Baton Rouge Police arrest a 14-year-old female for allegedly trying to hire a hitman to kill her 14-year-old ex-boyfriend by using the website rent-a-hitman-dot-com Sergeant L’ Jean Mckneely says the arrestee was booked into juvenile detention for Solicitation for Murder and the website is used by law enforcement for these types of cases…

Cut 10 (10)  “…to kill someone” 

Syrah Resources announces an investment of $176 million to expand its graphite processing facility in Vidalia, making Louisiana one of the leaders in the market for electric vehicle component production.  Mayor Buz Craft says Syrah says the expansion will be felt throughout the area.

Cut 11 (11)   “….business as well.”  

A former Livingston Parish teacher, Cynthia Perkins pleads guilty in a child sex crimes case and agrees to testify against her ex-husband, Dennis Perkins, who is accused of committing disturbing crimes against children. Attorney General Jeff Landry believes her testimony against the former Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy will seal his fate…

Cut 7 (05) “…accountable.” 

Cynthia Perkins will be officially sentenced to 41 years on Friday Dennis Perkins’s trial is scheduled for May.

The Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification is meeting today. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says litter is a growing issue and he’s even tried an experiment in his home parish of Plaquemines to discourage littering, by placing trash cans along stops leading to Highway 23.

Cut 4 (11) “…the interstate.”

The task force will meet monthly.

After serving nearly 45 years in prison, Vincent Simmons is going home. Simmons, who is Black, was convicted of the attempted aggravated rape of 14-year-old white twin sisters in 1977. Avoyelles Parish District Attorney Charlie Riddle says with today’s sentencing guidelines it would reduce the 100-year sentence against Simmons, and it’s time to move on.

Cut 12 (11) “…can be released.”

A recent ruling says key evidence was not shared with the defense.

Governor Edwards will renew the Public Health emergency order today and says there will be no mention of face masks in the order and the department of health’s guideline for K-12 schools will relax indoor masking. But masks are still required in healthcare settings.

Cut 15 (10)  “…whatever.”

Shreveport area Congressman Mike Johnson says it’s time to permanently make Fentanyl a Schedule I controlled substance. Kevin Gallagher reports on his bill to do just that:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Due to the ongoing drought, a statewide burn ban is in effect. The State Fire Marshal’s Office along with Agriculture and Forestry issued the ban that remains in effect until rescinded. A spokesperson for the Fire Marshal says firemen have been overwhelmed with burns that accidentally get out of control due to the drought.

Cynthia Perkins pleads guilty to second-degree rape, production of child pornography, and conspiracy mingling of harmful substances. Attorney General Jeff Landry says she waives her right to an appeal. She is the wife of Dennis Perkins, former Living Parish Sheriff’s Deputy who faces multiple sex charges involving children and rape. Cynthia Perkins’ sentencing is scheduled for Friday.

Due to extremely dry conditions, the Fire Marshal’s Office along with Agriculture and Forestry has issued a statewide burn ban. Fire Marshal Office Spokesperson Ashely Rodrigue says the ban goes into effect Tuesday morning and remains until rescinded.

Cut 12 (11) “…their property.”  

Rodrigue says firefighters have been overwhelmed recently with brush fires due to cigarette droppings and open burns that have gotten out of control.

U-S Senate candidate Gary Chambers announced today that his campaign has raised nearly six hundred thousand dollars since its launch last month. For a relative unknown like Chambers, that’s no small feat, says UL-Lafayette professor of political science, Dr. Pearson Cross.

 Cut 6 (11) “…eye-opening sum.” 
The Super Bowl commercials are a favorite topic the day after the game and Google Trends Expert Gina Shalavi (Shall-ah-vee) says at YouTube.com/adslist you can see everything Super Bowl-related to advertising and this year they noticed a growing trend when it comes to viewing ads online.

Cut 5 (10) “…room devices.”

