 BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Throughout his career, Mike Johnson’s affable manner has allowed him to discuss his differences with opponents and softened the edges of some of his extreme beliefs, such as the positions he has taken on gay rights, abortion and the role of religion in the public square. “I’m a conservative, but I’m not mad at everybody over it,” he liked to say during his 2016 race. Above all, the new speaker of the U.S. House has always defined himself by a deep and abiding faith as an evangelical Christian.
The heart of the Louisiana Book Festival, which starts at 9 a.m. Saturday in and around the State Capitol Building, comes in the form of panel discussions and author talks held in legislative committee rooms, covering everything from fashion to football, food and beyond. The festival also features giant tents set up as bookstores with a continuous flow of author signings.
Tight end Juwan Johnson will return for the Saints on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts after missing the past four games with a calf injury. He thinks he can help tidy up an offense that has been a mess as of late. “Get this team jump-started, bring some juice and bring some energy that we’ve been needing for a while,” Johnson said. “I think that’s kinda my role.” | 
