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News

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Review order keeping inmate isolated from others, court says
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - A federal appeals panel Monday told Arkansas prison officials to take another look at an order that has kept a man serving life without parole isolated from other state inmates for 13 years. - Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Beebe declares two counties disaster areas after weekend storms
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe declared Arkansas and Phillips Counties disaster areas Monday after weekend tornadoes and thunderstorms ravaged the areas. - Tuesday, May 13, 2008

School report cards released
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Information on student test scores, teacher pay, per-student spending, dropout rates and many other subjects is contained in the newly released 2007 report cards for Arkansas schools. - Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Past News

Most legislative seats uncontested in May 20 primary
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Reflecting on his long legislative career, term-limited state Sen. - Sun, May 11, 2008

Arkansas missed chance for high-profile Democratic primary
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - It seemed like a good idea at the time. - Sun, May 11, 2008

Contested races on primary ballot drawing attention
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Term limits is a key factor in contested legislative races in the May 20 primary pitting veteran lawmakers against each other or featuring newcomers looking to fill open seats. - Sun, May 11, 2008

Appeals Court contenders cite differences
By Doug Thompson
FAYETTEVILLE - One of the state's most outspoken judges faces a challenge in his bid for re-election to the state Court of Appeals in the May 20 non-partisan judicial election. - Sun, May 11, 2008

Strong voter turnout predicted despite lack of presidential candidate
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - With Arkansas' presidential primary results already in the books, voters won't have a well-known national candidate driving them to the polls for the May 20 state primary. - Sun, May 11, 2008

Audit: Hermitage district spent $158,000 improperly on construction
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The Hermitage School District in southern Arkansas improperly spent nearly $158,000 over a two-year period on school construction projects, and more than half went to one contractor, an audit report released Friday showed. - Sat, May 10, 2008

Pilot initiative will recruit, train workers to be truck drivers
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - A pilot initiative will pay for training displaced workers and other eligible Arkansans for jobs as truck drivers, Gov. - Sat, May 10, 2008

Windstream profits rise 24 percent in first quarter
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Windstream Corp. reported Friday that its first-quarter profits totaled $124 million, up 24 percent from the same period last year. - Sat, May 10, 2008

King Commmission co-chair supports director, concerned about commission's direction
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The co-chairman of the troubled Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Fri, May 09, 2008

Senate to meet June 12 to hear case of disputed election
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The state Senate has scheduled a historic meeting June 12 to decide whether a senator who won a disputed election can keep his seat. - Fri, May 09, 2008

Independent candidates certified for November ballot
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas Secretary of State Charlie Daniels on Thursday certified six independent candidates for the Nov. - Fri, May 09, 2008

Home sales fall 23 percent in March, prices up
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The number of homes sold in Arkansas in March fell 22. - Fri, May 09, 2008

Windstream declares 25-cent dividend
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Windstream Corp.'s board of directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of 25 cents on its common stock Thursday. - Fri, May 09, 2008

Dillard's sales fall 4 percent in April
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Dillard's Inc. reported Thursday that April's same-store sales fell to $476. - Fri, May 09, 2008

Beebe: Democratic leader right to rebuke members who help GOP candidates
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe said Wednesday he supports state Democratic Party Chairman Bill Gwatney in his effort to discourage elected Democrats from supporting Republican candidates. - Thu, May 08, 2008

McDaniel approves wording of illegal immigration measure
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - After rejecting two previous versions, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel on Wednesday approved the name and ballot title of a proposed ballot initiative that would make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to receive public benefits in Arka - Thu, May 08, 2008

Fiscal office explains $107 million cut in state budget next year
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - An anticipated drop in individual income tax collections and sales tax collections in line with an economic downturn are the reason for a $107 million cut in Arkansas' budget forecast for the 2009 fiscal year, state fiscal officers said Wednes - Thu, May 08, 2008

State fiscal office: UA study overestimated economic impact of Fayetteville Shale
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Flaws in the original University of Arkansas study caused an overstatement in the projected economic impact of the Fayetteville Shale play, the deputy director of the state's fiscal office said Wednesday. - Thu, May 08, 2008

Democrats, Green Party seeking opponent for Dobbins
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Several potential write-in candidates have surfaced to possibly challenge a former state House member seeking to return after resigning his seat amid allegations he fondled a teenage girl, the Democratic Party of Arkansas said Wednesday. - Thu, May 08, 2008

