COPS/CRIME/COURTS

Blytheville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine
January 8, 2026 by Press Release
Defendant also convicted for possessing an unregistered firearm. LITTLE ROCK—Lyonel Smith will spend the next 10 years in federal prison after convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of an unregistered firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, [read more...] The post Blytheville […]
Family Crisis Center Opens Stand-Alone Sexual Assault Support Services Center
January 8, 2026 by Press Release
JONESBORO, Ark. — Family Crisis Center, Inc. (FCC) has opened a stand-alone Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) center at 511 W. Monroe, fulfilling a goal established when the program first launched in 2017. The new location is open and serving survivors, providing adult victims of sexual assault with access to [read more...] The post Family […]
Charges Dropped Against Jonesboro Suspect in Facebook Marketplace Robbery Case
January 7, 2026 by NEA Report
JONESBORO, Ark. — Prosecutors have dismissed all charges against a Jonesboro suspect who was previously accused of committing a series of armed robberies connected to Facebook Marketplace transactions. Kaleb Jamaal Valentine, 23, had been facing one count of aggravated robbery, a Class Y felony, and two counts of criminal attempt, [read more...] The post Charges […]

Candidate sues in federal court over Arkansas election law banning nonvoters from polling places
January 8, 2026 by Ron Wood
FAYETTEVILLE -- A Republican candidate for Arkansas secretary of state has announced a lawsuit challenging as unconstitutional a state law that bans all nonvoters from remaining within 100 feet of a polling place during voting hours.
Arkansas education officials will request $32 million for student accounts, pushing fiscal year total over $300 million
January 8, 2026 by Josh Snyder
Education officials will ask Arkansas lawmakers next week for an additional $32 million to fund the Educational Freedom Account program.
New Mexico State transfer WR Donovan Faupel commits to Arkansas football
January 8, 2026 by Richard Davenport
Faupel, 6-1, 195 pounds, made an official visit to UCLA before traveling to Fayetteville for his visit that ended on Thursday.

Going south: The Observer reflects on 20 years in Arkansas
January 8, 2026 by The Observer
It was the final few hours of New Year’s Eve 2005 and The Observer was moving from St. Louis to Little Rock. At the time, I was sure I had everything — life, career, the future — figured out. Two decades and 180 miles down the road, I not only laugh at how little I […]
Thursday open line
January 8, 2026 by Arkansas Times Staff
What’s up?
New things coming at Brave New
January 8, 2026 by Sponsored Post
Brave New Restaurant exists at the corner of family and fine dining. First opened and manned by the illustrious Peter Brave, the restaurant has seamlessly transitioned into the hands of Peter’s daughter Cicely and her husband Miles who have continued to hold onto the many values that the business was built on.

Lockheed Martin Agreement Set to Triple PAC-3 Missile Production
January 8, 2026 by AMP Staff
Lockheed Martin has signed a landmark framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War to significantly accelerate production of PAC-3® Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors, a move aimed at meeting rising global demand for missile defense systems. The seven-year agreement… The post Lockheed Martin Agreement Set to Triple PAC-3 Missile Production appeared first on AMP.
Daniel Gray Continues Family Legacy with FAB&T Board Appointment
January 8, 2026 by AMP Staff
First Arkansas Bank & Trust has announced the election of Daniel Gray of Jacksonville to its Board of Directors, following a vote by the bank’s stockholders. A lifelong Jacksonville resident, Gray is a principal with Bart Gray Realty, Inc., the… The post Daniel Gray Continues Family Legacy with FAB&T Board Appointment appeared first on AMP.
Sissy’s Log Cabin Named Honoree for 2026 Chocolate Fantasy Ball
January 8, 2026 by AMP Staff
Sissy’s Log Cabin has been named the honoree for the 23rd annual Chocolate Fantasy Ball, one of Central Arkansas’s premier charity galas benefiting Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana. The event raises critical funds to support families with seriously… The post Sissy’s Log Cabin Named Honoree for 2026 Chocolate Fantasy Ball appeared first on […]

Bentonville’s Onyx Coffee Lab Launches First-of-Its-Kind Coffee System
January 8, 2026 by Arkansas Business Staff
The system aims to maintain flavor while offering five different caffeine levels. The post Bentonville’s Onyx Coffee Lab Launches First-of-Its-Kind Coffee System appeared first on Arkansas Business — Business News, Real Estate, Law, Construction.
Oral Surgery and Dental Center Coming to Little Rock’s The Middle Development
January 8, 2026 by Arkansas Business Staff
The dental center joins a planned hotel in Colliers' West Little Rock development. The post Oral Surgery and Dental Center Coming to Little Rock’s The Middle Development appeared first on Arkansas Business — Business News, Real Estate, Law, Construction.
Arkansas Awarded $25M in Federal Grants to Strengthen Literacy Instruction
January 8, 2026 by Arkansas Business Staff
Arkansas is the only state in the country to receive multiple grants. The post Arkansas Awarded $25M in Federal Grants to Strengthen Literacy Instruction appeared first on Arkansas Business — Business News, Real Estate, Law, Construction.

‘Descendants’ Brings Disney Villains’ Kids to Benton
January 8, 2026 by AY Staff
Disney’s “Descendants” is bringing a colorful mix of magic, mischief and heart to the Royal Theatre stage in Benton this January, inviting audiences to step into a world where the children of Disney’s most infamous villains get a chance to write their own stories. Based on the book by Nick Blaemire, the musical follows […]
Live Music Lineup: Jan. 8 – Jan. 11
January 8, 2026 by AY Staff
The entertainment in Arkansas never runs dry, especially when it comes to music. The weekend’s lineup is full of live music all over the state, and AY About You has put together a comprehensive list of musical talent coming to venues near you over the weekend. Thursday, January 8 JAN 8: Aux Unleashed: Live DJ Mix […]
AY’s 2026 Dining Guide: RŌBER :: Cocktails + Culinary
January 8, 2026 by AY Staff
The RŌBER Surf + Turf features an 8-ounce filet seasoned with a signature house steak blend and topped with Argentine red shrimp and garlic cream sauce. Diners have had much to say about RŌBER :: Cocktails + Culinary since the restaurant first opened in Benton. Most of it boils down to, “How soon can […]