A New Orleans police officer has been shot in the shoulder in Uptown New Orleans. Authorities say a suspect with a “sub-machine gun” was also wounded and taken into custody after police surrounded a home in the area. Another suspect was also apprehended. The officer was rushed to University Medical Center.

A major hurdle has been cleared in efforts to help 2016 Louisiana flood victims who sought a Small Business Administration loan also receive federal aid through the Louisiana Restore program. The U-S Department of Housing and Urban Development has finally released the formal parameters so that flood victims can access the money.

But If you make above 120 percent of the area median income, you won’t be immediately available and will need to file for a hardship waiver, but Senator Bill Cassidy says the barrier to receive that waiver should be set low enough to include people above that income line.
Cut 5 (11) “…grant.”
Which means it will take a few months before homeowners actually get this money.

The Trump administration says the United States is willing to take all necessary measures against Iran to ensure the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East remains open. U-S has blamed Iran for attacking oil tankers in the straight. LSU Center for Energy Studies Director David Dismukes says because oil prices are set globally, keeping that channel open to traffic is a priority for energy producers…
Cut 14 (11) “…nations.”
At it’s narrowest, the Strait, is only 21 nautical miles long.

New ULM athletic director Scott McDonald is not using the lack of money as an excuse for not having success. The latest USA Today report says ULM’s athletic budget ranks last among the 130 FBS schools. McDonald, who was interim AD for nine months before getting the job full-time, says he understands the challenges
Cut 7 (10) “…right approach”
McDonald says the school plans to invest in making the sure the student-athletes are getting the proper nutrition

After months of waiting the Department of Housing and Urban Development has released legal guidance to implement the duplication of benefits that’s prevented thousands of 2016 flood victims from accessing Restore Louisiana grants. Senator Bill Cassidy says this is a big win for Louisiana recovery efforts…
cut 6 (08) “…the end”
But it could be another few months before homeowners who flooded in 2016 receive this government assistance.

Tensions are rising in the Mideast once again as the US alleges Iran is responsible for several recent attacks against oil tankers in the vital oil shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz. LSU Center for Energy Studies Director Dr. David Dismukes says the political instability will likely lead to a rise in fuel costs…
Cut 13 (11) “..prices.”
AAA says the current statewide average for regular gasoline is $2.29.

New ULM athletics director Scott McDonald is confident they can succeed, even though the school ranks last in the FBS in funding for its athletic programs. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The feds are finally allowing people who flooded in 2016, but received SBA loans to pay for their recovery access to RESTORE grant money. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

 New ULM athletics director Scott McDonald is confident they can succeed, even though the school ranks last in the FBS in funding for its athletic programs. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_______________________________________________

A blockbuster trade sees former Pelican Anthony Davis headed to the Lakers in return for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and a bucket of first round picks. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

____________

Senator Bill Cassidy says the feds have finally relented and will allow those who suffered damage in the 2016 floods, but received SBA loans, access to Louisiana RESTORE grant money. Cassidy says if you make below 120 percent of the area-median-income, you will be immediately eligible for RESTORE, once the state writes some final rules.

Cut 4 (10) “…whole”

If you make above 120 percent of the area-median income, you won’t be immediately available and will need to file for a hardship waiver, but Cassidy says the barrier to receive that waiver should be set low enough to include people above that income line.

Cut 5 (11) “…grant.”

Cassidy says the news will be weight off the backs of thousands who were saddled with significant amounts of debt in the aftermath of the flood, or who just couldn’t afford to finish repairing their homes.

Cut 6 (08) “the end”

President Trump signed legislation fixing the “duplication of benefits” loophole in October of 2018, but the change was challenged bureaucratically by some federal agencies.

 ________________________________________

New ULM athletic director Scott McDonald is not using the lack of money as an excuse for not having success. The latest USA Today report says ULM’s athletic budget ranks last among the 130 FBS schools. McDonald, who was interim AD for nine months before getting the job full-time, says he understands the challenges

Cut 7 (10) “…right approach”

McDonald says the school plans to invest in making the sure the student-athletes are getting the proper nutrition

Cut 8 (11) “…later in life”

McDonald says they’ll also spend more resources on strength and conditioning, academic support and two new housing centers for the student-athletes are under construction. He also likes the direction of the football and men’s basketball programs…

Cut 9 (12) “…this year.”

___________________________________________________

Disgruntled Pelicans star Anthony Davis gets his wish and is traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for young guns Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram, along with the 4^th pick in this year’s draft and a bevy of future 1^st round selections.

Locked On Pelicans Publisher Jake Madison says it’s not the deal many fans wanted, but it’s likely the best they could get.

Cut 10 (11) “…Davis”

Madison says the Pelican’s leverage collapsed when the Boston Celtics refused to include their best young player in the negotiation.

