Arkansas News Bureau
  A Stephens Media Company
Sat, Sep. 6, 2008 Partners Information

CONTENT
FRONT PAGE
NEWS
COLUMNISTS
  John Brummett
  Dennis Byrd
  David Sanders
  Doug Thompson
  Harry King (Sports)
  Roby Brock (Business)
  Joe Mosby (Outdoors)
  Micki Bare (Lifestyles)
HARVILLE'S CARTOONS
WASHINGTON D.C. BUREAU
Convention Blog
A political blog by Aaron Sadler covering the Republican National Convention

Today's Vic Harville Cartoon


Click on image for a larger view or more cartoons
News

Friday, Jul 4, 2008

Some willing to pay for fast airport security checks
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Passing through Little Rock National Airport, Cornelis Ooms of Houston said he was looking forward to life in the fast lane. - Friday, Jul 4, 2008

Task force to focus on veterans' return home from war
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe announced Thursday the formation of the Arkansas Yellow Ribbon Task Force, which will study issues faced by veterans returning home from war. - Friday, Jul 4, 2008

Texas regulators approve Arkansas coal plant
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - The Public Utility Commission of Texas on Thursday approved Southwestern Electric Power Company's proposal for a coal-fired power plant in Southwest Arkansas. - Friday, Jul 4, 2008

Past News

State finishes fiscal year with $176.5 million surplus
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - State revenues exceeded budget by $176.5 million for the fiscal year that ended Monday, $81. - Thu, Jul 03, 2008

Farmers file class-action lawsuit against Riceland Foods
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Riceland Foods Inc. in Stuttgart subjected the state's rice farmers to an "ultrahazardous risk" when it experimented with genetically modified rice that contaminated the commercial supply, a class action lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges. - Thu, Jul 03, 2008

Mental health provider shuts doors after state pulls Medicaid payments
By James Jefferson
LITTLE ROCK - A Southeast Arkansas child mental health provider closed its doors Wednesday, a day after a judge cleared the way for the state to terminate Medicaid payments to the facility. - Thu, Jul 03, 2008

Parole Board recommends clemency for convicted murderer
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The state Parole Board on Wednesday recommended executive clemency for a man sentenced to life in prison for the 1990 beating death of a Piggott man. - Thu, Jul 03, 2008

National Symphony Orchestra to be in state next year
By Rob Moritz
CONWAY - Arkansas will host the National Symphony Orchestra for a week next year as part of a program designed to bring the orchestra of the nation's capital to all 50 states. - Thu, Jul 03, 2008

PB federal building renamed for Howard
By Larry Fugate
PINE BLUFF - The life and career of the late George Howard Jr. - Thu, Jul 03, 2008

Judge orders Wal-Mart to pay $6.5 Million for labor violations
By Kimberly Morrison
SPRINGDALE - A Minnesota judge has ordered Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. - Wed, Jul 02, 2008

President promotes housing-rescue plan during visit to state
By Rob Moritz
NORTH LITTLE ROCK - Carolyn Pierson came away from a discussion with President Bush feeling the president was truly concerned about the plight of many homeowners facing high mortgage payments and possible foreclosure. - Wed, Jul 02, 2008

AG: Local governments can't repay efficiency bonds with energy savings
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A 2005 state law permitting local governments to issue revenue bonds to finance energy-saving projects may conflict with the state constitution, according to state Attorney General Dustin McDaniel. - Wed, Jul 02, 2008

Adoption, foster parenting initiative has signatures
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Supporters of a proposed initiated act that would ban unmarried couples from adopting or serving as foster parents in Arkansas said Tuesday they believe they have enough signatures to get the measure on the general election ballot. - Wed, Jul 02, 2008

Lincoln, small business owners talk about health insurance
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Sen. Blanche Lincoln met with owners and employees of small businesses and the self-employed Tuesday to discuss legislation that would make health insurance more affordable and accessible for them. - Wed, Jul 02, 2008

