LSU launches a collective that gives fans the opportunity to donate money that will be used to provide name, image and likeness payments for select athletes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An attorney for the mother of Madison Brooks says defense lawyers representing the four men accused of her sexual assault, are victim blaming.

Cut 2 (40)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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LSU announced today the launch of Bayou Traditions, which is a collective that will open up more opportunities for athletes to get paid through name, image and likeness deals. Bayou Traditions President Brent Cunningham says fans can donate to the collective

Cut 3 (07) “…specifically” 

Cunningham says fans have the opportunity to make one-time, monthly and annual payments, anywhere from 10-dollars a month to 50-thousand dollars a year. He says the person making the contribution will get something in return

Cut  4 (11)  “…football season” 

Cunningham says fans can direct their payment to a specific sport…

Cut 5 (10) “…their program”

For more information go to “BayouTraditionsCollective.com”

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Hammond Police arrest 19-year-old Johnny Williams on charges of First-Degree Murder and Attempted First Degree murder. Chief Edwin Bergeron says Williams was a passenger in the car and just after seven o’clock last night an officer was flagged down by another man who told him his 24-year-old girlfriend, Tori Banks had been shot.

Cut 6 (12)  “…officer down.” 

Williams fled the scene on foot and Banks later died at the hospital.  Upon further investigation, Bergeron says it was learned that the three had been driving around town prior to the shooting.

Cut 7 (11)  “…the girlfriend.” 

Bergeron says about four hours later Williams was taken into custody, without incident, at his home that was not far from the scene of the incident. He credits officers for their hard work and diligence in apprehending Williams.

Cut 8 (07)  “…so fast.” 

Williams was booked into the Hammond City Jail and the investigation is ongoing.

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A lawyer representing the mother of Madison Brooks is calling out defense attorneys, representing four men accused of sexual assault, for trying the case in the media just moments after they said they wouldn’t. Kerry Miller says in a press conference last week they proceed to blame the victim.

Cut 9 (12) “…very offensive.” 

18-year-old Kaivon Washington, who’s accused of the rape of Brooks, has also been charged with the 2020 rape of a 12-year-old girl in Walker.  Miller says her mother wants to preserve Brooks’ legacy and would like to establish a foundation in her memory.

Cut 10 (06) “…feeling right now.” 

Last week defense attorney Ron Haley said there’s video evidence that proves the men did nothing wrong and that the encounter was consensual. Miller says the video only proves Brooks was unable to consent due to her level of intoxication. Two of the accused told police she was very drunk and Brooks’ blood alcohol content was almost four times the legal limit.

Cut 11 (09)  “…rape period.”

In the Brooks case, Washington and a 17-year-old minor are charged with third-degree rape. 18-year-old Casen Carver and 27-year-old Everett Lee are charged with principle to third-degree rape.  Miller says in the meantime, evidence will be presented to a grand jury to decide if the charges will be upgraded.

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State Police arrest a Lake Arthur man for hitting a bicyclist and killing him earlier this month. Trooper Thomas Gossen says 60-year-old Allen Vincent, of Gueydan, cycling along state Highway 717 in Vermilion Parish on the night of January 9th, when he was hit by a Toyota pickup. Gossen says they initially thought the cyclist was in the wrong lane, but learned otherwise…:

Cut 12 (10) “…correct direction.”

The crash happened back on January 9^th at around 7pm, in full darkness. Trooper Gossen says a follow-up investigation the next morning led them to conclude that the pickup driver, 20-year-old Kane LeBlanc of Lake Arthur, was the one who had crossed into the wrong lane…:

Cut 13 (10) “…this determination.” 

Gossen says a routine blood toxicology sample was taken from LeBlanc and the report meant additional charges…:

Cut 14 (11)   “…in a motor vehicle.”

It’s unknown at this time whether LeBlanc has been granted or has made bond.

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…:

Cut 2 (36)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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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.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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.

Cut 4 (09)  “…for ULM.”

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.

Cut 5 (13) “…focused.”

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.

Cut 6 (08)  “…across campus.” 

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…:

Cut 7 (07) “…immediate fix..”

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.”

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…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…for hurricane damage.”

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.”

Cut 11 (08)  “…was Elton John.”

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.

Cut 12 (08) “…today.”

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.

Cut 13 (06)  “….in prison.”

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

Cut 14 (10)  “…to win”

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

Cut 15 (14)  “…can defend”

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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…

Cut  16 (09)  “…down too” 

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…

Cut 18 (25) “…right now” 

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…

Cut 19 (18) “..for sure”

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…

Cut 20 (12)  “…get people on base”