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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.