TUESDAY MORNING NEWS BRIEFING

Slightly busier this morning. A verdict in the Prairie Grove lawsuit filed by Michael Green and his family, and not what the family expected...

TRIAL ENDS IN WASHCO.

A TRIAL IN WASHINGTON COUNTY OVER A LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST POULTRY COMPANIES ENDED YESTERDAY. THE JURY RULED AGAINST THE MICHAEL GREEN AND HIS PARENTS. THE FAMILY SUED ALPHARMA AND ALPHARMA ANIMAL HEALTH, ALLEGING ARSENIC IN CHICKEN FEED ENDED UP IN THE SOIL, CAUSING A SERIES OF ILLNESSES, INCLUDING MICHAEL’S CANCER. THE GREEN FAMILY ASKED FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING AS MUCH AS 9 MILLION DOLLARS FOR MICHAEL. THE JURY DISAGREED, WITH 10 OF 12 JURORS FINDING IN FAVOR OF THE COMPANY. THE FAMILY HAD NO COMMENT AFTER THE RULING.

POULTRY INDUSTRY PULLS ADS

THE ARKANSAS POULTRY INDUSTRY HAS DECIDED TO STOP RUNNING TELEVISION ADS IN OKLAHOMA – ADS THAT REFER TO OKLAHOMA ATTORNEY GENERAL DREW EDMONDSON. SOME – INCLUDING OKLAHOMA’S ETHICS COMMISSION – WONDERED IF THE POULTRY COMPANIES INTENDED TO INFLUENCE THE OUTCOME OF THE UPCOMING ELECTION, IN WHICH MR. EDMONDSON HAS RUN FOR RE-ELECTION. THE INDUSTRY SAYS IT’LL HOLD THOSE ADS UNTIL AFTER NOVEMBER 7TH. THE INDUSTRY SAYS IT SIMPLY WANTS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC WITH THE ADS.

WAL-MART CONDEMNS PROTESTORS IN MEXICO CITY

MONDAY, WAL-MART PUBLICLY CONDEMNED PROTESTORS WHO BLOCK CASH REGISTERS AND THREW MERCHANDISE AROUND THE COMPANY’S STORES IN MEXICO CITY. THE PROTESTORS SUPPORT DEFEATED PRESIDENTIAL CANDIADTE ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR. THEY CLAIM WAL-MART INTEREFERED IN THE ELECTION BY SUPPORTING PRESIDENT ELECTION FELIPE CALDERON. THE COMPANY’S MEXICAN UNIT DENIES THE ACCUSATION.

PREZ RAISES MONEY FOR STATE REPUBLICANS

PRESIDENT BUSH WILL JOIN THREE REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS FOR A FUND RAISER TONIGHT IN THE NATION’S CAPITOL. THE “VICTORY 2006” EVENT WILL RAISE MONEY FOR THE PARTY IN WISCONSIN, IOWA AND ARKANSAS. GEORGIA GOVERNOR SONNY PERDUE, MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR MITT ROMENY AND MISSISIPPI GOVERNOR HALEY BARBOUR WILL JOIN MR. BUSH.

NORMAN TRIAL DELAYED

A TRIAL SET TO TAKE PLACE TODAY FOR A FORMERE STATE TROOPER WON’T TAKE PLACE UNTIL MARCH 6. LARRY NORMAN FACES A MISDEMEANOR CHARGE OF NEGILIGENT HOMICIDE IN THE MARCH 7TH SHOOTING DEATH OF A DISABLED SPRINGDALE MAN ALONGSIDE HIGHWAY 412. NORMAL REPORTEDLY MISTOOK ERIN HAMLEY FOR AN ESCAPED PRISON INMATE FROM MICHIGAN.

WRAP ON THE BOBO TEEN-SEX TRIAL

A JURY SHOULD ISSUE IT’S DECISION TODAY IN THE SEXUAL ASSAULT TRIAL OF A FORMER GREENWOOD SCHOOL TEACHER. DEANNA BOBO FACES CHARGES OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING A MALE STUDENT UNDER THE AGE OF 18. MS. BOBO USED TO TEACH AT RAYMOND WELLS JUNIOR HIGH. IF CONVICTED, BOBO COULD GET A MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 30 YEARS IN PRISON FOR BOTH COUNTS OF ALLEGED ASSAULT.

Wrap it up...

MONDAY MORNING NEWS BRIEFING

Very, very slow this morning, but a lot of talk about gas prices and the upcoming Bikes, Blues and BBQ event on Dickson...here's your very slow Monday morning.

GAS PRICE ROUNDUP

A LITTLE BIT MORE NOW ABOUT GAS PRICES TODAY – OIL PRICES THIS MORNING WERE TRADING BELOW 60 DOLLARS A BARREL IN ELECTRONIC TRADING IN ASIA AND EUROPE. GAS PRICES HAVE HIT THEIR LOWEST POINT IN SOME TIME. ACCORDING TO ARKANSASGASPRICES–DOT–COM, THE STATE’S LOW PRICE WAS A DOLLAR 87 AT AN EXXON STATION IN EL DORADO. THE HIGH PRICE – 2-58 IN CONWAY. IN FAYETTEVILLE, THE LOW PRICE WAS 2-22 A GALLON AT THE MURPHY OIL ON 6TH STREET IN FRONT OF THE SUPERCENTER. LOW PRICE WAS 2-18 AT THE MURPHY OIL ON HUDSON ROAD NEAR NWACC IN ROGERS…

CANCER TRIAL WRAPS UP TODAY

IN COURT TODAY, ATTORNEY’S WILL MAKE THEIR CLOSING ARGUMENT IN THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF LAWSUITS FILED AGAINST THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS. THE FAMILY OF MICHAEL GREEN FILED SUIT ALLEGING ARSENIC IN CHICKEN FEED ENDED UP IN THE GROUND IN PRAIRIE GROVE, CAUSING A SERIES OF ILLNESSES, INCLUDING MR. GREEN’S CANCER.

TYSON FIRE IN ALABAMA

A FIRE AT THE TYSON FOODS PLANT AT HEFLIN, ALABAMA SHUT DOWN PRODUCTION THIS WEEKEND. THE FACTORY PROCESSES ABOUT A MILLION CHICKENS A WEEK. COMPANY SPOKESMAN GARY MICKELSON DESCRIBES THE DAMAGE TO THE PLANT AS SEVERE – BUT SAYS NO ONE GOT HURT.

HE WANTS HIS BOND MADE LARGER...

A MAN FROM MORRILTON STOOD IN FRONT OF A JUDGE, AND ASKED THE COURT TO RAISE, RATHER THAN DECREASE HIS BOND. 34 YEAR OLD CEDRIC CRISWELL FACES CHARGES OF HAVING STOLEN HIS MOTHER’S CAR AND CHECKBOOK. THE JUDGE AGREED WITH CRISWELL, AND RAISED THE BOND FROM 30-THOUSAND TO 50-THOUSAND DOLLARS. CRISWELL REMAINS BEHIND BARS IN POPE COUNTY. HE TOLD THE JUDGE “I STOLE FROM MY MOTHER, I DON’T THINK THAT BOND’S HIGH ENOUGH.” TWO OTHER MEN ALSO FACE CHARGES IN THE CASE – POLICE SAY THE TWO USED FORGED CHECKS TO BUY CELL PHONES, STEREO AND SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT.

HEAVY WEATHER CLAIMS TWO LIVES

HEAVY RAIN AND FLOODING THIS WEEKEND IN PARTS OF NORTHERN ARKANSAS RESULTED IN TWO DEATHS AND LOTS OF PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE STORMS DAMAGED ROADS, BRIDGES, CROPS AND YES, PEOPLE. FOUR COUNTIES HAVE DECLARED EMEREGENCIES – THOSE COUNTIES INCLUDE CLAY, FULTON, RANDOLPH AND SHARP COUNTIES.

BIKES, BLUES, BBQ STARTS IN TWO DAYS

THE ANNUAL BIKES, BLUES AND BARBEQUE FESTIVAL STARTS IN TWO DAYS ON DICKSON STREET. BUSINESS OWNERS SAY THEY’VE PREPARED TO MEET BETWEEN A QUARTER-MILLION AND 300 THOUSAND BIKERS THIS WEEK. SOME COMPANIES HAVE HAD TO STOCK UP, OTHERS EXPECT TO SEE A DECLINE IN BUSINESS. SOME LOCAL BUSINESSES SAY THEY’LL HAVE TO COMPETE WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF VENDORS SET UP IN LOCAL PARKING LOTS.

ROAD WORK TONIGHT

GET READY FOR NIGHT ROAD WORK TO START ON HIGHWAY 71 IN BELLA VISTA THIS EVENING. ALTERNATING LANES WILL CLOSE BETWEEN BENTON COUNTY ROAD 40 TO JUST NORTH OR RIORDON ROAD. THE WORK SHOULD LAST FOR SEVERAL WEEKS AND COMES AS PART OF A 1-AND A HALF MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT THAT INCLUDES WORK IN LOWELL. LANE CLOSURES WILL START AT 7 P.M. EACH WEEKEDAY EVENING, AND END AT 6 A.M. THE NEXT MORNING.

Drive carefully.

RAZORBACKS WIN!

Man o man -- if you had tickets to the Arkansas-Alabama game today, you sure got your money's worth. The Razorbacks won it by a single point in overtime with Mitch Mustain completing a pass to Ben Cleveland, and then the team kicked the extra point. Alabama could have wrapped it up, but couldn't kick a field goal in overtime. Outstanding game, and Mustain looked good, but not fantastic. He'll definitely get better with time, but he's managing to get through pretty good even though he's a real greenhorn on the college level. Good payback on this one. Outstanding game.

We've got another re-run tonight because we're moving our home office to a new location, so our equipment is down and packed away. We should be settled in a ready to go again next week.

FRIDAY MORNING NEWS BRIEFING

It's a Wal-Mart kind of day out there. The company's decision to cut prescription drug prices is a big one. Also, I just got the video of the Lt. Governor's debate, I'll digitize it and post it here later today or tonight. Here's the news....

