With construction of the Hyundai Steel plant in Ascension Parish set to begin, another group is expressing concerns. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Today is 9-8-8 Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Cade Voisin has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Cade Voisin.”

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WWL Radio on-air sports personality and NFL draft expert Mike Detillier has passed away after a brief bout with cancer. Jeff Palermo reports the people who loved him are coming to grips with his sudden death.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Hundreds of new jobs are coming to the Acadiana region with the 25.5-million-dollar expansion of Coastal Machine and Supply. CEO Kody Guidry says the expansion of the precision manufacturing company was years in the making.

Cut 4 (06) “…oil and gas.”

Guidry says the expansion will lead to a total of about 240 new job opportunities, on top of retaining 58 current positions – in fact, the “help wanted” sign is out already.

Cut 5 (11) “…of this year.”

The first phase will be completed in the summer of 2027, and Guidry says that will be followed by additional phases.

Cut 6 (11) “…100-thousand square feet.”

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The group Louisiana Progress is urging Hyundai Steel to live up to its word as construction of its 5.8-billion-dollar steel mill in Ascension Parish draws nearer. The company has said it plans on using electricity to manufacture the steel instead of burning coal, reducing carbon emissions by 70-percent. Angelle Bradford with Louisiana Progress wants Hyundai to stick to that.

Cut 7 (09) “…natural gas power.”

Bradford says another big issue is the people living near the site – not only those choosing to stay in their homes who now have this steel mill close by, but also for those being forced to move.

Cut 8 (13) “…from those projects.”

The Hyundai Steel plant will create thousands of new jobs for Ascension Parish. Bradford wants assurances from the company that locals will get first dibs on those jobs.

Cut 9 (12)  “…prioritized for hiring.”

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Today is 9-8-8 day — a day when mental health providers spread the word about Louisiana 9-8-8, a number you can call or text 24 hours a day to receive free, confidential counseling for any problem, big or small. VIA Link social worker Sherrard Crespo says the 9-8-8 helpline saves lives.

Cut 10 (10) “…to save people.”

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for Louisianians ages 10 to 34. VIA LINK, one of the nonprofits that answers 9-8-8 calls in Louisiana, is now receiving more than five-thousand calls a month. But Crespo says they are seeing a decline in the highest-risk crisis calls.

Cut 11 (04) “…is going down.”

Crespo says there will be a rally on the steps of the State Capitol to raise awareness about the Louisiana 9-8-8 helpline.

Cut 12 (06) “…there to listen.”

Crespo says 9-8-8 is a national number, but local crisis services answer the calls.

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Louisiana is mourning the loss of legendary pro and college football analyst Mike Detillier of WWL Radio, who has passed away. Among many other things, Detillier co-hosted “The Second Guess” with former Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert, who was overcome with emotion talking about showing up to work yesterday knowing Detillier wasn’t there.

Cut 13 (14)  “…him there today.” (sobbing)

Detillier was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer less than two weeks ago and had planned to tell listeners today, on what would have been his 66th birthday. Yesterday on “The Second Guess,” Hebert talked about when he got his first indication that Detillier was experiencing health issues.

Cut 14 (18) “…it actually was.”

When the Saints were in Los Angeles for their preseason game on August 22nd against the Rams, Detillier had to be rushed to the hospital with severe stomach pains. It was at that time when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. By then, the cancer had spread throughout his body, and it was too late for doctors to save his life.

Detillier was a Saints and LSU football analyst for more than 40 years, and Hebert noted yesterday on “The Second Guess” that he was immersed in his work right up until the very end as he was watching the LSU game.

Cut 15 (15) “…away at 1:30.”

The Saints, Head Coach Kellen Moore and many players past and present have issued statements expressing their condolences over Detillier’s passing.

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It’s game week for the Saints as the Black and Gold will kick off the season Sunday in Detroit. Quarterback Tyler Shough started nine games last year, but this season he’ll start the season opener. Head Coach Kellen Moore says Shough is ready to be the guy starting with the first game.

Cut 16 (13) “…what we need.”

The Lions were 9-and-8 last season and missed the playoffs after winning the NFC North in 2023 and 2024. Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has been a big part of their success. He’s caught over 100 passes in each of the last four seasons. Moore says St. Brown is a premier receiver in the NFL.

Cut 17 (16) “…a fun test.”

