Lawyers for two men accused of raping and killing a 9-year-old girl are scheduled to appear in a Barry County courtroom today. The routine hearing at 1 p.m. could bring a ruling to move the case away from Cassville because of extensive publicity about the murder of Rowan Ford last November.

The Barry County prosecutor plans to seek the death penalty if he gets a first-degree murder conviction for Rowan's stepfather, David Spears, and his friend, Chris Collings. Both men are charged with taking Rowan from her home in Stella, in Newton County, raping her at Collings' home in Barry County, and killing her and dumping her body in a cave in McDonald County.

Today is primary election day in Arkansas for races from the courthouse to the statehouse. Tthe winners will wind up on the general election ballot in November. Voting places are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find a list of the *contested* races under the "Decision 2008" link at KY3.com.

Two more high schools graduations in Springfield are tonight at Hammons Student Center at Missouri State University. Seniors from Central will graduate at 6, followed by Glendale at 8.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Women who live in Missouri's two largest cities rank low on a new list of heart health. St. Louis is 37th on the list of 38 U.S. metropolitan areas compiled by the American Heart Association, based on the number of heart attacks and strokes. Kansas City ranks 28th.
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LITTLE ROCK (AP) - Governor Mike Beebe has come out against a proposed ballot measure that would require agencies to make sure everybody seeking public benefits is a legal U.S. resident. Supporters of the proposal are seeking signatures to get it on the November ballot.

To see Brandon's forecast, click on the video image near the top of this page.