A Baton Rouge businessman is seeking to form a public-private partnership to buy a financially troubled airline. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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This past weekend, Leland and Gussie Lacaze (luh-KAH-zuh) of Natchitoches Parish were honored as the state’s longest married couple. Jeff Palermo ahs the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Legendary West Monroe football coach Jerry Arledge has died at the age of 83. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A Baton Rouge businessman is looking to form a public-private partnership to buy Spirit Airlines and move its headquarters to New Orleans. John Miller, who’s the founder of the Country Club of Louisiana, says if he’s successful in his quest to buy the financially troubled ultra-low-cost airline, take everything you know about the airline and throw it in the garbage.

Cut 4 (08) “…of these extras.”

Miller says the purchase of Spirit Airlines is the first step in making Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport a hub airport, which he says would be the foundation of a 12-billion-dollar annual economic impact for New Orleans, with five-million new visitors to one of the most visited cities in the country.

Cut 5 (05) “…to almost 500.”

Miller says making New Orleans Airport a hub can further transform Spirit Airlines by opening it up to international destinations.

Cut 6 (12) “…international markets overseas.”

Frontier and JetBlue have both previously attempted to buy Spirit Airlines. Spirit’s shareholders rejected Frontier’s offer in July of 2022, and JetBlue’s 3.6-billion-dollar offer was blocked by a judge in 2024.

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On Valentine’s Day, Leland and Gussie Lacaze (luh-KAH-zuh) of Robeline were honored as this year’s longest known married couple. For 79 years, the Natchitoches Parish couple has been husband and wife. Family forum president Gene Mills says the couple met in May 1945.

Cut 7 (13) “…they got married.”

Mrs. Lacaze said the secret to a lasting marriage with joy is patience and hard work. She says they took the slow steady route, and it paid big dividends. Despite their advanced years, Mills says the couple is talkative and alert.

Cut 8 (10) “…for America’s freedom.”

Along with the honor of being recognized as Louisiana’s Longest Known Married Couple 2026, Mills says the couple receives recognition from the governor, cakes, and gifts. They will also receive a wish from Mr. Lacaze’s bucket list, a trip to the World War Two Museum in New Orleans.

Cut 9 (09)  “…them down there.”

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It’s just Tuesday for most of the country today; but here, it is Fat Tuesday, filled with Mardi Gras parades across south Louisiana. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser will be riding in the Krewe of Bogue Falaya in Covington at 10 a-m with six travel writers.

Cut 10 (06) “…on a float.”

Nungesser says hundreds of thousands of people travel to Louisiana for the Mardi Gras weekend, and the out of state revelers are not just going to New Orleans.

Cut 11 (10) “…up every year.”

Nungesser says Mardi Gras is a time for everyone to come together.

Cut 12 (10) “…to be great.”

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Legendary high school coach Jerry Arledge died this past weekend at the age of 83. Arledge served as West Monroe’s defensive coordinator from 1992 to 2012 and then succeeded the legendary Don Shows as head coach from 2013 to 2022. Arledge was the D-C for the Rebels’ eight state championships, and KNOE-TV Sports Director Aaron Dietrich says his defenses were elite.

Cut 13 (11)  “…period of time.”

As West Monroe’s head coach, Arledge went 103-and-22 with two 5A state championship game appearances. Dietrich says Arledge took great pride in coaching.

Cut 14 (12) “…every single day.”

Dietrich says Arledge and Shows changed the trajectory of West Monroe’s football program.

Cut 15 (07) “…Louisiana ever again.”

The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office rolls out new technology aimed at notifying drivers of nearby pursuits. Vehicles in the department are being equipped with the Pursuit Alert Digital Siren. Sheriff Brett Stassi says it allows deputies to press a single button to notify drivers of pursuits.

Cut 3 (10) “…ahead of them.”

A 12-foot, one-thousand-pound, great white shark was recently tracked near the Chandeleur Islands east of New Orleans. Dr. Sean Powers, the director of the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences at University of South Alabama, says the shark named Ernst traveled 32-hundred miles along the East Coast.

Cut 10 (15) “…recently learned.”

Starting next year LSU will wear jersey patches sponsored by an Australian Company that’s building an L-N-G production and export terminal in southwest Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Funeral services for legendary football coach Pat Collins are tomorrow in Monroe. Collins led Northeast Louisiana University, now known as ULM, to a national title in Division One-Double-A – now known as the Football Championship Subdivision – in 1987. Collins was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. He was 84 years old.

