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News

Monday, May 26, 2008

Gas costs fueling move to non-traditional work schedules
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - High gas prices were foremost on Karen Henson's mind when she volunteered this month to start working 10 hours a day, four days a week at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. - Monday, May 26, 2008

Past News

State catfish farmers struggling to stay afloat
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The high cost of feed and cheap competition have forced Leyden Pugh of Lake Village out of the catfish business. - Sun, May 25, 2008

Immigration advocate OK with tuition edict
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The chairman of an advocacy group that opposes punitive laws targeting immigrants in Arkansas said Friday he has no problem with requiring state colleges and universities to make sure only legal Arkansans pay in-state tuition. - Sat, May 24, 2008

Company says it will no longer use referee who choked coach
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A referee who choked a coach at a youth basketball tournament sponsored by Youth Sports America will not officiate at any future YSA-sponsored events, a spokeswoman for the Maumelle-based company said Friday. - Sat, May 24, 2008

Acxiom declares 6-cent quarterly dividend
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Acxiom Corp. announced Friday that its board of directors had declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 6 cents per share. - Sat, May 24, 2008

The Stephens Group partners with Acute Technological Services
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The Stephens Group has finalized a recapitalization deal that gives the Little Rock equity firm a majority interest in Houston-based Acute Technological Services LLC, the Texas deepwater technology company announced Friday. - Sat, May 24, 2008

Holiday weekend travel to decline slightly, travelers going shorter distances
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Record high prices may slow vacation travel among Arkansans this Memorial Day weekend, but barely. - Fri, May 23, 2008

Severe weather shortens school calendar in some districts
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - The unusually severe weather Arkansas has experienced this year has resulted in shortened school years in several districts and demonstrated a need for better planning of school calendars, members of the state Board of Education said Thursday. - Fri, May 23, 2008

Immigrant advocate says initiative fostering racism in Arkansas
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - A proposed ballot initiative to limit illegal immigrants' access to public benefits is fostering racism in Arkansas, the co-founder of a group that opposes punitive measures against immigrants said Thursday. - Fri, May 23, 2008

Ordinance abolishing civil service panel legal, Pine Bluff argues
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - A lawyer for the city of Pine Bluff asked the state Supreme Court on Thursday to reverse a circuit court decision that struck down an ordinance abolishing the city's civil service commission. - Fri, May 23, 2008

New MLK Commission leader discusses goals, plans
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The embattled state commission that seeks to promote nonviolence and racial harmony could revitalize itself by getting more youth involved and by stepping up community activities, the panel's new executive director said Thursday. - Fri, May 23, 2008

Burnett Bailey named to state election commission
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The widow of a passenger killed on United Airlines Flight 93 was named Thursday to the state Board of Election Commissioners. - Fri, May 23, 2008

Court: Bail bonds improperly forfeited
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Bail bonds posted by a Fort Smith company for three defendants in Sebastian County Circuit Court were improperly forfeited to the county after the defendants skipped bail, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday. - Fri, May 23, 2008

Dillard's profit falls 93.7 percent in first quarter
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Dillard's Inc. on Thursday reported a first-profit of $2. - Fri, May 23, 2008

Daniels: Primary turnout may have been lowest in state history
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas voters took an early holiday from the polls, possibly setting a record low turnout in Tuesday's state primary, Secretary of State Charlie Daniels said Wednesday. - Thu, May 22, 2008

Hatfield goes from coaching to health care
By Doug Thompson
FAYETTEVILLE - Ken Hatfield, the former football coach at the University of Arkansas, is tackling a different program these days. - Thu, May 22, 2008

AG rejects group's severance tax ballot proposal
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Attorney General Dustin McDaniel on Wednesday rejected a proposed ballot initiative that would increase the state severance tax on natural gas and specify how proceeds from the tax would be allocated. - Thu, May 22, 2008

Beebe: Gas prices may force state agencies to reduce travel
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Soaring gas prices could wreak havoc with state budgets and may force state agencies to cut back on travel, Gov. - Wed, May 21, 2008

Merck to pay Arkansas $1.38 million in drug settlement
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas is to receive $1.38 million as its share of a $58 million settlement announced Tuesday with pharmaceutical company Merck over the marketing of the Vioxx, an arithritis drug and pain-killer. - Wed, May 21, 2008

Acxiom names new global sales leader
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - A 20-year veteran of Electronic Data Systems will head global sales for Acxiom Corp. - Wed, May 21, 2008

Referee chokes coach during basketball tournament
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A coach who was choked by a referee Saturday during a basketball tournament said Monday he has no ill will against the official. - Tue, May 20, 2008

Beebe opposes illegal immigration measure
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe said Monday he opposes a proposed ballot initiative that would make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to receive public benefits in Arkansas. - Tue, May 20, 2008

Arkansas lobbying for Air Force Cyber Command headquarters
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas is one of 18 states vying to become the home of the headquarters for the Air Force Cyber Command, charged with protecting information systems for critical American infrastructures. - Tue, May 20, 2008

Spotlight on legislative, judicial contests in today's primary
By John Lyon and Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - With Arkansas' presidential primaries already over and no major statewide or congressional races on the ballot, several legislative and judges races were the draw in today's preferential primary and nonpartisan judicial election. - Tue, May 20, 2008

Safe Foods announces strategic alliance with Jubilant Organosys
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Safe Foods Corp. has entered into a stock purchase agreement with Jubilant Organosys Ltd. - Tue, May 20, 2008

