The indictment of four law enforcement officers in a visa fraud scheme has shaken the law enforcement community. The officers, including two current police chiefs and one former police chief, are accused of accepting money to fabricate police reports so some foreign nationals could obtain U-Visas to remain in the U.S. IRS Criminal Investigations Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman says incidents like these are a black eye to the law enforcement community.

Cut 4 (09) “…at every level.”

Louisiana State Police is now accepting applications for Cadet Class 108. While the class does not start until January 4th, 2026, the application deadline is August 18th – a little more than one month from now. Captain Johnnie Brown says you can fill out the application on the state police website.

Cut 13 (08)  “…police application process.”

And Captain Brown says that application process lasts several months and has several components.

Governor Landry is holding a news conference this morning to discuss severe weather preparations. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana Tech and the Sun Belt Conference held a press conference in Ruston, officially welcoming the Bulldogs to the conference yesterday. University President Jim Henderson is looking forward the return of heated rivalries for Louisiana sports fans.

Cut 10 (13) “…student athletes.”

Five people, including Police Chiefs from Oakdale and Forest Hill, Former Police Chief of Glenmora Tebo Onishea, and businessman Chandrakant Patel face charges for allegedly fraudulently obtaining non-immigrant U-visas. Acting Western District U.S. attorney Alex (“Alec”) Van Hook says the people listed on the U-Visa applications were never victims of or witnesses to crime, which is required to obtain the special 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, to keep them in the United States.

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.”

A tropical rainstorm is heading for the Louisiana coast this week. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

In Football news, LSU will open SEC play on September 13 hosting Florida. The Gators 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.”

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.”

Forecasters are now urging those who live 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, but it’s not expected to rise to the level of a major storm.

Cut 7 (09) “…a tropical depression.”

He says while wind will not be a factor, heavy rainfall will be. Governor Landry will be holding a news conference at GOHSEP Thursday morning to give an update on the state’s emergency response, should it be necessary.

Police Chiefs from Oakdale, Forest Hill, and a former chief from Glenmora were arrested, at least one while attending a conference in Baton Rouge. 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.”

A disturbance brewing in the gulf is not expected to rise to the level of a major storm but

LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry 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 Thursday morning to give an update on the state’s emergency response, should it be necessary.

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

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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 that card to get into a museum! State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says it’s 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.”

The National Hurricane Center is watching the Gulf for the possible development of a tropical depression near Louisiana’s southeastern coast later this week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says regardless of development, significant rainfall totals are expected, with widespread rainfall across south Louisiana on Thursday and Friday…

Cut 4 (07) “…watch on it.”

Southeast Louisiana is under a flood watch from tomorrow afternoon through late Friday night.

The EPA approves two State Implementation Plans aimed at reducing sulfur dioxide emissions. 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.”

As part of a month-long national campaign, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is reminding drivers that speeding has deadly consequences. 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.”

And not just on interstates. In 2023, 83-percent of them in Louisiana happened on non-Interstate roadways.

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’d be good to go for camp.

Cut 12 (13) “…really good.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is participating in a month-long national campaign aimed at reminding drivers that speeding has deadly consequences. Greg Fischer with the LHSC says the biggest point that they want to drive home through this campaign is that a car is not a toy – it is to be operated safely and responsibly.

Cut 11 (08) “…can’t prepare for.”

Fischer says in 2023, speeding was a factor in almost 29-percent of all fatal crashes nationwide.

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.”

LSU is getting some player back from injury this season including Wide Receiver Chris Hilton who missed the first seven games of last season due to injury and totaled only nine receptions for 243 yards and three touchdowns. Hilton has always been a big play threat, and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier says he’s improved as he’s gotten healthier.

Cut 14 (11) “…season last year.”

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 regardless of development, significant rainfall totals are expected…

Cut 3 (09) “…south Louisiana.”

The rainfall will reach coastal parishes of southeast Louisiana on Wednesday.