The field is set in the Louisiana primaries for U.S. Senate. On the Republican side, incumbent Bill Cassidy has drawn two major challengers in Julia Letlow and John Fleming. As they qualified on Friday, both Letlow and Cassidy touted their records on border security, with Cassidy touching on the fight against the drugs that are coming into the U.S. from Mexico.

Cut 15 (11) “…our children.”

Letlow also talked about her education credentials and her work in reforming the education system in this country.

Cut 13 (10) “…the states.”

Three have qualified for the Democratic ballot – Jamie Davis, Nick Albares and Gary Crockett. The primary election is May 16th.

Southwest Louisiana businessman Lee Mallett is the new chairman of the LSU Board of Supervisors, replacing Scott Ballard. LSU Board members usually keep a low-profile, but Louisiana Illuminator reporter Piper Hutchinson says that might not be the case with Mallett.

Cut 8 (11) “..chairmanship.”

There are no term limits, so Mallett is expected to be the LSU Board Chair for the foreseeable future.

It’s a marquee matchup in Baton Rouge Saturday night as the LSU Lady Tigers host South Carolina.  Reed Darcey of The Advocate says it will be important for senior guard Flau’jae Johnson to get into a rhythm early on.

Cut 11 (11) “…around the rim.”

The incumbent and the endorsee in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race qualified for the ballot on the third and final day of qualifying. Julia Letlow touted her work in the U.S. House, particularly working with the Trump administration with border security.

Cut 12 (09) “…no longer.”

Bill Cassidy, meanwhile, also touted his record. Louisiana’s senior senator said he was instrumental in the passage of the infrastructure bill that provided billions of dollars towards roads, bridges, high speed internet expansion and water projects.

Cut 14 (10) “…good jobs.”

The two join John Fleming as the major candidates on the Republican primary ballot. On the Democratic side, Jamie Davis, who qualified Wednesday, is joined by Nick Albares and Gary Crockett.

President Trump has pardoned the late LSU football great Billy Cannon for the counterfeiting charges he was convicted of in 1983. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

One of the ten men who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center last May will spend the next six decades behind bars. Antoine Massey has been sentenced to 60 years in prison without the possibility of parole for kidnapping and raping his former girlfriend. Massey spent weeks on the run before becoming the second to last escapee recaptured.

Republican Governor Jeff Landry and GOP State Treasurer John Fleming are probably not on speaking terms after Fleming accuses Landry of concocting a plan for himself to become a U.S. Senator without being elected. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The LSU women’s basketball team has lost 17 straight games to South Carolina, but the sixth-ranked Tigers are looking to change that tomorrow night. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A cold front will bring strong storms to the state this Mardi Gras weekend. But LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin reports the heavy rainfall and lightning should take place after the parades roll tomorrow.

Cut 3 (33) “…meteorologist Bill Jacquemin.”

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U.S. Senate candidate John Fleming claims that Julia Letlow’s entrance into the race is part of a grand plan by Governor Jeff Landry to one day appoint himself as a U.S. Senator. Fleming described this alleged scheme with reporters after he qualified for the Senate Republican primary.

Cut 4 (14) “…wanted to do.”

Landry shot back at Fleming by saying anyone who makes stuff up like that may not be fit for office.

Fleming was the first candidate to announce he was challenging incumbent Bill Cassidy in the state’s new closed party primary for federal elections. Letlow didn’t announce her candidacy until last month, after she received an endorsement from President Trump. Fleming, who worked in the Trump administration in his first term in office, believes the President’s endorsement should not be a factor in this race.

Cut 5 (06) “…should be choosing.”

In an interview with the USA Today Network, Governor Landry called Fleming’s theory ridiculous and said Fleming should concentrate on the job he was elected to do, and that’s State Treasurer. Landry also told the USA Today Network he intends to finish the job he was elected to do. But Fleming stands by his believe that the governor’s plan is for Letlow to be elected to the Senate, she would eventually leave the Senate and Landry could appoint himself U.S. Senator.

Cut 6 (09) “…you should make.”

