9:30 LRN Newscast February 26

The Lenten season begins today with Ash Wednesday and that means meatless Fridays for many in Louisiana. Chairman of the Gulf Seafood Institute Harlon Pearce says the crawfish crop looks good, wild-caught Louisiana catfish is becoming more popular and there’s also plenty of oysters…
cut 11 (05) “…right now”
Many restaurants are offering seafood dinner specials during the Lenten season.

New data from the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control shows Louisiana ranks fifth in the nation among states with the highest per capita gun death rates in 2018. The states with the highest rates are Mississippi, Alabama, Wyoming, Missouri followed by the Bayou State. Violence Policy Center, Legislative Director Kristen Rand explains what these states have in common.
Cut 13 (09) “…gun ownership.”
Rand says reduced exposure to guns, coupled with strong gun laws can save lives.

Matt Doyle spoke with a Marrero Democrat who says Louisiana’s working-class deserves a raise and he’ll push to increase the minimum wage when lawmakers convene for the legislative session…
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Remember the controversy surrounding Odell Beckham Junior and the handing out of cash to players after the national championship game. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson says he donated his money handshake to his church. That’s what Jefferson told N-F-L-dot-com. Jefferson added it was a mistake to accept the money and he spoke with the LSU compliance office after it happened.