breaking news

7 at 7:00 for Wednesday, January 16th

By: Liz Hogan

Updated: January 16, 2013

Springdale police say they will no longer provide escorts for funerals.

These are the seven stories you need to know about before you head out the door.

According to the Springdale Police Department, the decision is a result of a study and recommendations by the city's liability insurance provider.

Police cite recent population growth and an increase in call volume as a drain on resources, preventing them from providing safe escorts for processions.

There is no state law giving funeral processions the right of way. The city recommends funeral homes inform folks to follow all Arkansas traffic laws and don't assume other drivers will stop.

A new flu death confirmed in Northwest Arkansas is fueling fears about the virus as it continues to spread.

A Washington Regional spokesperson first confirmed the death with Fox 24 Tuesday morning.

At this hour, the flu has killed nine people in Arkansas.

Health department officials say they're seeing the most reports of flu cases since the swine flu in 2009.

It's day three of the state legislative session, and today, gun control should be at the top of the agenda.

But yesterday, the word of the day was "Medicaid."

In his State of the State Address, Governor Mike Beebe called for lawmakers to expand the medical coverage.

Despite some republican opposition, Governor Beebe says adding 250,000 people to the program would help the state financially, and improve the quality of life here.

Two local lawmakers plan to push a bill in Little Rock this session that would help put an end to wage theft in the workplace.

State Representatives Jon Woods (R-93) and Greg Leding (D-86) are behind the new bill.

It would put a timeline on employers to pay their employees wages, which would ensure that workers get their paychecks when they're told they will get them.

Politicians on both sides of the aisle agree something needs to be done about the problem.

Springdale city leaders want your input as they prepare to revitalize downtown.

They'll hold a Downtown Master Plan Open House tomorrow at the Jones Center for Families.

A consulting team will present a draft of the plans to revamp the downtown district, and they want to hear from you!

You can drop by anytime between noon and 7 p.m., with formal presentations at 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00 p.m.

Fayetteville police officers call for a lock-down at an elementary school.

But it was all just a surprise drill.

Teachers at Vandergriff locked students in rooms and waited for the "all clear" from cops.

These drills allow both police and the school to look for mistakes and ways they can improve safety.

Winter weather is causing slick streets across the state this morning, particularly in the River Valley.

Scott, Franklin and Johnson Counties are all being affected by the quick-moving winter weather.

Both Waldron and Paris public schools closed early yesterday due to the snow-covered roads.

Many of those roads were treated by state, county and city crews.

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