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.”

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. Even though LSU was not a defendant, one attorney for the plaintiffs said he would ask the court to hold LSU in contempt if it does not add them to the roster. Another attorney for the plaintiffs, Tony Clayton, says he requested LSU to be enjoined.

Cut 12 (10) “…state of Louisiana.”

During testimony yesterday, the SEC filed a federal lawsuit against LSU, Coach Lane Kiffin and others, alleging that they waged a coordinated campaign to recruit former NFL players. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says SEC presidents have even considered suspending or expelling LSU from the conference.

Cut 9 (07)  “…that as well.”

The Pelican Institute for Public Policy says there are some strong indicators that show Louisiana’s economy is heading in the right direction. Among other things, the report finds personal income has increased six percent during the first quarter, compared to three-percent nationally. Chief Executive Officer Daniel Erspamer says excellent changes in state policy is boosting Louisiana’s economy.

Cut 6 (09) “…market this state.”

Construction on the Hyundai Steel plant near Donaldsonville officially gets underway today. Some in the community expressed concern at a recent air permit hearing about whether emissions levels would meet current EPA standards. But Stephanie Malin with Hyundai Steel says the company is taking innovative steps to greatly reduce emissions.

Cut 16 (10) “…by 70-percent.”

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

SEC university presidents have reportedly considered suspending or expelling LSU from the conference if it adds former NFL players onto its roster. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr supports that sentiment; but his Louisiana counterpart, Liz Murrill, believes he’s wrong.

Cut 14 (14) “…just ridiculous.”

This comes as LSU gets set to take on Clemson in the REAL Death Valley Saturday evening. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says it will be quite the Baton Rouge initiation for Lane Kiffin, who was undoubtedly impressed with the turnout last Saturday during the team’s gameday dress rehearsal.

Cut 5 (13) “…had at USC.”

Construction of the Hyundai Steel plant near Donaldsonville will get underway in earnest tomorrow with the groundbreaking ceremony. Ascension Parish Chamber President and CEO Donnie Miller says this is a project that will provide generational opportunities and potentially generational wealth for the people of Ascension Parish.

Cut 6 (09) “…our governmental services.”

Northwestern State alum James Genovese has completed two years as the university’s president and says the school is reporting gains in retention, academic outcomes, workforce-focused programs and private support.

Cut 9 (08)  “…once had.”

Genovese says the university has welcomed the largest freshman class in several years, and it has one of the strongest academic profiles in recent years.

A hearing in Louisiana’s 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge will determine whether 42 former college athletes can return for a fifth season. The lawsuit was amended to also target the SEC after the conference passed rules trying to deter the return of former NFL players in the case. Attorney General Liz Murrill filed an amicus brief supporting the players last night.

Cut 12 (10) “…the SEC.” 

During the hearing, the SEC sued LSU in federal court, claiming president Wade Rousse, athletic director Verge Ausberry and coach Lane Kiffin waged a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit pro players. 

All this comes ahead of LSU’s highly-anticipated game against Clemson Saturday evening. Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says they ended up issuing more than 900 credentials.

Cut 3 (06) “…been a whirlwind.”

Not only will the media be out in full force Saturday night, so will scores of celebrities, including Franklin Parish’s very own Lainey Wilson. Hours before kickoff, she will join the ESPN College Gameday crew as the guest picker, and she will give a special performance. Livvy Dunne is expected to be among the other celebrities in attendance.

Northwestern State president James Genovese believes the school has made great strides in the two years he’s been leading the school. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

LSU’s home opener against Clemson Saturday is one of the most anticipated games in school history. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Northwestern State President James Genovese believes the school has made great strides in two years he’s been leading the school. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU’s game against Clemson Saturday evening is one of the most anticipated games in school history. Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says the game is so huge, they ended up issuing more than 900 credentials – the most credentials they have ever issued for a single football game in school history.

Cut 3 (06) “…been a whirlwind.”

Bonnette says it’s not just the scores of media who will descend on the REAL Death Valley – there will be royalty among the more than 100-thousand fans who will pack the stadium.

Cut 4 (06) “…to be here (2x).”

And ESPN has announced that Franklin Parish’s own country music superstar Lainey Wilson will be the guest picker Saturday morning. Bonnette says this will be quite the Baton Rouge initiation for Lane Kiffin, who was undoubtedly impressed with the turnout last Saturday during the team’s gameday dress rehearsal.

Cut 5 (13) “…had at USC.”

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Construction of the Hyundai Steel plant near Donaldsonville will get underway in earnest tomorrow with the groundbreaking ceremony. Ascension Parish Chamber President and CEO Donnie Miller says this is a project that will provide generational opportunities and potentially generational wealth for the people of Ascension Parish.

Cut 6 (09) “…our governmental services.”

