ULM’s new Director of Athletics will be formally introduced today. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Starting today in Baton Rouge, a special legislative session aimed at bringing property insurance relief to thousands of struggling homeowners…:
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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. Brooke Thorington has more.
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The University of Louisiana at Monroe will introduce its new Director of Athletics John Hartwell this afternoon. ULM Director of Student-Athlete Success Carmen Wright says Hartwell’s resume, which includes stops as the AD at Utah State University and Troy University, and accomplishments speak for themselves.
In addition to Utah State and Troy, Hartwell also served in the athletic administration at Ole Miss. Wright says Hartwell’s comprehensive experience with similar schools is ideal for the Warhawks.
After their months-long search to fill the position, Wright says when they spoke with individuals who’ve worked with Hartwell, it sealed his fate to lead ULM athletics. Wright says Hartwell will hit the ground running overseeing facility upgrades.
Hartwell will be officially introduced at a 3:00 PM press conference at the ULM Library.
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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…:
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…:
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State legislators are of different minds on Donelon’s plan and how well it might work. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland (R) says the post-Katrina incentive fund did work, but brought the state only five new private insurers and two of those have already left. He says that begs questions…:
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But Marrero Representative Kyle Green (D) says he supports Donelon’s incentive package…:
Cut 10 (08) “…be voting for it.”
The insurance incentive plan is the sole item on the special session agenda. The session opens today and ends Sunday.
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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.”
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While in Angola, Williams watched AGT and dreamed of being a contestant. That dream came true and his amazing story of redemption after being imprisoned for more than half of his life bought about much-needed hope during the pandemic.
Williams’ life story and performance also inspired, the show’s most critical judge, Simon Cowell, to become a spokesperson for Innocence Project; the organization that helped free Williams. The Baton Rouge crooner is also focused on helping others who are wrongfully convicted.
You can watch him tonight on America’s Got Talent on NBC.
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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
LSU is one of two teams still undefeated in women’s college basketball. Mulkey says she’s been impressed with how her team has bought into the value of rebounding and playing defense
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Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs held off Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in an epic AFC Championship game last night. K-C kicked a field goal in the final seconds to win 23-20 to advance to the Super Bowl for the third time in four years. Burrow gives the Chiefs credit…
Burrow threw for 270 yards and a touchdown. But he was also intercepted twice and sacked five times. The loss denied Cincinnati a second straight trip to the Super Bowl. Joey B expects to be in the hunt again next year…
Cut 17 (19) “…come back stronger”
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The top-ranked LSU baseball team has started full squad practices. It’s year number two for head coach Jay Johnson. Last year LSU really had to piece together a pitching staff as they lacked strong starting pitching. Johnson says this year he has a more well-rounded group…
The expectation is that this team will win LSU’s first national championship since 2009. Center fielder Dylan Crews says what others are expecting from this team is not added pressure for them…
One of the big additions to this team is third baseman Tommy White, who slugged 27 home runs last season at North Carolina State. White says this offense could generate a lot of runs…