Friday happenings

Conservative Democrats in the House, including Mike Ross and Marion Berry, rebelled against their party leaders Thursday, raising concerns about the cost of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul and seeking to put the brakes on legislation.

President Obama has been too slow in appointing leaders of the Delta Regional Authority, raising questions about his interest in helping the region, advocates for economic development in the Delta said Thursday.

Gov. Mike Beebe has met privately with the state’s prison director for the first time since a series of guard lapses, a shooting death and an inmate’s near death.

State lawmakers may propose changing the initiated act voters approved in 2000 establishing how Arkansas spends money from a national settlement with tobacco companies.

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel Twitters that he’ll be testifying in support of Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

On a statewide basis, home that are sold by Realtors were down 10.5 percent for May The average price of a home sold in May was down 2 percent from last year.

Dillard’s May sales reported off 16%, Wal Mart no longer makes monthly reports, but does release quarterly numbers.

Verizon Wireless cut 80 positions companywide Thursday, including 50 jobs in Arkansas.

Oil companies dominate the 2009 listing of the world’s largest companies compiled by Fortune magazine. Wal Mart slips to number three, Tyson is 313, and Murphy Oil is 326.

An Oklahoma federal judge has refused to postpone the start of a federal trial involving a dozen Arkansas poultry companies accused of polluting the Illinois River watershed with chicken waste.

Heavy May rains have put many rice farmers in unfamiliar territory as they have planted some of their rice only two to four weeks ago.

North Little Rock police say Todd Bastian has stolen another vehicle. Investigators say he is currently driving a 2005 lime green Mustang.  The vehicle was reported stolen Wednesday morning from Garland County. Bastian is suspected of kidnapping his former girlfriend and a number or related crimes, He reportedly has another woman with him.

Law enforcement authorities in south Arkansas captured two jail escapees within minutes of each other Thursday night in the McCaskill area. One was spotted walking along a highway and the other was found in a small country church.

A judge has found the man accused of killing KATV’s Anne Pressly mentally competent to be tried and that a capital murder prosecution can go forward.

An ex-El Dorado girls basketball coach has been arrested after a former player accused him of videotaping her undressing in his private bathroom at school. Corey D. Smith remains free on his own recognizance.

Filed under: Arkansas