LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — Anthony B. Smith, 26, of Little Rock, was sentenced Thursday, July 23, 2026, to 25 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to First-Degree Murder in the death of Clifford James Griffin, 27, of Maumelle. The fatal crash occurred on September 19, 2024, on Interstate 430 near Colonel Glenn…
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, working in coordination with Arkansas Task Force One, has deployed two seven‑member Swift Water search and rescue teams through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact to assist Texas communities experiencing severe and widespread flooding. The deployment began Thursday after Texas requested support through EMAC, allowing Arkansas to…
By Ryan McGeeney University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture experts are urging the state’s pasture managers to gear up for winter by planting cool-season grasses in the fall. Jonathan Kubesch, extension forage specialist for the Division of Agriculture, said that Arkansas offers some unique challenges to farmers, being in a…
VAN BUREN, Ark. — On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, around 1:45 p.m., an Arkansas State Police (ASP) Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a van traveling on Interstate 40 near the 2-mile marker in Crawford County. During a search of the vehicle, Troopers discovered approximately 150 pounds of high-grade, illegal marijuana packaged in multiple bundles. The…
ASHLEY COUNTY, AR — The Tenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain announced that an Ashley County jury has convicted Aaron Dewayne Rice on multiple felony drug charges and sentenced him to a total of 112 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. Article submitted by District Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain‘s Office The conviction stems…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) is launching a new statewide public safety initiative, “Rules of the Road,” a video series designed to help Arkansans better understand common traffic laws and best driving practices on Arkansas roadways. The campaign debuts today, with the first video focused on what drivers should do when being…
TEXARKANA, Ark. — On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), in coordination with the FBI, ASP Company C, and the Miller County SWAT Team, executed a search warrant at a home in the 8000 block of Old Harrison Chapel Road in Texarkana. The search warrant stemmed…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — From July 10 through July 31, State and local law enforcement agencies across Arkansas will participate in the national Speeding Slows You Down high-visibility enforcement campaign, increasing patrols and enforcement efforts to reduce speeding-related crashes and save lives.Speeding remains one of the leading contributors to traffic fatalities in the United States. In…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has released its 2025 Arkansas Groundwater Protection and Management Report, detailing groundwater monitoring, water levels, conservation programs and water use across the state. The report was issued pursuant to the Arkansas Groundwater Protection and Management Act of 1991 and provides an overview of groundwater conditions during…
July 2, 2026CAMDEN, Ark. — Ouachita County Chief Deputy Collector Erica Johnson has been charged with Theft of Property, a Class D felony, following an investigation by the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division. The investigation, which began in January at the request of 13th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Rogers, revealed that Johnson, 33,…
MONTICELLO, Ark. — The drought that has affected Arkansas and surrounding states for more than a year has had an impact on every sector of the region’s agriculture, including timber stands throughout the South. By Ryan McGeeney University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture According to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Arkansas is home to more than 18 million…
The Arkansas Department of Transportation, Arkansas Highway Police and the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Office are launching a statewide awareness and enforcement campaign aimed at reducing litter along Arkansas highways. The campaign, set to begin in July, will focus on Arkansas laws requiring waste materials to be securely transported in vehicles. ARDOT said unsecured loads can…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will face new restrictions on certain grocery purchases beginning July 1. Under a federal waiver approved for Arkansas, SNAP benefits may no longer be used to purchase regular, diet or low-calorie soda; candy; fruit and vegetable drinks containing less than 50% real…
LAKE VILLAGE, Ark. — On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) arrested Debra Chandler, 57, of Lake Village, on two felony counts of Theft of Property. In December 2025, at the request of Tenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain, ASP CID initiated a theft investigation…
Brinkley, Ark. — Arkansas State Police (ASP) Troopers seized 190 1-pound bags of illegal marijuana during a traffic stop Monday, June 22, 2026, on Interstate 40 at the 217-mile marker in Monroe County. Around 6 a.m., Troopers stopped a black Chevrolet Silverado for a traffic violation. During a search of the vehicle, Troopers discovered the marijuana…
Press release submitted by Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain’s office: McGehee, Arkansas — June 9, 2026 — Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain announced today that Johntavious Owens has been sentenced to a total of 720 months (60 years) in the Arkansas Department of Corrections following his conviction for the fatal shooting of Kevin Morgan in McGehee. The…
ASHDOWN, Ark. — At the request of the Ashdown Police Department (APD), special agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division (CID) are investigating a fatal shooting in Ashdown. On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at around 6:30 a.m., officers with the APD and the Little River County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting in the…
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. ─ The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management announced that State Fire Marshal Dennis Free will retire effective July 1, concluding a distinguished career marked by dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. Free’s service to the State of Arkansas spans 45 years in fire protection and prevention. He spent 26…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in two calves in Zavala County, Texas. While there have been no confirmed detections in Arkansas, state officials are urging livestock producers, pet owners, and others who work with animals to remain vigilant…
Because of outrage over recent incidents in which suspects fled from law enforcement with children in their vehicles, Arkansas State Police (ASP) Col. Mike Hagar is calling on parents and caregivers to think first of the safety of the children in their care and pull over. “As a father, I cannot fathom a parent making…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In recognition of National Internet Safety Month, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is encouraging parents, caregivers, and communities across the state to strengthen their approach to protecting children online. Historically, the largest increases in online enticement cases occur during the summer months and the beginning…