Arkansas Western Gas sold to SourceGas LLC
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Southwestern Energy Co. has sold Arkansas Western Gas to SourceGas LLC, the companies announced Tuesday. - Wed, Jul 02, 2008

Covenant Senior Advisors issued cease and desist order
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The state securities commissioner Tuesday ordered a Maumelle insurance agent to stop advising clients on investments. - Wed, Jul 02, 2008

Governor announces 13 appointments
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe announced 13 appointments to state boards and commissions Tuesday. - Wed, Jul 02, 2008

New fiscal year brings new laws, budget cuts
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The state sales tax that manufacturers pay for electricity and natural gas will decrease another notch and the slowing economy will take a bite out of the state budget today, the first day of the new fiscal year. - Tue, Jul 01, 2008

Bush to discuss mortgage crisis, raise money for state GOP
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - President Bush is scheduled to make his first trip to Arkansas since October today to discuss the mortgage crisis and raise money for the state Republican Party. - Tue, Jul 01, 2008

No limits: One-armed player excels at softball
By Amanda Rhea
MAUMELLE - Batting, pitching and catching are no problem for second baseman Kaylee Wilcox, quite an accomplishment considering she was born without the lower part of her left arm. - Mon, Jun 30, 2008

Wal-Mart, Tyson Foods oppose injured police officer's benefits claim
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Former Pine Bluff police officer Jimmy Singleton was patting down a suspect on March 1, 2003, when the man stuck a gun in Singleton's stomach. - Sun, Jun 29, 2008

NLR land development loans draw questions
By Jeremy Peppas
NORTH LITTLE ROCK - If Mitchell Massey had mowed his grass, he might not have caught anyone's attention. - Sun, Jun 29, 2008

House Democratic seat vulnerable, Democratic leader says
By Doug Thompson and Rob Moritz
FAYETTEVILLE - If he wins in November, a former legislator running to return to the House seat gave up after being accused of molesting a teenage girl could face an attempt to block him from being seated. - Sat, Jun 28, 2008

AEDC deputy director to lead state chamber
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The deputy director of Arkansas' economic development agency has been named to head the state's largest business association, official announced Friday. - Sat, Jun 28, 2008

Halter submits signatures for lottery amendment
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Lt. Gov. Bill Halter submitted 138,615 signatures Thursday in support of his proposed constitutional amendment to create a state lottery to fund college scholarships. - Fri, Jun 27, 2008

Program to protect assets as Arkansans face long-term care decisions
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - A new partnership between private insurance and Medicaid will help middle-income Arkansans protect their assets in their senior years or in times of long-term care decisions, Gov. - Fri, Jun 27, 2008

Supreme Court reinstates challenge to Dollarway millage election
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A Jefferson County circuit judge erred in dismissing a lawsuit challenging a millage increase in the Dollarway School District because plaintiffs challenged the tax, not the millage election, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday. - Fri, Jun 27, 2008

Lottery supporters, opponents release rival studies
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Supporters and opponents of a proposed state lottery to fund college scholarships released two separate studies Wednesday, with each group saying its study supported its point of view. - Thu, Jun 26, 2008

Claim over plane crash can proceed, Court of Appeals rules
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - A claim against the estate of the owner of an airplane that crashed in Louisiana, killing five the Jonesboro residents who were on board, can proceed, the state Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday. - Thu, Jun 26, 2008

Lawyer's handling of murder case draws suspension
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The state panel that disciplines lawyers has suspended a Bentonville attorney whose shoddy defense led to a new trial for a convicted murderer. - Thu, Jun 26, 2008

Court: Bus driver's failed drug test evidence of misconduct
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A former shuttle bus driver for the University of Central Arkansas who was fired after testing positive for marijuana on a Department of Transportation drug test was not entitled to unemployment benefits, the state Court of Appeals ruled Wedne - Thu, Jun 26, 2008