Beebe makes call to kick off new 211 system
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe made a call to Arkansas' new 211 system during a news conference Wednesday marking the official launch of the program, which seeks to connect Arkansans with community services and volunteer opportunities. - Thu, May 08, 2008

Court affirms horse cruelty convictions
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - An Ashdown woman's conviction on four counts of cruelty animals and $4,000 fine was upheld by the state Court of Appeals Wednesday. - Thu, May 08, 2008

Hot Springs higher sewer rates lawsuit reversed, hearing ordered
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The state Court of Appeals on Wednesday ordered a new hearing in a class-action lawsuit challenging the city of Hot Springs' decision to charge higher sewer rates to residents living outside the city limits. - Thu, May 08, 2008

Court rules for city of Alexander, dismisses case
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - An Alexander businessman who built and maintained a retaining wall to prevent erosion on a city right-of-way adjacent to his property had no reason to expect the city to pay him for his trouble, the state Court of Appeals said Wednesday. - Thu, May 08, 2008

Increase in pay for government workers recommended
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - To lower the turnover of entry-level government workers, the state should revamp pay scales by $46. - Wed, May 07, 2008

State needs more health care professionals, experts say
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas' dwindling health care work force needs a boost to meet the needs of the state's aging baby boomer population, health care officials told legislators Tuesday. - Wed, May 07, 2008

Fewer teachers leaving after first year, panel told
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The number of public school teachers leaving the profession after their first year has dropped considerably in the past six years because of a more than 20 percent hike in minimum teacher salaries in 2004, officials told legislators Tuesday. - Wed, May 07, 2008

Former Pine Bluff man's federal sentence for securities fraud upheld
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld a former Pine Bluff man's nine-year prison sentence and $15. - Wed, May 07, 2008

Officials: Airline merger will expand worldwide access for Arkansans
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Delta Air Lines officials said Monday a merger with Northwest Airlines would make it easier for Arkansans to reach destinations worldwide without paying higher prices, but others are skeptical. - Tue, May 06, 2008

Dismissal of lawsuit against Merrill Lynch upheld
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Merrill Lynch & Co. cannot be held liable by the 40 people who lost millions of dollars through investments made by the late Little Rock financier M. - Tue, May 06, 2008

Sixth-grade computer whiz is school's tech chief
By Greg Rayburn
SHERWOOD - Some boys love sports. Some even like the dirt. But Sherwood 11-year-old Jon Penn's passion is the computer. - Mon, May 05, 2008

Northwest Arkansas termed 'recession-proof'
By John Lyon and Doug Thompson
FAYETTEVILLE - Is Northwest Arkansas recession-proof? - Sun, May 04, 2008

Governor tracks storms from early radio show to late news conference
By Rob Moritz
NORTH LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe statewide radio program doubled as a weather broadcast early Friday, interrupted by several bulletins on a severe storm outbreak in the state that included some deadly tornadoes. - Sat, May 03, 2008

Arkansans won't escape effects of global tightening of rice supply
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Less than a three-hour drive from riceland that feeds people worldwide, the manager of an Asian restaurant in Russellville would like to build a stockpile of rice that would last at least half a year. - Sat, May 03, 2008

Huckabee accepts letter of caution on portrait funds
LITTLE ROCK - The state Ethics Commission issued a letter of caution to former Gov. - Sat, May 03, 2008

State revenues beat expectations, rise slightly in April
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - State revenues came in near target in April, beating the fiscal forecast by 2. - Sat, May 03, 2008

Trauma system will be priority in session, Wills says
By Rob Moritz
NORTH LITTLE ROCK - Funding a statewide trauma system that could cost $25 million will be a priority during the 2007 legislative session despite what is expected to be a tight budget cycle, the next House speaker said Friday. - Sat, May 03, 2008

Blow dealt by rescission of work force training funds softened, Beebe says
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - With the help of Arkansas' congressional delegation, Gov. - Sat, May 03, 2008

Illegal immigration proposal resubmitted to AG day after second rejection
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - A day after its second rejection by Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, a proposed ballot initiative that would make it more difficult illegal immigrants to receive public benefits was resubmitted by Secure Arkansas. - Sat, May 03, 2008

State to lift voluntary moratorium, proceed with executions
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas will resume executions by lethal injection now that the U. - Fri, May 02, 2008

Parole board recommends clemency for man serving life sentence
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The state Parole Board on Thursday recommended executive clemency for a man convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison for a 1980 killing in Dumas. - Fri, May 02, 2008

