Governor John Bel Edwards will address the Press Club today.  Kevin Barnhart speaks with political analyst Bernie Pinsonat on what we’ll expect to hear.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

And in Avoyelles Parish, a candlelight vigil takes place tonight at 5:30 at the football field at Marksville High School as the town continues to grieve the loss of five children killed in a fiery crash in Florida.

The Saints will face the Eagles in the Dome Sunday after Philly’s stunning 16-15 Wildcard playoff  upset of the Bears in Chicago last night.

The U.S. Surgeon General has declared teen vaping an epidemic as a report says an estimated 2.1 million middle and high school students are using the electronic cigarettes, and 10.7 million kids say they’ve tried them. Department of Health Assistant State Health Officer, Dr. Joseph Kanter, says it took decades to crush teen smoking, and this new trend could see it come back.

Cut 11 (10) “…we’ve seen”

Kanter says a poll showed two thirds of those teen vapers were not aware of the negative health effects.

The village of Turkey Creek in Evangeline Parish now holds the distinction of having the youngest mayor to hold the office in the history of the state.  Phillip Cavins, who is 23-years-old , says growing up, he’s always had an interest in government and politics.

Cut 7 (11) “…went in unopposed.”

The U.S. Surgeon General has declared teen vaping an epidemic with an estimated two-point-one million middle and high school students using e-cigarettes. Assistant state health officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says traditional cigarettes are banned from promoting in a way that attracts kid, but e-cig companies are not…
cut 12 (11) “….packaging”

If you are traveling through the Lake Charles area be advised one lane is closed in each direction On I-210 as crews begin the process of re-decking the Prien Lake Bridge. State transportation department spokesperson Tammy York says today begins the first phase of a two-phase project…
cut 5 (09) “…side of the bridges”
Significant delays are expected and construction is expected to take one year.

At 23 years of age, the village of Turkey Creek in Evangeline Parish has the youngest mayor in the state’s history. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

New Orleans native Patricia Clarkson took home her first Golden Globe last night as she won best supporting actress for her role in HBO’s Sharp Objects.

And in Avoyelles Parish, a candlelight vigil takes place tonight at 5:30 at the football field at Marksville High School as the town continues to grieve the loss of five children killed in a fiery crash in Florida.

Governor John Bel Edwards speaks at the Baton Rouge press club today. He’s expected to talk about his plan on giving teachers a pay raise of at least one-thousand dollars a year…
cut 15 (10) “…of the question”
That’s political analyst Bernie Pinsonat. Edwards has said increased revenues could be one way to get teacher salaries closer to the Southern Regional Average.

A recent report found that 10-point-seven million kids between the ages of 12 and 17 tried an e-cigarette, and Assistant state health officer, Doctor Joseph Kanter, says even worse, two-thirds of them were not aware that e-cigs are harmful to their health. Kanter says it took decades to crush teen smoking, and this new trend could see it come back.
Cut 11 (10) “…we’ve seen”

The I-210 bridge in Calcasieu Parish is down to one lane in both directions as a result of repair work. State transportation department spokesperson Tammy York recommends drivers find another route to avoid the area…
cut 6 (09) “…higher traffic volume”
Starting tomorrow, I-210 westbound will be closed from 9 PM until 4 AM Monday through Thursday nights.

Twenty-three-year-old Phillip Cavins is starting his term as mayor of Turkey Creek and it’s believed he’s the youngest mayor in Louisiana’s history…
cut 9 (12) “….the same time”
Cavins ran unopposed and hopes to bring more businesses to the Evangeline Parish town. He also needs to appoint a new police chief.

Governor Edwards will address the Press Club today. Kevin Barnhart speaks with political analyst Bernie Pinsonat on what we’ll hear.
voicer 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Marksville continues to mourn the tragic deaths of five children who were killed in a multi-vehicle wreck on a Florida highway Thursday. A candelight vigil is scheduled for tonight at 5:30 on the football field at Marksville High School. Several religious leaders are expected to speak.

The U.S. Surgeon General has declared teen vaping an epidemic as an estimated 2.1 million middle and high school students use the electronic cigarettes. Assistant State Health Officer, Dr. Joseph Kanter, says just because it’s not a traditional cigarette, doesn’t mean it’s good for your health, particularly if you’re young.
Cut 10 (12) “…and younger.”
Kanter says it’s also troubling to see e-cigarette companies target young people in their advertising.

Twenty-three-year-old Phllip Cavins is believed to be the youngest mayor in the history of the state as he holds the top government spot in the Evangeline Parish town of Turkey Creek…
cut 8 (09) “….take this step”
Cavins says his goal is to bring more businesses to Turkey Creek and he also has to appoint a new police chief.

Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the Baton Rouge Press Club today as he begins the final year of his current term….
Cut 13 (09) “…should be reelected.”
That’s Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat, who says Edwards’ will tout his administration’s ability to stabilize the budget and his goal to give teachers a pay raise of at least one-thousand dollars this year.

Construction begins today to improve the integrity of the I-210 Prien Lake Bridge in Calcasieu Parish. The 35-million dollar project is expected to take one year to complete. State transportation spokesperson Tammy York says motorists need to be prepared for a slowdown in the area.
Cut 4 (12) “…9PM to 4AM.”
York says motorists should use L-A 12 and US-190 as alternative routes.

