 BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Pope Leo XIV is an American, born and raised in Chicago, and an acolyte of his predecessor, the progressive Pope Francis. He also is a member of the Augustinian order, known for its focus on education and missionary work. Louisiana's Roman Catholic faithful — conservatives and progressives — should be able to find something to embrace in the new pontiff. “He’s not known as conservative, he’s not known as liberal. So it means that he can see both sides of a question,” New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond said Thursday. Read more of the local reaction to his election.
Legislators and the administration of Gov. Jeff Landry have been working to reverse a trend in Louisiana where state lawmakers have given away tax deductions, exemptions and exclusions to special interests, claiming that the incentives would create new jobs and investment. For years, experts have called on the Legislature to eliminate many of these tax breaks and use the savings to lower tax rates. See why some lawmakers apparently haven't gotten the message.
Edward Searcy was a local legend, known for his civil rights activism in the community, lifelong military service and the Boston marathons he completed along the way. Now, the West Baton Rouge Museum is honoring him with an exhibit, "West Baton Rouge's Educator: Edward Searcy." Read more about the influence he had on people in the parish. | 