Panel to let Southland stay open all weekend
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The Arkansas Racing Commission on Thursday approved a request by Southland Greyhound Park in West Memphis to stay open all weekend. - Fri, May 02, 2008

Small business owners share concerns about health care system
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Carolyn Hamm is scared to death that her gallbladder is going to explode. - Fri, May 02, 2008

Chesapeake Energy reports first quarter net loss of $143 million
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Chesapeake Energy Corp. on Thursday reported a first-quarter net loss of $143 million related to hedges and announced plans to sell its Arkoma Basin Woodford Shale properties. - Fri, May 02, 2008

Governor announces appointments to state panels
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe announced 18 appointments to Arkansas boards and commission Thursday. - Fri, May 02, 2008

Independent candidate hopefuls submit nominating petitions
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Seven people seeking to run as independent candidates for the state House of Representatives submitted nominating petitions to the secretary of state's office by the Thursday deadline, according to Natasha Naragon, spokeswoman for Secretary of - Fri, May 02, 2008

Beebe: MLK Commission may need to be restructured
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - The state's troubled Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission may need to be restructured during next year's legislative session, Gov. - Thu, May 01, 2008

AG rejects illegal immigration proposal again, responds to impartiality allegations
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - For the second time, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel on Wednesday rejected the name and title of a proposed ballot initiative that would make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to receive public benefits. - Thu, May 01, 2008

Officials recommend revamping eligibility requirements for child-care assistance program
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The administrator of a state-subsidized child care program for low-income families recommended Wednesday that eligibility requirements for the program be tightened to reduce costs. - Thu, May 01, 2008

Cleaning up U.S. human rights record will take new president, amnesty official says
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - The head of the world's leading human rights organization said Wednesday that specific actions by the next U. - Thu, May 01, 2008

Court upholds Internet stalking conviction of Kenyan national
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - The state Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld the Internet stalking conviction of a Kenyan national living in Arkansas. - Thu, May 01, 2008

Securities commissioner files lawsuit over casino investment
LITTLE ROCK - A lawsuit filed by the Arkansas Securities Commissioner in Cleburne County Circuit Court alleges securities fraud and registration violations against a man who sold $200,000 in investments that were to be used to purchase a casino. - Thu, May 01, 2008

Murphy Oil earnings nearly quadruple in first quarter
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Murphy Oil Corp. on Wednesday reported first-quarter profits of $409 million, nearly four times greater than profits of $110. - Thu, May 01, 2008

Improvements in mental health should be considered in parental rights case, court says
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - A Searcy County circuit judge should have considered the mental health improvements of a parent before ending her child custody rights, the state Court of Appeals said Wednesday. - Thu, May 01, 2008

Jump in prison population perplexing, board told
By Rob Moritz
PINE BLUFF - Since January the state prison population has averaged 108 new inmates a month, more than three times the monthly average over the past 10 years, the state Board of Corrections heard Tuesday. - Wed, Apr 30, 2008

New $7 million center gives Delta students access to four-year degrees
Arkansas News Bureau
WEST MEMPHIS - Officials on Tuesday dedicated a new $7 million center at Mid-South Community College that will extend access to four-year educational programs to rural residents of Arkansas' Mississippi River Delta. - Wed, Apr 30, 2008

Free gas can exchanges offered in Pulaski, Crittenden counties
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Residents of Pulaski and Crittenden counties are invited to take part in a free gas can exchange program aimed at improving air quality in those counties, the state Department of Environmental Quality said Tuesday. - Wed, Apr 30, 2008

Presidential portraits to be displayed at state Capitol
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The only complete collection of American presidential oil portraits by one artist will be on display at the state Capitol starting next Tuesday, Secretary of State Charlie Daniels said. - Wed, Apr 30, 2008

Prosecutor says Ward death not a homicide
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A third autopsy on the body of a Marshall teenager who died nearly 20 years ago showed no signs she died in a homicide, a special prosecutor said Monday. - Tue, Apr 29, 2008

National Energy Board taps Arkansas PSC chief
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The chairman of the Arkansas Public Service Commission has been selected to serve on a joint federal and state-government forum that will analyze new efforts to modernize the U. - Tue, Apr 29, 2008

Huckabee helping opponent of critic in House race
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Last winter, as former Gov. Mike Huckabee was gaining momentum as a GOP presidential contender, some fellow Republicans from his home state were raising their voices against him to national media, saying he did not represent the party faithful - Sun, Apr 27, 2008