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After having one of the worst rushing attacks the last two seasons, LSU showed the ability in the blowout win over Clemson that it can run the football. Wisconsin transfer Dillon Jones showed why he’s the starting running back over returners Harlem Barry and Caden Durham. Jones had 113 yards rushing and two touchdowns. He averaged nearly five yards a carry. Coach Lane Kiffin is not surprised to see Jones have success in his LSU debut.

Cut 18 (15) “…front of us”

LSU set a record for first downs in a game with 38 as the Tigers churned out 644 total yards — 309 on the ground and 335 yards passing. LSU’s offensive line struggled last season, and Kiffin says this current group has room to improve.

Cut 19 (17) “…play really consistent.”

LSU will host Louisiana Tech this Saturday. Tiger Stadium was rocking against Clemson, and it was loud as ever. Kiffin wants to see the fans to bring that same kind of passion and intensity this Saturday.

Cut 20 (14) “…do it again.”

Hyundai is ready to begin construction on a five-point-eight billion dollar steel mill in Ascension Parish. Only final air pollution permit is needed from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Governor Landry says an economic development trip to South Korea in October of 2024 helped bring this steel mill project to Donaldsonville.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the world.”

The facility is expected to produce 13-hundred permanent jobs and another 41-hundred indirect jobs.

Speaking of which – Louisiana Works says the state of Labor in Louisiana is looking promising on this Labor Day. Secretary Susie Schowen (SCHAU-in) says the Hyundai Steel plant is just the tip of the iceberg in putting people to work.

Cut 8 (13) “…from those projects.”

Now THAT’s how you start the Lane Kiffin era at LSU, with a 51-10 shellacking of Clemson! What happened Saturday night in Tiger Stadium was a complete 180-degree turn from what occurred against Texas A&M, with the second half debacle leading to Brian Kelly’s firing. But Kiffin’s arrival has brought the passion and bravado back.

Cut 13 (13)  “…started there.”

The end of summer not only means the start of football season, but it also marks the second mating season for lovebugs. LSU AgCenter entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says lovebugs are more commonly found near areas with more moisture and decaying matter, like  marshes, swamps and forested areas. He says lovebug larvae help break down and recycle organic materials.

Cut 5 (08) “…time of year.”

The state of Labor in Louisiana is looking promising on this Labor Day. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SCHAU-in) says the scores of economic development projects happening in Louisiana are driving a lot of the job growth.

Cut 7 (09) “…do with infrastructure.”

Schowen says the state is even diversifying its white-collar industries, with significant job growth in sectors like financial services.

Hyundai is ready to begin construction on its massive steel mill in Ascension Parish – it’s only waiting on a final air pollution permit from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. William Kimmitt, the undersecretary for international trade in the Department of Commerce, says the facility will supply domestic steel to Hyundai Motor Group vehicle assembly operations and other U-S automakers.

Cut 11 (13) “…critical industries.”

It’s the end of summer, and that means the lovebugs are out in full force – and no, I’m not talking about teens rekindling their romances after a summer apart. The end of summer is the second mating season of the year for the insects. LSU AgCenter entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says while lovebugs are harmless to humans, their blood can degrade car paint.

Cut 4 (11) “…on the vehicle.”

It was a game no LSU fan will ever forget, walloping Clemson 51-10. During his introductory press conference late last year, Head Coach Lane Kiffin spoke about how difficult it was for an opponent to come into Tiger Stadium and win, and how he was looking forward to being on the other sideline where the fans had your back. He said it was great to finally experience it.

Cut 15 (09) “…pretty cool.”

On this Labor Day, the state of Labor in Louisiana is looking promising. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SCHAU-in) says more people in Louisiana are working than ever before, with more than 2.01-million people working.

Cut 6 (09) “…our labor force.”

Schowen says wages have increased more than six-percent over the last year, making Louisiana one of a select number of states where wage growth is outpacing inflation.

Hyundai is ready to begin construction on a five-point-eight billion dollar steel mill in Ascension Parish.  Governor Landry has secured more than 250-billion dollars in new capital investment – he says that’s 85-billion more than Texas. Landry says companies like Hyundai are choosing Louisiana because the state has what it takes to make it happen.

Cut 10 (08) “…is our people.”

This year’s second wave of lovebugs has arrived. Kace Kieschnick has why that may not matter too much to you but could affect your vehicle.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Very sad news out of the world of sports as legendary pro and college football analyst Mike Detillier from LRN affiliate WWL has passed away. Detillier was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer less than two weeks ago and had planned to tell listeners tomorrow on what would have been his 66th birthday.