Visit Louisiana-Radio-Network.com for a list of the Top Ten ads from the Super Bowl.

U-S Senate candidate Gary Chambers announces his campaign has raised nearly six hundred thousand dollars since its launch last month. For a relative unknown like Chambers, that’s no small feat, says UL political science professor Dr. Pearson Cross.

 Cut 6 (11) “…eye-opening sum.” 

Cross says incumbent John Kennedy remains the favorite but if Chambers can continue fundraising the race might be competitive.

Our Lady of the Lake and Louisiana Children’s Medical Center are investing 245-million dollars to LSU over the next ten years, with a portion to pursue a Cancer Center that would have National Cancer Institute Designation. LSU President William Tate calls it a game-changing investment…

Cut 11 (10)   “….across the state.”  

Due to extremely dry conditions, the Fire Marshal’s Office along with Agriculture and Forestry has issued a statewide burn ban. Fire Marshal Office Spokesperson Ashely Rodrigue says the ban goes into effect Tuesday morning and remains in effect until rescinded.

Cut 12 (11) “…their property.”  

The Louisiana Army National Guard has commissioned its first Black female pilot. Warrant Officer Tatiana Julien, a New Orleans native, had no idea that she was the first to accomplish the feat.

Cut 13 (11) “…it just happened.”

Julien says she was inspired to become a pilot by her mentor, Chief Warrant Officer 4, Troy Willis.

The Louisiana Army National Guard has commissioned its first Black female pilot. New Orleans native Warrant Officer Tatiana Julien. Julien says she feels a responsibility as the first Black female pilot in the L-A-N-G’s history to encourage the next wave of young women to earn their wings.

Cut 15 (10)  “…you can’t do.”

For the second year in a row, Gail and Patsy Richardson of Gonzales are recognized on this Valentine’s Day as Louisiana’s longest married couple. Gail and Patsy have been married for 81 years and Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says the Richardson’s are followed by Lauris and Earline Broussard of Vermilion Parish…

Cut 8 (11)  “…Abbeville, Louisiana”

Congratulations to both couples.

Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals came up a little bit short in winning the franchise’s first Super Bowl as the Los Angeles Rams scored a late touchdown in the fourth quarter to beat the Bengals 23-20. While not happy with the outcome Burrow says he’s still proud of his team.

Cut 18 (08) “ …to celebrate.” 

Besides football, the Super Bowl is also known for creative commercials and Google Trends Expert Gina Shalavi (Shall-ah-vee) says they take a look at the most viewed ads from game day on YouTube to get a sense of some initial trends. She says yesterday the most viewed ad was from Amazon.

Cut 3 (10) “…their taste.”

And T-Mobile made the top ten twice one ad in the second spot featuring Scrub co-stars Zach Braff and Donald Faison and the other in 6^th place featuring Dolly Parton.

The redistricting session has a week left and the disagreement over a second majority-minority congressional district lingers, and Democrats will likely seek judicial help to overturn the maps passed by Republicans. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the big question is: will the Governor veto whatever map comes to his desk?

Cut  11 (12)  “…him NOT vetoing it.”  

LSU Health New Orleans is conducting a clinical trial, studying the use of liquid aspirin for those recently diagnosed with COVID. Associate Professor of Surgery Dr. Frank Lau (cow) says liquid aspirin acts as an anticoagulant so it could help prevent blood clots that are common with COVID.

Cut 4 (10)  “…be able to help.” 

A tragic shooting in Morgan City claims the life of an 11-year old male and police have charged a 14-year old with second-degree murder. Morgan City Police say they were called to a residence Friday evening found several teens in the home. Police Chief James Blair extended sympathy to the victim’s family and urges parents to ensure their homes are safe after the suspect took possession of a loaded gun.

