News

The $1.1 billion Big River Steel mill that's planned for Osceola could be under construction later this year, but a number of things have to happen before dirt can be turned for the superproject. 

The plant is awaiting rulings from two state regulators and it still must get signatures from financial backers and state officials before work can start.

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality will be hosting a public meeting on the permitting process for entities dealing waste tires in the state.

On Wednesday, representatives from regional governments, businesses and individuals are expected to attend and discuss the two types of permits: one for collection centers and one for waste tire processors.

Former University of Central Arkansas chief of staff Jack Gillean wants his felony trial moved out of  Faulkner County.  

Gillean is charged with felony commercial burglary for allegedly giving keys to a UCA student who stole tests from professors' offices. Gillean has denied the allegation.  

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that defense attorneys for Gillean took their change of venue request to Faulkner County Circuit Judge Charles Clawson Jr. on Friday.

A Pine Bluff man has been charged with first-degree murder in the suffocation death of his 2-month-old son.

KATV reports that Ivory Jones appeared in court Friday where his bond was set at $250,000 for the death of Corey Jones.

Authorities say Corey died of suffocation. Ivory Jones said the child was smothered by the family dog.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services says a 4-year-old in the same home has been taken into state custody.

A federal judge says a group that wants to help defend Arkansas' law banning most abortions 12 weeks into a pregnancy can't participate in a hearing over an effort to block the restriction.

U.S. District Judge Susan Webber Wright on Friday ruled that Concepts of Truth can't participate in the May 17 hearing over the abortion ban. The Wynne-based anti-abortion counseling group has asked to intervene in the lawsuit.

Wright agreed with opponents of the law that the group shouldn't participate since it asked to intervene nearly two weeks after the hearing was ordered.

Raymond Walter will bring home a bachelor's of science degree from the University of Arkansas this weekend with a triple major in mathematics, physics and economics - and he's only 18.

Walter graduated from Mountain Home High School when he was 14. He and his father, Hal, relocated to Fayetteville so Raymond could begin coursework at UA.

Hal serves as Raymond's caregiver because Raymond has a severe form of muscular dystrophy that requires him to use a motorized wheelchair.

A federal judge says a group that wants to help defend Arkansas' law banning most abortions 12 weeks into a pregnancy can't participate in a hearing over an effort to block the restriction.

U.S. District Judge Susan Webber Wright on Friday ruled that Concepts of Truth can't participate in the May 17 hearing over the abortion ban. The Wynne-based anti-abortion counseling group has asked to intervene in the lawsuit.

Wright agreed with opponents of the law that the group shouldn't participate since it asked to intervene nearly two weeks after the hearing was ordered.