WAL-MART CUTS DRUG PRICES

WAL-MART SAYS IT’LL CUT PRICES ON SOME 300 GENERIC PRESCRIPTION DRUGS IT SELLS AT STORE PHARMACIES. MANY OF THOSE DRUGS WILL SEEL FOR A LITTLE AS FOUR DOLLARS FOR A MONTH’S SUPPY AND INCLUDE SOME POPULAR DRUGS USED THE TREAT DIABETES AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. THE PROGRAM STARTS TODAY AT 65 NEIGHBORHOOD MARKETS AND SAM’S CLUBS IN TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA. TARGET SAYS IT WILL ALSO MATCH THOSE PRICES. THE NEWS DROVE DOWN THE PRICE OF SHARES OF COMPANIES INCLUDING WAL-GREENS, AND SOME PHARMACEUTICAL FIRMS.

ROGERS HIGH SPEED CHASE

A HIGH SPEED CHASE IN ROGERS YESTERDAY MORNING ENDED WHEN A 15 YEAR OLD BOY TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM A POLICE OFFICER WRECKED HIS VEHICLE – AND THE OFFICER ALSO WRECKED. POLICE SAY THE OFFICER TRIED TO PULL THE BOY OVER FOR SPEEDING – THE CHASE ENDED WHEN THE BOY LOST CONTROL OF HIS CAR AND PLOWED INTO A CARS PARKED IN A LOT – THE OFFICER HIT AN EMBANKMENT. POLICE FOUND A 16 YEAR OLD FEMALE PASSENGER, BUT THE TEENAGER RAN AWAY FROM THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT.

PRYOR CONFIRMATION

IN WASHINGTON, THE SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE YESTERDAY RECOMMENDED CONFIRMATION FOR FORMER SENATOR DAVID PRYOR TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING. PRESIDENT BUSH NOMINATED PRYOR IN JUNE. THE SENATE COMMMITTEE ALSO HAS A MEMBER WITH THE LAST NAME OF “PRYOR.” DAVID PRYOR’S SON, SENATOR MARK PRYOR SAID HE HAD NO QUESTIONS FOR HIS FATHER, BUT DID SAY HE THINKS EVERY SON LOOKS FORWARD TO THE MOMENT WHEN THEY CAN FINALLY GET THEIR FATHER UNDER OATH…

CAT DROPS LIBEL SUIT AGAINST DUTTON

FAYETTEVILLE’S COMMUNITY ACCESS TV HAS DROPPED A LIBEL SUIT IT FILED AGAINST A FORMER EMPLOYEE. THE STATION FILED SUIT AGAINST JOSEPH DUTTON LAST APRIL, CLAIMING HE COMMMITTED LIBEL WHEN HE E-MAILED CITY OFFICIALS AND THE MEDIA CLAIMING THE EXISTENCE OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ON A COMPUTER OWNED BY THE STATION. POLICE FOUND NO SUCH MATERIAL.

FUGITIVE IN MURDER CASE CAUGHT

YESTERDAY, POLICE SAY THEY CAUGHT A MADISON COUNTY WOMAN WHO FAILED TO APPEAR FOR HER OWN TRIAL ON A CHARGE OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER. POLICE SAY THEY FOUND LISA RIVERS ASLEEP IN A MOBILE HOME NEAR A COUNTY ROAD IN MADISON COUNTY. THEY SAY THEY KNOCKED, AND SHE CRAWLED ACROSS THE FLOOR AND LOCKED HERSELF IN A BATHROOM. POLICE ARRESTED HER WITHOUT FURTHER PROBLEMS. THEY ALSO ARRESTED A MAN AT THE TRAILER WANTED IN BENTON COUNTY ON A CHARGE OF CONTEMPT OF COURT.

GUN THREAT AT BENTONVILLE HIGH

ANOTHER THREATENING MESSAGE TURNED UP AT BENTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL – THIS TIME, STUDENTS FOUND THE MESSAGE IN A GIRLS RESTROOM. THE MESSAGE READ “I WILL BRING A GUN TO SCHOOL ON 9-22.” THIS MARKS THE SECOND SECOND WRITTEN THREAT FOUND AT THE SCHOOL SINCE THE YEAR STARTED. THE SCHOOL NOTIFIED LOCAL POLICE AND WILL TAKE A LOOK AT VIDEO FROM SECURITY CAMERAS. LAST YEAR, THE SAME THING HAPPENED, AND POLICE ARRESTED SOME STUDENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THOSE THREATS.

WAL-MART TO EXPAND AIRPORT

WAL-MART WILL HELP EXPAND THE ROGERS CITY AIRPORT. BEAVER LAKE AVIATION – A WAL-MART COMPANY – PLANS TO BUILT A 28-THOUSAND SQUARE FOOT FACILITY THAT’LL INCLUDE HANGAR SPACE, OFFICES AND CONFERENCE ROOMS. CROSSLAND CONSTRUCTION WILL BUILD AND OWN THE SPACE, BUT BEAVER LAKE WILL RUN IT. THE NEW FACILITY WILL HOST AS MANY AS 11 LEARJET PLANES.

...leavin' on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again...

BARBER IN THE COLUMNS…

I’ve got to say that I’ve met Brandon Barber, the top dog at the Barber Group, mega-developers building the Divinity project on Dickson Street and that huge hotel in Rogers. I was impressed and think he’s a nice guy just trying to make a living and do his job. Not everyone likes him, and mostly because of what he does for a living. He has been a bit of a magnet for controversy, and we’ve talked to him ad nauseum at the radio station. However, a week or so back, he ended up doing some time at the county lock-up because police say they caught him with a blood-alcohol level about twice the legal limit. They also say he plowed some mailboxes over and hit a utility pole.

OK, here’s the problem above and beyond the story. We reported it here, but not prominently. I reported it on radio. After all, he is a public figure and he even reached out to us for coverage. That makes him a legitimate focus of interest. Remember, news is what happens in the public eye. This wasn’t a headline story, and not earth-shattering, but worth mention, at least where we sit. Greg Harton, the main main at the Northwest Arkansas Times, originally chose not to give this any space in his paper. We can respect that decision, even though it isn’t one we would have made. There’s room for a difference of opinion. However, Greg must have had some feedback on this, because he used column space to talk about his decision, which probably ends up giving the story more attention than it would have had if he’d just run it.

Masterson, who we don’t read all that much anymore since he decided to take a sharp right-turn into insanity last summer, has something to say about it today, and we agree with his non-assessment of the situation.

That is one mark of a good editor, a gatekeeper who cares enough to search his actions and discuss them publicly. I choose not to say what I’d have done with such information when I was in his shoes six years ago. Sounds too much like secondguessing. Besides, it’s irrelevant. Perhaps a better question is this one: What would you have done with the information under similar circumstances ?

Mike has it right about “second guessing” – but we’d say perhaps Greg did too much of that on this story. That’s not a bad thing if you’re a reader, but in this case, you didn’t know about the story unless you read the Morning News. On the other hand, that paper reportedly has some sort of policy about avoiding stories like this one – but didn’t follow its rule in this case. If you read, you decide. Like Masterson said, what would you have done?

THURSDAY MORNING NEWS BRIEFING

Ah, as Peter Tosh once said, "legalize it!" -- which has become the battle cry in Eureka Springs, courtesy of NORML. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em...here's the news...

LOOK THE OTHER WAY IN EUREKA SPRINGS?

VOTERS IN EUREKA SPRINGS WILL CONSIDER MAKING MARIJUANA OFFENSES A LOWER PRIORITY FOR POLICE. THE FAYETTEVILLE CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR THE REFORM OF MARIJUANA LAWS – OR “NORML” MANAGED TO GET ENOUGH SIGNATURES TO PUT THE PROPOSAL ON THE NOVEMBER 7TH BALLOT IN THE TOWN. POLICE SAY STATE LAW CURRENTLY GIVES THEM THE OPTION OF EITHER ARRESTING A PERSON WITH LESS THAN AN OUNCE OF POT – OR GIVING THAT PERSON A TICKET – THE ELECTION WOULDN’T CHANGE THAT.

MURDER TRIAL NO-SHOW

SHE FACES A CHARGE OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER – BUT 37 YEAR OLD LISA RIVERS OF MADISON COUNTY FAILED TO SHOW UP AT HER OWN TRIAL YESTERDAY MORNING. PROSECUTOR TERRY JONES SAYS HE DIDN’T THINK SHE’D RUN, SO HE LET HER GO AFTER POLICE ARRESTED RIVERS IN JANUARY. POLICE BELIEVE RIVERS SHOT AND KILLED MELVIN BURKS OF SPRINGDALE. THEY ALSO BELIEVE SHE MAY BE WITH A LOCAL MAN WANTED IN BENTON COUNTY ON A CONTEMPT OF COURT CHARGE.

LAWMAKERS TALK LIGHT RAIL IN FAYETTEVILLE

A GROUP OF STATE LAWMAKERS WILL MEET IN FAYETTEVILLE TOMORROW TO TALK ABOUT ABOUT THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORATION IN THE REGION – INCLUDING TALK ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM. THE ARKANSAS HOUSE AND SENATE INTERIM COMMITTEES ON TRANSPORATION WILL MEET AT GIFFELS AUDITORIUM AT 1:30 P.M. TOMORROW. LAWMAKERS WILL ALSO GET A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FAYETTEVILLE FARMERS MARKET AND THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY DESIGN CENTER.

TOUGHER HIGH SCHOOLS CLASSES?

STATE EDUCATION OFFICIALS – AND GOVERNOR HUCKABEE – WANT HIGH SCHOOL KIDS TO TAKE HARDER CLASSES. THE STATE UNVEILED NEW TV AND RADIO ADS PLANNED TO HELP PUSH THE STATE’S MANADATED “SMART-CORE” CURRICULUM. THE GOVERNOR CALLED IT “IMMORAL” FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO TAKE EASIER CLASSES. LAWMAKERS AND EDUCATION OFFICIALS SAY THEY’VE SEEN MORE PARENTS SEEKING TO GET THEIR KIDS INTO EASIER CLASSES – SOMETHING CAUSING CONCERN IN LITTLE ROCK.