N.E.W. to add 120 work-at-home jobs in Jonesboro
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - N.E.W. Customer Service Companies Inc. announced Wednesday it would add 120 work-at-home customer representative jobs in the Jonesboro area in the coming year troubleshooting technical problems for DIRECTV customers. - Thu, Jun 26, 2008

Former Greenwood teacher denied rehearing in sex case
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - The state Court of Appeals on Wednesday denied a rehearing request by a former Greenwood schoolteacher convicted of having sex with a student. - Thu, Jun 26, 2008

Fewer than half of state agencies in Arkansas offer flextime
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Fewer than half of Arkansas' state agencies, boards and commissions offer flexible work schedules to their employees, though the option has been available since the 1970s, state officials said Tuesday. - Wed, Jun 25, 2008

State to screen newborns for more diseases
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Poor national rankings in children's health care were a factor in the Arkansas Board of Health's announcement Tuesday that it will expand screenings of newborns for rare genetic disorders beginning July 1, officials said. - Wed, Jun 25, 2008

No fuel tax increase likely, road program advocate says
By Doug Thompson
ROGERS - The head of a group that advocates highway improvements said Tuesday lawmakers next year likely will refer a new highway program to voters that won't include higher fuel taxes. - Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Engineering firm to build new HQ, add 120 jobs
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Garver Engineers LLC broke ground Tuesday on a new $10 million corporate headquarters in North Little Rock and said it will add 120 new employees at an average annual salary of $65,000. - Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Bella Vista officials gear to kill geese, handle backlash
By Anna Fry
BELLA VISTA - Residents of this Northwest Arkansas retirement community are agog over a gaggle of geese. - Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Beebe willing to consider change in superproject incentives
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe said Monday he is willing to look at changing Arkansas' system for providing incentives for "super projects. - Tue, Jun 24, 2008

Pine Bluff Arsenal completes destruction of nerve agent
By Wes Clement
WHITE HALL - The final VX nerve-agent filled land mine has been destroyed at the Pine Bluff Arsenal, moving the facility a step closer to eliminating stockpiled chemical weapons, officials said Monday. - Tue, Jun 24, 2008

White Hall receives $900,000 for water tower
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., presented White Hall officials on Monday with a $900,000 federal Economic Development Administration check to be used for the construction of a water tower on the north end of the city. - Tue, Jun 24, 2008

Ford: Alltel tried in vain to buy competitors before sale
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Knowing its long-term existence hinged on a national platform, Alltel Corp. - Sun, Jun 22, 2008

Scott Ford quote box
Arkansas News Bureau
On what it was like being a private company: - Sun, Jun 22, 2008

State test scores show narrowing of achievement gap
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas students' scores on benchmark exams improved overall this year and showed a narrowing of the achievement gap between whites and minorities on most tests, though the gap widened on some tests, state education officials said Friday. - Sat, Jun 21, 2008

Beebe sets execution for death-row inmate
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe on Friday set a Sept. 9 execution date for death-row inmate Frank Williams Jr. - Sat, Jun 21, 2008

Bingo tax revenue far exceeds projections, lawmakers to consider options
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Revenue from a new state tax on charitable bingo games has exceeded projections by $500,000, fiscal officers told legislators Friday. - Sat, Jun 21, 2008

Huckabee's request for rewritten caution letter denied
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The state Ethics Commission has rejected a request to rewrite a letter of caution issued to former Gov. - Sat, Jun 21, 2008

For second time, panel recommends disbarment for Stilley
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A state panel recommended disbarment Friday for Fort Smith lawyer Oscar Stilley, who already faces disbarment proceedings in a previous disciplinary action. - Sat, Jun 21, 2008

HP jobs mark 'transformation' of Arkansas economy, officials say
By Jason Wiest
CONWAY - The type of jobs Hewlett-Packard will bring to Arkansas, not the number of them nor their wages, make the company's plans historical, economic development officials said Thursday. - Fri, Jun 20, 2008

