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…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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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…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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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.

Cut 7 (11) “…advisories.”

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.

Cut 8 (06) “…how much.”

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.

Cut 9 (09) “…for mercury.″

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.

Cut 11 (10) “…healthcare.”

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.

Cut 12 (11) “…a governor”

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.

Cut 13 (06) “…$6 a beer.”

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.

Cut 14 (08) “…second of it.”

Munson says The Yard will be ready to endure whatever the Louisiana weather may throw out it.

Cut 15 (10) “…in the season.”

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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..

Cut 16 (22) “…for that″

Wade says LSU will need to do the little things in order to win tonight…

 cut 17 (20)   “their late” 

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

Cut 18 (10)  to win” 

Lawmakers have until Friday to cut a deal to avoid another government shutdown. Matt Doyle has more on this story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Louisiana took home some gold at last night’s Grammys as Lafayette native Lauren Daigle won for best contemporary Christian Music Performance for her song, “You Say” and also won best contemporary Christian music album, “Look Up Child.” New Orleans native PJ Morton tied with Leon Bridges for best traditional R-and-B performance for his song “How Deep is Your Love.” Buddy Guy won for best traditional blues album.

“Heaven has a wall, a gate, and a strict immigration policy.  Hell has open borders.  Let that sink in.”  That is the message a Louisiana-based grocery store chain printed in its circular ad that is seeing quite a bit of feedback.  Owner of Mac’s Fresh Market Reggy McDaniel says the message wasn’t meant to be politically controversial, but to start a conversation about salvation. McDaniel says the message in the ad is not the only faith-based component of his business.

Cut 8 (11) “…me and him.”

McDaniel says while he’s received negative pushback from the ad, he estimates 80% of the feedback has been positive.

A 19-year-old south Louisiana man was fatally shot last night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport.  LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brennan Matherne says  six people were inside the trailer at the time of the shooting, but they are not sure who inside the home was the intended target

Cut 11 (10)   “…in anyway.”

We’re getting close to yet another government shutdown, with a Friday deadline fast approaching. It’s the same argument that sparked the last one, a disagreement about funding for additional southern border wall. Democrats have offered 1.6 billion for other security measures, but have rejected any wall funding, and Congressman Steve Scalise says he’s grown frustrated Democrats refusal to even offer a counter to the President’s 5.7 billion dollar wall demand.

Cut 4 (06) “…the border.″

The last shutdown, which ran from late December through late January was the longest in federal government history at 35 days.

A 19-year-old south Louisiana man was fatally shot last night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brennan Matherne says anyone with information on who pulled the trigger is urged to call crime stoppers.

Cut 10 (09) “…not clear”

Alexandria Police Department Sergeant Keith Mouliere is being called a hero after pulling a woman out of a burning home early Sunday morning. Corpoal Wade Bourgeois says Mouliere was on patrol when he saw a house on fire and learned from a man that there were people inside

Cut 12 (11)   “…the window”

“Heaven has a wall, a gate, and a strict immigration policy.  Hell has open borders.  Let that sink in.”  That is the message a Louisiana-based grocery store chain printed in its circular ad that is seeing quite a bit of feedback.  Owner of Mac’s Fresh Market Reggy McDaniel says the message wasn’t meant to be politically controversial, but to start a conversation about salvation.

Cut 6 (11) “…about their salvation.”

McDaniel says while he’s received negative pushback from the ad, he estimates 80% of the feedback has been positive.

Time is running out for lawmakers in DC to cut a funding deal to prevent yet another government shutdown by the 15th. The debate still centers on money for an additional physical border wall. Congressman Steve Scalise says the actual deadline is even sooner than Friday.

Cut 3 (08) “…today.”

President Trump is seeking 5.7 billion in funding for the wall. Democrats say they will not authorize it. The President says if it comes to it, he may declare a national emergency to get the wall built.

“Heaven has a wall, a gate, and a strict immigration policy.  Hell has open borders.  Let that sink in.”  That is the message a Louisiana-based grocery store chain printed in its circular ad that is seeing quite a bit of feedback.  Owner of Mac’s Fresh Market Reggy McDaniel says the message wasn’t meant to be politically controversial, but to start a conversation about salvation.

