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(The Center Square) — A Louisiana House committee advanced legislation this week that could reshape how contractors interact with homeowners after storm damage, reigniting debate over consumer protection and insurance industry influence.

(The Center Square) — Louisiana lawmakers are moving forward with a proposed constitutional amendment and companion legislation aimed at shutting down a loophole that critics say allows foreign actors to influence U.S. elections — not through candidates, but through ballot initiatives.

Parish children who are interested in a funfilled summer camp focusing on the arts will soon have the opportunity to sign up for the upcoming session.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Heads of state and royalty will begin converging on Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square, but the group of poor people who will meet his casket in a small crosstown basilica are more in keeping with Francis’ humble persona and disdain for pomp. U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei are among the leaders arriving Friday. That is the last day Argentine pope will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica before his coffin is sealed in preparation for his funeral Saturday. More than 150,000 mourners have waited hours in line to bid farewell to Francis, who died Monday.

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos has arrived for his sentencing in federal court. The New York Republican pleaded guilty last summer to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Santos admitted he deceived donors and stole the identities of nearly a dozen people to fund his congressional campaign. He served less than a year in Congress before being expelled in 2023 after his lies and fraud were uncovered. Prosecutors are seeking a seven-year prison sentence for Santos.