There’s encouraging news for Louisiana job seekers and employers. Colleen Crain has more on the latest from Wallet Hub.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A new Louisiana Law allowing surgical castration of those convicted of raping a child under the age of 13 becomes active this month. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Two new special needs playgrounds are coming to Louisiana State Parks. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Some good news for both Louisiana Job Seekers and Employers as weekly unemployment claims drop. According to WalletHub Analyst, Cassandra Happe (Happy) The Bayou State stood out as one of the states that had the lowest increase in the number of people seeking unemployment benefits.

Cut 4 (12) “…the last week.”

Happe says WalletHub compares week-to-week data as well as year-to-year data and it appears Louisiana is seeing a long-term shift.

Cut 5 (10) “…last year.”

Happe says employees seem to be more engaged with the companies employing them. And as far as employment in the Bayou state is concerned, Happe believes the future could be bright.

Cut 6 (09) “…further down.”

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A new Louisiana Law allowing surgical castration of child rapists becomes active this month. Author of the legislation, Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow, says in her work, that she’s received countless devastating reports of child sexual abuse, some cases resulting in a child’s death or life-altering damage, and something more had to be done to stop it.

Cut 7 (10) “…more children.”

Males and Females over the age of 17 convicted of sexual abuse of a child under 13 face surgical castration. While some argue the punishment is cruel and unusual, Barrow says Judges have discretion, but the rape of a child forever changes them. Others argue the surgery will not deter all offenders. Barrow agrees…

Cut 8 (12) “…(x2) them incarcerated.”

Barrow says drastic measures needed to be taken and since the law passed the conversation has changed. She hopes the threat of losing a part of one’s anatomy will prevent child abusers from offending…

Cut 9 (11)  “…the last.

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Two new special needs playgrounds are coming to Louisiana State Parks, including special play equipment, shaded areas, benches, and picnic tables. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says when he took office, he realized a lot of parks weren’t special needs friendly…

Cut 10 (09) “…inviting and welcoming.”

The playgrounds are coming to Bogue Chitto and Fontainebleau state parks. Nungesser says these two playgrounds are just the beginning, as he envisions special needs-friendly structures beyond playgrounds in all 19 state parks.

Cut 11 (12) “…out in the water.”

In addition to the playgrounds, Nungesser points out that new state park cabins have amenities for special needs. He says these projects are to make sure everyone can enjoy Louisiana state parks, no matter the accommodations they might need.

Cut 12 (12) “…special need.”

The playgrounds are expected to be completed in October.

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The school bell is about to ring but one thing that won’t be ringing is a cellphone.  Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell authored a bill to keep phones from becoming a distraction for both teachers and students.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the classroom”

When the bill was in committee at the legislature, Mizell says award-winning educators testified that cell phones were among the biggest issues when trying to keep a student’s attention.

Cut 14 (08)  “…value in it,”

In her research, Mizell says many psychologists pointed out that students paying attention to a phone all the time instead of talking to each other was having detrimental effects on learning how to interact with other humans.

Cut 15 (11)  “…the phone.

Mizell says she’s interested to see if the cellphone ban will impact future LEAP scores.

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Cut 16 (19) “… feeling that.” 

Cut 17 (16) “…younger players.”

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Cut 18 (11)  “…from everybody.”

Cut 19 (18) “…to do it.”

Cut 20 (20) “…we want.”

The latest poll averages show Kamala Harris is gaining on Donald Trump in the race for president, with Trump’s lead going down at least one point for the third straight week.  Though we’re months away from the election, John Couvillon with JMC Analytics says the actual deadline to reverse poll sliding is much closer.

Cut 10 (11) “…in October.”

The start of school is almost here and with that comes challenges for educators and administrators including ataffing shortages. Experts say many schools are still trying to fill open position with certified teachers and administrators. Louisiana Association of School Superintendents Executive Director Mike Faulk says finding teachers now is difficult, but when principals are retiring, and that position is filled with a teacher…

Cut  13 (05) “…all the way down.” 

