State lawmakers will spend this week in Baton Rouge for a special session centering around one piece of legislation. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is proposing a 45-million dollar incentive fund aimed at bringing new insurers to the state, giving more options to homeowners seeking private property insurance policies. Donelon says a similar incentive worked after Katrina & Rita caused companies to exit the state, and he believes it will work again…but lawmakers must act quickly…:
Cut 8 (10) “…insurance marketplace.”
There are some skeptical lawmakers, but Marrero Representative Kyle Green says he supports Donelon’s plan…
cut 10 (08) “….be voting for it”
The special session must end by Sunday night.

Louisiana’s own Archie Williams, whose story of redemption and voice amazed the judges of America’s Got Talent in 2020 will perform again tonight.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

ULM will introduce new Athletics Director John Hartwell this afternoon. Director of Student-Athlete Success Carmen Wright says they are thrilled their search led them to Hartwell….
cut 4 (0(0 “…for ULM”
Hartwell previously served as the AD at Utah State and Troy University.

Starting today in Baton Rouge, a special legislative session begins aimed at bringing property insurance relief to thousands of struggling homeowners…:
Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

New Orleans Police have announced the arrest of 19-year-old Andrew Skinner, who allegedly fatally shot a teenage girl. Skinner has been charged with one count of negligent homicide and two counts of negligent injuring.

After being wrongfully convicted and spending 36 years in Angola, Archie Williams captured the hearts of fans and judges on America’s Got Talent in 2020. And tonight, Williams is competing in AGT All-Stars. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after his memorable performance of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.”
Cut 11 (08) “…was Elton John.”
While in Angola, Williams watched America’s Got Talent and dreamed of being a contestant.

Former Utah State and Troy athletic director John Hartwell will be introduced as the new A-D at U-L-M this afternoon. ULM Director of Student-Athlete Success Carmen Wright says Hartwell’s comprehensive experience with similar schools is ideal for the Warhawks…
cut 5 (13) “…focused”
Hartwell also served in athletic administration at Ole Miss.

State lawmakers convene a special session today, aimed at alleviating the state’s current property insurance crisis. Since the hurricane hits of 2020 and ’21, more than 20 private property insurers have either gone insolvent or left the state; forcing tens of thousands of property owners to the state’s last-resort insurer Louisiana Citizens. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says lawmakers will consider creating a $45-million incentive fund to help attract new insurers to write policies here…:
Cut 7 (07) “…immediate fix..”
Not all state legislators support Donelon’s plan. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland (R) says the post-Katrina incentive fund brought the state only five new private insurers and two of them are no longer operating in Louisiana…:
Cut 9 (10) “…for hurricane damage.”

A Baton Rouge man who spent 36 years in prison for a crime he did not commit performs tonight on America’s Got Talent All-Stars. Archie Williams is a talented singer who first performed on the popular NBC show in 2020 and Williams is also helping others who are wrongfully convicted….
cut 13 (06) “….in prison”
Williams was convicted of rape and attempted murder in 1983 and was released in 2019 thanks to the hard work of the Innocence Project.

Tonight’s game between the fourth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team and Tennessee is a sell-out as the Lady Tigers look to improve to 21-0 overall, 9-0 in the SEC. The Lady Vols are also undefeated in conference play. LSU’s Angel Reese says they enter tonight’s game with the right mindset
Cut 14 (10) “…to win”
Tip off is at 6 PM.

Attorneys representing the suspects accused of participating in a rape of LSU student Madison Brooks, before she died, say she was not raped. Attorney Ron Haley says Brooks consented to have sex with two individuals in a vehicle before she was dropped off

Haley says there’s also video of a conversation from inside the car after Brooks and two men engaged in sexual activity that will show a rape did not occur.

Cut  4 (06)  “…very clear” 

A plan to streamline COVID vaccination protocols is under consideration. And because it doesn’t look like COVID is going away anytime soon Hassig feels an annual COVID booster that targets the newest variants and like flu shots will also remove confusion. Advisors also recommend removing the name-brand confusion. Hassig says when you go in for your flu shot you aren’t worried who about who produced it.

Cut 13 (10) “…every year.” 