The young Lakers haven’t had impressive starts to their careers, but Madison says they’re very young, and oozing with potential, starting with shooting guard Lonzo Ball…

Cut 11 (12) “shot.”

The Pelicans will also receive young shooting guard Josh Hart in the deal.

But rumor have erupted that some, and possible all of the new acquisitions could be traded off to another team for an All-Star caliber player before the season’s start…

Cut 12 (11) “…Ingram.”

The Pelicans reportedly will receive the Lakers top 8 protected 1st in 2021, a pick swap in ’23, an unprotected first round pick in ’24, and a pick swap in 2025.

_________________

Tensions are rising in the Mideast once again as the US alleges Iran is responsible for several recent attacks against oil tankers in the vital oil shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz.

LSU Center for Energy Studies Director Dr. David Dismukes says the political instability will likely lead to a rise in fuel costs for Americans.

Cut 13 (11) “..prices.”

Iran and the US have traded threats ever since President Trump canceled an agreement, to ease sanctions on the nation in exchange for international monitoring of it’s nuclear abilities.

The Strait is a narrow strip of water between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula and is a vital shipping lane for Arabian oil exports. Dismukes says because oil prices are set globally, keeping that piece of sea open to traffic is a priority for energy producers…

Cut 14 (11) “…nations.”

At it’s narrowest, the Strait, which is in the Persian Gulf, is only 21 nautical miles long.

If the tensions were to spill over into open conflict, and trade in the Persian Gulf were to be disrupted, Dismukes says you could see a noticeable rise in gas prices, leading to a substantial international response.

Cut 15 (08) “very long.”

It’s estimated roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil passes through the Strait.

______________________________________

Cut 16  (25) “…enough”  

cut 17 (24) “.two days” 

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain has been released from jail after posting bond Friday, the jail he used to run. Strain was indicted and arrested this week on sex crime charges earlier this week. Strain made few comments to the press as he left jail but stated he has plenty to say in court.

An abnormal number of deaths of bottleneck dolphins in the Northern Gulf of Mexico has prompted NOAA Fisheries to declare an Unusual Mortality Event. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Investigation Discovery is running a four-hour special tonight and Sunday on the unsolved murders of eight women in the Jennings area between 2005 and 2009. A decade later the deaths remain unsolved, and ID Executive Producer Liz Massie says they hope their in-depth look can change that…

Cut 6 (12) “deserve.”

Not all of the deaths have been ruled murders, and no one was ever charged in the case.

Police are on the hunt for 39-year-old Oshay Booker who is believed to have murdered his stepfather, former Winnfield Mayor Ronald “Cloud” Goff in a familial dispute Tuesday. Winn Parish Sheriff Cranford Jordan says they believe the suspect fled to Texas.

Cut 9 (12) “…him anything”

The shooting occurred on Spillway Road in Winnfield, and Jordan says they still aren’t certain exactly what provoked the attack.

Disgraced St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain has been released from jail after posting bond Friday, the jail he used to run. Strain was indicted and arrested this week on sex crime charges which include rape, incest, sexual battery and indecent behavior with a juvenile. He comments to the press were brief..

Cut 20 on the street :05

Investigation Discovery will revisit the mysterious deaths of eight women in Jennings who’s bodies were scattered across southwest Louisiana from 2005 to 2009…

cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

A corrections officer at the state penitentiary at Angola is facing one count of malfeasance. State Corrections reports that Sargent Christopher Allen of Woodville, Mississippi is a facing charge after investigators say he seized contraband from one prisoner and gave it to another. The contraband included money and cellphones. A Department of Corrections spokesperson says Allen has worked for the department since 2009 and has resigned following his arrest. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested Allen and say he confessed.

Over 260 dolphins have been stranded since February 1^st in the Gulf and Mexico prompting NOAA to declare Unusual Mortality Event. Of the mammals they have been able to perform necropsies on 23-percent have shown skin lesions consistent with fresh water. There are concerns the recent openings of the Bonne Carre Spillway has increased the amount of fresh water and pollutants into the Gulf.  Dr. Erin Fougeres (Foo-gere) with NOAA Fisheries Southeast Region.

Cut 4 (08) “…the mortalities”

A former corrections officer at the state penitentiary at Angola is facing one count of malfeasance. State Corrections reports that Sargent Christopher Allen of Woodville, Mississippi is a facing charge after investigators say he seized contraband from one prisoner and gave it to another inmate. Corrections stated that Allen has worked for the department since 2009. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested Allen and say he admitted to his crime when questioned by investigators.

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain has been released from jail after posting bond. Strain was indicted and arrested earlier this week on sex crime charges. Strain made few comments to the press as he left jail Friday.

