Is $3 a gallon the new threshold? A survey of new car shoppers in May found that 87% think gas prices will be “much higher” in the next month. That compares with the 66% who thought prices would go up significantly in the April Kelley Blue Book survey. More than 60% of potential buyers say rising gas prices have caused them to change their mind about what vehicle they want to get. Kelley officials say the current economic slowdown may have made the $3 a gallon threshold the point at which car buyers start to change their habits.
New Orleans native returns home: Pope Benedict XVI has appointed a New Orleans native, Bishop Gregory Aymond of Austin, Texas, as the 14th archbishop of New Orleans. He will replace Archbishop Alfred Hughes, 76, who retires after more than seven years in the post. Aymond, 59, was educated and ordained in New Orleans and spent his entire career in his native city until his departure for Texas nine years ago. The archdiocese of New Orleans says Aymond’s installation Mass is set for Aug. 20, and that he will be the first native-born New Orleans priest to serve as archbishop.
Picking up some Mudbugs: The general manager of the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs says owner John Madden has signed an offer to buy the Central Hockey League team. Manager Ray Delia, who won’t identify the buyer, says he is sure the offer will be acceptable to the league, so the only question is whether the buyer is acceptable. The Mudbugs have played 12 seasons in northwest Louisiana, making 11 playoffs. The CHL originally gave the Mudbugs a deadline of June 4 to complete the sale and participate in the 2009-10 season.