POULTRY MORE EXPENSIVE

CHICKEN PRICES HAVE GONE UP. A POULTRY INDUSTRY GROUP SAYS THAT COMES AFTER INCREASED DEMAND FROM CUSTOMER, STABLE EXPORTS AND PRODUCTION CUTS. WHOLESALE PRICES FOR BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST HAVE RISEN ABOUT 32 PERCENT SINCE HITTING LOWS IN APRIL. TYSON FOODS HAS STARTED CUTTING IT’S OUTPUT BY 5 PERCENT – PART OF A PLAN TO HELP THE COMPANY ONCE AGAIN BECOME PROFITABLE.

SHOW-OFF!

GOVERNOR HUCAKBEE HIT THE ROAD WEDNESDAY MORNING TO JOIN A MARATHON RUNNER WHO WANTS TO RUN 50 MARATHONS IN 50 DAYS. MR. HUCKABEE PUT A COUPLE OF MILES OF ROAD BENEATH HIM, AND SAID HE’D ALREADY RUN SEVEN AND A HALF MILES BEFORE TAKING THE SPOTLIGHT. THE GOVERNOR SAYS HE PLANS TO RUN THE NEW YORK MARATHON THIS YEAR – BUT STILL HASN’T SAID IF HE’LL JOIN THE RACE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE IN 2008.

Ah, but can Governor Mike make it the finish line?

WEDNESDAY MORNING NEWS BRIEFING

Thought I wouldn't get the news in today, didn't you? Here it is...

FAYETTEVILLE SCHOOL BOARD RESULTS

WE HAD SCHOOL BOARD AND TAX ELECTIONS YESTERDAY. IN FARMINGTON, VOTERS GAVE THUMBS UP TO A MILLAGE INCREASE, WHILE VOTERS IN GREENLAND, FOR A SECOND TIME, TURNED ONE DOWN. IN FAYETTEVILLE, JOHN DELAP AND JEANNIE HILL FACE A RUNOFF OCTOBER 10TH FOR THE AT-LARGE POSITION ON THE FAYETTEVILLE SCHOOL BOARD. ZONE 1 INCUMBENT – AND SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT STEVE PERCIVAL ALSO WON HIS RACE AGAINST CHALLENGER LINDA RALSTON.

REPUBLICANS CALLING...

THE STATE REBPULICAN PARTY SAYS IT’S VOLUNTEERS WILL MAKE AT LEAST A MILLION PHONE CALLS TO LIKELY REPUBLICAN VOTERS BEFORE THE NOVEMBER ELECTION – MORE THAN MADE DURING THE 2004 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN. STATE DEMOCRATS SAY THEY’LL MAKE EVEN MORE CALLS, AND TARGET ALL ARKANSANS. REPUBLICAN PARTY CHIEF CLINT REED EXPLAINED THE VOTER DRIVE TO PARTY MEMBERS TUESDAY NIGHT IN WASHINGTON COUNTY.

JUDGE SETTLES LAND CASE

A JURY IN WASHINGTON COUNTY DECIDED TO GIVE A SPRINGDALE PROPERTY OWNER 100-THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR LAND TAKEN BY THE CITY TO EXTEND HAR-BER AVENUE TO ARKANSAS 112. THE CITY OFFERED MIKE BAKER NEARLY 24-THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE LAND – BAKER WANTED HALF A MILLION DOLLARS. BAKER TRIED TO ARGUE THAT HE PLANNED TO BUILD A WAREHOUSE ON THE LAND, BUT THE COURT WOULDN’T ALLOW HIM TO MAKE THAT ARGUMENT FOR THE RECORD.

HARRISON SOLDIER KILLED IN IRAQ

A SOLDIER FROM HARRISON HAS DIED IN COMBAT IN IRAQ. THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT SAYS PFC JEFFREY SHAFFER DIED SEPTEMBER 13TH WHEN A ROADSIDE BOMB WENT OFF NEAR HIS BRADLEY FIGHTING VEHICLE. SHAFFER WAS 21 YEARS OLD AND SERVED IN THE FIRST ARMORED DIVISION. NEARLY 27-HUNDRED MEMBERS OF THE US ARMED FORCES HAVE DIED SINCE THE WAR IN IRAW STARTED IN MARCH 2003.

STATE HAS NEW RECORD COLLEGE POPULATION

THE STATE NOW HAS IT’S LARGEST COLLEGE POPULATION EVER. THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION SHOWS STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES HAVE SEEN A 3-POINT-3 PERCENT INCREASE IN ENROLLMENT – A MORE THAN 14 PERCENT JUMP SINCE 2002. AT FOUR YEAR SCHOOLS – THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS IN CONWAY HAS THE BIGGEST INCREASE. THE U OF A IN FAYETTEVILLE HAS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 7-TENTHS A PERCENT FROM LAST YEAR.

FALL FOLIAGE TIME

GET READY FOR THE FALL FOLIAGE SEASON TO START – SO SAYS THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM. ARKANSAS HAS A REPUTATION FOR ITS FALL COLORS, AND ONE OF THE LONGEST SEASONS IN THE U.S. THE DEPARTMENT WILL START POSTING IT’S WEEKLY FALL COLOR UPDATES ON ITS WEBSITE SEPTEMBER 28TH, FIVE DAYS AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN AND JUST BEFORE THE LEAVES START TO CHANGE.

POLICE ENDORSEMENT

THE CANDIDATES IN THE GOVERNOR’S RACE SPENT TIME YESTERDAY TALKING ABOUT THEIR ENDORSEMENTS FROM POLICE ORGANIZATIONS. DEMOCRAT MIKE BEEBE RECEIVED THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, WHICH HAS ABOUT 23-HUNDRED MEMBERS IN ARKANSAS. THE FOP HAS ALSO ENDORSED ATTORNEY GENERAL CANDIDATE DUSTIN MCDANIEL. ASA HUTCHINSON RECEIVED THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE ARKANSAS LAW ENFORCEMENT UNION.

Onward...

WOODY (OR "3-WOOD") TALKS POLITICS

This is another one of those one-man debates I've done recently on the Fayetteville Government Channel. It would be nice if the other candidates would ever agree to come and sit down for these, but I don't mind this. It usually ends up as a kind of interview, but I've always learned more about the candidates and the races as a result (even if Jim Lagrone kind of fibbed a little during his.) I expect to receive the video of Monday night's Jim Holt/Bill Halter debate I moderated in Little Rock. When I do, it goes into the digitizer, and you can watch it here before they get together again in early October. Fellas, give me a call -- love to do this again.

TUESDAY MORNING NEWS BRIEFING

Wow, talk about busy. My apologies to all those who need work from me -- yes, Aaron, the election piece is on the way. Yes, Max, the blog will start. Yes to the others as well, when I get off my dial-up, ancient laptop, things will improve in a couple of days. I expect video for you of the conversation I had with 3rd District congressional candidate Woody Anderson. The folks at the Clinton School assure me they'll have some video for us of the Lt. Gov's debate last night. Hey, I actually got to (finally) see the Clinton Library. My most humble thanks to both Skip Rutherford and Ben Beaumont (sp?) for their hospitality, and to the candidates for their spirited talk last night...here's the news.

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS

THE POLLS OPEN THIS MORNING AT 7:30 IN FOUR WASHINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS. VOTERS WILL HAVE TO ELECT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS AND MAKE DECISIONS ON PROPERTY TAXES. GREENLAND AND FARMINGTON VOTERS WILL VOTE ON MILLAGE INCREASES. ELKINS HAS ONE SCHOOL BOARD POSITION OPEN, AND FAYETTEVILLE WILL ELECT THE ZONE 1 AND “AT LARGE” POSITIONS ON THE BOARD. LINCOLN AND PRAIRIE GROVE ALSO HAVE BOARD ELECTIONS.

GOVERNOR'S DEBATE

TWO DEBATES LAST NIGHT IN STATEWIDE POLITICAL RACES – FIRST, DEMOCRAT MIKE BEEBE AND REPUBLICAN ASA HUTCHINSON MET EACH OTHER IN A TELEVISED DEBATE ON TELEVISION IN JONESBORO. THE CANDIDATES DISAGREED OVER TAXES AND GAY FOSTER PARENTS. THE DEBATE MARKS THE FIRST OF THREE MEETINGS BETWEEN THE TWO CANDIDATES.

LT. GOVERNOR'S DEBATE

ALSO, LAST NIGHT IN LITTLE ROCK, LT. GOVERNOR CANDIDATES JIM HOLT AND BILL HALTER SQUARED OFF IN THEIR FIRST DEBATE AT THE CLINTON SCHOOL OF PUBLIC SERVICE. – YOURS TRULY MODERATED THE HOUR LONG SHOWDOWN. THE CANDIDATES TALKED ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE LT. GOVERNOR IN STATE GOVERNMENT – THEY ALSO TALKED ABOUT EDUCATION, IMMIGRATION AND THE MINIMUM WAGE. THE CANDIDATES WILL MEET AGAIN EARLY NEXT MONTH.

POLICE DOG DIES

BENTONVILLE POLICE SAY SOMEONE FOUND A MISSING DRUG DOG SUNDAY NIGHT --- A CAR HAD APPARENTLY HIT THE ANIMAL. OFFICERS SAY THE DOG DISAPPEARED THIS WEEKEND AFTER APPARENTLY BECOMING FRIGHTENED DURING A STORM. THE DOG SPECIALIZED IN FINDING NARCOTICS, AND HAD BEEN WITH THE DEPARTMENT FOR THREE YEARS.

POWER PLANT -- OR ROAD?

