefits on average each month to over 880,000 Louisianans, including about 390,000 children.

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There’s a lot of talk about LSU’s deep-pitching staff heading into the season. Freshman outfielder Jake Brown is impressed…

Cut 16 (19) “…we have a guy.” 

Junior right-hander Thatcher Hurd could be the starter in the season opener. Catcher Hayden Travinski says Hurd’s stuff is off the charts…

Cut 17 (18) “…this year.” 

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U-L Lafayette will open up its baseball season on Friday against Wright State. Cajuns Coach Matt Deggs says Jack Martinez will start on Friday. He’s a transfer from Trinity University. Freshman left-hander Chase Morgan will start in game two. Deggs says Morgan’s mound presence is impressive…

Cut 18 (18)  “…above-average pitches.”