The U.S. Attorney’s Office announces a 62-count indictment against five people, including four law enforcement officers, in connection with a visa fraud scheme. Alex (“Alec”) Van Hook, the acting U.S. attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, says the five indicted are – Oakdale Police Chief Chad Boyle; Michael Slaney of the Ward 5 Marshal’s Office in Oakdale, Forest Hill Police Chief Glynn Dixon, Former Glenmora Police Chief Tebo Onishea and businessman Chandrakant Patel.

Cut 4 (12) “…several Louisiana parishes.”

Van Hook says the foreign nationals paid Patel five-thousand dollars, and he in turn paid the money to the law enforcement officers for the false police reports. They would then use those false police reports to obtain U-Visas so that they and their families could remain in the United States. If convicted, each faces several decades in federal prison.

The Ouachita River is set for designation as a U.S. Marine Highway. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says the increased traffic through the river will lead to economic development and job creation in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 10 (13) “…Ouachita River.”

Letlow says numerous industries will benefit, but it will have a particularly positive impact on a region dominated by commodities.

LSU takes on Alabama in Tuscaloosa November 8th, looking to snap a two-game losing streak. The Crimson Tide have a three-way QB battle among redshirt junior Ty Simpson, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell. Coach Kalen DeBoer says if the season started today, Simpson would be the starter.

Cut 12 (12) “…another level.”

A major indictment announced in Lafayette this morning against five people, including several Louisiana law enforcement officers. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (45) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

Heavy rains are heading for the Louisiana coast this week. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announces a 62-count indictment against five people, including four law enforcement officers, in connection with a visa fraud scheme. Alex (“Alec”) Van Hook, the acting U.S. attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, told a news conference this morning that the five are charged with fraudulently obtaining non-immigrant U-visas.

Cut 3 (12) “…witnesses to crime.”

Van Hook says the five indicted are – Oakdale Police Chief Chad Boyle; Michael Slaney, the marshal of the Ward 5 Marshal’s Office in Oakdale; Forest Hill Police Chief Glynn Dixon, Former Glenmora Police Chief Tebo Onishea, and businessman Chandrakant Patel.

Cut 4 (12) “…several Louisiana parishes.”

Van Hook says the people listed on the fraudulent U-Visa applications were never victims of or witnesses to crime, which are requirements in order to obtain a U-Visa.

Cut 5 (12) “…United States Government.”

The indictment says Patel paid the officers five-thousand dollars for each foreign national placed on the report, in an effort to keep them and their family members in the United States.

________________________________________________

Forecasters are now urging those of you near the Gulf Coast to be weather aware for the next few days. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s a disturbance brewing in the gulf; however, it will not rise to the level of a major storm.

Cut 6 (07) “…have to watch.”

Keim says there’s less than a 50-50 chance of a tropical cyclone forming.

Cut 7 (09) “…a tropical depression.”

Keim says while wind will not be a factor, heavy rainfall will be.

Cut 8 (13) “…rain on us.”

Governor Landry will be holding a news conference at GOHSEP tomorrow morning to give an update on the state’s emergency response, should it be necessary.

________________________________________________

The Ouachita River is set for designation as a U.S. Marine Highway. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says the designation will increase opportunities for infrastructure upgrades.

Cut 9 (07)  “…infrastructure grants.”

Grants can be applied for through the Department of Transportation and Development.

Letlow says the increased traffic through the Ouachita River will lead to economic development and job creation in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 10 (13) “…Ouachita River.”

Letlow says numerous industries will benefit, but it will have a particularly positive impact on a region dominated by commodities.

Cut 11 (11) “…Arkansas as well.”

________________________________________________

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer spoke at SEC Football Kickoff Media Days today. With quarterback Jalen Milroe off to the NFL, the Crimson Tide have a three-way QB battle among redshirt junior Ty Simpson, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell. DeBoer says if the season started today, Simpson would be the starter.

Cut 12 (12) “…another level.”

