Good morning, Slidell.

Pope Leo XIV appointed the Rev.

Simon Peter Engurait as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux on Thursday morning—Engurait has served as diocesan administrator since January and said he is honored to lead South Louisiana.

On May 29th, 50-year-old Angelo Russo from Pearl River was sentenced to life in prison by Judge Tara Zeller after a St. Tammany jury found him guilty of domestic violence charges — he received four concurrent life sentences and a 20-year term for witness tampering, District Attorney Collin Sims said.

The House approved a ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving by a vote of 94—1 and the bill now heads to Governor Jeff Landry’s desk.

The law will mean that drivers will only be fined when using a phone if they are cited for another moving violation, and fines will start after a grace period.

The Senate Insurance Committee passed HB264 on Wednesday to stop pharmacy benefit managers from steering customers to their own outlets and to require that discounts reach patients and employers—lawmakers say the change will help lower drug prices in Louisiana.

The bill now awaits full Senate and House approval before the legislative session ends on June 12.

Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Harbor Center — Cost not specified — Watch top chefs from Louisiana compete for the seafood king/queen title.