McCain visits Arkansas, says Huckabee will have role in campaign
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain and former rival Mike Huckabee campaigned together for the first time in Arkansas' capital city Friday. - Sat, Apr 26, 2008

Huckabee treats McCain to barbecue, pair greets patrons at eatery
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Weeks after former Gov. Mike Huckabee dropped his bid for president, the only bone he had left to pick with presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain was slathered in barbecue sauce. - Sat, Apr 26, 2008

Deltic Timber declares dividend, elects 3 to board
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Deltic Timber Corp. declared a quarterly dividend and elected three directors to its board of directors Friday. - Sat, Apr 26, 2008

Home BancShares declares dividend
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Home BancShares Inc. on Friday declared a regular quarterly dividend of 5. - Sat, Apr 26, 2008

Student loan authority to receive $80 million loan from state
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - State fiscal officers agreed Thursday to stand in for skittish investors and loan the Arkansas Student Loan Authority $80 million, enabling it to continue lending to college students while similar institutions nationwide have suspended the pra - Fri, Apr 25, 2008

McCain out of touch, state Democratic officials say
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain should not expect his planned visit to Arkansas today to do much for his chances of winning the Natural State in November, Democratic Party officials said Thursday. - Fri, Apr 25, 2008

Murder conviction reversed, new trial ordered
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The state Supreme Court reversed a Randolph County man's life sentence for a murder conviction and ordered a new trial Thursday, saying statements he made to police after his arrest should have been suppressed and not used during his trial. - Fri, Apr 25, 2008

Southwestern Energy 1Q profits surge $113 million on Fayetteville Shale activity
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Southwestern Energy Co. on Thursday reported first-quarter earnings of $109 million, up 113 percent from earnings of $51 million in the same quarter last year. - Fri, Apr 25, 2008

Indictment of Rogers contractor dropped
By Doug Thompson
FAYETTEVILLE - A Missouri federal grand jury's indictment against managers of a Rogers company have been dismissed, the federal court clerk's office and U. - Fri, Apr 25, 2008

Tetra breaks ground on $100 million El Dorado plant
Arkansas News Bureau
EL DORADO - TETRA Technologies, an oil and gas services company based outside Houston, will locate a $100 million calcium chloride processing plant in El Dorado, where it will eventually employ 50 people, state economic development officials announced Thurs - Fri, Apr 25, 2008

Insurer not required to cover wayward Fayetteville driver's wreck, court rules
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - An insurance company is not obligated to cover the vehicle of a client who intentionally rammed her car into another, the state Supreme Court Arkansas Supreme Court ruled Thursday. - Fri, Apr 25, 2008

Governor announces 27 appointments
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK -Gov. Mike Beebe announced 27 appointments to state boards and commissions Thursday. - Fri, Apr 25, 2008

Group launches campaign against lottery scholarship initiative
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Opponents of a proposed state lottery for college scholarships began their so-called "Truth Campaign" on Wednesday, initially focusing on churches and some 10,000 church-goers in a grassroots effort to defeat Lt. - Thu, Apr 24, 2008

Arkansas to consider $80 million loan to help student loan agency
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - State officials today will consider and likely approve an $80 million loan to the Arkansas Student Loan Authority, which is struggling to secure financing to lend college students because of a national credit crisis. - Thu, Apr 24, 2008

McCain to visit Arkansas college
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain will speak to a college class as part of his visit to Friday to Arkansas' capital city, his campaign announced Wednesday. - Thu, Apr 24, 2008

Report: Schools spending smaller percentages of funds on instruction
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas' public school districts have decreased the percentages of their expenditures on classroom instruction even as the totals have increased in recent years, according to a report a legislative panel reviewed Wednesday. - Thu, Apr 24, 2008

Arkansas, Oklahoma should cooperate where possible, river official says
By Doug Thompson
FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas and Oklahoma could save money and get better results if they combined their water monitoring efforts and should consider the move despite the Oklahoma attorney general's lawsuit against Arkansas' poultry industry, a member of the Okl - Thu, Apr 24, 2008

Workers' compensation in Arkansas to fall 12.9 percent in July
LITTLE ROCK - Workers' compensation rates will fall 12.8 percent on July 1, Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Julie Benafield Bowman announced Wednesday. - Thu, Apr 24, 2008

Court affirms Pine Bluff murder conviction
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The state Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld the first-degree murder and aggravated robbery convictions of a Pine Bluff man in the 2004 shooting death of a 19-year-old man. - Thu, Apr 24, 2008

