Not only was Pope Leo the 14th born in Chicago, but he has roots in New Orleans. Jari Honora (zhah-REE AHN-uh-ray), a family historian at The Historic New Orleans Collection, started digging into the former Robert Prevost’s family after hearing his last name, and he was amazed at what he found.

Cut 6 (12) “…of New Orleans.”

On this Mother’s Day, make a special effort to check on the mental health of the women who are near and dear to you. Research has shown that one in five women experience a mental health crisis at some point in their lives. Dr. Dana Lawson with Louisiana Healthcare Connections says just being there to lend a sympathetic ear can make a woman’s day.

Cut 14 (09) “…to be heard.”

The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit makes a huge drug bust. Major Tommy Carnline (KARN-line) says over the past few months, the RADE Unit investigated 31-year old Dequavious Wagner.

Cut 3 (11) “…subsequent arrest.” 

Carnline says the confiscated items included 65 pounds of powder cocaine, 96 pounds of methamphetamine, 6 pounds of fentanyl, more than a pound of heroin, more than a pound of synthetic marijuana, 252 grams of marijuana, and 87 grams of crack cocaine.

Catholics in Louisiana and all across the country are still abuzz over the election of the first U.S.-born pope in the history of the church. LSU professor of religious studies and history Michael Pasquier (pass-KAY) says Robert Prevost’s papal name, Leo the 14th, is an indication of how he will lead the church, pointing to one encyclical that Leo the 13th wrote called Rarem Novarum, which serves as Catholic social teaching as we know it today.

Cut 9 (13)  “…capitalism and socialism.”

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.”

On this Mother’s Day, take some time to keep tabs on the mental health of expectant and new mothers. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

If you want to treat your mom to some crawfish this weekend, you can do so and still have plenty of money left over for a nice gift for her. According to The Crawfish App, live crawfish is averaging $2.55 a pound. That’s down a nickel from last week and the lowest price all year long. Boiled crawfish is averaging $4.89 a pound.

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 the impact spans sectors like manufacturing, retail, and finance. The report estimates a “tort tax” exceeding one-thousand dollars per resident annually.

Cut 5 (11) “…families are paying.”

On this Mother’s Day, make a special effort to check on the mental health of the women who are near and dear to you. Research has shown that one in five women experience a mental health crisis at some point in their lives. Dr. Dana Lawson with Louisiana Healthcare Connections says even small acts of kindness go a long way.

Cut 15 (10) “…her nails done.”

For the first time ever, the head of the Catholic church is a man born in the United States. Pope Leo the 14th was born in Chicago, and records indicate that his grandparents once lived in New Orleans. LSU professor of religious studies and history Michael Pasquier (pass-KAY) says the former Robert Prevost took his papal name after Pope Leo the 13th, who was pope in the late 19th Century and into the beginning of the 20th Century.

Cut 8 (15) “…the Catholic church.”

State Police are investigating a deputy-involved shooting in Tangipahoa Parish last night. At this time, we don’t know a whole lot about the incident that took place near Highway 40 in Independence. All we know is that one suspect was shot and was taken to a hospital for treatment. No word on his or her condition. No sheriff’s deputies were hurt during the incident.

Catholics in Louisiana are abuzz over the election of the first U.S.-born pope in the history of the church. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.

Franklin Parish’s own Lainey Wilson was the big winner at last night’s Academy of Country Music Awards as she was named the entertainer of the year for a second consecutive year. Wilson also added to her trophy collection by winning female artist and album of the year.

The former Webster Parish registrar of voters and her husband were found dead in their home on Wednesday night and Sheriff Jason Parker says they are waiting to release a cause of death until the autopsy report comes back on 63-year-old Melanie Smith and 58-year-old Kenny Smith…

Cut 11 (08) “…to the family”

Melanie Smith was the Registrar of Voters for 29 years for Webster Parish and Kenny Smith was a retired local businessman.

Sunday is Mother’s Day and hopefully it will be a stress free day for all of the Moms out there. Louisiana Healthcare Connections says unfortunately one in five women experience a mental health crisis and Doctor Dana Lawson says just being there to lend a sympathetic ear can make a women’s day…

Cut 14 (09) “…to be heard”

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.

Cut 16 (12) “…into.”

First pitch is at 6:30.

