NORTH LITTLE ROCK – A 19-year-old Mabelvale man was killed, and three minors were injured late Saturday night when a vehicle fleeing law enforcement crashed on an Interstate 40 exit ramp in Pulaski County, according to the Arkansas State Police.

The crash occurred at 10:55 p.m. on the westbound exit ramp at the 142-mile marker. Authorities say the driver, identified as John Bruce Martinez, was actively fleeing from law enforcement when he failed to negotiate a curve, veered off the roadway, and struck multiple trees before the vehicle came to a stop.

Martinez, the driver of a 2017 Nissan Altima, was pronounced dead at the scene. Three female minors, who were passengers in the vehicle, sustained injuries and were transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Their conditions were not immediately available.

The crash happened under clear skies and dry road conditions, according to the state police report. The Pulaski County Coroner’s Office took custody of Martinez’s body, and next of kin have been notified.

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Cpl. Ben Ibarra of the Arkansas State Police is leading the investigation. No further details have been released regarding the events leading up to the pursuit.

MONROE – The University of Louisiana System Executive Committee is set to meet at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 28, at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, with a key item on the agenda—presidential transition.

Multiple anonymous sources close to the situation report to Oak Grove’s KWCL Radio that the UL System Executive Board plans to remove University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) President Ron Berry and appoint an interim president during the meeting. Sources also indicate that former ULM President Dr. Nick Bruno is expected to be named interim president.

Dr. Bruno, who previously led ULM through the Jindal-era budget cuts and a challenging period for higher education in Louisiana, could not be reached for comment at press time.

The official agenda for the meeting includes standard procedural matters such as roll call and other business, but the inclusion of “Presidential Transition” has raised speculation about upcoming leadership changes within the UL System.

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RUSSELLVILLE – Testimony concluded Thursday in the federal trial challenging the validity of Amendment 104, which stripped the Arkansas Racing Commission of its authority to issue a casino license in Pope County. The lawsuit, brought by Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB), claims the amendment violates foundational legal rights and interferes with binding contractual agreements.

According to KARV Radio of Russellville, both the state and CNB litigators rested their cases after three days of extensive testimony that included multiple witnesses and an overwhelming amount of evidence. Federal Judge D.P. Marshall Jr. noted the case’s complexity, stating he prefers to rule from the bench but will not do so in this instance.

Judge Marshall has requested post-trial briefings from both sides before issuing a decision. While no firm timeline was set, he indicated a ruling could come within weeks rather than months. Observers familiar with the case estimate a decision could be reached in 60 to 90 days.

The lawsuit stems from voter approval of Amendment 104, which not only revoked the commission’s authority over the Pope County casino license but also imposed a requirement that county approval be a final condition for any future state constitutional amendments involving casinos. CNB argues the measure unfairly disrupts previous legal agreements and contracts.

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LONOKE COUNTY – A high-speed chase on Interstate 40 ended in tragedy Tuesday when a Memphis woman was killed after being ejected from a vehicle that overturned following a police intervention.

According to the Arkansas State Police (ASP), the pursuit began around the 173-mile marker in Lonoke County when a Trooper attempted to pull over a white Dodge Ram for a traffic violation. The driver fled eastbound, reaching speeds of over 120 mph and dangerously passing vehicles on the right shoulder.

After an 18-mile pursuit, a Trooper performed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) near the 191-mile marker in Prairie County, causing the truck to overturn and come to rest in a ditch.

Laterrika Woods, 29, of Memphis, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, Latarica Walker, 26, also of Memphis, was critically injured and airlifted to Baptist Medical Center.

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The driver, 30-year-old Torkilo Hambrick, and passenger Zuri Jones, 45, were taken to UAMS in stable condition. Hambrick now faces pending charges related to Woods’ death.

“This tragedy is a direct result of the suspect’s reckless, selfish actions,” said ASP Col. Mike Hagar. “Fleeing suspects are terrorizing and traumatizing our communities. Our Troopers will not and cannot look the other way.”

Investigators discovered two firearms, an undisclosed amount of cash, promethazine, marijuana, and other narcotics inside the vehicle. Hambrick was also found to have an outstanding extradition warrant from Shelby County, Tennessee, for probation violation and is a registered sex offender.

Woods’ body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for further examination, and the ASP Criminal Investigation Division is continuing its investigation.

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SALINE COUNTY – For the first time in years, the Salt Bowl will no longer be played at War Memorial Stadium. Instead, the 2025 Salt Bowl will return to its roots in Saline County, with Benton set to host the game at its athletic facility on Friday, August 29.

The rivalry game between Benton and Bryant has become a major event, drawing thousands of fans to Little Rock each year. However, after listening to families and considering the future of the tradition, both school districts have decided to bring the game back home.

“Moving the game back to Saline County allows our communities to celebrate this rivalry where it all began,” said Dr. Kim Anderson, Superintendent of Benton Public Schools, and Dr. Karen Walters, Superintendent of Bryant Public Schools. “The experience may be smaller in scale, but it will remain just as meaningful for our students, families, and fans.”

Officials expressed their appreciation for War Memorial Stadium’s support over the years, as well as the many individuals from Benton, Bryant, and Little Rock who have contributed to the event’s success. Organizers plan to work closely with community partners to ensure that the Salt Bowl continues to be an unforgettable experience.

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More details about Salt Bowl 2025 will be shared this summer as both schools prepare to bring the historic rivalry back home to Saline County.