Catholics in Louisiana are abuzz over the election of the first U.S.-born pope in the history of the church. Robert Prevost was elected on the second day of the conclave at the Vatican, and he has chosen Leo the 14th as his papal name. LSU professor of religious studies and history Michael Pasquier (pass-KAY) says Leo the 14th was already a worldly figure before his ascension to the head of the Catholic church.
Cut 7 (13) “…the wider Americas.”
And Pope Leo has connections to Louisiana as records indicate his grandparents lived in New Orleans.
Webster Parish deputies are investigating the deaths of the former Registrar of Voters and her husband. Sheriff Justin Parker says 63-year-old Melanie Smith and 58-year-old Kenny Smith were found dead at around eight Wednesday night inside their home during a welfare check.
Cut 10 (07) “…in the residence.”
A cause of death has not been released.
A study reveals that Louisiana’s civil court system is significantly harming the state’s economy. Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch Executive Director Lana Venable says excessive litigation has led to nearly 40-thousand lost jobs, 2.9-billion-dollars in lost personal income, and over 240-million dollars in annual state revenue losses.
Cut 4 (11) “…retail establishments.”
Louisiana lawmakers in the legislative session are taking another stab at tort reform for car crashes that go to court.
The third ranked LSU baseball team will host seventh ranked Arkansas this weekend. The Tigers are 15-and-9 in the SEC, but they have struggled to score runs in their recent losses. Coach Jay Johnson is not overly concerned.
First pitch is at 6:30.