Little Rock Local News

Little Rock, Arkansas - A central Arkansas high school student was arrested on Thursday afternoon when school resource officers discovered a loaded handgun in his vehicle. The 17-year-old student from Bryant High School came under scrutiny after parking in the faculty area, leading officers to inspect his vehicle. Upon examination, a loaded firearm was found. Following this discovery, the student was taken into custody and is set to face charges in the juvenile court system, as per the local authorities. This incident aligns with a recent trend of security concerns in Arkansas schools. Earlier this week, a North Little Rock elementary student was...

North Little Rock, Arkansas - A semi-truck accident occurred in North Little Rock, leading to debris, primarily plywood, on Interstate 440, causing traffic delays on Friday morning. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) confirmed that the incident took place shortly before 7:45 a.m., with the semi-truck overturning near the I-40 exit leading to Memphis. As per ARDOT's statement, the eastbound off-ramp is currently inaccessible. Details regarding the truck driver's health status and the potential involvement or injuries of other drivers have not yet been disclosed. Further updates on this matter will follow as soon as more information becomes available.

Little Rock, Arkansas - Little Rock city leaders, together with local entrepreneurs and the community, convened to deliberate over significant urban transformation plans for the downtown area. Their agenda emphasized pivotal undertakings, including the establishment of Veterinary and Dental educational institutions and a unique tourism strategy poised to redefine the metropolitan horizon in the ensuing years. An imminent "public safety ambassador program" is anticipated to enhance urban safety, fostering a more hospitable environment. A notable component of this redevelopment initiative is the introduction of a 'deck park', an innovative urban green space constructed atop a freeway. This initiative, partially subsidized by a...

Little Rock, Arkansas - The Big Country Chateau apartment complex in Little Rock, overseen by three distinct companies, was brought under scrutiny following a recent contempt ruling on Monday. This decision stems from an action initiated by the Arkansas Attorney General, Tim Griffin, against the complex's proprietors. The lawsuit alleged violations of the state's Deceptive Trade Practices Act due to their failure to supply tenants with water service and maintain habitable conditions. In addressing this, Griffin remarked, “The owners of Big Country Chateau continue to demonstrate a consistent and willful disregard for the court and its authority throughout this litigation.” He elaborated...

Little Rock, Arkansas - Cameron Ashley Building Products has established a new distribution facility in Little Rock, Arkansas. This center, as mentioned by the company headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, will house an extensive range of products, including roofing, insulation, drywall, and siding, along with their related accessories. The aim is prompt delivery to various stakeholders. “Little Rock is the fourth new location for Cameron Ashley this year, and we are excited to grow our service area to better serve our existing customers while pursuing new opportunities,” commented President and CEO Donny DeMarie. District Manager Jason Walker expressed, “Our expansion in the...

Little Rock, Arkansas - On Monday, authorities apprehended a 26-year-old individual in relation to the 31st reported homicide in Little Rock for this year. Christopher Parks has been taken into custody and faces charges of first-degree murder concerning the death of Joseph Cessor, also 26, on July 24. According to official documents, Cessor, who was identified as homeless, was discovered in an unresponsive state during the early hours at "801 E. Roosevelt Road." The nature of his injuries suggested blunt-force trauma. Law enforcement confirmed that Cessor was declared deceased on site. Currently, Parks is detained at the Pulaski County jail and has not been...

Little Rock, Arkansas - The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra recently initiated construction of the Stella Boyle Smith Music Center, a landmark $11.75 million establishment situated in Little Rock's East Village. This center, unparalleled in its focus on music within the state, spans 20,000 square feet and is poised to be an emblem of modernity. Its opening is projected for September 2024, marking the Symphony's first permanent establishment since its inception 58 years ago. This center is envisioned to be a nexus for music, encompassing educational avenues, performances, and music creation for the state's populace. Integral to its offerings is a state-of-the-art broadcast and...

Little Rock, Arkansas - The Little Rock Police Department is actively investigating a shooting incident that took place in the early hours of Saturday. At approximately 3:40 a.m., officers were dispatched to Richsmith Circle, close to the Valley Estates at Mabelvale apartments, following reports of gunfire. Upon their arrival, two individuals were found to have sustained gunshot wounds. Tragically, one individual succumbed to their injuries on site, while the other has been transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. At this time, specific details about the victims and potential suspects remain undisclosed. The department has urged the public to come forward with...

Little Rock, Arkansas - The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has confirmed its decision to implement job layoffs following a financial deficit recorded for the recently concluded fiscal year. On July 10, the institution publicized a net loss of $30 million for the fiscal year ending June 30. Amanda George, UAMS's Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, and Chief Financial Officer detailed in a video statement that the organization faced a $50 million operational loss. However, investment revenues ameliorated this to the mentioned $30 million loss. "The predominant challenge has been our expenses," remarked George. “Factors such as rising labor...

Little Rock, Arkansas - The Little Rock Police Department has taken a Pulaski County Sheriff's deputy and her cohabitant into custody following an altercation at their Ayla Drive residence. Upon responding to a reported disturbance, authorities encountered 25-year-old Ayrialle Donson and 26-year-old Jaylen Wilson. Wilson informed the officers of Donson's position as a deputy with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and alleged she brandished her service weapon during their disagreement. Although no shots were fired, Wilson claims a subsequent physical altercation ensued between them. Upon assessment, officers noted facial swelling and injuries to both the upper and lower lip on Donson. She declined...