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) “…the potential displacement.”

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.

Dozens of athletes received a fifth season of eligibility in a Baton Rouge court Thursday night, and Governor Landry told Fox Business that he thinks the SEC is unfairly targeting LSU in the legal battle. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

This comes as LSU gets set to take on Clemson, which has reportedly notified LSU via email that playing former pros may breach the contract between the two schools.

Not everyone is welcoming Hyundai Steel to Ascension Parish with open arms. Ann Rolfes (RAWL-fis), the director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, says by putting up the plant, Louisiana is prioritizing a company from the other side of the world over local companies.

Cut 9 (11)  “…our own home.”

The plant had its ceremonial groundbreaking Friday afternoon. The plant is slated to open in 2029.

This is a Labor Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over weekend. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has made extra funds available to help local law enforcement agencies arrest drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. State Police Superintendent Colonel Frank Besson says last year, alcohol or drugs contributed to 34-percent of the state’s fatal crashes.

Cut 12 (09) “…right decisions.”

Governor Jeff Landry believes the SEC is unfairly targeting LSU in the legal battle over athletes seeking a fifth year of college eligibility. In an interview with Fox Business, Landry questioned why the SEC is not taking action against other schools, including Texas, which has offensive lineman Cole Hutson on its roster after he participated in two NFL rookie minicamps.

Cut 3 (10) “…LSU.”

All this comes as college football’s top-rated pregame show, “ESPN College GameDay” gets set to kick off its 40th season live from the LSU Campus. It also happens to be its 500th show on the road. Saturday night’s season opening matchup against Clemson is one of the most anticipated games in Tiger Stadium in several years, and LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette is expecting a big crowd for the show.

Cut 7 (03) “…to be like.”

Not everyone is happy with the arrival of the Hyundai Steel plant in Ascension Parish in 2029. Among other things, the Louisiana Bucket Brigade is concerned about the environmental impact, even though the company plans on reducing carbon emissions by 70-percent by using electricity instead of burning coal to produce the steel. Director Anne Rolfes says Hyundai is not being honest in its air permit application.

Cut 11 (10) “…from New Orleans.”

It’s Labor Day weekend, and that means another Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over weekend. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman reminds you that driving while impaired is a crime.

Cut 14 (09) “…that simple.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has made extra funds available to help local law enforcement agencies arrest drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Dozens of athletes received a fifth season of eligibility in a Baton Rouge court Thursday night, and Governor Jeff Landry told Fox Business that he thinks the SEC is unfairly targeting LSU in the legal battle. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Not everyone is rolling out the welcome mat for Hyundai Steel in Ascension Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry believes the SEC is unfairly targeting LSU in the legal battle over athletes seeking a fifth year of college eligibility. In an interview with Fox Business, Landry questioned why the SEC is not taking action against other schools, including Texas, which has offensive lineman Cole Hutson on its roster after he participated in two NFL rookie minicamps.

Cut 3 (10) “…LSU.”

The SEC has sued LSU in an effort to prevent the university from rostering players who spent time with NFL teams during training camp.

Landry also takes issue with national media reports referring to the athletes as former pros or ex-NFL players. He says the controversy could have been avoided if the NCAA had granted the high school class of 2022 athletes a blanket waiver for a fifth season of eligibility when the association implemented its new five-for-five rule.

Cut 4 (14) “…changed the rule”

Tight end Dae’Quan Wright is one of the plaintiffs in the Louisiana college eligibility case. Wright was cut by two NFL teams earlier this summer and after he his release from the Cleveland Browns he committed to LSU. Wright says he’s relieved to receive a fifth year of college eligibility.

Cut 5 (09) “…appreciate that”

Wright says he expects to play Saturday against Clemson. Former Alabama and LSU head coach Nick Saban said on the ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show that if he was LSU, he’d be very careful how to proceed here, because it’s possible a federal or state court could rule these players ineligible and there maybe consequences relative to that.

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College football’s top-rated pregame show, “ESPN College GameDay” will kick off its 40th season Saturday morning as it will broadcast live from the LSU Campus its 500th show on the road. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says it’s the 15th time ESPN College GameDay has hosted its show at LSU.