Court: Fort Smith police did not entrap man convicted of loitering for sex
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Fort Smith police did not entrap a man who was arrested in a Fort Smith park in 2006 and convicted of loitering with the purpose of engaging in sexually deviant conduct, the state Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday. - Thu, Apr 24, 2008

First Federal profits rise on one-time gain
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas reported first-quarter earnings of $1. - Thu, Apr 24, 2008

IberiaBank earnings rise 46 percent in first quarter
LITTLE ROCK - IberiaBank Corp., the holding company for Pulaski Bank and Trust of Little Rock and Pocahontas Bancorp. - Thu, Apr 24, 2008

State should have more control of local school funding, senator says
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The state should have more control in how local school districts spend money on education, Sen. - Wed, Apr 23, 2008

Schools lacking in sex education, former surgeon general says
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A survey of college campuses on sexual health issues highlights the need for better sex education in Arkansas schools, former Arkansas health director and U. - Wed, Apr 23, 2008

Larger percentage of Arkansans filling Chesapeake jobs
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Now that drilling in the Fayetteville Shale play has been under way for more than two years, a larger percentage of Chesapeake Energy Corp. - Wed, Apr 23, 2008

Dillard's executives received no bonuses in 2007
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Executives with Dillard's Inc. did not receive bonuses in 2007, a regulatory filing made Tuesday showed. - Wed, Apr 23, 2008

State Education Board restores local control to two school districts
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - The state Board of Education voted Monday to restore local control to two public school districts that had been taken over by the state because of financial problems. - Tue, Apr 22, 2008

Group questions AG's impartiality to consider illegal immigration ballot proposal
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - A group supporting a proposed ballot initiative on illegal immigration is questioning Attorney General Dustin McDaniel's ability to be impartial in reviewing it because he has received campaign donations from people affiliated with an organiza - Tue, Apr 22, 2008

Grain prices take some shine off ethanol
By Doug Thompson
FAYETTEVILLE - Rising corn prices have hurt ethanol's cost-effectiveness as an alternative fuel in the short term, speakers at a sustainability conference said Monday. - Tue, Apr 22, 2008

Deltic Timber reports $400,000 net loss in first quarter
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Deltic Timber Corp. on Monday reported a $368,000 net loss in the first quarter, which saw reductions in pine sawtimber harvest and average sales price, average lumber sales and real estate sales activity, the company said. - Tue, Apr 22, 2008

Arkansas gets mixed reviews on environmental issues
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - As they prepared for this week's Earth Day celebrations, environmental activists in Arkansas gave the state mixed reviews on environmental issues. - Mon, Apr 21, 2008

Federal legislation needed to reduce copper theft problem, sheriffs say
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Despite laws passed by the Legislature last year to help reduce the number of copper thefts in the state, and new legislation recently enacted in Tennessee, some East Arkansas officials think federal legislation may be the solution to the prob - Sun, Apr 20, 2008

Group to ask Beebe for death penalty study
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Sixteen years later, former state Supreme Court Justice Steele Hays of Conway says he regrets the role he played in the 1992 execution of a severely brain-damaged murderer. - Fri, Apr 18, 2008

Payday lender must pay $1.3 million fine
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The state Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a $1. - Fri, Apr 18, 2008

Scores arrested, $11 million in meth seized in drug bust
LITTLE ROCK - Authorities have arrested 52 people and seized 100 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of more than $11 million, breaking up a Northeast Arkansas ring alleged to have distributed the drug from Mexico to at least four other states. - Fri, Apr 18, 2008

Immigration ballot measure refiled
LITTLE ROCK - A proposed ballot measure that would require citizenship or an alternate legal status to be verified or expressed before Arkansans over 13 could receive public benefits was refiled Thursday after being rejected by the attorney general. - Fri, Apr 18, 2008

High court upholds $9.8 million industrial liability award
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a $9. - Fri, Apr 18, 2008

Nick Lynn Technologies Inc. sued by state securities commissioner
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The Arkansas securities commissioner on Thursday filed a lawsuit in Benton County Circuit Court against Nick Lynn Technologies Inc. - Fri, Apr 18, 2008

Potlatch evaluating spin-off of pulp-based business
LITTLE ROCK - Potlatch Corp. announced Thursday that its management will evaluate a potential tax-free spin-off of its pulp-based business authorized by the company's board of directors. - Fri, Apr 18, 2008

