A report from the Pelican Institute for Public Policy finds that Louisiana’s economy grew faster than the national rate during the first quarter of this year. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
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A Baton Rouge judge granted 44 high school class of 2022 athletes a preliminary injunction for a fifth season of college eligibility. Kace Kieschnick reports.
Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”
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Construction of the Hyundai Steel plant near Donaldsonville officially gets underway today. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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The Pelican Institute for Public Policy says there are some strong indicators that show Louisiana’s economy is heading in the right direction. Chief Executive Officer Daniel Erspamer says Louisiana is doing better than the nation in one key economic number…
Cut 4 (11) “…was 2.1-percent.”
Erspamer says construction, professional and business services and health care sectors were helping to drive this growth through the first quarter of this year.
Erspamer says the state has added nearly 17-thousand jobs over the last year…
Cut 5 (06) “…in manufacturing employment.”
Erspamer says their report also finds that personal income has increased six percent during the first quarter, compared to three-percent nationally. He says excellent changes in state policy is boosting Louisiana’s economy.
Cut 6 (09) “…market this state.”
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The SEC filed a federal lawsuit against LSU, President Wade Rousse, Athletic Director Verge Ausberry and football coach Lane Kiffin. The suit claims LSU’s pursuit of NFL players harms the conference and violates its First Amendment right to enforce its own rules. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says it’s an immature move from the SEC.
Cut 7 (12) “…being very unprofessional.”
The lawsuit was filed in an Alabama federal court and became public around the same time Commissioner Greg Sankey took the stand in a Baton Rouge eligibility hearing that that resulted in a preliminary injunction granting a group of former NFL players a fifth season of college eligibility. Guilbeau says he believes the SEC does not have the law on their side, but LSU needs to throw in the towel.
Cut 8 (10) “…could be repercussions.”
LSU could face severe penalties for continuing to pursue players who signed NFL contracts if the court rules in favor of the SEC. Guilbeau says SEC presidents have even considered suspending or expelling LSU from the conference.
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Baton Rouge Judge William Jorden granted LSU commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, along with 42 other athletes, a preliminary injunction against the NCAA and SEC. The players will now be eligible to return for a fifth season of eligibility. Attorney Ryan Downton, who represented the athletes, says the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility rules grant athletes five seasons of eligibility.
LSU will now be allowed to officially roster Wright, Harris and Notre Dame Transfer Junior Tuihalamaka. Wright and Harris both signed NFL contracts and had brief stints in NFL training camps this summer.
The SEC presidents unanimously approved a policy prohibiting schools from rostering former professional football and basketball players, as well as severe punishments for any school that does so. One of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Tony Clayton, says that rule has now been blocked by the preliminary injunction.
LSU was enjoined with the SEC and NCAA in the injunction and is prevented from doing anything to negatively impact the players. Downton said he would ask the Court to hold LSU in contempt if they do not add the players. Clayton says he requested LSU be enjoined.
Cut 12 (10) “…state of Louisiana.”
The LSU football team has until 24 hours before their season opener at 6:30 on Saturday to submit its roster to the SEC. Concerns remain that the school could face later punishments if the SEC wins its federal lawsuit against LSU or impending appeal of the injunction. Clayton says this is far from over.
The SEC released a statement Thursday night stating it disagreed with the ruling and that member universities have the right to govern themselves and enforce agreed-upon rules. The conference pledged to continue to defend fair competition and its authority.
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Today is the day construction will officially get underway on the Hyundai Steel plant near Donaldsonville. Stephanie Malin with Hyundai Steel says there are several reasons why the company chose Ascension Parish to establish its new plant.
Cut 14 (12) “…in the community.”
Malin says by moving the manufacturing of the sheetmetal to be used to manufacture Hyundai vehicles to the U.S., it will bolster national security and the U.S. supply chain.
Some in the community expressed concern at a recent air permit hearing about whether emissions levels would meet current EPA standards. But Malin says Hyundai is taking innovative steps to greatly reduce emissions.
The 5.8-billion-dollar plant is expected to open in 2029.
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Lane Kiffin’s eagerly awaited LSU debut is just one day away. The Tigers host Clemson tomorrow at 6:30 in a game that has seen the most media and celebrity credentials issued in Tiger Stadium history. ESPN’s “College GameDay” will be on campus, and Kiffin says all of that attention is good for the program.
Cut 17 (17) “…person and financially.”
Kiffin says the most important thing is always winning, but show time is a real thing. He says it’s important to create a product people want to see.
Cut 18 (14) “…into the stadium.”
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UL Lafayette kicks off the season against Lamar tomorrow at 7. The Cajuns have gone to eight consecutive bowl games and are coming off a 6-and-7 2025. Lamar opened its season with a 21-14 win over Abilene Christian last week. UL head coach Michael Desormeaux says a strong offensive start is important against a veteran team that likes to run the ball.
Cut 19 (16) “…regroup from there.”
The Ragin’ Cajuns are kicking off their 125th season and were picked to finish second in the Sun Belt West this year. Desormeaux expects a lot of excitement for the season opener.