Child obesity epidemic embarrassing, surgeon general says
By John Lyon
NORTH LITTLE ROCK - Despite some success in Arkansas and across the country in stemming the tide of child obesity, the problem continues to be a national embarrassment, acting U. - Fri, Jun 20, 2008

Court: Death-row inmate can argue for new trial
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A death-row inmate can pursue claims that his due-process rights were violated because prosecutors at his trial did not disclose a deal they made with a witness, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled Thursday. - Fri, Jun 20, 2008

Court OKs class-action status in suit against General Motors
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A lawsuit filed in Arkansas alleging General Motors sold 4 million vehicles with defectively designed parking brakes can proceed as a class-action suit, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday. - Fri, Jun 20, 2008

Supreme Court hears Dollarway school district millage case
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - State Supreme Court justices struggled Thursday with the idea that someone can claim a millage increase approved by voters is an illegal tax without challenging the election results. - Fri, Jun 20, 2008

Forrest City lawyer cautioned
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Forrest City lawyer and former state Sen. Alvin Simes has been fined $500 and cautioned in connection with his handling of an appeal in a personal injury lawsuit. - Fri, Jun 20, 2008

BREAKING NEWS: Washington Co. Health Dept. evacuated
FAYETTEVILLE - Twenty-six employees of the Washington County Health Department were sent to Washington Regional Medical Center this morning after complaining of nausea and vomiting. - Thu, Jun 19, 2008

BREAKING NEWS: Hewlett-Packard center in Conway now official
CONWAY - It's official: A new Hewlett-Packard state-of-the-art customer service and technical support center will be built in Conway. - Thu, Jun 19, 2008

EXCLUSIVE: Beebe details HP announcement
Editor's Note: Gov. Mike Beebe talked exclusively with Talk Business editor Roby Brock about the details of Hewlett-Packard's major Conway announcement today, how the deal came together and how he plans to use the victory to stimulate other economic develop - Thu, Jun 19, 2008

Court rules misdemeanor sexual indecency merits sex offender registration
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - A Saline County man's name should go on Arkansas' sex offender registry even though his crime, misdemeanor public sexual indecency, is not listed in the definitions chapter of the state sex offender registration statute, the state Court of App - Thu, Jun 19, 2008

Oral arguments in Dollarway millage hike case today
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Opponents of a millage increase approved last year for the Dollarway School District in Jefferson County will argue for a refund before the state Supreme Court today, even though district residents voted this spring to reduce the levy. - Thu, Jun 19, 2008

Parties come up empty on Dobbins challenger
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Finding an opponent for a former North Little Rock lawmaker trying to return to the legislative seat he resigned amid allegations he fondled a teenage girl is proving more easily said than done, political party officials said Wednesday. - Thu, Jun 19, 2008

Fort Smith restaurant denied mixed drink license
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board on Wednesday denied an application for a permit to serve mixed drinks at a planned Fort Smith restaurant whose owner claimed racism was behind police opposition to his application. - Thu, Jun 19, 2008

Mobility authority ready, but not yet willing
By Doug Thompson
FAYETTEVILLE - Organizers of a proposed Regional Mobility Authority in Northwest Arkansas have passed all the requirements in state law to set up such a body, spokesmen said Wednesday. - Thu, Jun 19, 2008

Lawmakers question foreign exchange procedures, legislation in the works
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - An attorney for a Cambridge, Mass.-based company that places foreign students in Arkansas high schools told lawmakers Tuesday he had no problem with the state having some oversight of firms like his, including a registration program. - Wed, Jun 18, 2008

Legislature likely to revisit school choice law in 2009
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Reworking Arkansas' school choice law may be high on the state Legislature's agenda when the 2009 regular session convenes in January, lawmakers said Tuesday. - Wed, Jun 18, 2008

Budget cuts may mean no state trooper academy in 2009
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Unless its budget outlook improves, the Arkansas State Police will have no money for new hires or promotions in the coming fiscal year and will not hold its annual training academy for troopers, the agency's top financial officer said Monday. - Tue, Jun 17, 2008