A POWER PLANT PROPOSED NEAR TONTITOWN WOULD STAND DIRECTLY IN THE WAY OF A PROPOSED 412 BYPASS NEAR SPRINGDALE. THE STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT ADMITS THE REGION NEEDS BOTH PROJECTS, AND SAYS SOME ADJUSTMENTS WILL HAVE TO TAKE PLACE SO BOTH CAN GO FORWARD. THE PLANT WOULD COST 130 MILLION DOLLARS – THE ROAD, 350 MILLION.

TYSON FOODS IN COURT

TOMORROW, A COURT WILL TAKE UP AN ATTEMPT BY TYSON FOODS TO HAVE A JUDGE DISMISS A SERIES OF LAWSUITS THAT ACCUSE BOTH CURRENT AND PAST MEMBERS OF TYSON’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER EXECUTIVES WITH DRAWING IMPROPER PAYMENTS. THE HEARING WILL TAKE PLACE IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE. DEFENDANTS INCLUDE FORMER CHAIRMAN DON TYSON AND CURRENT COMPANY CHAIRMAN JOHN TYSON AND CURRENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE DICK BOND. THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRANSAS MADE IT OFFICIAL YESTERDAY – A NEW WORLD TRADE CENTER WILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS IN ROGERS, AT THE PINNACLE BUSINESS CENTER. CHANCELLOR JOHN WHITE MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT, THANKING THE STATE’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION FOR HELPING MAKE THE CENTER A REALITY.

TUBERCULOSIS AT SPRINGDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL

AFTER A CONFIRMED CASE OF TUBERCULOSIS AT HELLSTERN MIDDLE SCHOOL IN SPRINGDALE LAST YEAR, TESTS HAVE SHOWN NINE STUDENTS AND A TEACHER HAVE SOME SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE AND NEED CHEST X-RAYS. ABOUT 55 STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND STAFF MEMBERS HAD POSITIVE RESULTS FROM A SKIN TEST FOR THE DISEASE ADMINISTERED AT THE START OF THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR. ALL THOSE IN QUESTION WON’T GO BACK TO SCHOOL UNTIL AFTER FURTHER TESTS.

CANCER CASE PLAINTIFFS REST CASE

THE PLAINTIFFS IN A LAWSUIT OVER CANCER CASES IN PRAIRIE GROVE HAVE RESTED THEIR CASE. JUDGE KIM SMITH RULED MONDAY THAT MICHAEL AND BETH GREEN AND THEIR SON BLU MAY NOT SEEK PUNITIVE DAMAGES AGAINST ALPHARMA AND ALPHARMA ANIMAL HEALTH IN THE CASE. THE SMITHS BELIEVE ARSENIC IN FEED PRODUCED BY ALPHARMA ENDED UP IN THE SOIL IN PRAIRIE GROVE, CAUSING A SERIES OF ILLNESSES IN THE TOWN. 22 YEAR OLD BLU GREEN SUFFERS FROM LEUKEMIA.

E-MAIL IN STUDENT/TEACHER SEX CASE

E-MAIL HAS BECOME THE CENTER OF A CASE AGAINST A GREENWOOD TEACHER ACCUSED OF HAVING SEXUALLY ASSAULTED ONE OF HER STUDENTS, A TEENAGE BOY. THE BOYS PARENTS TESTIFIED THEY CALLED POLICE AFTER FINDING A SERIES OF E-MAIL MESSAGES, SOME SEXUALLY EXPLICIT, BETWEEN TEACHER DEANNA BOBO AND THEIR SON. BOBO NOW FACES TWO COUNTS OF FIRST DEGREE SEXUAL ASSAULT – POLICE SAY SHE HAD SEX WITH THE BOY TWICE IN EARLY 2005. MS. BOBO DENIES THE CHARGES, AND SAYS POLICE MISHANDLED COMPUTER EVIDENCE.

Ah, young love...

MONDAY MORNING NEWS BRIEFING

Joy to the world -- it's Monday. Man, do I have a long day today. Gotta be in LR this afternoon for the Halter-Holt Lt. Gov. debate. Hey, at least I get my first tour of the Clinton Presidential Library. I intend to take some pics. Here's the news, and yes, it's a slow morning.

ARKANSAS INFLUENCE?

SOME PEOPLE HAVE WONDERED IF THE ARKANSAS POULTRY INDUSTRY WANTS TO INFLUENCE THE OUTCOME OF OKLAHOMA’S ATTORNEY GENERAL’S RACE. THE SOONER STATE’S ETHICS COMMISSION HAS STARTED LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY AFTER THE POULTRY INDUSTRY STARTED RUNNING ADS IN ALL MEDIA THAT TALK ABOUT WATER. THE ADS DON’T MENTION INCUMBENT DREW EDMONDSON DIRECTLY, BUT DO TALK ABOUT “THE ATTORNEY GENERAL” – EDMONDSON FILED SUIT AGAINST TYSON FOODS AND OTHER COMPANIES, ALLEGING THOSE COMPANIES POLLUTED THE ILLINOIS RIVER WATERSHED.

MORE CASH FOR DENTISTS

DENTISTS IN ARKANSAS WILL GET MORE PAY FOR TREATING MEDICAID PATIENTS. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED THAT REQUEST FROM THE STATE – THE FIRST INCREASE IN TEN YEARS AIMED AT IMPROVING DENTAL HEALTH FOR LOW-INCOME ARKANSANS. THE STATE MADE THE REQUEST LAST YEAR. ANNUAL REIMBURSEMENTS FOR DENTISTS SHOULD GO UP BY MORE THAN 24 MILLION DOLLARS.

POLICE BACK IN SCHOOL

POLICE TODAY WILL RESUME PATROLLING THE CAMPUS OF FAYETTEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL AFTER THE DISTRICT AND THE CITY CAME TO AN AGREEMENT LAST WEEK ABOUT SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS. THE DISTRICT HAD AS MANY AS EIGHT OFFICERS AT ONE TIME, BUT A CHANGE IN BUDGETS AND A MISUNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE DISTRICT ELIMINATED THE PROGRAM. THE CITY WILL NOW BILL THE DISTRICT FOR THE OFFICERS TIME – EIGHT HOUR SHIFTS FOR EACH OFFICER.

RAISE FOR LAWMAKERS

STATE LAWMAKERS ATTENDING MEETINGS IN LITTLE ROCK AND HOT SPRINGS WILL MAKE MORE MONEY DOING SO. WITHOUT DEBATE, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPROVED RAISING PER DIEM PAYMENTS BY 5 DOLLARS A DAY FOR MEETINGS IN LITTLE ROCK – UP TO 130 DOLLARS, 136 FOR MEETINGS IN HOT SPRINGS. LAWMAKERS ALSO MAKE ANNUAL SALAORIES OF MORE THAN 14-THOUSAND DOLLARS A YEAR.

STATE TROOPER CAN KEEP RETIREMENT

A FORMER STATE TROOPER FACING A CHARGE OF NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE FOR SHOOTING AND KILLING A DISABLED MAN WON’T LOSE HIS RETIREMENT IF CONVICTED OF THAT MISDEMEANOR CHARGE. LARRY NORMAN FACES CHARGES FOR HIS PART IN THE MARCH 7TH SHOOTING OF ERIN HAMLEY OF SPRINGDALE. NORMAN MISTOOK HAMLEY FOR AN ESCAPED PRISONER FROM MICHIGAN. NORMAN PLEADED INNOCENT TO THE CHARGE.

MISSING POLICE DOG

POLICE IN BENTONVILLE CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR A MISSING POLICE DOG. INVESTIGATORS THINK THE CANINE BECAME FRIGHTENED DURING STORMS THIS WEEKEND, AND RAN AWAY. POLICE HAVE ASKED PEOPLE LIVING ON EAST CENTRAL AVENUE AND PLEASANT VIEW LANE, WEST OF HIGHWAY 71, TO LOOK FOR THE ANIMAL, AND CONTACT THEM IF THEY SEE IT.

Heeerrreee poochy, poochy, here boy!

FRIDAY MORNING NEWS BREIFING

Running late again today, working on putting together the "You've seen the rest, now see the best!" NWA debate...let us know what you think of the idea -- details in the post just under this one...here's the news...

BABYSITTER CONVICTED OF MURDER

A JURY IN BENTON COUNTY YESTERDAY CONVICTED A BABYSITTER OF 2ND DEGREE MURDER FOR SHAKING A 4-MONTH OLD BABY TO DEATH. SENTENCING IN THE CASE OF SAMATHA MITCHELL TAKES PLACE TODAY – MITCHELL COULD GET AS MUCH AS 20 YEARS IN PRISON ON THE CONVICTION. DOCTORS EVENTUALLY TOOK THE INFANT OFF LIFE SUPPORT, AND DESCRIBED THE CHILD’S INJURIES AS CONSISTENT WITH SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME.

AIRPORT SECURITY PROBLEMS

IN FORT SMITH, OFFICIALS AT THE AIRPORT SAY THEY’LL HAVE TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THEIR SECURITY AFTER CATCHING A 12 YEAR OLD BOY WHO MANAGED TO CLIMB A FENCE AND BREAK ONTO THE PROPERTY. POLICE SAY THE BOY HAD A STOLEN NATIONAL GUARD COMPUTER WITH HIM – AND TRIED TO BREAK INTO A FACILITY WHERE THE GUARD TRAINS. THE RUNAWAY SAID HE WANTED TO GET ON A PLANE AND LEAVE THE AREA.

ALBRIGHT MOVES TO NEW VENUE

FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT HAS A SPEAKING DATE IN LITTLE ROCK ON SEPTEMBER 27TH. ALBRIGHT WILL SPEAK ABOUT HER NEW BOOK “THE MIGHTY AND THE ALMIGHTY” ABOUT RELIGION IN POLITICS. HOWEVER, ORGANIZERS WITH THE CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER SAY THEY’VE HAD SUCHA A BIG RESPONSE TO THE EVENT – THEY’LL MOVE IT TO THE STATEHOUSE CONVENTION CENTER.

WORLD TRADE CENTER IN NWA?