A study shows that Louisiana’s civil court system is significantly harming the state’s economy.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Louisiana Catholics are excited over the selection U-S born Robert Prevost as the first pope from America. Prevost a Chicago native, who has family roots from Louisiana. Records show his grandparents lived in New Orleans’ Seventh Ward. New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond says Leo the 14^th is not known as a conservative or a liberal, so he sees both sides of the issue and he’s deeply rooted in the teachings of the church.

The investigation continues in northwest Louisiana into the death of former Webster Parish Registrar of Voters Melanie Smith and her husband Kenny. They were found dead in their home outside of Minden. Webster Parish Sheriff Justin Parker says the community mourns the loss of the couple, who were well-known and respected.

Cut 12 (06) “…to the family.”

Their bodies were sent to Little Rock for an autopsy to be conducted on their bodies.

On this Mother’s Day, make a special effort to check on the mental health of the women who are near and dear to you. Research has shown that one in five women experience a mental health crisis at some point in their lives. Louisiana Healthcare Connections Dr. Dana Lawson says mental health is a big issue among women.

Cut 13 (12)  “…so many burdens.”

A study shows that Louisiana’s civil court system is significantly harming the state’s economy. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Catholics in Louisiana and the rest of the country are abuzz over the election of the first U.S.-born pope in the history of the church. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

On this Mother’s Day, take some time to keep tabs on the mental health of expectant and new mothers. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________________________

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.”

Venable says the impact spans sectors like manufacturing, retail, and finance. The report estimates a “tort tax” exceeding one-thousand dollars per resident annually.

Cut 5 (11) “…families are paying.”

The study urges comprehensive tort reform, citing other states’ successes in boosting economic performance and job creation through such measures. Venable says without reform, Louisiana risks continued economic decline.

Cut 6 (11) “…these numbers change.”

______________________________________________________

Catholics in Louisiana and all across the country are still 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.”

Pasquier says Prevost took his papal name after Pope Leo the 13th, who was pope in the late 19th Century and into the beginning of the 20th Century.

Cut 8 (15) “…the Catholic church.”

Pasquier points to one encyclical that Leo the 13th wrote called Rarem Novarum, which serves as Catholic social teaching as we know it today.

Cut 9 (13)  “…capitalism and socialism.”

______________________________________________________

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.”

Parker stated that the bodies have been sent to Little Rock for autopsies as the investigation into the circumstances of their deaths continues.

Cut 11 (08) “…to the family”

Melanie Smith retired in December 2020 after a 29-year career in the Registrar of Voters’ office, serving as chief deputy and later as registrar from 2003. Kenny Smith was a retired local businessman whose family sold their Dixie Inn business. Parker says the community mourns the loss of the couple, who were well-known and respected in the area.

Cut 12 (06) “…to the family.”

_____________________________________________

On this Mother’s Day, make a special effort to check on the mental health of the women who are near and dear to you. Research has shown that one in five women experience a mental health crisis at some point in their lives. Louisiana Healthcare Connections says the number is likely higher, since many cases go untreated due to things like stigma. Dr. Dana Lawson says mental health is a big issue among women.

Cut 13 (12)  “…so many burdens.”

Dr. Lawson says just being there to lend a sympathetic ear can make a woman’s day.

Cut 14 (09) “…to be heard.”

Lawson says even small acts of kindness go a long way.

Cut 15 (10) “…her nails done.”

_____________________________________________

The LSU baseball team will host Arkansas this weekend in the final regular season series at Alex Box Stadium this season. 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.

Cut 16 (12) “…into.”

Johnson gives credit to some of the opposing pitchers the Tigers have recently faced as a reason for their offensive woes.

Cut 17 (18)  “…they have.”

Arkansas is 40-and-9 overall, 17-and-7 in the SEC. They are ranked number one in the country by the college baseball writers association after sweeping the previously number one ranked team in the country, Texas. Arkansas swept the Tigers last season, and senior Josh Pearson says the Hogs are always tough.

Cut 18 (23)  “…playing them here.”

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The Ragin Cajuns are at 21^st ranked Southern Miss this weekend. U-L Lafayette is coming off a three-game sweep of Georgia State in Atlanta. The Cajuns scored 28 runs in the three-game series and hit eight home runs. Coach Matt Deggs brings a 15-9 Sun Belt record to Hattiesburg.

Cut 19 (15) “…train rolling.”

U-L Lafayette’s overall record is 25-and-24. Deggs wants to see his team continue to play consistently good baseball.

Cut 20 (17) “…keep showing up.”