Crisis Text Line releases data showing over 22,000 texters in Louisiana have used the service since its launch is 2013. Kevin Barnhart has details of who is using the service.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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A survey of small buisiness owners in Louisiana shows the top conern from owners is the workforce. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”
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Heads up parents, before checking out the parades this weekend with the little ones, check out this free app from the FBI…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”
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The Crisis Text Line report on the State of Mental Health in America shows over 22,000 texters in Louisiana have reached out for help since launching in August 2013. Crisis Text Line spokesperson Ashley Womble says in that time, 465 times they have been able to de-escalate someone in Louisiana who was thinking about suicide.
Cut 4 (08) “…within 24 hours.”
The report indicates that three-quarters of the texters are under the age or 25, with 82% of them identifying as female. However, men are more likely to die from suicide. Womble says sometimes, a conversation is not enough and someone needs to step in.
Cut 5 (11) “…happened 240 times.”
Using the Crisis Text Line is the first time seeking help for 60% of those who use it. Depression and sadness is the top reason linked to usage, followed closely by relationship issues, then anxiety and stress. Womble says the number one form of self-care among texters is music.
Cut 6 (09) “…in less crisis.”
The Crisis Text Line can be accessed by sending the word “HOME” to 741-741
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A National Federation of Independent Business poll of Louisiana members shows the top issue facing small businesses in the state is the “quality of labor.” Workforce concerns were at the top of the list, above even tax issues for 23 percent of members. NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says it boils down to two issues.
Cut 7 (08) “…be there.”
Starns says there’s concerns about state workers’ technical qualifications, but with the tightening labor market and low unemployment, it can be difficult to find workers who are committed to the job.
Cut 8 (10) “…face.”
Nearly 80 percent of respondents say they would like the state to do more to prepare workers coming out of high school for employment. Starns says even entry-level jobs need technical and people skills.
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Pearl River swelling from heavy rain in central Mississippi is catching the attention of officials over flooding issues downstream in Washington and St. Tammany parishes. National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Gavin Phillips forecasts near-record levels in the coming days around the town of Pearl River.
Cut 10 (10) “…I-59 gauge.”
Near Bogalusa, the river is expected to crest at 22.5 feet on Saturday, causing flooding east of Highway 21 along the Bogalusa Creek.
Interstate commuters shouldn’t be too concerned. Phillips says the higher river levels may pose an issue for those that live along the river and low lying area or have fish camps in the area.
Cut 11 (08) “…higher than that.”
Near Slidell, the crest is expected Sunday at 19 feet. Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says they are monitoring the situation closely.
Cut 12 (11) “… to be ready.”
The river crests for both Bogalusa and the town of Pearl River are expected to be their highest levels since 2016.
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If you’re taking your kids with you to Mardi Gras this year download the FBI Child ID app before you leave in the unfortunate event you and your kid are separated.
The app gets you to build a profile of your child, including photo, height, weight, age, and your contact number. FBI New Orleans spokesperson Craig Betbeze says if your child is missing, just press a button…
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The app is free.
Along with helping get vital identification information to local authorities, Betbeze says it also helps you start piecing together info that could be critical to finding your lost offspring.
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It also features a list of safety topics you should discuss with your kid before you head out on the parade route.
Betbeze says the app abides by all child privacy laws.
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The app is available through app stores for both Android and IPhone devices.
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LSU’s annual Spring Football Game will be April 18th but it will not take place in Tiger Stadium. Instead, LSU will hold the scrimmage at Southern University’s Mumford Stadium. Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry says that’s because they are replacing the turf inside Death Valley…
Cut 16 (14) …be completed”
Ausberry says to play the Spring Game at Southern, LSU had to get permission from the SEC to play the game there, because the league says you can’t play your spring game away from your home stadium unless you plan to play a regular-season game at the site of your spring game
Cut 17 (14) “thing to do”