Report: HP to bring 1,200 jobs to Conway
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - State and local officials declined comment Monday on a report that Hewlett-Packard corporation planned to bring 1,200 new jobs to Conway. - Tue, Jun 17, 2008

Lottery for scholarships campaign has raised $437,850
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Despite declaring in mid-May he had the necessary signatures to qualify his proposed constitutional amendment for the November ballot, Lt. - Tue, Jun 17, 2008

Panel to discuss possible oversight of foreign exchange program
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Legislators today will consider whether the state should oversee the process firms use to place foreign exchange students in Arkansas. - Tue, Jun 17, 2008

State Republican Party headquarters burglarized
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Police had no suspects Monday in a weekend burglary at the Republican Party of Arkansas' downtown headquarters. - Tue, Jun 17, 2008

Two more banks under federal scrutiny
By Kim Souza
The federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency reached formal agreements with Little Rock-based Metropolitan National Bank and Springdale-based Legacy National Bank that require the banks to improve their capital holdings and clean up problem loans. - Tue, Jun 17, 2008

Using inmates to pick-up litter catching on in state
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Five days a week, weather permitting, a small group of men, all dressed in white with black stripes and an orange vest, walk along the shoulders and grass medians of state highways in Benton County collecting litter and other trash. - Sun, Jun 15, 2008

Nearly $62,000 unaccounted for, Fort Chaffee audit shows
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Nearly $62,000 received by the billeting office at Fort Chaffee over a three-year period was never deposited in the former Army base's bank accounts, a state legislative auditor told lawmakers Friday. - Sat, Jun 14, 2008

Senate vote spares Crumbly in disputed election, clears way for investigations
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The state Senate's vote Thursday to allow the winner of a disputed Democratic runoff to keep his seat despite admitted election irregularities cleared the way for state and federal investigations into allegations of voter fraud in St. - Fri, Jun 13, 2008

Huckabee gets job at Fox News
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Former Gov. and Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee said Thursday he would speak from "inside the dragon's belly" in his new job as a political commentator for Fox News. - Fri, Jun 13, 2008

Governor suspends appointments to King Commission
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe said Thursday he would not make any more appointments to the embattled state Dr. - Fri, Jun 13, 2008

BREAKING NEWS: Senate vote allows Crumbly to retain seat
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The Senate voted 19-12 Thursday to allow Sen. Jack Crumbly, D-Widener, to keep his seat. - Thu, Jun 12, 2008

Report ranks Arkansas near bottom of states in child well-being
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A report scheduled for release today ranks Arkansas near the bottom of states in the well-being of its children. - Thu, Jun 12, 2008

Senators to decide whether colleague keeps his seat
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - His disputed loss in a 2006 Democratic primary runoff for an eastern Arkansas Senate seat still an open wound, a bitter Arnell Willis said Wednesday he would not attend today's Senate meeting to decide whether the victor will be vanquished fro - Thu, Jun 12, 2008

Arkansas reports two cases of salmonella food poisoning
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Two people in Arkansas have contracted Salmonella Saintpaul infections related to the recent multi-state outbreak with its source in tomatoes, the state Department of Health reported Wednesday. - Thu, Jun 12, 2008

Budget woes may force some drug treatment centers to close
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A budget crunch at Arkansas' 27 drug treatment centers could force some to lay off workers and shut down within the next few years if state funding does not increase, a legislative panel heard Wednesday. - Thu, Jun 12, 2008

UAMS first in Arkansas with robotic procedure
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - A surgeon at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has become the first in the state to robotically remove a patient's cancerous cervix through the abdomen while preserving her ability to have children. - Thu, Jun 12, 2008

Illegals driven to cross border, solution not easy, diplomat says
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Illegal immigration from Mexico is a complex issue that probably cannot be completely stopped no matter how many laws the states and Congress pass, a longtime diplomat and international policy expert said Wednesday. - Thu, Jun 12, 2008