On this Valentine’s Day, the Louisiana Family Forum recognizes the state’s longest married couple, a south Louisiana couple who tied the knot 81 years ago.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Michelle Southern” 

The Louisiana House has joined the Senate in passing a Congressional district map that has one majority-minority district, despite claims it’s illegal. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________

Former LSU Tiger Andrew Whitworth receives the NFL’s most prestigious honor, and one of his best friends says no one deserves it more. Here’s David Grubb.

Cut 2 (33)…I’m David Grubb.”  

______________________________________

When Republican Representative Daryl Deshotel of Marksville deposited $1 million of his own into his campaign account it sent up a flare that the freshman lawmaker might have his eye on a higher office. When asked Deshotel says he’s thinking about it and with the Lieutenant Governor and possibly State Treasurer running for Governor, things are opening up.

Cut 3 (07) “…good candidate.”

As for which statewide office Deshotel is leaning towards, he says he’s keeping it open-ended for the time being.

Cut 4 (09) “…going to be.”

43-year-old Deshotel is in his second year as a lawmaker and was able to place one million in his campaign account due sale of his former companies Detel Wireless and Detel Computer Solutions. Deshotel says the state needs to invest in infrastructure beyond roads and bridges.

Cut 5 (11) “…to build.”

Deshotel says he hasn’t set a timeline on when he might make an announcement for higher office.

_______________________________________

The Louisiana House has approved a new map for the state’s six congressional districts. And just like the Senate, the House version has a single majority-Black district. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis believes there should be two majority-Black districts in order to comply with the Voting Rights Act. Duplessis had this exchange with Houma Representative Tanner Magee…

 Cut 6 (08) “…is legal.” 

Duplessis says the 2020 census numbers show the state’s black population increased by four percent and 33-percent of the state’s total population identifies as black. He says based on those numbers, two of the state’s six congressional districts should be black

Cut 7 (11) “…:blah, blah, blah” 

The House and Senate-approved Congressional maps are similar to the current Congressional district boundaries, except for slight shifts in political lines. They maintain two separate Congressional districts in north Louisiana. But Duplessis says the state has seen a growth in the black population since 2010 and a decrease in whites, so he told Magee there should be another Black majority district…

Cut 8 (14) “…state of Louisiana.”  

It’s unclear if Governor Edwards will veto these House and Senate Congressional maps if they reach his desk.

_______________________________________________

Former LSU and current Rams lineman Andrew Whitworth has been named the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year. Whitworth earned the honor for his tireless community service through his BigWhit 77 Foundation. Lifelong friend Rick Guillot serves as president of the Foundation and summed up watching his friend receive the league’s most prestigious honor in just one word…

Cut 9 (12) “…was perfect.”

Whitworth’s acceptance speech has drawn rave reviews for his humility and his call to action for the NFL and its players to keep doing more in their communities to make them better. Guillot says that’s the Andrew he’s always known…

Cut 10 (11)  “…so proud of him.” 

While Whitworth has made Cincinnati and Los Angeles his homes for the last 16 seasons, he’s never forgotten about his home state and his hometown of West Monroe. Whitworth has worked with local charities on everything from rent assistance to helping with the rebuild after Hurricane Ida. Guillot says helping children and families in Louisiana has always been a priority for the foundation.

Cut 11 (14)   “….a long time.”  

_________________________________________

With the big game on Sunday and online sports wagering now available in approved parishes in Louisiana, Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana wants to remind novice gamblers to investigate an online betting app before you place you enter your personal and/or financial information and to avoid pop-ups.

Cut 12 (08) “…an investigation.”  

Million says to make sure they have a secure website with HTTPS, the “s” stands for secure, and visit the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any issues with the company. Million says if it sounds too good to be true…

Cut 13 (10) “…get money.”

And if you do find yourself a victim report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, also known as IC3 and scam tracker at BBB.org. Million says think before you place a wager or give anyone your personal information or money because…

Cut 14 (13)  “…in the U.S.” 