Saturday is a day LSU fans will not forget as the long-awaited debut of Lane Kiffin delivered a dominating 51-10 victory over the Clemson Tigers. There were thoughts LSU could be distracted by the ongoing drama surrounding the college eligibility of two players, who were on NFL rosters last month. But Kiffin said before the game it would not be a distraction and he was right…

Cut 14 (12) “…by it.”

Next up the Tigers host The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Saturday

Hyundai is ready to begin construction on a five-point-eight billion dollar steel mill in Ascension Parish. The facility is expected to produce 13-hundred permanent jobs and another 41-hundred indirect jobs. Landry says an economic development trip to South Korea in October of 2024 helped bring this steel mill project to Donaldsonville…

Cut 9 (10)  “…the world.”

With construction underway on multiple data centers and LNG facilities, the state’s labor force is growing. Work will soon begin on a massive Hyundai steel mill in Ascension Parish and SpaceX’s rocket launching complex in coastal Vermilion Parish. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SCHAU-in) says those projects are putting a lot of people to work.

Cut 8 (13) “…from those projects.”

Schowen says wages have increased more than six-percent over the last year, making Louisiana one of a select number of states where wage growth is outpacing inflation.

If you think you’re seeing more lovebugs than usual, you’re not imagining it. The end of summer is their second mating season of the year. LSU AgCenter entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says it is a normal part of their life cycle, but there are more lovebugs this year than in previous years.

Cut 3 (11) “…their populations.”

A new chapter in LSU football began Saturday, and it opened with a statement. Lane Kiffin’s first game on the sidelines ended with the Tigers cruising to a 51-10 win over Clemson. Despite scoring an early field goal, Clemson never had a chance. The 102-thousand in attendance made sure LSU would win. Linebacker Whit Weeks felt the energy…

Cut 12 (14) “…special.”

The Tigers return to action Saturday when they host the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at 6:30

On this Labor Day, the state of Labor in Louisiana is looking promising. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SCHAU-in) says the scores of economic development projects happening in Louisiana are driving a lot of the job growth.

Cut 7 (09) “…do with infrastructure.”

Construction is underway in multiple data centers, LNG facilities and officials just held a groundbreaking ceremony for a giant steel mill in Ascension Parish

Hyundai is ready to begin construction on a five-point-eight billion dollar steel mill in Ascension Parish. The Hyundai-Posco steel plant will produce about two-point-eight million metric tons of ultra-low-carbon automative-grade steel annually. Undersecretary for International Trade in the Department of Commerce, William Kimmitt, says the facility will supply domestic steel to Hyundai Motor Group vehicle assembly operations and other U-S automakers…

Cut 11 (13) “…critical industires.”

Before construction begins Hyundai needs to get an air permit from DEQ

If you’ve noticed more lovebugs around lately, that’s to be expected. The end of summer brings their second mating season each year. LSU AgCenter entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says lovebugs are most abundant in moist environments like marshes, swamps and wooded areas where organic material is decomposing. He says their larvae serve a useful purpose by helping return nutrients to the soil.

Cut 5 (08) “…time of year.”

Louisiana is still buzzing over the LSU’s impressive 51-10 win over Clemson to usher in a new era of football inside Tiger Stadium. What happened Saturday night in Tiger Stadium was a complete 180-degree turn from what occurred versus Texas A&M, the second half debacle that led to Brian Kelly’s firing. Coach Lane Kiffin’s arrival has brought the passion and bravado back…

Cut 13 (13)  “..started there.”

The Tigers will now get ready to play Louisiana Tech this Saturday. The Bulldogs beat Northwestern State 80 to 6.

WWL radio sports talk show host Mike Detillier has passed away at the age of 65 after a brief bout with pancreatic cancer. Football fans enjoyed reading his NFL draft report that he used to publish every year. His analysis on the Saints and other football issues was well respected. He was a contributor to the Louisiana Radio Network for many years and he will be sorely missed.

On this Labor Day, Louisiana Works says the state of labor in the state is very positive.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

It’s that time of year, where Love Bugs are out and following you around when you’re cutting the grass. LSU AgCenter Entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says lovebugs are harmless to humans, but their blood can degrade car paint.

Cut 4 (11) “…on the vehicle.”

Ashbrook says dryer sheets can help get them off your vehicle.