Alabama went 9-and-4 in the first season under DeBoer and missed the College Football Playoffs. Deboer says his team fell short of the Alabama standard.

Cut 13 (09)  “…because of it.”

LSU will travel to Tuscaloosa to take on the Crimson Tide November 8.

LSU will open SEC play hosting Florida September 13. The Gators will face one of the toughest schedules in the country again this year, but head coach Billy Napier is leaning on sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway to lead his team.

Cut 14 (14) “…really special.”

Lagway went 6-and-1 as a starter after taking over midseason, including a 27-16 victory over LSU in Gainesville.

Breaking news, as the U.S. Attorney’s Office announces five arrests, including those of three Louisiana police chiefs, in connection with a visa fraud scheme. Alex Van Hook, the acting U.S. attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, made the announcement in a news conference this morning.

Cut 21 (13) “…for U visas”

We’ll have plenty more on this developing story throughout the day today.

Forecasters are now urging those of you near the Gulf Coast to be weather aware for the next few days. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s a disturbance brewing in the gulf; however, it will not rise to the level of a major storm. 

Cut 6 (07) “…have to watch.”

Keim says while wind will not be a factor, heavy rainfall will be.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is co-sponsoring a constitutional amendment to ban the burning of the American flag. Letlow says while she defends the right to peaceful protest, burning the American flag does not qualify as such.

Cut 14 (09) “…Americans are.”

Making this the 28th Amendment, however, will be a tall task. It will require a two-thirds majority from both houses of Congress and ratification of three-fourths of the states – in this case, 38.

If you hold a library card at the state library or at the library systems in Iberville, Livingston, Tangipahoa or Rapides parishes, you can now use your card to get into a state museum. State librarian Meg Placke says just like with the state parks, the goal is to get people to visit the state museums, and similar programs have been very successful in other states.

Cut 9 (09)  “…to our museums.”

After 21 years, Louisiana Tech is headed back to the Sun Belt. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Certain library cardholders can use their library cards to obtain free admission to state museums. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is cosponsoring a constitutional amendment banning the burning of the American flag. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana Tech has officially accepted the invitation to join the Sun Belt and will discuss the decision today at a 3 p-m press conference. KNOE-TV Sports Director Aaron Dietrich says it will be a big step towards saving money and selling tickets for both Louisiana Tech and ULM.

Cut 4 (09) “…fired up.”

Dietrich says Louisiana Tech has a history of turning its nose up to its in-state rivals.

Cut 5 (14) “…Sun Belt Conference.”

He says those officials have moved on and the old guard has aged out, so it seems fan bases are ready to bury the hatchet off the field. Both ULM and U-L Lafayette were major supporters for Tech’s addition to the Sun Belt.

The Bulldogs will owe Conference USA at least five-million dollars to leave the league. They can depart for the Sun Belt as soon as 2026 and were invited to join no later than July of 2027. Dietrich hopes things will move quickly.

Cut 6 (13) “…would generate?”

________________________________________________________

If you hold a library card at the state library or at the library systems in Iberville, Livingston, Tangipahoa or Rapides parishes, you can now use your card to get into a museum! State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says a limited number of passes are available.

Cut 7 (12) “…World War Two Museum.”

Placke says this is an expansion of the State Library’s “Check Out Louisiana” program, which was originally developed to allow cardholders to obtain passes to state parks.

Cut 8 (08) “…with our museums.”

Placke says just like with the state parks, the goal is to get people to visit the state museums, and similar programs have been very successful in other states.

Cut 9 (09)  “…to our museums.”

Eligible cardholders can go to check out Louisiana dot org to reserve an electronic pass to any of the eligible museums.

________________________________________________________

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center has launched the Pennington Generation research study to study childhood obesity. Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk, an associate executive director for population and public health science at Pennington Biomedical, says the study is designed to examine the influence of lifestyle factors in Louisiana as they relate to childhood obesity.

