A hearing is scheduled in the West Memphis Three murder case. Arkansas PBS avoids cutting ties with PBS. The Conway School Board buys out its superintendent’s contract. And the Little Rock Zoo mourns the loss of its youngest male orangutan. Those stories and more are coming up on KASU News for Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
00:00 – Intro
00:30 – Hearing set in West Memphis Three case
A July 23 hearing will review new DNA testing in the 1993 murder case involving three teens later released from prison.
00:58 – Arkansas PBS votes to remain with national PBS
The commission voted to continue airing PBS programs amid concerns about funding. The proposed separation would have ended access to popular shows and services.
02:17 – Arkansas joins legal effort to reinstate Iowa book law
Arkansas joins 19 states in appealing a federal court decision that blocked an Iowa law restricting certain library materials.
03:01 – Conway superintendent contract bought out
The Conway School Board votes to end Superintendent Jeff Collum’s contract, citing various criticisms during his tenure.
03:35 – League of Women Voters pushes for ballot amendment
The group seeks to restore citizen oversight of election laws through a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot.
05:13 – Arkansas House speaker seeks new term
Speaker Brian Evans of Cabot announces he will pursue another term as leader of the state’s House of Representatives.
05:36 – SNAP benefit eligibility changes advance in Senate
A Senate committee proposal would limit SNAP eligibility. Arkansas teacher Laura Friesz and other advocates voice concerns about its local impact.
06:56 – CAFO ban approved in Buffalo River watershed
Lawmakers approve a moratorium on large-scale animal feeding operations near the Buffalo National River, exempting the area from recent state legislation.
08:04 – Little Rock Zoo mourns loss of young orangutan
The zoo announces the death of 16-month-old Kata due to encephalitis. He was the second offspring of orangutans Berani and Bandar.