EXPECT AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS MONDAY THAT IT PLANS TO OPEN A “WORLD TRADE CENTER” IN ROGERS. NO OFFICIAL AGREEMENT HAS BEEN MADE BETWEEN THE WORLD TRADE CENTER GROUP AND THE SCHOOL AS OF YET. THE CENTERS AIM TO BRING BOTH BUSINESS AND EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS TOGETHER TO SERVE LOCAL BUSINESS AND STIMULATE THE REGIONAL ECONOMY.

NWA DEBATE DETAILS

WE’VE LEARNED MORE ABOUT THE GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS. THE MORNING NEWS, ALONG WITH CHANNEL 40-29 WILL HOST THE DEBATE ON OCTOBER 4TH AT FAYETTEVILLE’S CONTINUING EDUCATION CENTER ON THE FAYETTEVILLE SQUARE – THAT INCLUDES TV COVERAGE BETWEEN 6 AND 7 PM. THE INDEPENDENT CANDIATE – THE GREEN PARTY CANIDATE – AND THE PUBLIC ARE NOT INVITED TO ATTEND THE EVENT.

CHURCH THEFT IN BENTONVILLE

SOMEBODY APPARENTLY WALKED AWAY WITH THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF CASH AND CHECKS FOR THE COLLECTION PLATE AT BENTONVILLE’S FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. THE CHURCH SAYS ALL THE REGULAR AND SPECIAL OFERINGS DISAPPEARED. THE CHURCH USUALLY PUTS THE MONEY IN BANK BAGS WITH LOCKS, AND TWO MEN LOCK THE MONEY IN A ROOM AFTERWARD.

BELLA VISTA FACES MONEY PROBLEMS

VOTERS IN BELLA VISTA FACE A DECISION – TO INCORPORATE AND BECOME A TOWN, OR NOT. A NEW STUDY SAYS IF INCORPOATION HAPPENS, THE NEW CITY WOULD FIND ITSELF SHORT OF 6-POINT-3 MILLION DOLLARS OF REVENUE DURING THE FIRST YEAR. THE STUDY CAME FROM A GROUP THAT OPPOSES INCORPORATION. THE STUDY ALSO SHOWS THE CITY WOULD NEED TO BUY MORE THAN 2-POINT-8 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF EQUIPMENT.

ATTY GEN CANDIDATES SPAR OVER VETS ISSUES

THE CANDIDATES FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL HAVE A DIFFERENCE OVER VETERAN’S ISSUES. REPUBLICAN GUNNER DELAY ACCUSED HIS DEMOCRATIC OPPONENT DUSTIN MCDANIEL OF MISSING A VOTE ON A VETERAN’S ISSUE WHILE IN THE LEGISLATURE. MCDANIEL POINTED TO HIS SUPPORT FOR 15 OTHER VETERANS BILLS AT THE TIME.

Debate season is at it's high point. A great spectator sport.

ALTERNATE DEBATE

OK,we think it’s a crappy thing to do – exclude the Independent and Green candidates from the NWA gubernatorial debate. This morning, those of us who read the paper learned more details about the upcoming showdown…

The Morning News, along with broadcast partners KHOG 40/29 News and Magic 107.9FM KEZA, will host a debate between the two major party candidates for Arkansas governor.

The debate, scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 4, will be broadcast live on KHOG 40/29 and Magic 107.9. It will pit Republican Asa Hutchinson against Democrat Mike Beebe.

The candidates will answer questions posed by a panel of Northwest Arkansas media representatives: Brenda Blagg, regional editor of The Morning News; Craig Cannon of 40/29 News; and Jess Smith, news announcer for Magic 107.9.

In addition, The Morning News and 40/29 News will solicit questions from their readers and viewers, and some of those questions will be posed to the candidates during the debate.

"The two candidates for Arkansas governor have agreed on our proposal outlining the format and guidelines for the debate," said 40/29 news director Mike Courington.

Two other gubernatorial candidates, independent Rod Bryan and Green Party nominee Jim Lendall, were not invited to participate. The debate hosts chose to invite only Beebe and Hutchinson, because the other two candidates' poll numbers showed little support, officials said. In the most recent Arkansas News Bureau poll, neither Lendall nor Bryan polled more than 3 percent.

So, here’s what we’ve proposed for the two people left out of the process - a debate between Jim Lendall and Rod Bryan on the same night, same time across the square at Fayetteville’s Cable Access Television, which we’d make available to the other two network stations (NBC,CBS) locked out of the debate. To make it even sweeter, we’ll even throw in a full hour between 8 and 9 a.m. live on Newstalk 1030 KFAY-AM (morning drive time) for a debate complete with audience questions and participation – the truly democratic way of getting voters all the information they need in this race. The e-mail was sent this morning to all the parties involved, and we’ll let you know what the two candidates “on-the-ballot-but-off-the-air” have to say about our proposal. Keep your web browser tuned here.

THURSDAY MORNING NEWS BRIEFING

Exhausting has set in. The political debate season has hit me square between the eyes. Had another 2 hour session with the Leauge of Women Voters in Bella Vista last night. Tonight, I've got about 2 hours with the Fayetteville School Board candidates live on Cox channel 14 starting at 5 p.m. Monday, I'll be at the Clinton School to moderate the Halter-Holt debate. Good heavens, I'm doing more now than I was when I had a full-time gig as a news anchor. Here's the news...

CHILD TAKES THE WITNESS STAND

THE DEFENSE HAS WRAPPED UP IT’S CASE IN THE TRIAL OF A BABYSITTER CHARGED WITH SHAKING A FOUR MONTH OLD CHILD TO DEATH. SAMANTHA MITCHELL WATCHED AS HER FIVE YEAR OLD SON ASHER TOOK THE STAND. THE BOY TESTIFIED THAT HIS YOUNGER BROTHER MAY HAVE INJURED THE INFANT, CAUSING THE DEATH. IF CONVICTED, MS. MITCHELL COULD GET LIFE IN PRISON.

MORE EXPERT TESTIMONY IN CANCER TRIAL

ANOTHER TRIAL – THIS ONE IN WASHINGTON COUNTY COURT OVER A SERIES OF CANCER CASES IN PRAIRIE GROVE – CONTINUED WITH MORE EXPERT TESTIMONY. DR. JAMES DAHLGREN SAID WEDNESDAY THAT HE THINKS MICHAEL GREEN WAS EXPOSED TO ARSENIC FROM CHICKEN LITTER – SOMETHING DAHLGREN CONTENDS CAN CAUSE LEUKEMIA LIKE THAT SUFFERED BY GREEN. ATTORNEYS FOR THE POULTRY INDUSTRY FOCUSED ON JUST HOW MUCH MONEY THE EXPERT WITNESSES GET PAID IN THESE CASES.

NBA TO NWA?

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS CITY LEADERS SAY THEY FEEL ENCOURAGED BY THE TONE OF TALKS WITH NBA COMMISSIONER DAVID STERN. THEY FEEL STERNS ORGANIZATION KNOWS THE POTENTIAL OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS – AND MAY EVENTUALLY PUT A “D-LEAUGE” TEAM IN THE AREA. ONE PROPOSAL WOULD HAVE A WOMEN’S PRO-TEAM PLAYING AT AN AS-OF-YET UNBUILT ARENA NEAR NORTHWEST ARKANSAS REGIONAL AIRPORT.

FAMILY FUED?

THE FORMER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF DIXIE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT – 25 YEAR OLD EMILY ISRAEL – NOW FACES CHARGES OF HAVE STOLEN MORE THAN 100-THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM COMPANIES OWNED BY HER FATHER IN LAW, BEN ISRAEL. POLICE ARRESTED MS. ISRAEL FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING THE MONEY OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST YEAR. MS. ISRAEL’S HUSBAND SAYS THE CHARGES COME AS RETALIATION FOR EMILY’S TESTIMONY IN A CASE THAT RESULTED IN A COURT AWARDING HALF-A-MILLION DOLLARS TO A FORMER DIXIE BROKER.

WAL-MART ON TRIAL

WAL-MART IN COURT AGAIN – THIS TIME, A COLORADO PSYCHOLOGIST TESTIFIED THAT THE COMPANY PAID STORE MANAGERS BONSUES – SOMETIMES MORE THAN THOSE MANAGERS SALARIES – TO LIMIT EMPLOYEE MEAL AND REST BREAK.S THAT PSYCHOLOGIST, FRANK LUNDY, WORKS AS A HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT. THE TRIAL INVOLVES ALLEGATIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA.

HE SAID - HE SAID...

THE GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES EACH PICKED DIFFERENT ISSUES ON WHICH TO CAMPAIGN THIS WEEK. REPUBLICAN ASA HUTCHINSON TALKED ABOUT IMPROVING HEALTH CARE IN ARKANSAS – PROPOSING A VOLUNTARY MEDICAID PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES EXPANDED DRUG COVERAGE. DEMOCRAT MIKE BEEBE PROPOSED A 1-POINT-7 M ILLION DOLLAR INCREASE IN STATE AID FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES, SOMETHING HE SAYS WOULD HELP A LOT IN RURAL AREAS.

Happy Thursday!

WEDNESDAY MORNING NEWS BREIFING

Man, I'm about debated out at this point. Last night, I was in Bella Vista for an aldermanic debate (remember, they will probably incorporate) -- there were 18 candidates on the stage, biggest one I've ever moderated. Tonight, I'll be back there at 7 p.m. for a Mayoral, Recorder, etc. debate. Also today, conducting a televised one-on-one with 3rd District congressional candidate (D)Woody Anderson. Here's the news...

TAXES APPROVED IN NWA

FAYETTEVILLE VOTERS LAST NIGHT GAVE THE THUMBS UP TO ALL FOUR TAX QUESTIONS ON A SPECIAL BALLOT. THOSE VOTES MEAN THE CITY CAN INCREASE THE SALES TAX AND ISSUE 110 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF BONDS FOR CITY PROJECTS. THE MONEY WILL PAY FOR THE ONGOING IMPROVEMENT OF THE WASTEWATER SYSTEM, 13 ROAD PROJECTS AND AN EXPANSION OF THE CITY’S TRAIL SYSTEMS. 76 PERCENT OF VOTERS APPROVED QUESTIONS ON THE SEWER UPGRADES, 76 PERCENT THE STREET IMPROVEMENTS AND 61 PERCENT THE TRAILS.