Cut 10 (08) “…treat childhood obesity.”

Dr. Katzmarzyk says Louisiana has several characteristics that may contribute to childhood obesity.

Cut 11 (06) “…related to food.”

Katzmarzyk says the study just got underway, with about 90 kids having participated so far. In all, he says about 15-hundred will participate in a period of about 10 to 20 years.

Cut 12 (08) “…of getting pregnant.”

________________________________________________________

Congresswoman Julia Letlow announced last week she’d be co-sponsoring a constitutional amendment to ban the burning of the U.S. flag with Arkansas Republican Steve Womack. Letlow says this amendment is about protecting the flag and what it represents.

Cut 13 (11)  “…from desecration.”

The proposal follows calls from President Trump for flag burners to face a year of jail time. Letlow says there has been an increase in flag burning recently amidst nationwide “No Kings” and anti-ICE protests. She says she defends the right to peaceful protest.

Cut 14 (09) “…Americans are.”

In the 1989 landmark case Texas versus Johnson, the Supreme Court ruled flag burning is a form of symbolic speech protected under the First Amendment. Letlow says…

Cut 15 (13) “…is just wrong.”

A proposed amendment must be approved by two-thirds of both the House and Senate and then ratified by three-fourths of the states.

________________________________________________________

LSU will kick off the season at Clemson, which means a high-stakes matchup between top quarterbacks Garrett Nussmeier and Kade Klubnik. Tiger linebacker Whit Weeks says he lives for this kind of big-time game, and he has confidence in Nussmeier.

Cut 16 (18) “…good team.”

After passing for over four-thousand yards and 29 touchdowns in his first season as a starter, Nussmeier is ready to make a jump in year two. He says he needs to throw fewer than the 12 interceptions he threw last year.

Cut 17 (16)  “…need to.”

Head coach Brian Kelly confirmed Weeks and fellow linebacker Harold Perkins would both be ready to return from injury by the start of camp. Perkins will be returning to outside linebacker, where he was First-Team All-SEC and a Freshman All-American in 2022. Weeks says they grew close rehabbing together.

Cut 18 (14) “…for him too.”

The National Hurricane Center says there is a medium chance for a tropical depression to form near Louisiana’s southeast coast later this week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says its ability to organize into a named storm will depend on how long the center of the storm stays over water before making landfall along the northern Gulf coast. He says they are not expecting this system to develop into a hurricane.

Cut 5 (05) “…wind or surge”

The EPA has approved two State Implementation Plans that will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. The first addresses emissions at Cabot Corporation’s Ville Platte carbon black plant. State Department of Environmental Quality administrator Jason Meyers says their submitted plan proves the area will reach attainment with EPA standards, leaving one non-attainment area in Louisiana in St. Bernard Parish. Meyers says work has been underway there as well.

Cut 7 (09) “…submit it to EPA.”

The roadways are not your place to train for the next NASCAR race – chill out and slow down! That’s the stern message from the The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Greg Fischer with the LHSC says that doesn’t mean driving at a snail’s pace, either.

Cut 10 (07) “…the speed limits.”

In 2023, speed was a factor in 30-percent of all deadly crashes in Louisiana.

Harold Perkins is looking forward to a bounce-back season for LSU this year. He suffered a season-ending ACL injury against UCLA in week four last year. After a true freshman All-American season in 2022, Perkins has struggled with position changes and now injury. Head coach Brian Kelly says Perkins could have gone to the NFL Draft.

Cut 13 (12)  “…to do so.”

Kelly confirmed Perkins would be ready for the start of camp back at his old position of outside linebacker.

The National Hurricane Center says there is a medium chance for a tropical depression to form near Louisiana’s southeast coast later this week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says its ability to organize into a named storm will depend on how long the center of the storm stays over water before making landfall along the northern Gulf coast. He says they are not expecting this system to develop into a hurricane.