Cut 6 (11) “…about their salvation.”

A 19-year-old south Louisiana man was fatally shot last night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Alton Adams of Bayou Blue was pronounced dead at the scene. LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brennan Matherne says witnesses reported hearing several gunshots

Cut 9 (08) “  his death

Matherne says six people were inside the trailer at the time of the shooting.

Alexandria Police Department Sergeant Keith Mouliere is being called a hero after pulling a woman out of a burning home early Sunday morning. Corpoal Wade Bourgeois says Mouliere was on patrol when he saw a house on fire and learned from a man that there were people inside. Bourgeois says Mouliere has been an officer for more than 20 years and it’s not a surprise to hear he risked his life to save someone else…

Cut 14 (10)           proud of him” 

Time is running out for lawmakers in DC to cut a funding deal to prevent yet another government shutdown by the 15th. The debate still centers on money for an additional southern physical border wall.  Congressman Steve Scalise says other Democratic priorities could be considered if the caucus were to OK the money the President is seeking.

Cut 5 (07) “…on DACA”

President Donald Trump and his allies have indicated he may declare a national emergency to pay for the wall if Democrats refuse to provide wall funding.

Alexandria Police Department Sergeant Keith Mouliere is being called a hero after pulling a woman out of a burning home early Sunday morning. Corpoal Wade Bourgeois says the officer rushed into a burning house, and once he rescued the woman, he called for additional units to arrive, because there was still someone inside. But…

Cut 13 (07) “…the house”

A Louisiana-based grocery store chain is receiving lots of feedback, both positive and negative, from a message printed in its most recent circular ad.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 2 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

A 19-year-old south Louisiana man was fatally shot last night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brennan Matherne says six people were inside the trailer at the time of the shooting, but they are not sure who inside the home was the intended target

Cut 11 (10)   “…in anyway.”

Alton Adams of Bayou Blue was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lawmakers have until Friday to cut a deal to avoid another government shutdown.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A Louisiana-based grocery store chain is receiving lots of feedback, both positive and negative, from a message printed in its most recent circular ad.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 2 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Time is running out for lawmakers in DC to cut a funding deal to prevent yet another government shutdown by the 15th. The debate still centers on money for an additional physical border wall. Congressman Steve Scalise says the actual deadline is even sooner than Friday.

Cut 3 (08) “…today.”

President Trump is seeking 5.7 billion in funding for the wall. Democrats say they will not authorize it.

Compromise legislation rejected by the President in December included 1.6 billion in border security money, but did not include border wall funding. Scalise says he and other Republicans have grown frustrated with their Democratic colleague’s refusal to even offer a counter to the President’s 5.7 billion dollar demand.

Cut 4 (06) “…the border.″

The last shutdown, which ran from late December through late January was the longest in federal government history.

Scalise says other Democratic priorities could be considered if the caucus were to OK the money the President is seeking.

Cut 5 (07) “…on DACA”

President Donald Trump and his allies have indicated he may declare a national emergency to pay for the wall if Democrats refuse to provide wall funding.

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“Heaven has a wall, a gate, and a strict immigration policy.  Hell has open borders.  Let that sink in.”  That is the message a Louisiana-based grocery store chain printed in its circular ad that is seeing quite a bit of feedback.  Owner of Mac’s Fresh Market Reggy McDaniel says the message wasn’t meant to be politically controversial, but to start a conversation about salvation.

Cut 6 (11) “…about their salvation.”

McDaniel says while he’s received negative pushback from the ad, he estimates 80% of the feedback has been positive.  He adds the stores have implemented religious messages in their ads for twenty years, saying the ad has gotten more attention than any other he’s ever put out.

Cut 7 (08) “…walls in heaven.”

McDaniel says the message in the ad is not the only faith-based component of his business.

Cut 8 (11) “…me and him.”

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A 19-year-old south Louisiana man was fatally shot last night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Alton Adams of Bayou Blue was pronounced dead at the scene. LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brennan Matherne says witnesses reported hearing several gunshots

Cut 9 (08) “  his death

Anyone with information on who pulled the trigger is urged to call crime stoppers.

