In this edition of the National News Roundup, our home state bans the death penalty, scientists confirm their findings about the “God Particle” and Lil Wayne recovers from a seizure.

Conclave chooses first Argentinian Pope, Jorge Bergoglio

Pope Francis is known as a humble man who acts as a voice for the poor and who chooses to take public transportation for daily travel. He is the first Jesuit Pope and the first South American pope, but he will back the status quo on gays, abortion and other social issues. Vice President Joe Biden will lead the U.S. delegation to Vatican City for the Pope’s inaugural mass. Read more here.

Lil Wayne suffers seizure; reports of his death are exaggerated

Rapper Lil Wayne was hospitalized in Los Angeles on Friday after suffering from a seizure. TMZ and other sources reported that he was in critical condition, but later tweets from Wayne and his mentors confirmed that his condition was stable. Read more here.

NYC reverses ban on large sugary drinks

A judge struck down the 16-ounce limit on sodas and other sugary drinks, which was set to go into effect last week. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Sarah Palin held up a 7-Eleven Big Gulp and mocked NYC Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to curb obesity in his city. But Bloomberg isn’t ready to give up yet— he recently announced plans to ensure that all tobacco products are kept out of sight in retail stores. Read more here.

Maryland becomes 18th state to ban death penalty

The General Assembly repealed the death penalty on Friday and Governor O’Malley plans to sign the measure into law next month. Read more here.

Scientists now confident they have found the Higgs-Boson particle

The famed particle has helped scientists understand why objects in the universe have mass. It was discovered in July 2012 and is known by some as the “God Particle” because it relates to the “big bang.” Read more here.