Cut 5 (05) “…wind or surge”

The EPA approves two State Implementation Plans aimed at reducing sulfur dioxide emissions. One plan is called an “infrastructure SIP.” State Department of Environmental Quality administrator Jason Meyers says it’s a necessary first step when an EPA standard changes.

Cut 8 (14) “…outside the state.”

The roadways are not your place to train for the next NASCAR race – chill out and slow down! That’s the stern message from the The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Greg Fischer with the LHSC says that doesn’t mean driving at a snail’s pace, either.

Cut 10 (07) “…the speed limits.”

In 2023, speed was a factor in 30-percent of all deadly crashes in Louisiana.

LSU is expecting the return of some key contributors on both sides of the ball from injury. Linebacker Whit Weeks suffered a broken fibula and dislocated ankle in the Tigers’ New Year’s Eve bowl game versus Baylor. At SEC Media Days yesterday, he said he’ll be good to go for camp.

Cut 12 (13) “…really good.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has a stern message for all you kamikaze drivers out there – chill out and slow down! Greg Fischer with the LHSC says in 2023, speeding was a factor in almost 29-percent of all fatal crashes nationwide.

Cut 9 (11)  “…speeding is involved.”

The EPA has approved two State Implementation Plans that will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. The first addresses emissions at Cabot Corporation’s Ville Platte carbon black plant. State Department of Environmental Quality administrator Jason Meyers says the plant is redesigning and reconstructing a large portion of the plant to bring Evangeline Parish into compliance with EPA standards.

Cut 6 (08) “…90-plus percent.”

A named storm in the Gulf of Mexico by Thursday is a possibility. Jeff Palermo reports regardless of development, heavy rainfall is expected in Louisiana.

Cut 1 (32 “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The National Hurricane Center says there is a medium chance for a tropical depression to form near Louisiana’s southeast coast later this week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a named storm forming is possible, but there’s a better chance for significant rainfall totals…

Cut 3 (09) “…south Louisiana.”

Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville is being renamed back to Camp Beauregard after Battle of New Orleans veteran Captain Jacques Toutant Beauregard. It was previously named after Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard until the name was changed in 2022. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Collins says the restoration honors Louisiana history.

Cut 13 (12)  “…state service.” 

After Shreveport Republican Senator Alan Seabaugh ripped Governor Landry on KEEL radio last week, the governor went on its morning show to give his response. Seabaugh especially had some choice words over Landry using his line-item veto power to scrap four of his projects. Landry says there simply wasn’t enough money for all the projects the legislature gave him.

Cut 4 (11) “…that was overdrawn.”

Landry, meanwhile, said yesterday that Office of Motor Vehicles Director Bryan Adams and his team have made upgrades to the OMV computer system to prevent the service disruptions that hampered the agency earlier this year.

Cut 12 (12) “…no more long lines.”

Governor Landry fires back – albeit respectfully – at fellow Republican Alan Seabaugh in an interview on KEEL radio. This, after Seabaugh went on that station to say that Landry was not doing a good job as governor. Landry said he knows why Seabaugh’s mad.

Cut 6 (14) “…lawyers like him.”

Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville is being renamed back to Camp Beauregard after Battle of New Orleans veteran Captain Jacques Toutant Beauregard. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Collins says Guardsmen will continue Beauregard’s legacy through federal deployments and state emergencies.

Cut 15 (11) “…aspire to.”

LSU players sound an optimistic tune at SEC Football Media Days in Atlanta. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The State Capitol will soon get an exterior makeover. Governor Landry and state lawmakers have set aside almost 32-million dollars to waterproof the outside of the building and give it a good, thorough cleaning. The Capitol was completed in 1932 after just 14 months of construction.

