Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lenten Season, and many Catholics around the state traditionally abstain from meat on Fridays and opt for seafood instead. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
_____________________________________________
With today being Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, the hearts of all Catholics are with Pope Francis. Colleen Crain reports.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
____________________________________________
Many federal workers who lost their jobs were in the gallery for President Trump’s speech last night. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
______________________________________________________
Today marks the beginning of Lent, a season when many Catholics traditionally abstain from meat on Fridays and opt for seafood instead. Gulf Seafood Institute Chairman Harlon Pearce says this year’s seafood supply is strong, with crawfish in abundance.
Cut 4 (07) “…after Mardi Gras.”
Gulf shrimp and crab are also in good shape. Pearce says softshell crab will be in season in a few weeks, providing plenty of options for those observing Lenten traditions.
Cut 5 (03) “…that’s for sure.”
Pearce says you cant go wrong with Louisiana wild-caught catfish, and he emphasizes its quality and availability, encouraging more people to consider it as a delicious alternative.
Cut 6 (04) “…the catfish.”
______________________________________________________
With Mardi Gras over, Christians in Louisiana and all over the world are celebrating Ash Wednesday today, the start of Lent. This year, the hearts of Christians are with Pope Francis as he continues to battle major health issues. Christian talk show host Teresa Tomeo (TOM-ee-oh) says this year is a reversal of sorts.
Cut 7 (13) “…him in prayer.”
Tomeo says it’s going to be very somber at the Vatican not having Pope Francis lead prayers this Ash Wednesday.
Cut 8 (08) “…Christian church calendar.”
Tomeo says for the time being, several Cardinals are taking turns leading the Catholic church while Pope Francis recovers.
Cut 9 (09) “…the best still.”
______________________________________________________
Many former federal employees who were laid off by Elon Musk’s DOGE unit were in the House chambers watching President Trump’s address to the joint session of Congress last night. Among them was Chante Powell, who up until last month was an auditor at the USDA in New Orleans. She was a guest of her congressman, Troy Carter. Powell says she was there to put a face to the effects of widespread layoffs by Trump and Musk. She says losing her job has turned her life upside down.
Cut 10 (14) “…that as well.”
Congressman Carter says letting Powell go is the complete opposite of what DOGE is trying to do.
Cut 11 (15) “…as an auditor.”
Meanwhile, Powell says her new full-time job is to find a new full-time job.
Cut 12 (05) “…something comes through.”
______________________________________________________
Louisiana’s upcoming legislative session plans to address rising insurance costs by passing legal reforms. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown, the vice chairman of the Insurance Committee, says a lot was passed on property insurance in the last session.
Cut 13 (11) “…those will work.”
Brown says when looking at auto insurance, lawmakers have listened to insurance companies on what needs to be changed for companies to return to the state but says some suggestions don’t make sense.
Cut 14 (10) “…out of line.”
Brown says Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple isn’t going to constrain companies from making bigger profits.
Cut 15 (09) “…into the state.”