Friday heads

The Arkansas Supreme Court voted 5-2 to reverse the capital murder conviction and life sentence of Kenneth Ray Osburn, who was convicted of the August 2006 kidnaping and slaying of 17-year-old Casey Crowder of Pine Bluff. They said the defendant’s statements were coerced and should not have been sued as evidence.

The supreme court has dismissed a capital murder charge against Glen Homer Shelton Jr. in Jefferson County. He ran over Melanie Hughes with a tractor, and changed his defense from self-defense to an accident during the trial. The judge declared a mistrial and the supremes say that amounts to double jeopardy.

The Supreme Court remanded the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission’s recommendation that Circuit Judge L. T. Simes be removed from the bench, saying the filing was incomplete.

The Arkansas Supreme Court says it won’t revive a civil suit by a Little Rock man who claims that he was molested by a former scoutmaster more than three decades ago.

The issuance of government bonds to pay for capital improvements at  Church of Christ-affiliated  Harding University did not promote religion in violation of the First Amendment, a federal judge has ruled.

Retired General and former Democratic presidential candidate Wes Clark, a Little Rock native, has sent an email fundraising letter on behalf of Arkansas Democratic Senator Blanche Lincoln.

Gov. Mike Beebe says that he would oppose keno being instituted in Arkansas as a state lottery game.

U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., joined Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., to introduce legislation the senators say would increase the production and sale of natural gas and propane vehicles and develop natural gas and propane vehicle infrastructure across the country.

A state panel created to find a new funding source for state highway system improvements debated its purpose Thursday and asked for proof to convince voters of the need.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis announced in Memphis on Wednesday $500 million in grants available to prepare workers for “green” jobs.

Gov. Mike Beebe has released an additional $1.5 million to the University of Arkansas to help with construction a new Nanotechnology Research Center.

Kimberly-Clark Corp., the Dallas paper product manufacturer, said Thursday it will cut about 750 of its U.S. salaried employees by the end of the year.

Hiram Walker will consolidate 2 1/2 shifts into two by July 6, eliminating about 12 of 240 jobs at its Fort Smith facility. Hiram Walker blends, bottles and packages Seagram’s Gin, Kahlua and Wild Turkey Bourbon in Fort Smith.

Filed under: Arkansas