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Gov. Beebe wants to improve Ark. parole system

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Governor Mike Beebe is taking a stand to improve the state's parole system after a parolee was charged in a Little Rock murder.

Daryl Dennis, 46, was charged with aggravated robbery, kidnapping and capital murder in the May 10 death of 18-year-old Forrest Abrams. Dennis did not have a hearing to revoke his parole before Abrams' death.

"What happened is inexcusable--totally inexcusable. We're looking to see what systemic changes and what personnel or what case-specific issues contributed to this," said Beebe.

Sen. David Sanders of Little Rock welcomed the review. He sponsored a bill that would require revocation hearings for any parolee arrested for violent or sex crimes. Sanders said legislators should also review the Dennis case.

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola has also questioned the parole system, calling it dysfunctional and running amuck.

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Catholic High School getting much needed renovations

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - It's been more than 50 years since Catholic High School has seen major upgrades, but the school is finally getting much need renovations.

The school has been saving over the past few years for a major overhaul, and principal Steve Straessle said the project is expected to take a total of three years to finish. So far, the school's gym and office have been equipped with air conditioning, and more improvements are expected over the next 18 months.

"Fifty years ago is when this building was constructed, and back then, there weren't even fax machines much less internet technology, e-mail, smart boards, and things like that. So, we're taking this 50-year-old building and getting it ready for the next 50 years," Straessle explained.

Construction is expected to continue through the summer. School starts on Aug. 14.

3-month-old dies in relative's care

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - The Department of Human Services has reported an infant death out of Little Rock.

DHS said 3-month-old Gary Hunter died of unknown reasons at his home on June 4 while in the care of a relative.

The department has only released preliminary information on his death at this point. THV 11 News will continue to follow this story and bring you more information as soon as it becomes available on www.THV11.com.

Arkansas Death Row Inmates Amend Execution Lawsuit

Arkansas Death Row Inmates Amend Execution Lawsuit

Nine death row inmates challenging Arkansas' new lethal injection law have amended their lawsuit against the state... Read More

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Little Rock mayor pushing for immigration reform to help city

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Immigration Laws were last updated in 1986, and now Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola is pushing for reform.

The mayor met with Arkansas businessmen for a roundtable since the outdated laws have led to Little Rock losing workers.

"Today there's a great need for those jobs, and we need change this year, hopefully from the congress," said North Little Rock general manager Paul Rivera.

Business owners are not the only ones being affected by this issue.

"The point is it affects Little Rock very specifically. That's the main point. It affects my ability to try to create an environment for jobs, to help increase the wages for people in the city, and to make a better life for them," explained Stodola.

The mayor hopes that congressman will see this issue and that a change will be made by the end of the year.

USTA to host Adult League tennis state championships

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- THV 11's Craig O'Neill sits down with Brittany Murphy, Director of
Marking for USTA - Arkansas, to talk about the popularity of tennis and
this weekend's State Championship finals.

Male and female tennis athletes will compete this weekend (June 21 - 23) in the final round of the USTA Adult League State Championships. There are two divisions for this weekend's tournament: Ages 18 & Over and Ages 40 & Over.

Competitors will play at tennis parks in Little Rock and North Little Rock, including Burns Park, Rebsamen Park, Otter Creek Tennis Club and the Country Club of Little Rock. Check out the full schedule online.

Jury selection begins in trial of LR ex-officer

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Jury selection has begun in the trial of a former Little Rock police officer charged with manslaughter for the shooting death of a teen burglary suspect.

A circuit judge began questioning the pool of prospective jurors Monday afternoon, asking about any preconceived notions they may hold.

Former Officer Josh Hastings was fired and charged in the death of Bobby Moore III after investigators said evidence from the scene didn't match his account of events.

Hastings has said Moore tried to run him over with a car after the officer responded to a report of cars being broken into at an apartment complex.

By a 3:30 p.m. break, the process had not yet reached the point where lawyers were allowed to individually question potential jurors.