Democrat Shawn Wilson releases his first TV ad in his bid to become governor. Brooke Thorington has more…
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St. Helena College and Career Academy, the site of a fatal school on Tuesday, will remain closed for the rest of the week. Jeff Palermo has more..
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Democrat Shawn Wilson launches his first TV ad in his bid to become governor. The former transportation secretary touts his ability to build bridges literally and figuratively. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan believes the ad is a success because Wilson is able to introduce himself to voters and…
Earlier this month the National Republican Governors Association launched an ad blaming Wilson for the state’s poor road conditions. Hogan says in Wilson’s 30-second spot the Democrat highlights his accomplishments at DOTD.
The ad also expresses the Lafayette native’s desire to move the state forward. Hogan says Wilson’s calling to end political divisiveness is a common theme that voters say they want.
Polls indicate Wilson will most likely face front-runner Jeff Landry in a runoff.
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The Louisiana Department of Health is launching a new website and social media marketing campaign to promote their 988 suicide and prevention helpline. State Suicide Prevention Coordinator Robyn Thomas says the new website is Louisiana 9-8-8-dot-org.
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Since its launch in July of 2022, call volume for 988 has increased by 11 percent. In-state answer rate rose from 64 percent to 87 percent. Thomas says the goal is to reach vulnerable populations including Blacks, Indigenous and People of Color, LGBTQ people, and veterans.
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LDH hopes to remove the stigma of mental illness and encourage Louisiana residents to reach out if they are in a mental health crisis. Thomas hopes Louisianans will be able to connect with the campaign
There are five parishes they are particularly targeting with this campaign, Evangeline, Avoyelles, St. Landry. Livingston and Calcasieu. Those are the parishes with the highest suicide rates.
If you are in need of mental health services, call the 988 or visit Louisiana988.org.
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The state’s four largest wildfires continue to burn but are more than 50 percent contained. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says things are looking better and the Tiger Island Fire is now 80 percent contained.
More than 1,200 emergency responders from 120 agencies and 26 states have fought wildfires across the state. Strain says it took additional personnel and special equipment to contain fires.
The Highway 113 Fire is 89 percent contained, the Lion’s Camp Road Fire is 88 percent contained, and the Elizabeth Fire is 73 percent contained. No injuries or deaths have been reported, but at least 20 structures have been damaged or destroyed. Strain urges Louisianans to continue to respect the burn ban.
The statewide burn ban remains in effect.
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St. Helena Parish is still in shock over Tuesday’s fatal shooting as school was letting out at St. Helena College and Career Academy in Greensburg. A 16-year-old student was killed and the suspected gunman, a 14-year-old student, is in a juvenile detention center. St. Helena Parish School Superintendent Doctor Kelli Joseph…
Joseph says they originally planned to re-start school tomorrow, but they’ve decided classes will resume on Tuesday…
Southeast Community Health System is providing counseling for teachers and will be on campus when students return Tuesday. Authorities say bullying may have led to Tuesday’s tragic shooting. Joseph says they do look for instances of bullying but a lot of it happens on social media…
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Authorities plan to release more information about the shooting next week.