Arkansas News

Little Rock, Arkansas - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced a new appointment to one of the state’s most important higher education governing bodies, naming a business leader and longtime Arkansas advocate to help guide the future of the University of Arkansas system. Sanders confirmed that Ashley Caldwell has been appointed to the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, replacing Kelly Eichler. Caldwell’s term is set to run through 2036, positioning her to play a long-term role in shaping higher education across the state. “Ashley has proven herself as a talented leader in business and philanthropy and is uniquely qualified to serve...

North Little Rock, Arkansas - Several Arkansas lottery players are celebrating life-changing wins after trying their luck on instant scratch-off games, with prizes ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 claimed across the state this month. The wins come from players who either stuck with their usual routines or decided to try something new, leading to surprising outcomes and moments of disbelief. Multiple Winners Share Big Moments Across Arkansas One of the largest prizes was claimed by Pulaski County resident Ralph L., who won $100,000 playing the X50 High Roller scratch-off game. Ralph purchased the $5 ticket at D & J One Stop LLC, 1802...

Helena-West Helena, Arkansas - A man with a prior federal conviction and an extensive criminal history will spend more than five years in federal prison after authorities discovered he was transporting cocaine through Arkansas. Federal officials announced that Angel Lazala-Soto, 60, of Bani in the Dominican Republic but residing in New York City, was sentenced after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The sentence was announced by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. According to federal prosecutors, the punishment was imposed on Thursday, March 5, 2026, by United States District Judge Brian...

Little Rock, Arkansas - Two lottery players in Arkansas received a dose of good fortune Wednesday night, as the latest Natural State Jackpot and Millionaire for Life™ drawings produced notable wins and marked an early milestone for the state’s newest multi-state game. The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery reported that a winning Natural State Jackpot ticket worth $180,000 was purchased for the Feb. 25 drawing through the Jackpocket mobile app. The winning numbers were 1, 10, 26, 29 and 36. As of now, the ticket remains unclaimed, and the winner has 180 days from the draw date to come forward and collect the...

Lewisville, Arkansas - Two Arkansas residents discovered huge wins after buying instant lottery tickets on a whim. Their stories, unfolding just days apart, reveal how spur-of-the-moment decisions can turn an ordinary day into a moment filled with disbelief, relief, and long-term hope. Valentine’s Day Surprise Turns Into Retirement Boost Jeffery S. of Lewisville claimed a $50,000 prize after playing the $20 instant game $50,000 Stacked. He collected his winnings at the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Claim Center on Feb. 20. The winning ticket was purchased at Smoker Friendly #1154, located at 1007 North Hervey St. in Hope. Jeffery bought the ticket on Valentine’s...

Little Rock, Arkansas - A Lamar man with a long criminal history will spend more than 15 years in federal prison after authorities uncovered methamphetamine distribution activity, a firearm, and evidence of a dangerous attempt to flee law enforcement. Kelly Bruce Duncan Jr., 43, who has previous felony drug convictions, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down Tuesday, February 10, 2026, by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky. A federal grand jury had indicted...

Little Rock, Arkansas - A North Little Rock man with a lengthy criminal history will spend the next 15 years in federal prison after admitting to illegally possessing a firearm while on supervised release. Federal officials say the case underscores the serious penalties faced by repeat offenders who continue to engage in drug and firearm violations. Morris Anthony Campbell, 43, of North Little Rock, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down Tuesday,...

Arkansas - A years-long theft scheme at a small Arkansas business has ended with a decade-long prison sentence after investigators determined that nearly a quarter of a million dollars in lottery tickets were stolen by an employee trusted to handle daily operations. Billie Rainwater, 47, was sentenced to 120 months in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, followed by 120 months of suspended imposition of sentence, also known as supervised probation. The sentence came after Rainwater accepted a negotiated plea deal tied to the theft of almost $250,000 worth of lottery tickets from her workplace over several years. Investigation uncovered a steady pattern...

Little Rock, Arkansas - A Fordyce man with a long criminal history tied to narcotics will spend the next decade behind bars after being sentenced in federal court for distributing large quantities of illegal drugs. Federal prosecutors said the case reflects months of coordinated investigation and a continued push to disrupt drug activity in South Arkansas communities. Eric Matlock, 42, of Fordyce, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The sentence was announced by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas,...

Hensley, Arkansas - A 62-year-old Arkansas woman will spend 20 years in federal prison after a jury found her guilty of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death, a case that stemmed from a fatal overdose at a Saline County home. The sentence was announced by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and imposed today by James M. Moody Jr.. Charges, Sentencing, and No Parole The defendant, April Adams of Hensley, was originally indicted alongside her daughter, Amber Church, after a federal grand jury returned charges on April 2, 2024. Both women were accused of conspiracy...