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Along with the rest of the races in the closed primaries, today is the last day for candidates to qualify for the hotly-contested fifth congressional district race. Yesterday, Monroe State Representative Michael Echols became the seventh Republican to qualify for a spot on the ballot. The chair of the Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation says he plans on taking the principles he fights for in the legislature to Capitol Hill.

Cut 7 (12) “…America but Louisiana.”

Echols, like many of his fellow candidates, is taking Blake Miguez, who President Trump has endorsed, to task for running for the seat while living well outside of the district’s boundaries.

Cut 8 (11) “…the candidacy there.”

Along with six other Republicans, three Democrats have qualified for the ballot in the fifth district. They’re all vying to succeed Julia Letlow, who’s vacating the seat as she’s running for U.S. Senate.

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Carnival season reaches its climax starting today, with this being the last weekend before Mardi Gras. As such, preparations are well in place to make sure that it’s safe for everyone. The security designation in New Orleans is at its highest level from now through Tuesday, with security and law enforcement greatly beefed up. New Orleans Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Michael Harrison says the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone is in effect — with specific exceptions, no vehicles will be allowed into the French Quarter.

Cut 9 (09)  “…the side streets.”

Harrison says the only people who will be able to drive into the French Quarter will be emergency personnel, residents and hotel guests.

Cut 10 (05) “…in those hotels.”

Bourbon Street is fully closed to all vehicular traffic between Canal and St. Ann streets.

Of course, with this weekend being the last one until Mardi Gras, there will be plenty of parades – and scores of beads thrown from the floats. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is urging you to do your part to keep the streets clean – especially those of you who will be riding the floats.

Cut 11 (10) “…over the side.”

Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says if you’re lining the parade route, bring a couple bags with you.

Cut 12 (14) “…on the streets.”

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If you attempted Dry January and failed, or you need to get back on track after having a little too much fun during Carnival season, why not take part in Ochsner Eat Fit’s Alcohol Free for 40 Challenge? There are slots still remaining, and the registration deadline is midnight Sunday night. Ochsner Eat Fit Founder Molly Kimball says the challenge is strategically timed.

Cut 13 (07)  “…something is alcohol.”

Kimball says Ochsner, therefore, uses the occasion to show people the big difference giving up alcohol for just 40 days can make.

Cut 14 (09) “…inside and out.”

Kimball says as part of the challenge, participants receive in-depth metrics including labs, body composition analysis and before-and-after photos.

Cut 15 (07) “…and white markers.”

It only costs 59 dollars, and you can register at AlcoholFreeFor40-dot-com.

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It is finally opening day for the 2026 LSU baseball team, with the Tigers beginning their national title defense against Milwaukee. Sophomore right-hander Casan Evans was named the opening day starter, and coach Jay Johnson says Evans has been ready to become a starter since last season ended.

Cut 16 (10) “…excited for him.” 

After six long months of preparing for the season, Johnson is looking forward to facing a different opponent on opening day.

Cut 17 (11)  “…players are excited.”

LSU’s opening day against Milwaukee could be the last for junior right fielder Jake Brown. The Sulphur native says he will do his best to soak in the moment when the Tigers take the field for the first time in 2026.

Cut 18 (11)  “…of good vibes.”

First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

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The sixth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team will host one of its biggest games in program history tomorrow, when the Tigers take on number-three South Carolina. LSU hasn’t beaten South Carolina since February of 2012, and head coach Kim Mulkey says she expects the sold-out Pete Maravich Assembly Center to be rocking.

Cut 19 (17) “…we do, right?”

The matchup will mark the first time junior MiLaysia Fulwiley plays her former team since transferring last April. The top-six showdown will be emotional for Fulwiley, but Mulkey isn’t concerned about it affecting her play.

Cut 20 (20) “…have butterflies.”

Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Day two of qualifying for the closed primaries is in the books. In the race for the fifth congressional district, Monroe State Representative Michael Echols jumped into the race, joining six other Republicans and three Democrats – including Bunkie attorney Dan McKay, who said if elected, he’d protect democracy by standing up to President Trump, who he called a “dictator.”

Cut 7 (09) “…as we speak.”

In the race for U.S. Senate, the big question is, will any big-name Democrats enter the race? Former Governor John Bel Edwards and current State Senator Jay Juneau have already said no. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says any Democrat would have a hard time raising money, because the national party does not look at Louisiana as a winnable state.

Cut 11 (12) “…ten million dollar race.”