Home BancShares profits rise 53 percent in first quarter
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Home BancShares Inc. announced Thursday that its first-quarter earnings rose 53 percent since the same period last year to $7. - Fri, Apr 18, 2008

Simmons First earnings rise on Visa gains
LITTLE ROCK - Simmons First National Corp.'s first-quarter earnings rose 37 percent since the same quarter last year to $8. - Fri, Apr 18, 2008

Game and Fish Commission to consider changes in fishing regulations
By Joe Mosby
LITTLE ROCK - Fifteen changes in Arkansas fishing regulations were proposed Thursday by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Fisheries Division. - Fri, Apr 18, 2008

Arkansas attorney general studying ruling on executions
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said Wednesday he was studying the U. - Thu, Apr 17, 2008

Fed loans available to college students, officials still concerned about state agency's problem
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - College students in Arkansas will have greater access to federally backed student loans than students in many other states this fall even if the Arkansas Student Loan Authority is unable to make loans, officials said Wednesday. - Thu, Apr 17, 2008

Flood damage to roads put at $6 million, tab likely to go higher
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Recent heavy rains and flooding in Arkansas have caused about $6. - Thu, Apr 17, 2008

Clark to announce political plans
By Doug Thompson
FAYETTEVILLE - Former state attorney general Steve Clark says he'd be a good mayor for Fayetteville. - Thu, Apr 17, 2008

AG unveils consumer protection Web site; says payday lending suit possible
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - A new Web site will provide consumers with information to protect themselves against all types of dangers, including identity theft, methamphetamine, and payday lending, Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced Wednesday. - Thu, Apr 17, 2008

Court OKs prosecuting teen arson suspect as adult
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A teenager accused of starting fires that caused $10 million in timber damage in Southeast Arkansas can be prosecuted as an adult, the state Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday. - Thu, Apr 17, 2008

Chesapeake CEO: Economic benefits of Fayetteville Shale drilling to exceed expectations
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - The economic impact of natural gas drilling in the Fayetteville Shale play will exceed expectations, and the state should consider forming an endowment with the proceeds, the CEO of Chesapeake Energy Corp. - Wed, Apr 16, 2008

Beebe on vacation
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe will be on vacation today through Sunday, his office announced Tuesday. - Wed, Apr 16, 2008

Beebe declares 59th county disaster area
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe on Tuesday declared Miller County a disaster area because of hail and wind damage the county received during recent severe storms. - Wed, Apr 16, 2008

Lieutenant governor's lottery campaign has $35,000 on hand
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Lt. Gov. Bill Halter's campaign to create a state lottery to fund college scholarships has about $35,000 on hand, according to a financial report filed Tuesday with the state Ethics Commission. - Wed, Apr 16, 2008

Halter's campaign still repaying debt
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Bill Halter has collected $735.77 so far this year on loans he made to his successful 2006 campaign for lieutenant governor, according to a report filed Tuesday with the secretary of state's office. - Wed, Apr 16, 2008

Abundance of rain, flooding to worsen Arkansas mosquito problem this year
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Mosquitoes are pests every spring and summer in Arkansas, and the recent abundance of rain and heavy flooding will make matters worse this year, a state health official said Tuesday. - Wed, Apr 16, 2008

AT&T to invest $40 million in Arkansas wireless network this year
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - AT&T Inc. announced Tuesday it planned to invest $40 million in Arkansas this year to add 34 new cell sites and bring its third generation wireless network to more communities in the state. - Wed, Apr 16, 2008

Governor announces 19 appointments
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe announced 19 appointments to state boards and commissions Tuesday. - Wed, Apr 16, 2008

Pine Bluff minister honored for work with elderly crime victims
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A Pine Bluff minister who founded a ministry to aid elderly crime victims was named Crime Victim Advocate of the Year on Monday by the state attorney general's office. - Tue, Apr 15, 2008

Webb to lead Republican voter turnout effort in state
LITTLE ROCK - Former state Sen. Doyle Webb of Benton has been picked to lead the Republican Party of Arkansas' efforts to increase voter turnout in the November general election, the state GOP announced Monday. - Tue, Apr 15, 2008

Tennessee revisiting lottery scholarships four years into program
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - If Lt. Gov. Bill Halter's push for a state lottery is successful, Arkansas legislators may want to consider Tennessee's dilemma before writing rules for spending proceeds that would be earmarked exclusively for college scholarships. - Mon, Apr 14, 2008