Last week, Shreveport Republican Senator Alan Seabaugh took to the airwaves to rip Governor Landry. Now, the governor has responded. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

State officials announce LA Wallet is accepted at TSA checkpoints nationwide. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

LSU players previewed the 2025 season at SEC Football Media Days in Atlanta yesterday. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

After Shreveport Republican Senator Alan Seabaugh ripped Governor Landry on KEEL radio last week, the governor went on its morning show to give his response. Seabaugh especially had some choice words over Landry using his line-item veto power to scrap four of his projects. Landry says there simply wasn’t enough money for all the projects the legislature gave him.

Cut 4 (11) “…that was overdrawn.”

Landry said as such, some projects had to go, and Seabaugh’s projects got the short end of the stick. While one legislative reporter found that Landry’s line-item vetoes were aimed at projects put forth by lawmakers who voted against House Bill 148, Landry gave a different reason.

Cut 5 (06) “…to do this.”

Landry says the reason that Seabaugh is criticizing him is because he’s mad at him for vetoing his Senate Bill 111, which would have watered down Louisiana’s “bad faith” law, which holds insurance companies responsible for unreasonably delaying or denying claims.

Cut 6 (14) “…lawyers like him.”

________________________________________________________

There’s been plenty of noise about rural hospitals in the wake of the passage of the tax and spending bill in Congress. Democrats say because of cuts to Medicaid, 33 of them in Louisiana will close. Republicans say that’s a false alarm. Jeff Reynolds, the executive director of the Louisiana Rural Hospital Coalition, says none are in danger of closing because the cuts don’t kick in right away.

Cut 7 (08) “…that going forward.”

Reynolds says nearly all rural hospitals in the state are in good financial health at this time

Cut 8 (07) “…a huge number.”

Reynolds says rural hospitals closing in Louisiana are extremely rare, and the legislature would go out of its way to make sure that all of them stay open.

Cut 9 (08)  “…not finance related.”

________________________________________________________

You can now use LA Wallet at any TSA checkpoint in the country. Governor Jeff Landry made the announcement with a video posted on social media.

Cut 10 (09) “…courthouses.”

Landry says the Transportation and Security Administration has certified LA wallet complies with federal requirements, allowing Louisiana residents to present LA Wallet at TSA security checkpoints, federal buildings and courthouses for the next three years.

Cut 11 (09) “…an airport.”

The governor’s office says TSA will again review Louisiana’s LA Wallet to ensure it remains compliant with federal privacy and security standards.

Landry also says Louisiana Office Motor of Vehicles Director Bryan Adams and his team have made upgrades to the OMV computer system to prevent the service disruptions that hampered the state agency earlier this year.

Cut 12 (12) “…no more long lines.”

________________________________________________________

Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville is being renamed back to Camp Beauregard after Battle of New Orleans veteran Captain Jacques Toutant Beauregard. Previously named after Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, the base’s name was changed in 2022. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Collins says restoration honors Louisiana history.

Cut 13 (12)  “…state service.”

Beauregard fought with the Third Regiment of the Louisiana Militia in the first land engagement in the Battle of New Orleans against General Edward Packenham and the British Army. Collins says it was important to find someone who embodies the Louisiana National Guard.

Cut 14 (10) “…National Guard.”

Collins says the Battle of New Orleans is extremely important to the history of Louisiana and the Louisiana National Guard, and Guardsmen will continue Beauregard’s legacy through federal deployments and state emergencies.

Cut 15 (13) “…aspire to.”

________________________________________________________

LSU players recapped the offseason and previewed the 2025 campaign at SEC Media Days yesterday. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier says this year’s roster is the closest he’s been a part of.

Cut 16 (19) “…different ways.”

Nussmeier is the only returning 4,000-yard passer in college football, but with a year’s worth of tape to study, he expects to improve in year two under center. The gunslinger threw 12 interceptions last year and says he can do a better job taking care of the football.

Cut 17 (17)  “…different outcome.”

Wide receiver Chris Hilton projects to be the Tigers’ top receiver this season after struggling with injuries in his collegiate career. Hilton arrived in Baton Rouge the same year as Nussmeier and says he’s seen his quarterback grow off the field.

Cut 18 (13) “…work in.”