The state reported 932 new cases of the coronavirus Tuesday, bringing the number of active cases up by 249. The Department of Health also said there were 24 deaths. So far, no cases of the onicron variant have been detected in Arkansas.

While the Arkansas House and Senate did not debate Gov. Asa Hutchinson's proposed income tax cut package, lawmakers discussed whether unrelated bills could be heard.

The primary legislation to be considered will be Gov. Asa Hutchinson's tax cut proposal, but some lawmakers have said they will introduce bills related to critical race theory and abortion.

Projections by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health suggest the state may be heading toward a third wave of COVID-19 infections in the coming weeks.

The report from the Law, Rights and Religion Project at Columbia Law School says hospitals across the south routinely restrict access to abortion.

Dr. Cam Patterson said "there’s so much uncertainty, it’s difficult to know how to react" to the latest variant of the coronavirus. But he said he expects researchers will know how dangerous it is within a few weeks.

State Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway, reiterated plans to introduce a Texas-style abortion bill during the special session that begins Tuesday. This story has been updated to include reaction from Sen. Joyce Elliott, D-Little Rock.

The former president led a ceremony on Dec. 5, 2001 in Little Rock. Since opening 17 years ago, it has become a top attraction for visitors.

Officials with the military, the Little Rock School District and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance are calling for help addressing child hunger in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The term-limited Democrat from Little Rock is starting Get Loud Arkansas!, a group that aims to register new voters and engage existing voters.