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.

The blockbuster preliminary injunction hearing that could determine whether LSU and other SEC schools will be allowed to sign players who appeared briefly with NFL teams is underway in Baton Rouge. Tony Clayton, one of the attorneys representing the 40-plus players seeking a fifth season of eligibility, says he is confident in their case.

Cut 13 (10)  “…and the facts.”

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is in attendance. The league will argue that it has the authority to establish and implement its own rules without court intervention.

Meanwhile one of the most anticipated season openers in LSU football history will take place on Saturday night when Lane Kiffin makes his debut as the head coach of the LSU Tigers. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says they have credentialed more than 900 media members and celebrities, which is a record….

Cut 4 (11) “..the show”

Franklin Parish country music star Lainey Wilson is ESPN College Gameday’s celebrity picker.

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.

A one-dollar coin featuring the likeness of President Trump is now available for purchase and it is also entering circulation. U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis of Mandeville says 250 thousand of the coins were released yesterday.

Cut 7 (08) “…an amazing design.”

The coin is part of a series being released this year to commemorate America’s 250th birthday.

Just two more days before 11th ranked LSU and Clemson face off in Tiger Stadium to kick off the 2026 season. Are the Tigers locked in despite all the court room drama surrounding the fifth-year players that LSU is interested in adding to the roster? Linebacker Whit Weeks says it’s not a big deal at all for the players.

Cut 16 (11) “… day of work.”

The LSU-Clemson season opener 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 Death Valley – plenty of celebrities will also be in attendance.

The state’s Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend. It begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson on what type of items you can purchase and not pay state and local sales taxes…

Cut 11 (12) “…types of knives”

For more information go to revenue-dot-la-dot-gov-slash second amendment.

And if you use cash to purchase any item, you might get a one-dollar coin in cash back featuring the likeness of President Donald Trump. Paul Hollis the director of the US Mint, says rolls and bags of the Trump one-dollar coins are now for purchase through the U-S Mint…

Cut 9 (11) “….ten million examples”

Hollis says thousands of the coins have also been placed into circulation, meaning you could eventually come across one in your pocket change.

Athletes, who were part of the high school graduating Class of 2022 and did not receive a fifth year of college eligibility, will make their argument today that they should be eligible to play this college athletic season because of the NCAA’s new five-for-five rule. There are more than 40 plaintiffs, some of them football players, who briefly appeared on an NFL roster. John Holden, an associate professor of business law at Indiana University…

Cut 14 (11) “…from the players”

But the NCAA and the SEC say if you were on an NFL roster, even for a brief time, you should not be allowed to return to college.

This weekend is the Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday, which means consumer purchases of firearms, ammunition and a wide range of hunting supplies will be exempt from state and local sales taxes. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson on what items are not eligible…

Cut 12 (08) “…such as airboats”

We’re heading into the Labor Day weekend with sky-high gas prices. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Two school principals in Covington plead guilty to failing to report suspected child abuse cases at EE Lyon Elementary School. Principal Lauren Faciane and assistant principal Tanya Barth admitted to their guilt, and both were sentenced to probation for violating the state’s mandatory reporting law.

The blockbuster preliminary injunction hearing that could determine whether LSU and other SEC schools will be allowed to sign players who signed NFL contracts takes place in Baton Rouge today. Tony Clayton, one of the attorneys representing the 40-plus players seeking a fifth season of eligibility, says he is confident in their case.

Cut 13 (10)  “…and the facts.”

The SEC will argue that it has the authority to establish rules and the courts cannot intervene. The hearing begins at 11 AM.

Byron Henderson with the Louisiana Department of Revenue says the 2nd Amendment Weekend Sales Tax Holiday begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday.

Cut 10 (10) “…local sales tax.”

Henderson says the sales tax holiday only applies to consumer purchases; it does not apply to business or commercial purchases.

Gas prices jumped up three cents to a statewide average of $3.75 a gallon for regular gasoline. Gas prices are a dollar higher than year ago. Triple-A’s Don Redman says this is not as popular of a holiday driving weekend than other holidays…

Cut 5 (06) “..back in session”

The football season is getting underway, the state is reminding you that smoking marijuana on a school campus or within two-thousand feet of school property is now a felony, punishable by up to a year in jail and a thousand-dollar fine. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment authored the legislation after hearing football fans complaining about smelling pot while tailgating.

Cut 26 (09) “…just that.”

Tonight is the start of the high school football season, a couple of defending state champs are in action tonight…Ouachita hosts Byrd and Iowa visits Barbe.

A highly anticipated court battle goes down in Baton Rouge today as 43 athletes from the high school graduating Class of 2022 will have lawyers make their case on why they should get a fifth year of college eligibility. John Holden, an associate professor of business at Indiana University, says the plaintiff athletes say the NCAA and SEC are violating antitrust and constitutional laws when the rules were changed regarding a fifth year of eligibility…

Cut 15 (14) “…over the players”

Triple-A’s Don Redman says gas prices are a dollar higher than last year, but that should not have much of an impact on Labor Day travel plans…

Cut 4 (08) “..personal economies

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.75.

A one-dollar coin featuring President Trump is now available. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Former LSU women’s basketball player Kate Koval explains in a social media post why she left the Lady Tigers. Koval, who is from Ukraine, said she respects the decision by Kim Mulkey to add a player from Russia to the team, but the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has had a deeply personal impact on her and her family. Koval’s father is a member of the Ukrainian military. Koval’s departure is a big loss, the six-foot-five center averaged eight points and six rebounds a game last season.

Athletes, who were part of the high school graduating Class of 2022 and did not receive a fifth year of college eligibility, will make their argument today that they should be eligible to play this college athletic season because of the NCAA’s new five-for-five rule. There are more than 40 plaintiffs, some of them football players, who briefly appeared on an NFL roster. John Holden, an associate professor of business law at Indiana University…

Cut 14 (11) “…from the players”

But the NCAA and the SEC say if you were on an NFL roster, even for a brief time, you should not be allowed to return to college.

The U-S Mint has released a new one dollar coin that features the likeness of President Trump, along with the inscriptions “Liberty” “In God We Trust” and…

Cut 8 (07) “…of the coin”

That’s US Mint Director Paul Hollis of Mandeille who says the coins are in circulation and available for purchase on the US Mint website.

We’re heading into the Labor Day weekend with sky-high gas prices. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Department of Health says the state is making progress in reducing opioid-related deaths and emergency department visits in recent years. From 2022 to 2025, opioid-related deaths in Louisiana decreased 59-percent, compared with a 46-percent decline nationally. During the same period, opioid related emergency department visits declined 52-percent.

A Baton Rouge judge will hear arguments today on whether dozens of former college athletes, with NFL ties, should be allowed to return to college sports this season.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

In a court filing, the SEC points to a 1996 ruling by the Louisiana Supreme Court that says Louisiana courts generally avoid interfering in the internal affairs of private athletic associations. But there are exceptions and in a separate filing by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, she believes how the NCAA has handled the eligibility rules for the Class of 2022 falls within those exceptions.

A one-dollar coin featuring the likeness of President Trump is now available for purchase and it is also entering circulation. U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis of Mandeville says 250 thousand of the coins were released yesterday.

Cut 7 (08) “…an amazing design.”

The coin is part of a series being released this year to commemorate America’s 250th birthday.

The state’s Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend. It begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson on what type of items you can purchase and not pay state sales taxes…

Cut 11 (12) “…types of knives”

For more information go to revenue-dot-la-dot-gov-slash second amendment.