Cut 6 (12) “…of the classrooms.”

Saturday night’s season opening matchup against Clemson is one of the most anticipated games in Tiger Stadium in several years. Bonnette is expecting a big crowd for the show.

Cut 7 (03) “…to be like.”

Pat McAfee’s kicking contest returns for its fourth season. Two-time country music entertainer of the year and Franklin Parish native Lainey Wilson is the celebrity guest picker and she’s expected to also perform during the show. Bonnette expects College GameDay will go all out for its 500th show.

Cut 8 (08) “…on Saturday morning.”

The show begins at eight a-m; if you decide to go, we strongly suggest you arrive well before then.

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Not everyone is happy with the arrival of the Hyundai Steel plant in Ascension Parish in 2029. Ann Rolfes (RAWL-fis), the director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, says by putting up the plant, the state is prioritizing a company from the other side of the world over local companies.

Cut 9 (11)  “…our own home.”

Rolfes says the state is going out of its way to tend to Hyundai’s needs while neglecting the needs of the people of the state.

Cut 10 (12) “…rest of Louisiana?”

The Louisiana Bucket Brigade is also concerned about the environmental impact the steel plant will have, even though the company plans on reducing carbon emissions by 70-percent by using electricity instead of burning coal to produce the steel. Rolfes says Hyundai is not being honest in its air permit application.

Cut 11 (10) “…from New Orleans.”

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This is a Labor Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over weekend. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has made extra funds available to help local law enforcement agencies identify, stop and arrest drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Frank Besson says last year alcohol or drugs contributed to 34-percent of the state’s fatal crashes.

Cut 12 (09) “…right decisions.”

Besson says when he was a young Trooper, he investigated a fatal drunk driving crash that claimed the life of a six-year-old boy. He says it didn’t have to happen if the driver made the decision not to drink and drive.

Cut 13 (09) “…lifeless body.”

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman reminds motorists this weekend that impaired driving is a crime.

Cut 14 (09) “…that simple.”

Dozens of athletes received a fifth season of eligibility in a Baton Rouge court last night, and Governor Jeff Landry told Fox Business that he thinks the SEC is unfairly targeting LSU in the legal battle. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

This comes on the eve of LSU’s highly-anticipated matchup against Clemson, which has reportedly notified LSU via email that playing former pros may breach the contract between the two schools.

As Hyundai Steel gets set to hold its ceremonial groundbreaking for its 5.8-billion-dollar plant in Ascension Parish that’s slated to open in 2029, not everyone is ready to roll out the welcome mat. Ann Rolfes (RAWL-fis), the director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, says the state is going out of its way to tend to Hyundai’s needs while neglecting the needs of the people of the state.

Cut 10 (12) “…rest of Louisiana?” 

It’s Labor Day weekend, and that means it’s another Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over weekend. State Police Superintendent Colonel Frank Besson says when he was a young trooper, he investigated a fatal drunk driving crash that claimed the life of a six-year-old boy. He says it didn’t have to happen if the driver made the decision not to drink and drive.

Cut 13 (09) “…lifeless body.”

Baton Rouge Judge William Jorden sides with 44 athletes, including LSU commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, in granting a fifth season of eligibility. Despite the ruling, concerns remain that the school could face later punishments if the SEC wins an impending appeal of the injunction or a separate federal lawsuit against LSU. As such, one of the plaintiff’s attorneys, Tony Clayton, says this is far from over.

Cut 13 (09)  “…ask for.”

Today is the day construction will officially get underway on the Hyundai Steel plant near Donaldsonville. Stephanie Malin with Hyundai Steel says by moving sheetmetal manufacturing to the U.S., it will bolster national security and the U.S. supply chain.

Cut 15 (09) “…in the U.S.”

The 5.8-billion-dollar plant is expected to open in 2029.

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.”

Last week’s SpaceX announcement is already starting to have a ripple effect. Carencro-based Coastal Machine and Supply has announced that it’s investing more than 25-million dollars to expand its operations in Lafayette Parish. The company is a precision contract manufacturer which specializes in defense, space and oil and gas programs.

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.”

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.”

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.”