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Parts of Florida remain under a hurricane watch and forecasters say Tropical Storm Four, expected to become Tropical Storm Deby could increase to hurricane strength by the time it makes landfall. The hurricane watch was issued for parts of Florida’s Big Bend region, where the National Hurricane Center now forecasts a landfall as a strong tropical storm by Monday morning.

LSU Eunice Baseball has officially kicked off the construction of a new stadium with a groundbreaking celebration. The new stadium will be a state-of-the-art facility that Sorenson says the 8-time National Champion team deserves. But, it’s also designed to be a multi-purpose facility that Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson says will help draw events to Acadiana.

Cut 5 (12)  “…sporting tournaments.”

The first phase of the stadium is expected to be completed in time for the 2025 baseball season.

New weekly polling averages show Donald Trump’s lead over Kamala Harris going down slightly. Many attribute the one point drop to a smooth rollout for the Harris Campaign,  compared to some recent missteps from the Trump campaign. While Trump is still technically up in the polls, John Couvillon of JMC Analytics says his campaign should be careful to avoid any further slides.

Cut 9 (12) “…Democratic convention.”

A hurricane watch has been issued for a portion of Florida’s Gulf Coast as Tropical Depression Four moves toward the Gulf of Mexico. According to the National Hurricane Center, the depression is expected to become Tropical Storm Debby later today or tonight and could approach hurricane strength before making landfall early Monday.

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LSU Eunice Baseball has officially kicked off the construction of a new stadium with a groundbreaking celebration. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

A Minden man is in jail this morning, charged in the second degree rape of a minor. Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver says 23 year old Ladorious Burks was arrested early yesterday in the attack of the 14 year old. Another man is facing is also facing charges in the case. Authorities say the 24 year old is charged as an accessory after the fact because he saw the attack and did nothing to prevent it.

New weekly polling averages show former President Trump’s lead over Vice President Kamala Harris continues to decrease. Mel Bridges has the numbers.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Parts of Florida are now under a hurricane watch as the chance Tropical Storm Four, which could increase to hurricane strength before making landfall there. The hurricane watch was issued for parts of Florida’s Big Bend region, where the National Hurricane Center now forecasts a landfall as a strong tropical storm by Monday morning.

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School is about to be starting back and with that comes challenges for educators and administrators. Louisiana Association of School Superintendents Executive Director Mike Faulk says preparation for the new school year has already started for teachers and administrators…

Cut 11 (12) ” …going on right now.”

Construction has officially begun on LSU Eunice Basebal’s new stadium…after a groundbreaking celebration this week. The new stadium will feature removable, artificial turf that allows the stadium to serve as a multi-purpose facility. However, Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson says they didn’t forget about the stadium part and says fans and players can look forward to…

Cut 4 (09) “…our opponents deserve.”

A hurricane watch has been issued for a portion of Florida’s Gulf Coast as Tropical Depression Four moves toward the Gulf of Mexico. That’s according to the national Hurricane Center this morning. The depression is expected to become Tropical Storm Debby later today or tonight and should approach hurricane strength before making landfall. To become a tropical storm sustained winds must reach 39 miles per hour. Sustained winds were at 30 miles per hour as of eight this morning.

New weekly polling averages show Donald Trump’s lead over Kamala Harris decreasing by at least one point for a third straight week. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics suggests if the Trump campaign can’t reverse this decline…

Cut 8 (10)  “…change.”

Last week, Trump was 2 points ahead of Harris, and he was up 3.2 points against Biden the week before. Right now, Trump and Harris are separated in the polls by just one point

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The start of school is right around the corner in Louisiana and with that comes some challenges. Louisiana Association of School Superintendents Executive Director Mike Faulk says one of those challenges is taking a look at school performance scores from last year and finding a way to address them in this one.

Cut 12 (08) “…individual schools.”