Cut 10 (09) “…not clear”

Matherne says six people were inside the trailer at the time of the shooting, but they are not sure who inside the home was the intended target

Cut 11 (10)   “…in anyway.”

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Alexandria Police Department Sergeant Keith Mouliere is being called a hero after pulling a woman out of a burning home early Sunday morning. Corporal Wade Bourgeois says Mouliere was on patrol when he saw a house on fire and learned from a man that there were people inside

Cut 12 (11)   “…the window”

Bourgeois says once Mouliere rescued the woman, he called for additional units to arrive because there was still someone inside. But first responders were not successful in rescuing that person…

Cut 13 (07) “…the house”

Bourgeois says Mouliere has been an officer for more than 20 years and it’s not a surprise to hear he risked his life to save someone else…

Cut 14 (10)           proud of him” 

Time is running out for lawmakers in DC to cut a funding deal to prevent yet another government shutdown by the Friday night. Compromise legislation rejected by the President in December included 1.6 billion in border security money, but did not include border wall funding. Congressman Steve Scalise says Democrats are refusing to even provide a counter offer for the 5.7 billion being sought by the President for the wall.

Cut 4 (06) “…the border.″

The owner of a Louisiana grocery chain has created a bit of a stir with a headline in one of his circulars that reads…“Heaven has a wall, a gate, and a strict immigration policy.  Hell has open borders.  Let that sink in”.

Cut 7 (08) “…charges against him.”

That’s Reggy McDonald of Mac’s Fresh Market, who says it was intended to start a conversation about salvation.

A 19-year-old south Louisiana man was fatally shot last night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Alton Adams of Bayou Blue was pronounced dead at the scene. LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brennan Matherne says they’re still on the hunt for the suspects, and they don’t know why the trailer was shot up.

Cut 10 (09) “…not clear”

Louisiana has ordered a wood pellet plant near Bastrop to install air pollution controls following a challenge by environmental groups. Environmental Integrity Project attorney Keri Powell says when the Drax Morehouse Biomass Plant opened in 2015, it drastically underestimated it’s pollution output and had been exceeding it’s allowed emissions by four times to 1000 tons annually.

Cut 13 (10) “…tons per year.”

Powell says the toxins can cause a range of health issues.

“Heaven has a wall, a gate, and a strict immigration policy.  Hell has open borders.  Let that sink in”  That’s messaged a Louisiana-based grocery store chain printed in its circular that is seeing quite a bit of feedback.  Owner of Mac’s Fresh Market Reggy McDonald says the message wasn’t meant to be politically controversial, but to start a conversation about salvation.

Cut 6 (11) “…about their salvation.”

McDaniel says while he’s received negative pushback from the ad, he estimates 80% of the feedback has been positive.
A 19-year-old south Louisiana man was fatally shot last night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Alton Adams of Bayou Blue was pronounced dead at the scene. LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brennan Matherne says witnesses reported hearing several gunshots
Cut 9 (08) “  his death
Anyone with information on who pulled the trigger is urged to call crime stoppers.

Student loan borrowers in Louisiana’s two biggest cities have some of the highest rates of late payments in the nation…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
Time is running out for lawmakers in DC to cut a funding deal to prevent yet another government shutdown by the 15th. The debate still centers on money for an additional physical border wall. Congressman Steve Scalise says the actual deadline is even sooner than Friday.

Cut 3 (08) “…today.”

Baton Rouge and New Orleans are in the top ten most likely cities for people to me more than 90 days late on student loan payments, as more than 20 percent of borrowers have been delinquent. Student Loan Hero analyst Kali McFadden says those who take out loans and drop out before getting their degree are far more likely to be late.

Cut 5 (05) “…graduating.”

Investigators with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Brayton Galentine of Lafayette, who is wanted in connection with a burglary and vehicle theft last month. Authorities say it didn’t take long to figure out it was Galentine, as he left his own vehicle outside of the house he stole a car from. Major Ginny Higgins says the stolen vehicle was found torched a few days later, and Galentine is facing serious time if convicted.

