Latest news with #KARK4News
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hot Springs locals react to human trafficking investigation at massage business
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – AI Massage in Hot Springs is under investigation by the Attorney General's Office for alleged prostitution and human trafficking. People who live and work in Hot Springs, like Hannah and Cole Carey, said they can't believe something like this was happening in their city. 'It's really just shocking to me that it's so close to home,' Hannah Carey said. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announces organized retail crime bust & human trafficking investigation Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said a May 22 raid on AI Massage on Central Avenue stemmed from information gathered during previous investigations into other massage parlors busted for illicit sexual activity. According to Griffin, three Chinese nationals were identified as victims and are now receiving support services. One woman told investigators she responded to an online job ad in China and did not know she would be doing sex work. 'It kind of hits you hard, just makes you feel bad for them, thinking about what else they went through,' Cole Carey said. Griffin said investigators uncovered evidence pointing to sexual activity. 'Illicit sexual activity, prostitution going on in these massage parlors. We not only talked to the victims to confirm it, there were about 100 condoms there, which normally would not be at a spa,' Griffin said, 'There was what we believe to be a home remedy used to treat sexually transmitted infections, also implying that sexual activity is going on.' Authorities also recovered $22,000 in American cash along with some foreign currency. Griffin said no arrests have been made yet because the individuals believed to be running the operation were not there during the raid. However, he said law enforcement is following every lead. 'I'm grateful to law enforcement who have been on top of this and trying to get to the bottom of it,' said Tina Haney, another Hot Springs local. 'It's disappointing to have this going on right under our noses and not even realize it.' Arkansas Attorney General announces grant to combat human trafficking in Arkansas The massage parlor under investigation is open today. KARK 4 News went there to ask for a comment, but the people there said their boss wasn't there and declined to comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Long-time THV 11 Chief Meteorologist Ed Buckner passes away at age 59
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas weather community and beyond is mourning the loss of a longtime meteorologist in the state. KTHV 11 announced on Monday that former Chief Meteorologist Ed Buckner passed away at the age of 59 after a battle with cancer. Buckner, a Houston native, joined the THV 11 team in 1996 and served as the station's chief for 25 years. KARK 4 News Chief Meteorologist Todd Yakoubian remembers Buckner as a friend and he will be missed. 'Many are alive today because of his life saving severe weather information,' Yakoubian said. 'Ed made our state a better place. We continue to think and pray for his family and friends during this very terrible time.' THV 11 shared that Buckner stepped away from his meteorology work in early 2020 after complications with Tourette Syndrome. FOX 16 News Chief Meteorologist Joel Young shared he was saddened to hear of the passing of Buckner and shared his impact on weather was felt by those for generations. 'I never knew him personally, but the weather industry is small and his impact on his community was huge,' Young said 'My thoughts and prayers go out to Ed's family and friends during this difficult time.' Buckner is survived by wife Carolyn Buckner, his children Brooke Buckner, Morgan Buckner, Grant Lewis, Kristan Hendricks and seven grandchildren. One daughter, Ashton Eakin, preceded him in death in 2019, also from cancer. For more information, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pulaski County Fair organizers emphasize safety as top priority amid controversy on social media
PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. – If you miss the sounds and smells that come with the fair, get ready to smile because the Pulaski County Fair is back for another year. According to marketing director, Susan Prowse, the county fair brings in 'on average 20,000 people a year.' Pulaski County Fair set for Friday start The large numbers are causing safety concerns and according to social media, potentially leading people to sit this year out. The fair will run through Monday, May 26. The gates will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 11 p.m. on weekends. Gates will be closed on Monday, May 19, and Tuesday, May 20. 'I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised with how safe and fun and wholesome this feels down here on the river,' Prowse said. People in the comment section on the KARK 4 News Facebook page shared different outlooks. Some comments read, 'We should all take bets on when the first shooting will happen,' and 'You better get your bulletproof vest on.' 'The Munsters' star Butch Patrick to appear at Pulaski County Fair in North Little Rock 'I hope to change that perception as we continue,' Prowse said, adding that the fair 'hadn't had any major issues' in the five years of the event. The North Little Rock Police Department echoed that the comments on social media don't reflect the safety of the fair in the past. Prowse said the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and the North Little Rock Police Department are both working this event. 'I hope people at home understand that this has been safe and it is fun and wholesome,' Prowse added. 'For five years, we've seen consistent smiles and happiness, and I'm addicted to watching people have fun.' The fair showcases the P.B.J. Happee Days Shows carnival midway, featuring rides, games, a petting zoo, a large beer garden with live music, an array of novelty and arts vendors, delectable food options and a selection of adult beverages. Butch Patrick, who played Eddie Munster on the iconic 60s The Munsters sitcom, will make a personal appearance with the famous Dragula and Eddie's Chopper on May 16 & 17. Make sure to check the Pulaski County Fair's social media pages to stay up to date on any weather-related decisions that are made. Hot Springs motel named to USA Today's 10 best roadside motels list For more information, head over to Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Catching up with former KARK 4 News anchor Kent Bates
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – When it comes to the list of former KARK 4 News anchors, all have found themselves in the middle of life-changing stories, and this week's Arkansas TV Legend is no different. Kent Bates covered major life-changing stories, including the 1998 Westside Middle School shooting in northeast Arkansas as well as the aftermath of 9/11 and hearing from Arkansans who witnessed it. Join KARK 4 News on Thursdays as we catch up with some familiar faces from the past. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Travelers at Little Rock airport see change as REAL ID enforcement begins
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – REAL IDs are now required to board a flight or enter certain federal buildings. Though May 7 is the enforcement date, TSA Acting Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl said those who do not have a REAL ID can go through extra screening at the airport to board a flight. 'If you do show up with a non-compliant state-issued ID, you will be okay. It just may take some additional time for screening,' Stahl said. 'So, we do urge folks to plan accordingly and leave a little extra time when traveling to the airport.' Arkansas revenue offices issue record number of REAL IDs Tuesday, Sherwood office forced to redirect customers after running out A REAL ID or another compliant form of identification, like a passport or military ID, will be required to board a domestic flight and enter certain federal facilities. Several travelers who have their REAL ID told KARK 4 News at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport that they thought it was a good idea. 'We want our airports to be safe and want to make sure everyone coming through TSA is vetted and safe and secure,' traveler Anthony Todd said. 'I try to have all the Is and Ts when I'm traveling,' another traveler, Phyllis Gordon, said. 'It's just a tense time and I want everything all together.' REAL ID takes effect in Arkansas. So, what if I don't have one? Officials with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration say this week there were thousands of people going to get their REAL IDs. They say all revenue offices will continue to issue REAL IDs after Wednesday for those who do not have an immediate need for one. DFA officials said the deadline is when the state will begin to enforce it, and not the last day to receive one. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