Home sales fall 19 percent in April, prices down 2 percent
LITTLE ROCK - The number of homes sold in Arkansas in fell 18. - Thu, Jun 12, 2008

BREAKING NEWS: Two in state contracted food poison from tomatoes
LITTLE ROCK - State health officials say two people in Arkansas have contracted Salmonella Saintpaul infections related to the recent multi-state outbreak with its source in tomatoes. - Wed, Jun 11, 2008

Highway department budget increases because of rising fuel costs
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - Highway officials Tuesday blamed the rising cost of fuel and other oil-based products and a decrease in gas-tax revenue as motorists take fewer trips for the bulk of a 3. - Wed, Jun 11, 2008

Commission lets bids on highway projects
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The state Highway and Transportation Department let bids for 61 highway projects totaling $94. - Wed, Jun 11, 2008

Regulators testing backyard flocks for mild bird flu virus
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The state Livestock and Poultry Commission anticipates weeks more testing for avian influenza on chickens in a portion of Northwest Arkansas following a positive test for the virus last week, the agency's director said Tuesday. - Wed, Jun 11, 2008

McDaniel gets A-minus for response to foreclosure crisis
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A community group gave the state attorney generals office a high mark Tuesday in responding to the national home foreclosure crisis. - Wed, Jun 11, 2008

Governor announces 16 appointments
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe announced 16 appointments to state boards and commissions Tuesday. - Wed, Jun 11, 2008

BREAKING NEWS: Magic Springs & Crystal Falls sold
By Jason Wiest
The company that owns and runs seven former Six Flags theme parks is the new owner of Magic Springs & Crystal Falls in Hot Springs. - Tue, Jun 10, 2008

Education Board approves ethics code
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - The state Board of Education on Monday unanimously approved a code of ethics for Arkansas educators. - Tue, Jun 10, 2008

Education board rejects Haas Hall move to Fayetteville
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - The state Board of Education said no Monday to a Northwest Arkansas charter school's request for permission to move to Fayetteville. - Tue, Jun 10, 2008

Deadline looming for ballot proposal petitions
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - With less than a month to go, supporters of ballot measures are trying to stay positive about their chances of gathering the tens of thousands of valid voter signatures they need in time to qualify for the November general election ballot. - Tue, Jun 10, 2008

Goody's bankrupt, to close distribution center, three stores in state
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Goody's Family Clothing Inc. has filed voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will close three Arkansas stores and a distribution center in Russellville, the apparel retailer said Monday. - Tue, Jun 10, 2008

Board of Education to vote on new code of ethics for educators
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - The state Board of Education is scheduled to vote today on a new code of ethics for Arkansas educators. - Mon, Jun 09, 2008

For or against, 'family' is focus of groups eyeing adotion, foster parenting initiative
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - It's all about family, say supporters and opponents alike of a proposed initiated act that would ban unmarried couples from adopting or serving as foster parents in Arkansas. - Sun, Jun 08, 2008

Verizon purchase means loss of Arkansas corporate citizen
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Verizon Wireless' pending $28.1 billion acquisition of Alltel Corp. - Sat, Jun 07, 2008

Verizon buyout could vex alltel vendors
By Roby Brock
LITTLE ROCK - While anxiety regarding Alltel's $28.1 billion sale to Verizon has many company employees pondering their job future, there is another group of workers worried about their fate ? - Sat, Jun 07, 2008

Beebe talks up Clinton, says some have fears about Obama
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - On the eve of Hillary Clinton's expected withdrawal from the Democratic presidential race, Gov. - Sat, Jun 07, 2008

UA system budgets include raises despite state cuts
By Dan Craft
MORRILTON - Budgets approved Friday will enable most schools in the University of Arkansas system to give staff and faculty 2 percent raises despite cuts in state funding announced earlier this spring, UA President B. - Sat, Jun 07, 2008

