BONFIRES AT BALTIC BEACH
capital city have arrested two people in connection with a mass shooting that left 12 others wounded at a nightclub in January.
Nikeal Franklin and Jy’shaun Jackson, both 19, were arrested Friday, the Baton Rouge Police Department said. Franklin was charged with 12 counts of attempted first-degree murder while Jackson was charged with 12 counts of principal to attempted first-degree murder.
On Jan. 22, shots rang out around 1:30 a.m. in the Dior Bar & Lounge in Baton Rouge. A dozen people were injured, most with non-life-threatening injuries. Three victims were initially listed in critical condition, but their conditions later improved.
Police said they believe the shooting was not a random act of violence and
that it was “targeted.”
Pope worried about Nicaraguan bishop sentenced to 26 years
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis on Sunday expressed sadness and worry at the news that Roman Catholic Bishop Roland Álvarez, an outspoken critic of the Nicaraguan government, had been sentenced to 26 years in prison in the latest move against the Catholic Church and government opponents.
Álvarez was sentenced Friday after refusing to get on a flight to the United States with 221 other prisoners, all opponents of President Daniel Ortega. In addition to his prison term, Álvarez was stripped of his Nicaraguan citizenship.
“The news that arrived from Nicaragua has saddened me no little,’’ the pontiff told the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the traditional Sunday blessing, expressing both his love and concern for Álvarez.
He called on the faithful to pray for the politicians responsible “to open their hearts.”
Ex-minister Christoulides wins presidential election in Cyprus
NICOSIA, Cyprus – Former foreign minister Nikos Christodoulides was elected the new president of Cyprus in a runoff election Sunday. His rival, veteran diplomat Andreas Mavroyiannis, conceded defeat.
With 100% of ballots counted, Christodoulides had 51.9% of the vote to Mayroyiannis’ 48.1%, according to official election results.
Christodoulides, 49, campaigned as a unifying force for ethnically divided Cyprus, eschewing ideological and party divisions. His message resonated with a wide swath of voters.
Mavroyiannis, who had served as Cyprus’ ambassador to the United Nations. positioned himself as the agent of change, ushering in a new political era following a decade of rule by outgoing President Nicos Anastasiades. But the support he received from the communist-rooted AKEL party may have pushed swing voters into backing Christodoulides.