Cut 12 (05) “…know about it.”

The state has ordered the Drax Morehouse Biomass wood pellet plant near Bastrop, to install air pollution controls following a challenge by environmental groups.

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Louisiana took home some gold at last night’s Grammys as Lafayette native Lauren Daigle won for best contemporary Christian Music Performance for her song, “You Say” and also won best contemporary Christian music album, “Look Up Child.” New Orleans native PJ Morton tied with Leon Bridges for best traditional R-and-B performance for his song “How Deep is Your Love.” Buddy Guy won for best traditional blues album.

student loan borrowers in Louisiana’s two biggest cities have some of the highest rates of late payments in the nation…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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 Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins has pre-filed legislation to target hostile motorists who engage in aggressive driving.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Conner Ferril”  

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The state has ordered Drax Morehouse Biomass Plant, a wood pellet plant near Bastrop, to install air pollution controls following a challenge by environmental groups.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Baton Rouge and New Orleans are in the top ten most likely cities for people to me more than 90 days late on student loan payments, as more than 20 percent of borrowers have been delinquent.

Student Loan Hero analyst Kali McFadden says that’s largely due to the fact that Louisiana households make 11,000 dollars less per year than the national average.

Cut 4 (10) “…huge difference.”

According to the report, Louisiana students graduated with 27,210 dollars of student debt on average, a little less than the national average.

McFadden says for-profit college attendees and two year college alums are more likely than four year college grads to be delinquent, but those who take out loans and drop out before getting their degree are most likely of all, and that’s a significant problem in the Bayou State relative to the rest of the nation.

Cut 5 (05) “…graduating.”

McFadden noted that while borrowers in Louisiana’s two biggest cities were far more likely than those in other cities to be late with payments…

Cut 6 (08) “…day point.”

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Representative Sam Jenkins has prefiled an aggressive driving bill that would create a more middle of the road punishment for impatient drivers.  Jenkins says charges like careless operation of a vehicle are very minimal, while vehicular injury or homicide carry heavy penalties, but he wants something in the middle…

Cut 7 (12) “…offenses.”

The representative says he hopes this will prevent road rage and get drivers who are charged enrolled into driving improvement schools.  Jenkins says in some cases this misdemeanor could also lead to serious repercussions…

Cut 8 (06) “…involved.”

Jenkins says after viewing research from the National Highway Transportation Safety Board he noticed other states had enlisted laws to address poor driving behavior but Louisiana was lacking in proactive measures…

Cut 9 (12) “…like that.″

Jenkins says the legislation will be reviewed by the committee of administration for criminal justice who will then present the bill to the legislature during the next session.

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Investigators with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Brayton Galentine of Lafayette, who is wanted in connection with a burglary and vehicle theft last month.  Major Ginny Higgins says Galentine is accused of breaking into a hom in St. Martinville and stealing keys to the home owners Ford Fusion, but he left a pretty incriminating piece of evidence behind.

Cut 10 (08) “…in their driveway.”

Higgins says it doesn’t appear the suspect knew the home owner and as far as a motive…

Cut 11 (07) “…in it.”

Higgins says the stolen vehicle was found torched a few days later.  Galentine is facing serious time if convicted.

Cut 12 (05) “…know about it.”

Higgins encourages anyone who knows of the suspect’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement or submit a tip through Crime Stoppers.

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Louisiana has ordered a wood pellet plant near Bastrop to install air pollution controls following a challenge by environmental groups. Environmental Integrity Project attorney Keri Powell says when the Drax Morehouse Biomass Plant opened in 2015, it drastically underestimated it’s pollution output and had been exceeding it’s allowed emissions by four times to 1000 tons annually.

Cut 13 (10) “…tons per year.”

Powell says the abundance of volatile organic compounds emitted into the air can result in a plethora of health issues.

Cut 14 (010) “…respiratory issues.”

Powell says the state is requiring Drax to submit their preconstruction permit applications within three months, but the plant is now asking the state to give them a free pass for violating its emissions limit for the next year.

Cut 15 (12) “…required pollution control.”