JANET UNDER THE BRIDGE

FIRST LADY JANET HUCKABEE WILL SPEND SOME TIME SLEEPING UNDER A BRIDGE IN LITTLE ROCK – ALL PART OF AN EFFORT TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS ABOUT THE HOMELESS. THE SO-CALLED “SLEEP OUT” WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY NIGHT. THE EVENT HAS ENTERED IT’S THIRD YEAR, ORGANIZED BY ADVOCATES WHO ONCE CALLED LITTLE ROCK THE MEANEST CITY IN AMERICA FOR TRYING TO RUN THE HOMELESS OUT OF CAMPS ALONG THE ARKANSAS RIVER.

KFSM UP FOR SALE

GET READY FOR MORE CHANGE ON LOCAL TELEVISION. LAST NIGHT, THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY ANNOUNCED PLANS TO SELL IT’S BROADCAST GROUP. THAT BUSINESS INCLUDES LOCAL CBS AFFILIATE KFSM, CHANNEL FIVE. THE COMPANY SAID IT INTENDS INSTEAD TO FOCUS ON IT’S NEWSPAPER AND DIGITAL BUSINESSES. THE COMPANY CALLED THE STATION GROUP PROFITABLE, WITH EXPECTED REVENUES THIS YEAR OF ABOUT 150 MILLION DOLLARS.

JABER FACES SENTENCING TODAY

A FORMER UNIVERSITY OF AKRANSAS STUDENT WHO ONCED FACED TERRORISM CHARGES – ONLY TO BE ACQUITTED OF THOSE BY A JURY, HAS A SENTENCING HEARING TODAY IN FEDERAL COURT IN FAYETTEEVILLE. THE JURY FOUND ARWAH JABER GUILTY OF LESSER CHARGES, INCLUDING GETTING HIS CITIZENSHIP BY FRAUD. THE JURY ALSO CONVICTED JABER OF LYING ON A CREDIT CARD APPLICATION.

DEMS CONCEDE HOUSE 95 RACE

ARKANSAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS CONCEDED THE RACE IN THE HOUSE DISTRICT 95 ELECTION. REPUBLICAN AARON BURKES OF LOWELL WILL WIN THAT RACE AFTER DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE ROBYN TUMEY DROPPED OUT. TUMEY CONTINUES TO DEAL WITH FEDERAL CHARGES PENDING AGAINST HER CONTRACTING COMPANY CONNECTED TO WORK ON AN ARMY BASE IN MISSOURI. A PARTY SPOKESMAN SAID STATE LAW PREVENTS THE PARTY FROM FIELDING A REPLACEMENT IN THE RACE.

EXTRA PAY FOR PD APPROVED IN SPRINGDALE

SPRINGDALE’S CITY COUNCIL LAST NIGHT APPROVED A RESOLUTION THAT PROVIDES EXTRA PAY FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WHO CAN PROVE THEIR COMPETENCY IN TWO LANGAUGES. THE RESOLUTION WOULD PROVIDE AN EXTRA $100 A MONTH FOR THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO TAKE – AND PASS – A TEST OF THEIR LANGUAGE SKILLS.

Adios.

TUESDAY MORNING NEWS BRIEFING

Sorry about yesterday...I've been "out-of-pocket" for a couple days while moving. Pure and total exhaustion claimed my attention yesterday, but I'm back again today. Today, we have a tax vote in Fayetteville, and more on a tough weekend for developer Brandon Barber (which some of you knew about before it hit the papers, but did anyone share by giving us a tip? Noooooooo....) Here's the morning news.

TAX VOTE IN FAYETTEVILLE

WELCOME TO ELECTION DAY, IF YOU LIVE IN FAYETTEVILLE. VOTERS TODAY WILL DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH A PROPOSED 110-MILLION DOLLAR SALES TAX BOND. VOTING STARTED AT 7:30 AND LASTS UNTIL 7:30 TONIGHT. AT ISSUE? FOUR QUESTIONS THAT WOULD PAY AS MUCH AS 125 MILLION DOLLARS TO COMPLETE THE WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND ROAD WORK. IF APPROVED, THE TOTAL GENERAL SALES TAX IN FAYETTEVILLE WOULD GO UP TO 9 AND A QUARTER PERCENT.

DALEY VETO STOPS WAL-MART LAW

IN CHICAGO, MAYOR RICHARD DALEY YESTERDAY ISSUED THE FIRST VETO OF HIS 17 YEARS IN OFFICE, SAYING NO TO A PROPOSED ORDINANCE THAT WOULD HAVE REQUIRED BIG-BOX COMPANIES, INCLUDING WAL-MART AND TARGET, TO INCREASE THE PAY AND BENEFITS OF EMPLOYEES IN THE CITY. THE MAYOR SAID HE DIDN’T BELIEVE THE PROPOSED LAW WOULD HELP WORKERS “EARN A LIVING WAGE.” THE MATTER WILL MOST LIKELY COME UP AGAIN AT A CITY COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW.

CHEMIST TESTIFIES IN CANCER CASES

IN WASHINGTON COUNTY COURT – A LAWSUIT OVER CANCER CASES IN PRAIRIE GROVE CONTINUES. MONDAY, A CHEMIST TESTIFIED THAT INORGANIC ARSENIC FROM A TYPE OF CHICKEN FEED DID TURN UP IN LOCAL HOMES. DR. ROD O’CONNOR SAYS HE FOUND THE CHEMICAL IN AIR CONDITIONER FILTERS – THE SAME CHEMICAL SPREAD ON FIELDS NEAR THE TOWN. A GROUP OF FAMILIES HAS SUED THE POULTRY INDUSTRY, SAYING THE CHEMICALS CAUSED THE ILLNESSES.

DID 2 YEAR OLD KILL INFANT?

DID THE BABY SITTER DO IT, OR DID HER 2 YEAR OLD SON? DEFENSE ATTORNEYS IN A MURDER CASE IN BENTON COUNTY RAISED THAT QUESTION YESTERDAY IN THE TRIAL OF SAMATHA MITCHELL. ATTORNEY DREW MITCHELL SAYS HE’LL CALL THE NOW 5-YEAR OLD BOY TO THE WITNESS STAND. ATTORNEY’S SAY THAT BOY BELIEVES HIS YOUNGER BROTHER INJURED THE 4 MONTH OLD INFANT. DOCTORS HAD TO TAKE THE CHILD OFF LIFE SUPPORT AFTER THE BABY SUFFERED INJURIES DOCTORS DESCRIBED AS CONSISTENT WITH SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME. IF CONVICTED, MS. MITCHELL COULD GET LIFE IN PRISON.

FUEL SPILL IN SPRINGDALE

SPRINGDALE’S FIRE DEPARTMENT SPENT ABOUT THREE HOURS MONDAY TRYING TO SOAK UP A DIESEL FUEL SPILL IN MILL CREEK. THE FUEL CAME FROM A STORAGE TANK FOR TWO DIESEL GENERATORS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE CITY HALL. INVESTIGATORS SAY IT HAPPENED AFTER AN EMPLOYEE FORGOT TO PUSH A PUMP LEVER INTO THE LOCKED POSITION. THE HOSE FELL OFF THE TANK AND FUEL LEAKED OUT OF THE TANK HOSE. THE SPILL – ALMOST 50 GALLONS – HAD TO BE REPORTED TO THE FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY. THE CITY ALSO SAYS CREWS MANAGED TO SOAK UP MOST OF THE SPILL.

BARBER ARRESTED ON D-U-I

ROUGH WEEKEND FOR BRANDON BARBER, CHIER EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MEGA REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER THE BARBER GROUP. POLICE ARRESTED HIM ON A CHARGE OF DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED. INVESTIGATORS SAY BARBAR HAD A BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL OF POINT 1-5. POLICE SAY BARBER PLOWED INTO THREE MAIL BOXES AND A UTILITY POLL ON DEAN STREET, WRECKING HIS 2003 LAND ROVER.

Tough break for Mr. Barber. You can listen to one of his interviews with us about his developments in NWA over on the left column.

OLBERMANN'S ELOQUENCE OK. It's after midnight, meaning it is now 9/12. My self-imposed moratorium on political discussion is over. Damn, that one was one of the longest 24 hours of my life. Here's a link (I hope it works) to what I believe will go down in history (If history survives GW Bush) as one of the greatest monologues ever given. It's probably under five minutes. Doesn't cost you a thing to click on the link and watch/listen. PLEASE, do yourself a favor and listen to this: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6210240/ In case that doesn't work, I'll try this too: a

FPS: IN FOCUS, ON-AIR

I’m proud of this, and it took a little work, but it finally went on-air this week. Fayetteville Public Schools: “In Focus” is a great program, with a lot of potential. I had a pretty good time doing the first episode, which you can’t say for a lot of things in television. Thought I’d share it with you…here’s the link…

FPS In Focus, streaming video

Not too shabby, and we just expect the content to get better each month. The FPS really wants to get ahead of the curve on communications and technology. A fantastic group, where I’m glad to have my kids attend classes in the district. More next month.

RE-RUN TODAY

My apologies. I’m moving, and pretty tired right now. Also, U of A plays Utah State tonight. We have a rerun of last week’s program for you tonight, we’ll be back live again next week.

Who knows – maybe we’ll get either Doris Ozmun or Jim Lagrone as guests. Maybe both. Appreciate it. Tune in either on terrestrial radio at Newstalk 1030 KFAY AM (this is the website with a live stream) or just hit 1030 on your AM dial in NWA.

Start time is 6 p.m. CDT.

FRIDAY MORNING NEWS BRIEFING

Clinton raised money last night, the feds want to mess up the election schedule, and the golf biz in Bella Vista faces tough times...welcome the end of the week...