Miller says the new Hyundai Steel plant will mean thousands of new jobs for the region.

Cut 7 (10) “…41-hundred indirect jobs.”

Miller says the arrival of the Hyundai Steel plant will undoubtedly lead to other economic development in Ascension Parish for years to come.

Cut 8 (10) “…these major facilities.”

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Northwestern State alum James Genovese has completed two years as the university’s president and says the school is reporting gains in retention, academic outcomes, workforce-focused programs and private support.

Cut 9 (08)  “…once had.”

Genovese says the university has welcomed the largest freshman class in several years, and it has one of the strongest academic profiles in recent years.

Cut 10 (10) “…three years.”

Northwestern’s first to third semester retention rate reached 70-percent, which is higher than the Louisiana average. He says another positive sign is that student involvement has increased, with membership in student organizations growing from 800 to 12-hundred.

Genovese helping to address the state’s workforce needs is a big priority for the university. He says they’ve partnered with more than 100 businesses to produce well educated future workers.

Cut 11 (13) “…get that job.”

Across the university, 78-percent of academic programs have been created or updated within the past five years.

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A hearing is taking place in the Louisiana 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge to determine whether 42 former college athletes can return for a fifth season. The lawsuit was amended to also target the SEC after the conference passed rules trying to deter the return of former NFL players in the case. Attorney General Liz Murrill filed an amicus brief supporting the players last night.

Cut 12 (10) “…the SEC.”

As this hearing is underway, the SEC has filed a federal suit in the state of Alabama against LSU, alleging  president Wade Rousse, athletics director Verge Ausberry and football coach Lane Kiffin waged a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit pro players.

Murrill believes that the conference should not be allowed to circumvent a ruling against the NCAA with its own rules.

Cut 13 (08) “…this case.”

SEC university presidents have reportedly considered suspending or expelling LSU from the conference if the school rosters former NFL players in defiance of the conference bylaw. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr supported that sentiment, but Murrill believes he is on the wrong side of the case.

Cut 14 (14) “…just ridiculous.”

The SEC is suing LSU, Coach Lane Kiffin, Athletic Director Verge Ausberry and President Wade Rousse in federal court, alleging that they waged a coordinated campaign to recruit former NFL players. SEC university presidents have also reportedly considered suspending or expelling LSU from the conference if it rosters former NFL players. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr supports that sentiment; but his Louisiana counterpart, Liz Murrill, believes he’s wrong.

Cut 14 (14) “…just ridiculous.”

All this comes ahead of LSU’s highly anticipated game against Clemson Saturday evening. Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says there will be royalty among the more than 100-thousand fans who will pack the stadium.

Cut 4 (06) “…to be here (2x).”

Ground will be broken on the new Hyundai Steel plant near Donaldsonville tomorrow morning. Ascension Parish Chamber President and CEO Donnie Miller says the arrival of the plant will undoubtedly lead to other economic development in the parish for years to come.

Cut 8 (10) “…these major facilities.”

In his two years as the university’s president, Northwestern State alum James Genovese says the school is making progress in retention, academic outcomes, workforce-focused programs and private support. Genovese says the university has welcomed the largest freshman class in several years, and it has one of the strongest academic profiles in recent years.

Cut 10 (10) “…three years.” 

Northwestern’s first to third semester retention rate reached 70-percent, which is higher than the Louisiana average.

The SEC has filed a federal lawsuit against LSU, Coach Lane Kiffin, Athletic Director Verge Ausberry and President Wade Rousse, alleging that they waged a coordinated campaign to recruit former NFL players. It was filed during a hearing in a Louisiana state court to determine whether 42 former college athletes can return for a fifth season. Attorney General Liz Murrill filed an amicus brief supporting the players last night.

Cut 12 (10) “…the SEC.” 

All this, as LSU gets set to take on Clemson in the REAL Death Valley Saturday evening. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says it will be quite the Baton Rouge initiation for Kiffin, who was undoubtedly impressed with the turnout last Saturday during the team’s gameday dress rehearsal.

Cut 5 (13) “…had at USC.”

Construction of the Hyundai Steel plant near Donaldsonville will get underway in earnest tomorrow with the groundbreaking ceremony. Ascension Parish Chamber President and CEO Donnie Miller says the new plant will mean thousands of new jobs for the region.

Cut 7 (10) “…41-hundred indirect jobs.”

Miller says the arrival of the Hyundai Steel plant will undoubtedly lead to other economic development in Ascension Parish for years to come.

Northwestern State alum James Genovese has completed two years as the university’s president and says the school is reporting gains in retention, academic outcomes, workforce-focused programs and private support.

Cut 9 (08)  “…once had.”

Genovese says the university has welcomed the largest freshman class in several years, and it has one of the strongest academic profiles in recent years.