SUMMARY: Seventeen-year-old Jose, a non-verbal child in foster care since nine months old due to severe brain damage, finally found his forever family after 17 years of waiting. His proud adoptive parents, Mary and Patrick, emphasize their commitment to providing him with love and support. The adoption was finalized on Thursday, with the family celebrating their bond, which transcends words. Jose’s story highlights the importance of finding connections for children in foster care, especially as many face the risk of aging out without a family. November is National Adoption Month, showcasing efforts to reduce the number of waiting children in the system.

One teen in Arkansas has waited nearly two decades to be adopted. Now, after years of waiting, he has found finally found his forever family.

https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/foster-child-finds-forever-home-arkansas/91-749f2e5b-29e7-453f-b700-840641fe959d

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SUMMARY: 20-year-old Marco Morales was arrested for kidnapping, rape, terroristic threatening, and aggravated assault after confronting a woman in her car at a Walmart parking lot in Bentonville. Morales, wearing a ski mask and armed with a gun, ordered the victim to drive to a nearby lot where he assaulted her before forcing her to return to the Walmart. The victim later sought help at the sheriff’s department. Morales is held on a $500,000 bond. If convicted of rape, he faces life in prison. Morales is due in court soon, and the victim is receiving support at a sexual assault center.

According to a probable cause, the suspect targeted a woman in the parking lot of the Bentonville Walmart Supercenter on Walton Blvd.

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SUMMARY: Governor Sanders has unveiled a plan to raise pay for thousands of state employees in Arkansas, including state troopers, nurses, and correctional officers. The $100 million initiative, funded by the state’s surplus, aims to address recruitment and retention challenges. Meanwhile, a federal judge has ruled in favor of Issue 2, allowing a casino amendment to proceed despite opposition. In other news, the University of Arkansas is offering new scholarships for students in need, and the Pulaski County Special School District is addressing complaints about its $80 million facility upgrade plan. Finally, World Kindness Day highlights a teen’s nonprofit initiative to bring rock climbing to underserved youth.

Jurnee Taylor delivers your top news stories for Nov. 13, 2024 including the latest on Gov. Sanders’s new state employee pay plan.

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