Journalism group selects officers
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - The Arkansas chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists elected new officers Friday for 2008-2009. - Sat, Jun 07, 2008

Verizon buys Alltel for $28.1 billion, may locate regional HQ in LR
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Alltel Corp. CEO Scott Ford says the company's impending sale to telecom giant Verizon Wireless is not a tragedy for Alltel's 3,000 employees or the city. - Fri, Jun 06, 2008

Court reverses rulings denying unmarried parents' right to adopt
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday overturned two lower court decisions from Pope County that denied adoption rights to single biological parents. - Fri, Jun 06, 2008

Taylor installed as new bishop of Little Rock diocese
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The Rev. Anthony B. Taylor was installed as the seventh bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock on Thursday and concluded a lengthy ceremony with an address in English and Spanish, signaling solidarity with the state's growing Hispanic p - Fri, Jun 06, 2008

UPDATE: Ford says LR may become regional center for Verizon
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Alltel Chief Executive Officer Scott Ford told reporters this afternoon that the buyout of Alltel by Verizon will have very litlle impact on most of the 3,000 employees in Central Arkansas. - Thu, Jun 05, 2008

Alltel Arena may get new name
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - The purchase of Little-Rock based Alltel by Verizon may mean a name change for one of Arkansas' largest arenas. - Thu, Jun 05, 2008

Beebe welcomes Verizon's expanded presence in Arkansas
Arkansas News Bureau - Thu, Jun 05, 2008

Alltel employees get memo about merger
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Alltel Corp. told employees in an e-mail today that the Verizon merger won't affect their jobs - at least not for now. - Thu, Jun 05, 2008

UPDATE: Alltel CEO to address news media
LITTLE ROCK - Alltel CEO Scott Ford will address the media at 2 this afternoon about Verizon's proposed purchase of Alltel, a company spokesman says. - Thu, Jun 05, 2008

UPDATE: Verizon to buy Alltel
LITTLE ROCK - Verizon says in a news release it has agreed to buy Little Rock-based Alltel for $28. - Thu, Jun 05, 2008

BREAKING NEWS: CNBC reports Alltel selling to Verizon
LITTLE ROCK - News reports this morning say Verizon has agreed to buy Little Rock-based Alltel for $28. - Thu, Jun 05, 2008

Verizon in talks to buy Alltel for $27 billion, CNBC reports
By Jason Wiest
LITTLE ROCK - Alltel Corp. officials were mum Wednesday about reports wireless giant Verizon is in talks to purchase the Little Rock-based telecom. - Thu, Jun 05, 2008

Stephens Media joins Yahoo! partnership
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - Stephens Media newspapers are among 94 new partners with Yahoo! - Thu, Jun 05, 2008

Pharmacies to track pseudoephedrine sales with online logbook
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - All Arkansas pharmacies selling products containing pseudoephedrine are now logging the sales of such products online, allowing law enforcement officials to easily monitor the sales, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced Wednesday. - Thu, Jun 05, 2008

State Senate race drawing big names
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - The race for a state Senate seat in Central Arkansas is taking on a presidential flavor. - Thu, Jun 05, 2008

Beebe: Coal power not going away tomorrow
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe said Wednesday he is working to attract more alternative-energy businesses to Arkansas, but he said coal power cannot be done away with immediately. - Thu, Jun 05, 2008

Court says search legal, drug conviction stands
By John Lyon
LITTLE ROCK - A dog's sniff is different from a police officer's search and does not require probable cause, the state Court of Appeals said Wednesday in affirming the drug conviction of a Virginia woman caught with 400 pounds of marijuana during a traffic - Thu, Jun 05, 2008

Appeals Court orders new hearing in widow's benefits case
By Rob Moritz
LITTLE ROCK - The Arkansas Court of Appeals on Wednesday ordered a new hearing in a death benefits case, saying a Hampton woman seeking widows' benefits needed to prove she was dependent on the man who died. - Thu, Jun 05, 2008