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson names his starting pitchers for the opening series of the college baseball season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

An ugly scene at the end of a boys’ soccer game in Bossier Parish last night. Students from Bossier High School and Morgan City High School got into a fight following the closely contested game. The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says at one point, a Morgan City student struck and injured a Bossier player. Micah Wilkerson was arrested and is being held on ten-thousand dollars bond.

Three Democrats have qualified for the fifth congressional district primary. Among them is Jessee Fleenor, a dairy farmer from Loranger, who took a very combative tone in addressing the media immediately after qualifying, at times using language that we cannot repeat on the radio. 

Cut 8 (12) “…reactionary party.”

And that was one of the more tame adjectives Fleenor used in his 20-minute speech.

As for the U.S. Senate, John Fleming has already qualified, and Bill Cassidy and Julia Letlow are expected to do so tomorrow. What about Eric Skrmetta? The 67-year-old had previously announced that he would challenge Cassidy, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s not looking so likely anymore.

Cut 9 (08)  “…fundraising.”

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson names his starting pitchers for the opening series of the college baseball season. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Speaking of LSU, A change at the top at the Board of Supervisors. Governor Landry announced that Vice Chairman Lee Mallett is taking over as board president. Mallett, who’s from Lake Charles, replaces Scott Ballard, who will remain on the board. During Ballard’s tenure as president, the board voted to re-integrate the University of New Orleans into the LSU system.

Seven Republicans and three Democrats have qualified for the fifth congressional district primaries. Republican Misti Cordell says she’s the one best suited to represent the district.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in that area.”

Democrat Larry Foy announced his candidacy even before Julia Letlow abandoned her re-election bid in favor of a U.S. Senate run. Foy said his goal is to return the balance of power in Washington to where it belongs.

Cut 6 (10) “…United States Constitution.”

Dan McKay says he will protect democracy by standing up to President Trump, who he called a “dictator.”

Cut 7 (09) “…as we speak.”

Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis says the amount of debris from the ice storm that his public works crews are collecting is astonishing. Mayor Ellis expects debris removal will take eight months.

Cut 4 (13) “…seeing.”

Ellis says the city of Monroe is working with Southern Disaster Recovery in removing the debris.

Two foreign nationals are indicted by federal prosecutors in what is believed to be one of the biggest meth busts in Louisiana history. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says deputies pulled the two men over on I-12 last Saturday; and during a search of the vehicle, they discovered about 360 pounds of meth inside a hidden compartment.

Cut 15 (11) “…you got caught.”

On day one of qualifying, six Republicans and three Democrats qualified for the ballot in the fifth congressional district. Andrew Greenstein reports one candidate’s opponents are taking him to task for where he lives.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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ULM is the first university in the state to install a drone detection system. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A big weekend of Mardi Gras parades is coming up, but there is the threat of severe weather. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin gives us the details.

Cut 3 (32) “…meteorologist Bill Jacquemin.”

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On the first day of qualifying for the closed party primaries, six Republicans have qualified for the ballot in the Fifth Congressional District. That’s the seat being vacated by Julia Letlow as she’s running for U.S. Senate. Among the six who qualified yesterday was the man who President Trump endorsed, State Senator Blake Miguez, who says he will be running on his record of conservative legislation.

Cut 4 (13) “…banning Zucker-bucks.”

Miguez was originally going to run for U.S. Senate but changed gears when Trump endorsed Letlow in that race, setting off a chain of events. Miguez says he will continue fighting for President Trump’s agenda on behalf of the people of Louisiana.

Cut 5 (06) “…the national level.”

A lot has been made of the fact that Miguez lives in New Iberia, which isn’t close to the boundaries of the Fifth District – it’s important to note that under federal law, U.S. House members are not required to live in the district that they serve in. Still, that’s not stopping his opponents from hammering him on that fact, including Rick Edmonds.

Cut 6 (11) “…know this district.”

Edmonds is a state senator from Baton Rouge; he says he will fight for Louisiana values in Washington.

Cut 7 (13) “…fight, fight, fight.”

Another candidate who qualified yesterday is Misti Cordell, who’s currently the chairwoman of the Board of Regents. She says it doesn’t concern her that President Trump’s endorsement went to someone else.

Cut 8 (08) “…meet me yet.”