Somebody missed out on 50-thousand dollars. The Louisiana Lottery says the deadline to claim a Powerball ticket worth 50-thousand dollars expired Thursday. The ticket was purchased at Fisherman’s One Stop on L-A 22 in Ascension Parish. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says it’s common for prizes to go unclaimed

Cut 6 (10)  “…larger ones” 

The President of Southeastern Louisiana University, in Hammond, says he will retire at the end of the current school year. 

During his 14 years at Southeastern, Crain has led the university through setbacks from state budget cuts, multiple hurricanes (most recently Ida) and the pandemic. He’s also seen it through the launch of new degree programs, numerous facility upgrades and advances in academic achievement and sports…:

Cut 10 (10) “…you’re proud of.” 

A plan to streamline COVID vaccination protocols is under consideration. The FDA advisory panel is recommending a transition to an annual vaccination routine similar to flu shots. Tulane epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says such a plan could encourage those skeptical of the vaccine to get protected. And because it doesn’t look like COVID is going away anytime soon Hassig feels an annual COVID booster that targets the newest variants and like flu shots will also remove confusion. Advisors also recommend removing the name-brand confusion. Hassig says when you go in for your flu shot you aren’t worried who about who produced it.

Attorneys representing the four men facing rape charges in the alleged sexual assault of LSU student Madison Brooks say there’s video evidence that will show their clients are innocent.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A plan to streamline COVID vaccination protocols is under consideration. The FDA advisory panel is recommending a transition to annual vaccinations. Tulane epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says annual boosters tailored to protect against specific variants, similar to how flu shots work.

Cut 14 (12)   “…step forward.”

Thursday was the deadline to claim a $50-thousand prize from a July 30th Powerball drawing. It was sold in Ascension Parish. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says once prize money is expired it’s deposited into an unclaimed prize fund…

Cut 8 (11)  “…second chance drawings” 

One of the suspects arrested for the alleged rape of  LSU student Maddison Brooks is now facing a first- degree rape charge in Livingstion Parish for a seprate a;;eged incident that took place in walker in 2020. Detectives with the walker police department issued a warrant for Kavion walker friday jan 27th, after a witness came foward about the alleged incident. Washington turned himself in to the livingston parish detention center friday night. He’s now facing a first degree rape charge.

Attorneys representing the suspects accused of participating in the rape of LSU student Madison Brooks, before she died, said she was not raped. Attorney Ron Haley says Brooks consented to have sex with two individuals in a vehicle before she was dropped off

Cut 3 (13) “…factually inaccurate.” 

Haley says there’s a video of Brooks leaving the vehicle unharmed and in good health.

Haley says there’s also a video of a conversation from inside the car after Brooks and two men engaged in sexual activity that will show a rape did not occur.

The President of Southeastern Louisiana University, in Hammond, is retiring at the end of the current school year. Dr. John Crain says he announced his retirement now, so a proper search could be done to find their next president…:

Cut 11 (07)  “…academic year.”

Crain has been president since 2009, and a faculty member for over 35 years.

An FDA advisory panel is proposing a plan to simplify COVID vaccines. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The LHSAA Convention ended with a decision by high school principals to hold another meeting in June to discuss the definition of select and non-select schools. The playoff formats for basketball, baseball, and softball will go on as planned, which means for basketball there will be five divisions for select schools and five for non-select schools

Attorneys representing the four men facing rape charges in the alleged sexual assault of LSU student Madison Brooks say there’s video evidence that will show their clients are innocent.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The family of 55-year-old Shelia Jean Baker is asking for help to locate her. Baker was in Lafayette for the holidays and on Christmas day was driving to Lake Charles to visit her mother but never arrived. She was last seen driving on I-49 north in Rapides Parish, driving a 2008 Toyota Yaris with Florida plates.

The President of Southeastern Louisiana University, in Hammond, is retiring at the end of the current school year. Dr. John Crain says he announced his retirement now, so a proper search could be done to find their next president…:

Cut 11 (07)  “…academic year.”

Crain has been president since 2009, and a faculty member for over 35 years.

Somebody missed out on $50-thousand. The Louisiana Lottery says the deadline to claim a Powerball ticket worth 50-k expired Thursday. The ticket was purchased at Fisherman’s One Stop on L-A 22 in Ascension Parish. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison it’s possible the player gave up hope after seeing they didn’t match all the numbers…:

Cut 7 (10)  “…way to win”