Arkansas News

Winter conditions force continued mail delivery suspensions across Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas - Mail delivery disruptions continue across parts of Arkansas as lingering winter weather conditions keep roads unsafe and limit normal postal operations. Statewide cold, snow, and ice have forced the U.S. Postal Service to temporarily suspend deliveries to some homes and businesses while crews wait for safer conditions. Safety Concerns Keep Mail on Hold U.S. Postal Service officials say the decision to pause deliveries is centered on safety. Becky Hernandez, a spokesperson for USPS, confirmed that winter weather has directly affected postal operations across Arkansas, stressing that protecting employees and customers remains the top priority. “Due to safety concerns, mail...

Continued cold raises concern for more snow and ice across Arkansas through mid-February

Little Rock, Arkansas - Arkansas continues to face an elevated winter weather threat as stubborn cold air remains locked over the Mid-South, raising concerns that more snow and ice could impact the state well into mid-February. Forecasters say the pattern now in place creates the right setup for repeated winter events, especially after one of the most widespread storms of the season swept across the country. According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperatures across Arkansas are expected to stay below normal for an extended period. With cold air firmly established, any storm system moving across the Southern Plains...

Arkansas outperforms national unemployment rate in February

Arkansas - Arkansas workers have reasons to celebrate as recent statistics reveal a promising outlook in the state's job market. According to the latest findings from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, the unemployment rate in Arkansas has experienced a slight decline, reaching 3.6% in February. This marks a modest improvement from January's rate, demonstrating the state's ongoing economic resilience. The report, published on Friday, March 22, contrasts with the national scene, where the unemployment rate edged up by a tenth of a point to 3.9% during the same period. Notably, the civilian labor force in Arkansas saw a decrease of...

Gas prices in the Natural State increased by over 7 cents in a week

This past week, Arkansas witnessed an increase in gas prices, with the average price of gasoline in the state climbing by 7.6 cents. According to a survey conducted by GasBuddy.com, which included 1,826 stations across Arkansas, the price for regular unleaded gas reached an average of $3.04 a gallon. The survey revealed a significant range in prices; the lowest-priced station in the state offered gas at $2.69 a gallon, while the highest was charging $3.29. Comparatively, the national average also experienced a rise, increasing by 6.2 cents to settle at $3.40 per gallon. This upward trend in gas prices aligns...

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs executive order to address maternal health crisis

In a significant move aimed at tackling the state's alarming maternal mortality rates, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed an executive order on Wednesday morning. Arkansas, known for having the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, has faced criticism for its lack of comprehensive post-natal Medicaid coverage. Critics have pointed to this shortfall as a contributing factor to the state's maternal health crisis. Governor Sanders, during a news conference, addressed these concerns by announcing the creation of the Arkansas Strategic Committee for Maternal Health. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward enhancing the education and healthcare accessibility for women...

Arkansas State Police investigate deadly shooting in Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs, Arkansas - Arkansas State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 36-year-old Christopher Vanschoick in Eureka Springs on Saturday. The situation unfolded when the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office received reports of Vanschoick brandishing a handgun during a disturbance at the Rowdy Beaver Den, located at 47 Spring Street. Responding to the call, officers from the Eureka Springs Police Department (ESPD) located Vanschoick seated in his vehicle near the establishment. What began as an attempt to manage the situation escalated quickly. A struggle ensued between Vanschoick and the responding officers, during which Vanschoick produced a...

Arkansas funds educational programs across the state with poaching fines

Arkansas - The Arkansas Economic Development Commission's Division of Rural Services is using the money collected from wildlife poaching fines to fund educational programs across the state. This initiative not only aims to deter current and potential poachers but also invests in the youth, instilling in them the importance of conservation from an early age. Becca Caldwell, the Director of Rural Services for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, announced that grants totaling $537,209 were distributed this week to schools in 67 counties, with 240 awards made in total. This funding, derived from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's (AGFC) conservation...

Arkansas lottery announces huge wins including a million dollar prize

Arkansas – The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL) recently announced that significant lottery prizes were won across the state. Among the notable wins, a Powerball ticket sold in Forrest City emerged as a standout, securing a $1 million prize for one fortunate individual. This winning ticket was purchased at Flash Market #7025, located on 3400 N. Washington St. Despite this win, the Powerball jackpot continues to grow, with an upcoming drawing estimated at a staggering 6 million. (https://www.gamepur.com/) The winning Powerball numbers for the draw were 4, 27, 33, 41, and 42, with a Powerball of 14. The lucky ticket matched...

Big win in Jonesboro: Woman claims $1 million lottery prize

Jonesboro, Arkansas - A Jonesboro woman has claimed a $1 million prize from the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, bringing a wave of excitement to the local community. Opting for anonymity, the fortunate winner revealed her story, which started with a casual $20 purchase for the $1-million cash instant game. The winning ticket, which transformed an ordinary day into an unforgettable moment, was purchased at a Kum & Go on Southwest Drive in Jonesboro. The winner recounted her routine of playing lottery games frequently but never imagined that a spontaneous stop at the convenience store on her day off would lead to...

Police seek information in homicide linked to Sherwood traffic accident

Sherwood, Arkansas - In a shocking turn of events, what initially appeared to be a car accident in Sherwood has turned into a homicide investigation. On Thursday evening, just before 7:43 p.m., Sherwood Police were dispatched to the scene of a vehicle accident at the intersection of East Woodruff and Walker Creek Drive, amid reports of a possible gunshot in the vicinity. Upon arrival, officers were met with a grim discovery—a vehicle containing a deceased individual. The area was promptly secured, allowing detectives to commence a thorough examination and evidence collection process at the scene. This meticulous effort underscores the gravity...