Cut 20 on the street :05

What initially began as an investigation into a kickback scheme spawned a sex crimes investigation involving Strain.

Over 260 dolphins have been stranded since February 1^st in the Northern Gulf of Mexico, three times the usual amount. The increase has prompted NOAA Fisheries to declare an Unusual Mortality Event. NOAA Fisheries Coordinator Dr. Terri Rowles (Rolls) on what to do if you come into contact with any stranded mammals.

Cut 3 (11) “…it’s illegal”

NOAA is urging you to call 1-877-Whale-Help if you find a stranded dolphin.

Police are on the hunt for 39-year-old Oshay Booker who is believed to have murdered his stepfather, former Winnfield Mayor Ronald “Cloud” Goff in a familial dispute Tuesday. Winn Parish Sheriff Cranford Jordan says they believe the suspect fled to Texas.

Cut 9 (12) “…him anything”

Jordan says they still aren’t certain exactly what provoked the attack.

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain has been released from jail after posting bond Friday. Strain was indicted and arrested this week on sex crime charges. The former sheriff made few comments to the press as he left jail but did say he has lots to say in court.

Cut 20 on the street :5

What initially began as an investigation into a kickback scheme spawned a sex crimes investigation involving Strain.

Investigation Discovery is running a four-hour special on tonight and Sunday night on the unsolved murders of eight women in the Jennings area between 2005 and 2009. The deaths remain unsolved, and ID Executive Producer Liz Massie says they hope their in-depth look can shake loose some leads…

Cut 6 (12) “deserve.” Not all of the deaths have been ruled murders, and no one was ever charged in the case.

NOAA Fisheries has declared an Unusual Mortality Event after three times the normal amount of deaths of bottlenose dolphin has been reported in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. The area where the dolphins have shown an increase of deaths is where the Deepwater Horizon Explosion impacted the gulf in 2010. NOAA Fisheries Coordinator Dr. Terri Rowles (Rolls) says previous studies have shown abnormal reproduction rates of mammals from the oil spill.

Cut 5 (10) “…from the oil spill.” Of the 260 recorded dolphin deaths Louisiana has reported 89, Mississippi 121, Alabama 32 and Florida 37.

Police are on the hunt for 39-year-old Oshay Booker who is believed to have murdered his stepfather, former Winnfield Mayor Ronald “Cloud” Goff in a familial dispute Tuesday. Winn Parish Sheriff Cranford Jordan says they believe the suspect fled into Texas.

Cut 9 (12) “…him anything”

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain has been released from jail after posting bond. Strain was indicted and arrested this week on sex crime charges. What initially began as an investigation into a kickback scheme spawned a sex crimes investigation involving Strain. The former sheriff made few comments to the press as he left jail but did say he has lots to say in court.

Over 260 dolphins have been stranded since February 1^st in the Northern Gulf of Mexico, three times the usual amount. The increase has prompted NOAA Fisheries to declare an Unusual Mortality Event. NOAA Fisheries Coordinator Dr. Terri Rowles (Rolls) on what to do if you come into contact with any stranded mammals.

Cut 3 (11) “…it’s illegal”

NOAA is urging you to call 1-877-Whale-Help if you find a stranded dolphin.

Investigation Discovery will revisit the mysterious deaths of eight women in Jennings who’s bodies were scattered across southwest Louisiana from 2005 to 2009…

cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

Two years ago today, Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise was one of five people shot when a gunman opened fire on a group of Republican lawmakers during practice for a charity baseball game. Scalise says there were many dark days during his long recovery

Cut 12 (09)   “…powerful.”

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain, is now out of jail after posting bond today. Strain was indicted and arrested this week on sex crime charges including rape, incest, sexual battery and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Strain made few comments to the press as he left jail but he did say “There are plenty of comments to be made, whenever we go to court.”

An abnormal number of deaths of bottleneck dolphins in the Northern Gulf of Mexico has prompted NOAA Fisheries to declare an Unusual Mortality Event. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Investigation Discovery is running a four-hour special on Saturday and Sunday nights on the unsolved murders of eight women in the Jennings area between 2005 and 2009. Ten years later the deaths are unsolved, and ID Executive Producer Liz Massie says they hope their in-depth look can shake loose some leads…

Cut 6 (12) “deserve.”

Not all of the deaths have been ruled murders, and no one was ever charged in the case.

Police are on the hunt for 39-year-old Oshay Booker who is believed to have murdered his stepfather, former Winnfield Mayor Ronald “Cloud” Goff in a familial dispute Tuesday. Winn Parish Sheriff Cranford Jordan says they believe the suspect fled to Texas.

Cut 9 (12) “…him anything”

The shooting occurred on Spillway Road in Winnfield, and Jordan says they still aren’t certain exactly what provoked the attack.