The state Office of Motor Vehicles will help fight human trafficking on Louisiana roadways with a new campaign. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
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New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter will accompany U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh today as he meets with local leaders to discuss workforce development. Brooke Thorington has more.
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LSU fans and, more significantly, players are about to reap the benefits of a historic agreement for the football program. David Grubb has more.
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Almost two years into the pandemic, behavioral health experts warn of the long-term mental health impacts that COVID has made on society. Patrick Bordnick, Dean of Tulane University’s School of Social Work says the mental consequences of the pandemic won’t go away overnight.
According to Tulane research mental health challenges have risen 33 percent since the pandemic, and more than a quarter of those surveyed reported prior mental health issues. Bordnick says they know from previous traumas there’s a high rate of substance abuse relapse under stressful events.
Before the pandemic, Bordnick says there was already a shortage of mental health providers and it’s only become exacerbated. Bordnick hopes their research highlights the dire need for more assistance and reminds those suffering to be kind to themself.
The study also recognizes gains made towards telehealth and the need to increase access to mental health services.
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The state Office of Motor Vehicles is getting involved in the fight against human trafficking. Called “If You Suspect, Speak!” the campaign will place billboards along the state’s busiest highways reminding travelers to report anything suspicious that could be a sign something is not right. OMV spokesman Matt Boudreaux…
Boudreaux says motorists make stops – for gas, food, lodging or even night life – in which they might encounter a person who is a victim of human traffickers. He says there are signs to look out for…:
Cut 8 (11) “….to speak for themselves.”
The billboards will reinforce the message; asking travelers to report suspected trafficking and victims by calling 888-373-7888, or by texting HELP or INFO to 233733 (BEFREE). Boudreaux says, if you think you’ve encountered a human trafficker and one or more victims call the number, but do NOT intervene…:
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The campaign will also feature messages on gas station pump TV’s. Boudreaux says if you witness an actual crime call 911, then the trafficking hotline.
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U. S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is in New Orleans today meeting with state and local officials to discuss workforce development and the trillion-dollar infrastructure bill. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says discussions with the secretary will include the need to hire locally when restoring infrastructure.
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Roundtable discussions at Delgado Community College will also include nonprofit leaders that focus on post-disaster workforce issues. Carter says for example it’s Louisianans that should help rebuild areas of the state impacted by natural disasters.
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Another aspect of workforce development Carter wants to highlight is the need to fund organizations that assist the formally incarcerated with employment.
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Walsh’s visit also highlights congressional legislation for the creation of the Office of Climate Resilience to build a necessary workforce to rapidly respond to the worsening climate crisis.
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LSU is the first college football program to partner with sports apparel giant Fanatics and OneTeam that will allow fans to purchase fully customizable jerseys of their favorite players, with the athletes earning dollars for each one sold. Athletic department spokesperson Cody Worsham says this makes LSU more competitive in the new world of NIL.
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LSU players jumped at the chance to participate, with the Tigers voting to fully opt-in to the program in less than a day’s time. Worsham says with LSU being the first to join, others will be quick to follow.
Worsham says that this is a win-win deal for the university and the players, with the exposure of one of the nation’s premier athletic programs paired with the extraordinary talents of these student-athletes.
The customizable Nike jerseys will feature the name and number of every player, and will be available both online and in the LSU sports shop prior to the start of the 2022 season.
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The struggles continue for the LSU men’s basketball team as the Fighting Tigers lost to Vanderbilt 75-66 on Saturday. The Commodores led by as many as 21 points in the second half and knocked down 13 three-pointers, while LSU only made three-three pointers. LSU Coach Will Wade says they didn’t follow the game plan on defense and it led to open shots for Vandy…
Tari Eason led LSU with 16 points, Eric Gaines added 14 points and Darius Days had a double-double 10 points and 11 rebounds. Wade’s team has now lost three straight…
The Tigers have lost six of their last seven heading into a game tomorrow night at Texas A-and-M. Wade was asked about the confidence of his team after the loss in Nahsville…