GET READY FOR ELECTION CHANGES

THE STATE’S ELECTION PROCESS MAY GO THROUGH SOME MAJOR CHANGES AFTER THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION IN JANUARY. FEDERAL OFFICIALS HAVE ASKED THE STATE TO PROVIDE MORE TIME FOR THOSE OVERSEAS AND IN THE MILITARY TO RETURN ABSENTEE BALLOTS. STATE ELECTION OFFICIALS SAY CHANGING THAT TIMELINE COULD ALSO CHANGE DEADLINES FOR CERTIFYING PARTY NOMINEESS, AND DEADLINES FOR DRAWING BALLOT POSITIONS.

WAL-MART RE-TOOLS

WAL-MART HAS DECIDED TO GIVE ITS MORE THAN 3-THOUSAND STORES IN THE U.S. A MAKEOVER IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS. THE COMPANY WILL CUSTOMIZE IT’S MIX OF GOODS – AND THE WAY IT LAYS OUT THE STORES, TRYING TO TARGET LATINOS, AFRICAN AMERICANS AND WEALTHIER SHOPPERS. THE MOVE COMES AS THE WORLD’S LARGEST RETAILER TRYS TO RE-START GROWTH RATES. WAL-MART HAS MANAGED TO FALL BEHIND OTHER STORES, INCLUDING TARGET. WE SAW SOME OF THE TROUBLE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER, WHEN THE COMPANY POSTED ITS FIRST DECREASE IN PROFITS IN MORE THAN TEN YEARS.

CLINTON RAISES BUCKS

FORMER PRESIDENT CLINTON VISITED ARKANSAS LAST NIGHT TO CAMPAIGN FOR DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR STATEWIDE OFFICE. THE VISIT MANAGED TO PRODUCE ABOUT 600-THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE DEMOCRATS. TICKETS TO THE FUNDRAISING EVENTS LAST NIGHT WENT FOR BETWEEN 100 AND 15-HUNDRED DOLLARS A PERSON.

CORONER PLEADS INNOCENT

BENTON COUNTY CORONOR KIMBERLY SCOTT HAS PLEADED NOT GUILTY TO CHARGES OF HAVING TAKEN PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FROM DEAD HOSPICE PATIENTS. SHE’LL GO BACK TO COURT ON SEPTEMBER 25TH, BUT HER ATTORNEY SUBMITTED THE PLEA IN THE CASE EARLY. SCOTT FACES FELONY COUNTS OF DRUG POSSESSION AND A THEFT CHARGE. SHE ALSO FACES TWO MISDEMEANOR CHARGES OF FALSIFYING BUSINESS RECORDS AND POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. SCOTT SAYS SHE WON’T RESIGN HER OFFICE, AND SAYS SHE DID NOTHING WRONG.

DEM JOINS HOLT CAMPAIGN

THE FORMER CAMPAIGN MANAGER OF ONE OF THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR THE LT. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE SAYS HE’LL NOW VOLUNTEER FOR – AND SUPPORT – THE CAMPAIGN OF REPUBLICAN NOMINEE JIM HOLT. YESTERDAY, DAN NOBLE, FORMER MANAGER FOR DEMOCRAT TIM WOOLRIDGE – SAID HE MADE THE DECISION BECAUSE HE FEELS ALARMED BY DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE BILL HALTERS POSITION ON THE QUESTION OF HOMOSEXUALS SERVING AS FOSTER PARENTS IN ARKANSAS. HALTER SUPPORTS ALLOWING THAT TO HAPPEN – NOBLE SAYS MOST LAWMAKERS SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO BAN GAY FOSTER PARENTS.

WAL-MART RE-TOOLS

SEEMS HOT WEATHER AND “CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS” HAVE RESULTED IN LESS MONEY FOR GOLF COURSES IN BELLA VISTA. THE INDUSTRY HAS SEEN A DROP OF MORE THAN A QUARTER MILLION DOLLARS REVENUE THIS SEASON. AN INDUSTRY SPOKESMAN SAYS HOT TEMPERATURES MEANT FEWER PEOPLE SIGNED UP FOR EARLY MORNING TEE TIMES.

Fore!

DORIS, OUR FINAL WORD...

Now, mind you, I feel truly like I'm digging in the dirt on this, but I've had more hits on this story than any other. I think the public has spoken. As the Okies said, Sheriff Ozmun can keep his job, it's a free country and Mrs. Ozmun is able to make her living any way legally available to her.

I've read numerous complaints on media websites today about this, and I'm not trying to push anything "adult" in nature. That's not what we're about. But we've had a few people comment that they'd like to see what all the fuss is about.

Just to prove to you I have friends in strange places, an aquaintance of mine managed to produce a couple of interesting web links for me this evening. Warning -- the first link is an adult website, so you proceed at your own risk, after that I'm not responsible for what your poor eyes might encounter. The other site is from the OK Dept of Corrections, apparently Ms. Ozmun's rap sheet.

Way, way too much of Doris here (her business-she uses an alias, duh!)

Her earlier mistakes...

I know I'll get called out for this, but again -- people have questions, and an insatiable need to see for themselves -- and I get dirtier joke e-mail everyday, and this is a freakin' website, so shaddup and let's move on to the next story. One other thing -- Doris was right -- she is a grown-up and does have a right to do this in America! Good for her.

LET'S PLAY THE DORIS OZMUN GAME...

OK, those of you here looking for the story about the OK Sheriff with the plus-size-porno actress wife, we do have a post about it further down the page.

What we don't have is any video, her website address (ewwwwwwwww!) or many other details. Let's play a game -- you tell us the web address, and we'll get more details on this fine upstanding citizen. But, thanks for the hits.

Here's some more of the story for you...from the OK state...

Last week, more than 70 residents crammed into the town’s tiny City Hall chambers to demand that her husband be fired. Mayor Dale Moore took a firm stand, saying Tod Ozmun would remain police chief as long as Moore remained mayor. The debate continues to spill into the streets and into a few Sunday morning sermons.

District Attorney John Wampler, meanwhile, called the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday to request an investigation into the pornography. “I can’t believe this has been blown so far out of proportion,” Doris Ozmun, 43, said Wednesday. “I don’t understand. I just don’t understand. I could if I had done something illegal, or if I had murdered someone. But this is amazing ... You know what I call this? I call this a witch-hunt.”

Ozmun said she has decided to shut down her Web site.

“This has mortified my family,” Ozmun said. “And it has caused a lot of hurt and destruction, not only for myself, but also for my husband and family.” A number of residents contend Snyder and its people are the true victims. “It’s embarassing,” said Carla Schulz, owner of a local cafe. “We don’t like this kind of thing. This is a quiet, churchgoing community.”

We just might be inclined to agree with Ms. Ozmun in this case. After all, it's a free country, right? (Doris' site -- warning, adult material) (Doris rapsheet)

LAGRONE TAPE, AS PROMISED...

As I promised, here is the video of my converstation with Republican Secretary of State candidate Jim Lagrone of Bryant. I would again urge you to read this piece first, before watching the program.

It will have you asking more questions, and might even make you a little miffed. You tell me if Mr. Lagrone tried to pull the wool over my eyes by concealing something he knew about that he should have talked about publicly. Now, it seems like the man lied, bald-faced as it were, to me in this.

Perhaps I have it wrong -- if so, I leave it to you, or to candidate Lagrone to explain what it is I misunderstand about the apparent cover-up of the facts about one of his central, and most widely publicized criticisms of Charlie Daniels. I think someone owes me that much at least. If it was a misunderstanding, I can live with that, but if this person lied to me on camera, I know of no excuse for that.

LAGRONE A LIAR?

I’m a little disappointed. When I sat down with Jim Lagrone this past week, he made a very big deal about telling the truth, about being a Baptist minister and about his son. Now, this comes out. Sounds like Mr. Lagrone may have told me a whopper, and told everyone else the same. This makes it hard for me to hold as credible much of what he said the other day.

One of secretary of state candidate Jim Lagrone’s complaints has been that Secretary of State Charlie Daniels is to blame for Lagrone’s son’s 2004 Arkansas ballot not being counted after it was cast in Iraq.

One problem: Lagrone’s son wasn’t in Iraq at the time of the election. He was in Mississippi, before his deployment to Iraq.

Candidate Lagrone first was reluctant this week to agree that he had said in an interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that his son, Matt, had voted in Iraq.

Mr. Lagrone, I think you owe us an apology. What gives with this? Did I not treat you fairly? Did you have a hard time living up to all that talk about character and truthfulness? Feel free to e-mail me here. I’d love to hear the explanation, because I treated you fairly, but it seems you didn’t think as much of me.

The ballot was sent to Camp Shelby, Miss., by the Saline County clerk’s office after the application was received Oct. 13, 2004, said Terri Brown, deputy clerk in charge of absentee ballots.

Matt Lagrone, a part-time student at Henderson State University, said he cast his ballot in Mississippi, then served in Iraq from January 2005 through January of this year.

“We try to be transparent. It might be a little bit of lawyerspeak going on,” he said about his dad’s remarks about voting in Iraq. “It made such a good sound bite.”

Matt Lagrone said he’s made it clear to a few people that he wasn’t in Iraq when he voted. Those people include John Edwards of Little Rock, who was lieutenant colonel and staff judge advocate for the 39 th Infantry Brigade and helped coordinate efforts with the secretary of state for the 2004 election.

You made a big deal out of this. Why should I trust you now? "It made such a good sound bite?" -- what did you tell your son to do? That displays a level of callousness that surprises me, and ought to surprise you.

THURSDAY MORNING NEWS BRIEFING

We have an awful lot of political news this morning -- yes, most of it "awful." Most of it consists of more campaign promises, and Governor Huckabee is starting to build his presidential campaign platform. We think a "flat tax" proposal is very Reaganesque, but probably fatally simple...here's the news.

