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…

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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.

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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.