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 Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has a stern message for all you kamikaze drivers out there. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Some key LSU contributors are expected back from injury including Linebacker Whit Weeks who suffered a broken fibula and dislocated ankle in the Tigers’ New Year’s Eve bowl game versus Baylor. His linebacking partner, Harold Perkins, suffered a season-ending ACL injury against UCLA in week four. After a true freshman All-American season in 2022, Perkins struggled with position changes and then injury. Head coach Brian Kelly says Perkins will be ready for the start of camp back at his old position of outside linebacker.

Cut 13 (12)  “…to do so.”

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring the gulf for the possibility of some tropical activity later this week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says as of right now, the odds of a tropical depression forming are low.

Cut 9 (08)  “…a watch on.”

He doesn’t expect high winds or storm surge, but we could see a heavy rain event late in the week and into the weekend.

A Carencro man is one point four six million dollars richer after taxes thanks to the Powerball ticket he bought in Lafayette Forth of July weekend. Fermon Bonin was one number away from winning the 192.4-million-dollar jackpot. The Lafayette convenience store where he bought the ticket is excited too since they receive a $20,000 bonus for selling the ticket.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly kicked off SEC Media Days in Atlanta this morning. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Louisiana Tech is officially Sun Belt-bound after league officials voted to invite the Bulldogs this morning to replace Texas State who are heading to the PAC-12. The Bulldogs are the tenth team to leave Conference USA since 2022. Locked On Sun Belt Podcast host Dave Schultz says LA Tech needs to reinvest the money it will save from regional rivalries to compete in one of the top mid-major conferences.

Cut 14 (12) “…the Sun Belt is.”

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring the gulf for the possibility of some tropical activity later this week. It’s not expected to be a wind or storm surge event but LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s likely we’ll see the effects late in the week and into the weekend.

Cut 11 (10) “…from this event.”

Heavy Rain could have been a factor in a single vehicle accident that took the lives of two LA Tech exchange students from Nepal. State police are investigating the accident that happened Sunday night on Hwy 80 during heavy rain. The driver and a passenger were killed when their Honda Accord traveled off the road before striking a tree and becoming engulfed in flames. Two other passengers were treated at an area hospital. The accident is under investigation. La Tech officials remind students that counseling services are available for those who need them.

Sun Belt CEOs reportedly voted to invite Louisiana Tech to the conference. Jeff Palermo broke down the move with Locked on Sun Belt podcast host Dave Schultz…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

LSU football brought in 18 veterans in the top-ranked transfer class this offseason. Head Coach Brian Kelly expects the class to bolster a defensive unit he acknowledged improved last season, but not to a championship level. He spoke at SEC media days this morning and says defensive coordinator Blake Baker is elite, and his players should be as well.

Cut 4 (14) “…level defense.”

A police chase in Lincoln Parish ends in the shooting death of the driver being pursued. Deputy Amanda Lyon with the Northeast Louisiana Sheriff’s Investigative Unit says deputies attempted a traffic stop Saturday night, but the driver instead took off.

Cut 6 (06) “…driver’s side window.”

The pursuit lasted for about 16 miles, ending near Paradise Point Lane where Deputies issued multiple commands for the suspect to drop the weapon, but LPSO says when the suspect made threatening movements, deputies discharged their firearms. The investigation is ongoing and the name of the victim has not yet been released.

We could see some tropical activity later this week. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring the Gulf but LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim isn’t expecting a big wind event.

Cut 10 (09) “…across this area.”

LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly took the podium at SEC Football Media Days this morning. Expectations have been high for Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in his second year starting. Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels posted historic Heisman-winning seasons in year two. Kelly says while that’s a steep comparison, he expects Nussmeier’s experience to help him improve.

Cut 3 (10) “…with that (x2).”

It’s official. Louisiana Tech is headed to the Sun Belt-bound after league officials voted to invite the Bulldogs this morning. The move was backed by Western schools like ULM and UL-Lafayette despite historic conflicts between the programs. Locked On Sun Belt Podcast host Dave Schultz expects the move to reignite heated in-state rivalries, especially in Lafayette.

Cut 13 (12)  “…on the field stuff.”