While millions of Americans are excitedly looking forward to the total solar eclipse on April 8, Arkansans have another reason to celebrate. The rare celestial event is expected to bring in a large number of visitors and serve as a major boon to the state’s economy. more

Rocky Brian Dodson, 54, appeared in Boone County Circuit Court for a pre-trial hearing on Thursday, April 4. Dodson was arrested in March 2022, with a warrant stating probable cause for murder in the second degree. The charge of murder came after investigators examined the circumstances of the death of his wife, 36-year old Amanda Dodson. more

FAYETTEVILLE — As Arkansans are beginning spring outdoor projects, Black Hills Energy has helpful tips to make sure you’re not the neighbor who knocks out the power – or worse – when doing projects like planting trees to celebrate Arbor Day or Earth Day. more

The statewide gas price average in Arkansas was $3.17 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel on Thursday, according to the AAA Arkansas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is one cent less compared to that day last week and eight cents more compared to that day last year. more

EDITORS: NEWS DIRECTORS: NOT FOR BROADCAST, PUBLICATION OR USE ONLINE The Associated Press has completed its election night results tabulation for the AR Primary Runoff, with all races … more

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward participated in a USDA Agricultural Trade Mission to the Republic of Korea from March 24-28, 2024. Secretary Ward joined USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis Taylor, as well as North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture, Doug Goehring, Indiana Director of Agriculture, Don Lamb, and California Secretary of Agriculture, Karen Ross. Also participating were 48 different agricultural businesses and farm organizations. more

JONESBORO — Years of research and planning will culminate on Monday, April 8, when a total solar eclipse will be seen across parts of the state. more

FORT SMITH — This week, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva at Harvest Time Academy in Fort Smith to announce that children of veterans, military reserve members, first responders, and law enforcement officers, as well as students who previously attended D-rated schools, are now eligible to apply for the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. The EFA program was one of the key features of the LEARNS Act, passed last year. more

The monthly Virtual VA Claims Clinic for Arkansas Veterans will be held Thursday, Feb. 25, 4-6 p.m. more

LITTLE ROCK — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed on Monday a human case in Texas of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as H5N1 bird flu. more

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas’ 2024 net farm income is expected to fall $0.5 billion from 2023 levels, according to a report Tuesday from the Rural & Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center. more

A legislative package presented by U.S. Senator John Boozman and signed into law Saturday, March 23, will help fund enhanced health education at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH) through a $6 Million appropriation. more

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching a national high-visibility enforcement effort, April 1-8, to deter distracted driving. Law enforcement officers nationwide will work together to enforce texting and distracted-driving laws and remind drivers: Put the Phone Away or Pay. more

On April 8, the moon, earth, and sun will align in a total solar eclipse that will pass across a large portion of the Ouachita and Ozark‐St. Francis National Forests in Arkansas and Oklahoma. more

LITTLE ROCK — A high school teacher and two students sued Arkansas last week over the state's ban on critical race theory and “indoctrination” in public schools, asking a federal judge to strike down the restrictions as unconstitutional. more

DIAMOND CITY — Diamond City welcomed a new mayor, treasurer, and police officer at a council meeting held on Tuesday, March 26. The town has recently undergone a period of unrest, seeing many council members seek to resign and then return earlier this month. more

CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas has received a $5 million anonymous gift to support the interior design program in the Department of Art and Design. more

CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, NORTH LITTLE ROCK — A departure ceremony for 40 Guardsmen from the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade will occur at 9 a.m. April 1 at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center near Barling, Ark. more

The statewide gas price average in Arkansas was $3.18 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel on Thursday, according to the AAA Arkansas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is flat compared to that day last week and 16 cents more compared to that day last year. more

Here's a look at how AP's general news coverage is shaping up for select Deep South stories. For up-to-the minute information on AP's complete coverage of Deep South and the rest of the world, visit … more