The U.S. Surgeon General says a record 2.1 million American teenagers vape. Matt Doyle spoke with a local health expert about this epidemic.
Voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Five children from Louisiana died in a tragic multi vehicle wreck near Gainseville, Florida on Thursday as they traveled to Disney World.

Witnesses to Thursday’s smoldering crash say the explosion occurred when the two semi-trucks collided. The drivers of the two big rigs were killed.

The passenger van from the Avoyelles House of Mercy church was swept up in the accident.

Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Patrick Riordan expects a lengthy investigation into the cause of the crash…

Cut 4 (13) “…this magnitude″

The United Pentecostal Church says 12 people were in the van, including Karen Descant, the pastor’s wife.  Two other adults were also in the van, they all survived, including a pregnant woman who gave birth after the wreck.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans is crediting the protective vest that a city police officer wore with saving his life on Friday night.

Around 10 pm, New Orleans Police responded to a reported suicide attempt in the Treme neighborhood.

A shooter fired at the officers who returned fire.  The suspected shooter died.

Although one officer was struck by two shots the chest, his protective vest made a critical difference.

Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says the first day of the new Democratic controlled House set the tone for the next two years in the chamber.

Cut 2 (28) “Im Matt Doyle”

With the start of the new year, young outdoor sports hunters can now take aim at being named the Youth Hunter of the Year for 2018.

The contest is open to girls and boys in Louisiana under the age of 16 and one female and one male hunter will be honored as a Louisiana Hunter of the Year.

Submissions should include a written account of their meaningful hunting experience of 2018, a photo, and the registration form.

The Youth Hunter of the Year registration form can be downloaded at the LDWF website.

Shots rang out in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans in a gun fire exchange between four city police officers and a shooter on Friday after 10 pm leaving the suspected shooter dead.

Officers were responding to a report of a suicide attempt when they were fired upon. One the officers was struck two times by shots in the chest of his protective vest.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell spoke to the media to say, “Having worn that vest, it saved his life.”

The N-O-P-D says they are reviewing body camera footage and Mayor Cantrell told the media the incident is under a full investigation.

The truck driver at the center of the multi-vehicle wreck near Gainsville, Florida that killed five Louisiana minors had multiple traffic tickets in at least five different states.

59 year old Steve Holland had violations including speeding, driving an overloaded vehicle, failing to carry proof of insurance and driving and unsafe vehicle.

The tragic Louisiana connection is that five Louisiana children from the Marksville area died in the wreck on Interstate 75 on Thursday.

The reported child fatalities were: 14-year-old Joel Cloud, 14-year-old Jeremiah Warren, 9 year old Cierra Boredelan, 10-year-old Brieanna Bordelan, and 13-year-old Cara Descant.

The two big rig truckers involved in the wreck also died.

The Lafayette Public Library has agreed to lift a ban on groups hoping to organize Drag Queen Story Time events after a lawsuit from the ACLU.

After legal action from an anti-Story Time group, visitors hoping to hold events had to sign a form promising not to do a Drag event at the library.

ACLU Louisiana Legal Director Katie Schwartzmann says the form was unconstitutional.
Cut 9 (10) “…their viewpoint″

The New Orleans live music club known as Tipitina’s opened the new year under new ownership.

Members of the New Orleans funk jam band called Galactic purchased the venue at the end of November.

Located near the Mississippi river, Tipitina’s got its name in 1977 from a song written by the legendary New Orleans piano player, Professor Longhair.

For over four decades, the Tipitina’s club featured great live shows along with some financial woes for previous owners.

Galactic marked the start of 2019 by taking the club’s stage to perform the New Year’s Eve show as the new owners of Tipitina’s.

Five Louisiana children from the Marksville area on their way to Disney World were killed in a multi-vehicle wreck on Interstate 75 in north Florida on Thursday.

The reported fatalities were: 14-year-old Joel Cloud, 14-year-old Jeremiah Warren, 9 year old Cierra Boredelan, 10-year-old Brieanna Bordelan, and 13-year-old Cara Descant.

Jeff Palermo has more details.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The St. Landry’s Veterans Memorial in Opelousas has been defaced by vandals. Project organizer of the memorial, Pat Mason-Guillory says the area is covered in racial slurs, other derogatory language, as well as damaged lighting and signs.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she won’t rule out impeaching President Donald Trump if the Special Counsel, or other investigators, uncover damning evidence linking the president to criminal behavior involving his business or foreign countries.

Republican Congressman Clay Higgins says expect a lot more of that sentiment over the next two years in the lower chamber.

Cut 12 (11) “…Congress.”

The Senate remains controlled by the GOP.

A gun battle erupted Friday night between New Orleans police officers and a suspected shooter in the Treme neighborhood.

A New Orleans police officer responding to a suicide attempt was shot on Friday just after 10 pm.

WWL TV reported that four officers responded to the shots with gunfire. The suspect in the shooting died.

Although the officer struck two times, the shots were on front of his protective vest which resulted in only bruising.

The N-O-P-D says they are reviewing body camera footage.

The officer was listed in good condition at University Medical Hospital.