Just in time for the start of school, LSU Eunice Baseball has officially kicked off the construction of a new stadium with a groundbreaking celebration. LSUE Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson says the stadium represents exciting new things for the Baseball Bengals and the school.

Cut 3 (11) “…building the future.”

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New weekly polling averages show former President Trump’s lead over Vice President Kamala Harris continues to decrease. Mel Bridges has the numbers.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Among the new laws going into effect today is House Bill 64 which prohibits the sale of Nitrous oxide, also knows as “laughing gas” or “whippets,” or any amyl nitrite also known as “poppers.”

These substances may be sold for automotive purposes, or as part of a manufacturing process.

The law also increases the penalty to a fine of no more than $2,500, and the prison time to a maximum of one year. The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco is now required to promote and enforce the new law, and they are to conduct investigations to regulate these laws as necessary.

LSU Eunice Baseball has officially kicked off the construction of a new stadium with a groundbreaking celebration. LSUE Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson says the stadium represents exciting new things for the Baseball Bengals and the school.

Cut 3 (11) “…building the future.”

School is about to be starting back and with that comes challenges for educators and administrators. Louisiana Association of School Superintendents Executive Director Mike Faulk says there are many challenges that schools are facing and one is looking at school performance scores from last year and how to address the issues for the upcoming year…

Cut 12 (08) “…individual schools.”

With the school bell about to ring, Louisiana Association of School Superintendents Executive Director Mike Faulk says administrators are trying to get things in place before students return to the classroom. He says finding certified teachers is already difficult enough but when you factor in that principals are retiring, and that position is filled with a teacher…

Cut  13 (05) “…all the way down.” 

According to the National Education Association, 80% of teachers report having to take on extra tasks to make up for staffing shortages.

New weekly polling averages show Trump’s lead over Harris decreasing by at least one point for a third straight week. Even though we are still months away from the election, pollster John Couvillon of JMC Analytics suggests the actual deadline to reverse poll sliding is much closer.

Cut 10 (11) “…in October.”

Several new laws in Louisiana are now in effect. Among them is when a person is found guilty of distributing fentanyl, they’ll serve at least 10 years but no more than 40 years in jail without the possibility of parole. And the penalty for those convicted of human trafficking and when the victim is under 18, it’s life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

LSU Eunice Baseball has officially kicked off the construction of a new stadium with a groundbreaking celebration. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

School is about to be starting back and with that comes challenges for educators and administrators. Louisiana Association of School Superintendents Executive Director Mike Faulk says preparation for the new school year has already started for teachers and administrators…

Cut 11 (12) ” …going on right now.”

According to the National Education Association, 80% of teachers report having to take on extra tasks to make up for staffing shortages.

LSU Eunice Baseball has officially kicked off the construction of a new stadium with a groundbreaking celebration. LSUE Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson says the new stadium will be a state-of-the-art facility that the 8-time National Champion team deserves. However, it’s also designed to be a multi-purpose facility that Sorenson says will help draw events to Acadiana.

Cut 5 (12)  “…sporting tournaments.”

New weekly polling averages show Trump’s lead over Harris decreasing by at least one point for a third straight week. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics says the shift in campaign momentum could be due to the Harris campaign rolling out smoothly compared to a number of recent blunders from the Trump campaign. While Trump is still technically up in the polls, Couvillon says his campaign should be careful to avoid any further slides.

Cut 9 (12) “…Democratic convention.”

The search for twin 8-year-old girls who were reported missing by Louisiana State Police has come to an end after they were found safe in St. Tammany Parish and their mother was arrested.

Alessandra Bruno and her sister Sofia were last seen at the Rock-N-Sake Sushi Bar off Fulton Street in New Orleans. Their non-custodial biological mother, 36-year-old Alejandra Gutierrez, was suspected of taking them on Wednesday around 7:00 p.m. and was arrested today.

Authorities say Gutierrez has abducted Bruno before. Bruno suffers from a medical condition and needs medication, which the mother does not have

She was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Facility.