Along with Baton Rouge, the Fifth District also includes northeast Louisiana, which Cordell says has unique needs – and since she’s from northeast Louisiana, she’s the one best suited to represent the district – not someone who lives in New Iberia.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in that area.”

Austin Magee, Michael Mebruer and Sammy Wyatt have also qualified for the Republican primary. Qualifying ends tomorrow afternoon.

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The University of Louisiana at Monroe says it has bolstered public safety on its campus with the installation of a drone detection system. Dr. Mark Johnson is the Training Director for ULM Police, and he says universities are facing escalating challenges from unauthorized drones, especially during large events, such as academic ceremonies and football games.

Cut 10 (11) “…could do that.”

The drone detection equipment is mounted atop Malone Stadium; and Dr. Johnson says it gives ULM real-time visibility into its airspace, and officers are alerted immediately when an unauthorized drone flies over campus.

Cut 11 (11) “…the operator is.”

Johnson says a grant from FEMA allowed them to partner with Sky Safe, which is known as a global leader in drone detection. He says Sky Safe gives campus police a reliable way to manage drone activity on campus.

Cut 12 (10) “…come on.”

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Two foreign nationals are indicted by federal prosecutors in what is believed to be one of the biggest meth busts in Louisiana history. U.S. Attorney Kurt Wall says Livingston Parish deputies pulled the two men over on I-12 last Saturday; and during a search of the vehicle, they discovered among other paraphernalia, 71-hundred dollars in cash and 164 kilograms of methamphetamine. (360 pounds)

Cut 13 (10)  “…pounds of methamphetamine.”

Wall says his office has worked diligently to move cases like this one very quickly.

Cut 14 (12) “…these two gentlemen.”

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says the deputies who stopped the two men last Saturday were true heroes that day.

Cut 15 (11) “…you got caught.”

The Justice Department says the two men are citizens of Honduras and El Salvador and are in the country illegally.

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The number-two LSU baseball team will open its national title defense at 2 p.m. tomorrow against Milwaukee. Kendall Rodgers of D1Baseball.com believes the Tigers will be dangerous at the plate. Rodgers says sophomore centerfielder Derek Curiel has positioned himself to have an even better second season at the plate after putting on 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason.

Cut 16 (09) “…good spot there.” 

Third baseman Trent Caraway was one of LSU’s additions in this year’s transfer portal cycle. Caraway hit .267 with 12 homers and 47 RBI for Oregon State last season, and Rodgers believes he will have plenty of success for the Tigers in 2026.

Cut 17 (14)  “…season for LSU.”

LSU will be without starting pitchers Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson this season, as both have turned pro. However, they return one of the best arms in the nation in sophomore right-hander Casan Evans. Last year, Evans had a 5-1 record and struck out 71 in over 52 innings of work. Rodgers believes Evans will solidify himself as the next great Tigers pitcher.

Cut 18 (14)  “…bona-fide Friday guy.”

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The UL-Lafayette men’s basketball team is riding a four-game winning streak, and the Cajuns look to extend it to five tonight when they host Coastal Carolina at 7 p.m. Head coach Quannas White credits the team’s recent success to having unselfish players.

Cut 19 (11) “…are right now.”

White, who was hired by the Cajuns in March of 2025, says he’s enjoying his time in Lafayette.

Cut 20 (14) “…I mean that.”

Day one of qualifying for the closed primaries is in the books. Among those who qualified for U.S. Senate this morning was Republican State Treasurer John Fleming, who noted that he was the first one to announce a primary challenge to Bill Cassidy.

Cut 3 (07) “…your vote?” 

No Democrat has been elected to the U.S. Senate in Louisiana since Mary Landrieu in 2008. That hasn’t stopped Democrat Jamie Davis from throwing his hat into the ring. The former Tensas Parish police jury member hardly has any name recognition outside of far northeast Louisiana right now. Using a boxing metaphor, Davis says do not count him out should he emerge as the Democratic Senate nominee.

Cut 6 (10) “…a new champion.”

Former LSU and Neville offensive tackle Will Campbell plans to use his poor performance in the Super Bowl as motivation. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

It was a mere formality, but Pope Leo the 14th has officially accepted the resignation of New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond. The Archdiocese says the 76-year-old worked one year past the church’s mandatory retirement age for bishops. The move officially makes James Checchio the 15th Archbishop of New Orleans.