Republican Representative Daryl Deshotel of Marksville deposited $1 million of his own into his campaign account it was a clue the freshman lawmaker might have his eye on a higher office. As for which statewide office Deshotel is leaning towards, he says he’s keeping it open-ended for the time being.

Cut 4 (09) “…going to be.”

The Louisiana House approves a new map for the state’s six congressional districts. And just like the Senate, the House version has a single majority-Black district. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis believes there should be two majority-Black districts in order to comply with the Voting Rights Act. Duplessis had this exchange with Houma Representative Tanner Magee…

 Cut 6 (09) “…is legal.” 

Former LSU and current Rams lineman Andrew Whitworth has been named the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year. Whitworth earned the honor for his tireless community service through his BigWhit 77 Foundation. Lifelong friend Rick Guillot (gee-oh) serves as president of the Foundation and summed up watching his friend receive the league’s most prestigious honor in just one word…

Cut 9 (13) “…was perfect.”

The Bayou State is experiencing a drought, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says the lack of rain hasn’t impacted the state’s ag industry but if things don’t change soon, it could be an issue when planting season begins.

Cut 15 (12)  “…little bit better.”

When Republican Representative Daryl Deshotel of Marksville deposited $1 million of his own into his campaign account it sent up a flare that the freshman lawmaker might have his eyes on a higher office. When asked Deshotel says he’s thinking about it and with the Lieutenant Governor and possibly State Treasurer running for Governor and things are opening up.

Cut 3 (07) “…good candidate.”

As for which statewide office, he says he’s keeping it open-end right now.

Among the bills filed for the March Legislative Session is House Bill 47 from Gonzales Republican Kathy Edmonston. It would require more open communication on immunization requirements between schools and parents. Current state law has provisions to opt-out of vaccines, but most aren’t aware

Cut 7 (12) “…to opt-out.”
The latest drought monitor report shows 83-percent of Louisiana is experiencing drought conditions, while the remaining 17-percent is extremely dry. State Climatologist Barry Keim says La Nina is responsible…

cut 14 (10) “….high and dry”

There was a shake-up for Louisiana’s Top Ten Super Bowl food orders from Waitr this year. Wings fell to the number two spot and French Fries moved to the coveted first place. Waitr spokesperson Dean Turcol says the Louisiana list also has a unique menu item on the list, in 8^th place, it’s fried pickles.

Cut 6 (10)  “…for the Super Bowl. “

Waitr is offering $20 off any order of $50 or more by using the code BIGGAME20 at checkout this Sunday. You can see the entire top ten list at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com.

Among the bills filed for the March Legislative Session is one that prohibits vaccines on school campuses. Gonzales Republican Representative Kathy Edmonston says a Jefferson Parish family is suing their school after giving a student a COVID shot without parental approval.

Cut 8 (10)  “….want to see that happen.”

Edmonston feels doctors’ offices and clinics are the places to give out shots; not schools.

The Bayou State is experiencing a drought, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says the lack of rain hasn’t impacted the state’s ag industry but if things don’t change soon, it could be an issue when planting season begins.

Cut 15 (12)  “…little bit better.”

Keim says the northern third of the state is the hardest hit.

Waitr releases the top 10 food orders in Louisiana for the Super Bowl. Spokesperson Dena Turcol says French Fries took the top sport this year and Wings fell to number two. Followed by Mozzarella Sticks, Cheeseburgers, and Donut Holes. He says finger foods usually make the list for the four-hour event.

Cut 5 (09) “…each year.”

Rounding out the top ten are spinach and artichoke dip, onion rings, fried pickles, chicken nuggets, and nachos.

Filming begins next week for the Disney Plus series of National Treasurer in Baton Rouge. Executive director of Film Baton Rouge Katie Pryor says National Treasure will have an immediate impact on the state’s economy and is spending $17 million on Louisiana payroll alone.

Cut 12 (12) “…it’s fast.”

Catherine Zeta-Jones will star in the series.