A proposed constitutional amendment in Arkansas clears its first legal hurdle, a historic Black church in Memphis is the target of arson, and Arkansas law enforcement prepares for Memorial Day travel with a seatbelt enforcement campaign. Plus, new details on multiple drug seizures, education leadership changes, and local sports recruits.
00:00 – Intro
00:30 – Ballot title for direct democracy amendment approved
The League of Women Voters gains approval to begin signature collection for a constitutional amendment protecting the citizen-led ballot initiative process.
01:39 – Advocacy group challenges laws limiting ballot access
Protect AR Rights and the ACLU sue the state, citing barriers from new laws requiring simplified ballot language and stricter petitioning rules.
03:49 – Flat Side Wilderness expansion bill passes U.S. House
U.S. Rep. French Hill’s bill to add 2,000 acres to central Arkansas’s Flat Side Wilderness passes the House; Governor Sanders supports the tourism boost.
05:20 – Operation NEON Summer leads to dozens of arrests
Federal and local authorities arrest 28 individuals and seize drugs and firearms in a targeted effort in Craighead and Crittenden counties.
06:01 – Drug seizure on I-40 leads to trafficking charges
Arkansas State Police seize 15 kilos of fentanyl and 35 kilos of cocaine from a semi-truck during a traffic stop; the driver faces 42 felony charges.
06:39 – Hot Springs superintendent to depart following arrest of spouse
Stephanie Nehus will leave her position after her husband’s arrest. Mike Hernandez returns as interim superintendent.
07:06 – Memphis church fire ruled arson
Investigators confirm the fire at historic Clayborn Temple was intentionally set, prompting a criminal investigation.
07:26 – Tennessee executes man in 1989 triple homicide case
Oscar Smith is executed after previously receiving a reprieve in 2022 due to procedural issues with lethal injection drugs.
08:07 – Click It or Ticket campaign underway in Arkansas
Statewide seatbelt enforcement campaign launched ahead of Memorial Day. Officials note Arkansas's seatbelt usage lags behind the national average.
08:38 – A-State receives $9.5M in Windgate Foundation grants
Grants will support scholarships, the Bradbury Art Museum, and the Windgate Center for Three-Dimentional Art.
08:55 – A-State adds new recruits in baseball and basketball
Student-athletes from Texas and France join A-State’s men’s and women’s basketball and baseball teams.
