Arkansas News

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...

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...

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...

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 - 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 – 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...

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...

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...

Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas authorities have initiated a search for two inmates considered “dangerous” after they were found to be missing from the Dub Brassell Adult Detention Center in Pine Bluff. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported the disappearance of Noah Roush and Jatonia Bryant around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Both individuals, Noah Roush, 22, and Jatonia Bryant, 23, are labeled as “dangerous,” and the sheriff’s office has cautioned against approaching them. Bryant was being held on probable cause for capital murder, while Roush faced probable cause for residential burglary and theft, and was also a suspect in a homicide....

West Memhis, Arkansas - A large-scale joint operation in Eastern Arkansas, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, resulted in a substantial number of arrests earlier this week. The operation was aimed at removing wanted and repeat offenders from the streets, significantly contributing to community safety. In total, the law enforcement officers successfully made 245 arrests within just an eight-hour span. This remarkable achievement highlights the efficiency and dedication of the teams involved. Arkansas State Police played a crucial role, contributing 27 of their troopers to the task force. Overall, 55 officers patrolled the streets of Crittenden County, focusing on reducing crime in...