New hearing on excessive force lawsuit ordered
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis on Monday ordered a new hearing for a recently paroled state inmate who alleged in a lawsuit that three Pulaski County deputies assaulted him while in the county jail in 2004. - Tue, May 20, 2008

Drug courts helping curb rising prison population, officials say
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - While prison officials are hard-pressed to explain a recent spike in the prison population, one thing they do know is that without the 39 drug courts in Arkansas the number of inmates behind bars would be much higher. - Sun, May 18, 2008

Legislators to study adjusting flextime policy with eye on gas prices
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The Legislative Council agreed Friday to study the possibility of allowing state employees who travel long distances to their jobs to go to a four-day work week in the face of rising gas prices. - Sat, May 17, 2008

Arkansas unemployment rate drops to 4.7 percent
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas' unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in nearly seven years in April, labor statistics released Friday showed. - Sat, May 17, 2008

Ethics Commission: Lawmakers do not have to report Medicaid income
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - State legislators who provide health care services or prescription medications covered by Medicaid to private citizens are not required to report income received from Medicaid on financial disclosure forms, the state Ethics Commission said in - Sat, May 17, 2008

Beebe has own YouTube channel
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Along with laughing babies, Saturday Night Live skits and rock videos, Gov. - Sat, May 17, 2008

Percentage of Arkansans with bachelor's lowest in nation
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas has fallen a notch to 50th in the nation in the percentage of residents older than 25 with a bachelor's degree, according to the U. - Fri, May 16, 2008

Gas prices hurting transportation programs for needy, panel told
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Surging gas prices could force private transportation companies to cut services to thousands of disabled and elderly Arkansans who live in rural areas, officials told legislators Thursday. - Fri, May 16, 2008

Halter's lottery campaign has raised $360,000
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Lt. Gov. Bill Halter's campaign to create a state lottery to fund college scholarships raised $55,689 and spent $61,541 during the month of April, according to a financial report filed Thursday with the state Ethics Commission. - Fri, May 16, 2008

Appeals court candidates record questioned
By Doug Thompson
FAYETTEVILLE - A circuit judge in Northeast Arkansas on Thursday disputed state Court of Appeals candidate Ron Williams' account of Williams' record as a deputy prosecutor. - Fri, May 16, 2008

Alltel reports $124.9 million quarterly loss on buyout charges
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Privately held Alltel Corp. on Thursday reported a $124. - Fri, May 16, 2008

Court rejects 'warning shot' argument in capital murder appeal
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - The state Supreme Court on Thursday affirmed the capital murder conviction of a North Little Rock man who claimed he meant to fire a "warning shot" when he shot into an occupied vehicle, killing one person. - Fri, May 16, 2008

Sponsor unveils revised animal cruelty measure
By Doug Thompson
LITTLE ROCK - Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said Wednesday he plans to include an anti-animal cruelty bill in his proposed legislation for the 2009 regular legislative session. - Thu, May 15, 2008

Floods, tornados destroy $27 million in infrastructure
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Severe storms and flooding this spring have caused at least $27 million in damage to Arkansas infrastructure alone, according to a federal estimate provided to Gov. - Thu, May 15, 2008

Neonatal specialists in Little Rock on call for regional hospitals
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Hospitals in Fort Smith, Fayetteville Johnson and El Dorado are the first to take part in a new program that uses telecommunications technology to link regional hospitals with neonatal care specialists in Little Rock. - Thu, May 15, 2008

Acxiom reports $58.3 million 4Q loss, cites restructuring costs
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Acxiom Corp. on Wednesday reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $58. - Thu, May 15, 2008

Court rules for injured Whirlpool worker
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The Arkansas Court of Appeals on Wednesday ordered another hearing on a Hackett man's claims that his injury was related to his job at Whirlpool Corp. - Thu, May 15, 2008

Judicial candidate favors legalizing marijuana use for medical purposes
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A Pulaski County attorney who is running for circuit judge says her support for legalizing marijuana for medical use has no bearing on her qualifications to serve as a judge. - Wed, May 14, 2008

Halter says enough signatures collected to put lottery on ballot
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Lt. Gov. Bill Halter said Tuesday he has collected more than enough signatures to place his proposed constitutional amendment to create a state lottery on the November ballot. - Wed, May 14, 2008

Study projects growth in numbers of older Arkansans, Hispanics by 2020
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - More older Arkansans will reside in the state and Hispanics will be its largest minority in 2020, a study released Tuesday projects. - Wed, May 14, 2008

Flextime for state workers would save money, gas, lawmaker says
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Allowing state employees who travel long distances to their jobs to work four days a week instead of five would help them with the hardship of skyrocketing gas prices, a state senator said Tuesday. - Wed, May 14, 2008

Law enforcement statewide launch 'Click It or Ticket' campaign
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas law enforcement officials on Tuesday launched a two-week 'Click It or Ticket' campaign to crack down on drivers who don't wear safety belts. - Wed, May 14, 2008

Obama's attention to youth vote could boost Arkansas primary turnout
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama could have an influence turnout for Arkansas' May 20 primary even though his name will not be on the ballot, the former director of programs for MTV's Rock the Vote said Tuesday - Wed, May 14, 2008

Governor announces 30 appointments
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe announced 30 appointments to state boards and commissions Tuesday: - Wed, May 14, 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. - Tue, 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. - Tue, 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. - Tue, May 13, 2008

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