COLLEGE COSTS OUTPACE INCOME

YOU’LL PAY MORE FOR A COLLEGE EDUCATION IN ARKANSAS – AND 42 OTHER STATES. THE PRICE OF THAT EDUCATION HAS STARTED TO RISE FASTER THAN PER CAPITA INCOME. THAT NEWS CAME FROM A NEW STUDY RELEASED YESTERDAY BY THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR PUBLIC POLICY. THE REPORTS SHOWS THE RISING PRICE HITTING ARKANSAS STUDENTS FROM LOW INCOME HOMES THE HARDEST. THE BI-ANNUAL REPORT SHOWED ARKANSAS IMPROVING IN EVERY AREA OF EDUCATION EXCEPT COST.

JURY SELECTION IN BABY DEATH TRIAL

TOMORROW MORNING IN BENTON COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT, JURY SELECTION WILL START IN THE TRIAL OF A 32 YEAR OLD BABY SITTER CHARGED WITH SHAKING A 4-MONTH OLD BABY TO DEATH. PROSECUTORS SAY SAMANTHA MITCHELL INJURED THE CHILD, CAUSING BRAIN SWELLING, BLEEDING IN THE EYES AND OTHER TRAUMA. DOCTORS LATER HAD TO TAKE THE CHILD OFF LIFE SUPPORT. ATTORNEY’S YESTERDAY ARGUED ABOUT WHETHER THE COURT SHOULD ALLOW THE TERM “SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME” DURING THE TRIAL PHASE.

BEEBE PROPOSES SCHOLARSHIPS

AND, DEMOCRATIC GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE MIKE BEEBE YESTERDAY PROPOSED CREATING AS MUCH AS 12 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF NEED BASED COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NEEDY STUDENTS. THE SCHOLARSHIPS WOULD AMOUNT TO A THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH, AND GO TO STUDENTS FROM FAMILIES MAKING LESS THAN 25-THOUSAND DOLLARS A YEAR. BEEBE MADE THE PROPOSAL DURING A SPEECH AT PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE.

HUCKABEE WANTS FLAT TAX

GOVERNOR HUCKABEE CALLS IT A “BIBLICAL” SOLUTION – A LOT LIKE TITHING. YESTERDAY, THE FORMER BAPTIST MINISTER AND POSSIBLE FUTURE CANDIDATE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE TOLD LISTENERS TO HIS STATEWIDE RADIO PROGRAM THAT HE FAVORS A FLAT TAX. HUCKABEE LEAVES OFFICE IN JANUARY. DURING HIS PROGRAM, HE TALKED ABOUT FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE STEVE FORBES, WHO BASED A PRESIDENTIAL RUN ON THE FLAT TAX – WITHOUT SUCCESS.

HUCKABEE SUPPORTS IMMIGRATION REFORM

THE GOVERNOR ALSO TALKED ABOUT IMMIGRATION. AFTER A SERIES OF CALLS, COMPLAINTS AND QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TOPIC, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE SUPPORTS ANY PROGRAM THAT WOULD ALLOW UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS TO LEGALLY COME TO THE U.S. TO WORK. HE SAID HE BELIEVES THAT WOULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CRACK DOWN ON BUSINESSES THAT HIRE THEM.

SENATE DELEGATION COLD ON RUMSFELD MEASURE

THE STATE’S SENATE DELGATION YESTERDAY DIDN’T THINK MUCH OF A DEMOCRATIC EFFORT TO GET RID OF SECRETARY OF DEFENSE DONALD RUMSFELD. DEMOCRATIC LEADERS SOUGHT A VOTE OF “NO CONFIDENCE” IN THE SENATE AS A WAY OF EXPRESSING THEIR UHAPPINESS WITH RUMSFELD. SENATOR MARK PRYOR SAID THE PRESIDENT SHOULD BEAR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEMS OVERSEAS – BOTH SENATORS SAID THEY DO BELIEVE CHANCE IN PENTAGON LEADERSHIP COULD HELP. REPUBLICANS STRUCK DOWN THE MEASURE.

DANIELS WANTS FULL TIME WORKERS

SECRETARY OF STATE CHARLIE DANIELS SAYS HE’D LIKE TO PUT STATE-PAID ELECTION COORDINATORS IN EVERY COUNTY AS A WAY OT PREVENTING A RECURRENCE OF THE VOTING PROBLEMS THE STATE EXPERIENCED IN MAY. DANIELS, WHO’S RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION, SAID THE PLAN WOULD STREAMLINE ELECTIONS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. DANIELS SAID THE CURRENT SYSTEM – PART-TIME OFFICIALS – NEEDS CHANGED.

Yep, campaign season has started, and so has the gnashing of teeth.

WAY HOT IN OKIE LAND...

(Pic is from Denver area TV of Mrs. Doris Ozmun) - This one is too good to pass up. You think things are bad where you live? Imagine trying to iron out the ethics questions on this story. (H/T Rawstory.com)

SNYDER, Okla. -- An Oklahoma police chief's job is in jeopardy and his town is in an uproar because of his wife's profession.

Snyder Police Chief Tod Ozmun and his wife, Doris, live in Snyder, just west of Lawton. However, the chief's wife is known worldwide for her work as a plus-sized model on a pornographic Web site.

Officials said the Snyder mayor is requesting an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Technically, the mayor cannot request an OSBI investigation. However, the district attorney's office can, and officials said the focus of any such investigation would be to determine whether city computers were used for the pictures and if that violates the city's charter.

Yeah, first the Okies have the judge who uses a penis-pump under the bench during trials. Now, the police chief with the "famous" wife.

Ain't this the "bible belt?"

Or, is this a freedom of expression story?

(Doris' site -- warning, adult material) (Doris rapsheet)

LAGRONE, ONE-ON-ONE

I had an interesting hour of conversation with Republican Sec. State nominee Jim Lagrone yesterday at Fayetteville's CAT. It was supposed to be a debate between the candidates, but Mr. Lagrone continues to trail in the polls, and having Charlie Daniels come all the way up here for a limited audience probably didn't float the old boat.

We adhered to a timed format, and I was pleased with the conversation. I can't say he totally convinced me about his complaints in regards to his opponent, but he's a good talker (guess you could expect that from a former preacher -- he does it well.)

He seems like a nice guy, and he wasn't hard to speak with. We talked about military absentee ballots, his background, disagreements over absentee ballot numbers, electronic voting (he says he's suspicious of it) and about Jim Holt, among other things. The discussion took about an hour, and I'll have a copy of it tomorrow.

Gimme some time, and I'll post it online in flash vid so those of you interested in that race, and all things electoral can watch and listen. Stay tuned...

MY NEW CAREER...

For those of you wondering if I've sworn off television, I haven't. This pic is Producer Aimee Papazzian, myself, Fayetteville Schools Super Dr. Bobby New and John Lewis on the set. Here's a quick news release on the project.. This has been very enjoyable to work on, and the people are the best you could ask for on a broadcasting staff.

(FAYETTEVILLE, Ark)--"FPS In Focus," a monthly news show produced by the Fayetteville Public Schools will air on Thursday, September 7 at 6:30 pm on the Education Channel (channel 14 on Cox Cable).

Local TV personality Don Elkins will co-host the program each month with Dr. Bobby New, Fayetteville Public Schools superintendent. "FPS In Focus" will highlight a particular issue facing the district each month, as well as including a feature on a particular school or program.

The first show will feature a discussion of how technology has impacted the Fayetteville Public Schools, particularly in the establishment of the broadcast studio at Fayetteville High School, where "FPS In Focus" is produced. The second segment of the show focuses on the newly opened Owl Creek School in west Fayetteville.

"FPS In Focus" will be broadcast every Thursday at 6:30 pm, except for those Thursdays when the regular meeting of the Fayetteville Board of Education runs past 6:30 pm. All regular meetings of the board are broadcast live at 5:00 pm on the Education Channel.

So, turn off your news, and tune us in. OK, we don't cover the Hogs at all, and I'm not Katie Couric with Suri Cruise pictures and Rush Limbaugh, but we'd love to have you join us.

WEDNESDAY MORNING NEWS BRIEFING

No, I didn't see Katie Couric's debut last night. I heard she did a story about Tom Cruise's pics of his new baby. I still have a hard time seeing her as the main anchor at the tiffany network. Where is Cronkite? Oh yeah, the baseball team got approved...

BASEBALL TEAM CONTRACT APPROVED

SPRINGDALE HAS A BASEBALL TEAM. LAST NIGHT, THE CITY COUNCIL VOTED TO APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH THE WICHITA WRANGLERS. THAT VOTE – SIX IN FAVOR, ONE AGAINST – MEANS THE TEAM WILL COME TO NORTHWEST ARKANSAS IN 2008. THE WRANGLERS WILL PAY 325-THOUSAND DOLLARS A YEAR RENT ON SPRINGDALES AS OF YET UNBUILT BASEBALL STADIUM.

MORE LEGAL TROUBLE FOR COUGHLIN

MORE TROUBLE FOR FORMER WAL-MART VICE CHAIRMAN TOM COUGHLIN. COUGHLIN NOW FACES A LAWSUIT IN BENTON COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT FILED BY FORMER WAL-MART VICE PRESIDENT ROBERT HEY, JR. HEY PLEADED GUILTY IN NOVEMBER TO CHARGES OF WIRE FRAUD, GETTING A DAY IN PRISON AND SIX MONTHS SUPERVISED RELEASE FOR HELPING FEDERAL PROSECUTORS CONVICT COUGHLIN. NOW, HEY WANTS UNSPECIFIED DAMAGES FROM COUGHLIN FOR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. COUGHLIN GOT 27 MONTHS HOME DETENTION AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO STEALING MONEY, MERCHANDISE AND GIFT CARDS FROM HIS FORMER EMPLOYER.

CANCER TRIAL STARTS TODAY

THE COURT HAS SEATED A JURY, AND TODAY, ATTORNEY’S WILL MAKE OPENING STATEMENTS IN THE FIRST OF EIGHT LAWSUITS FILED AGAINST THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS. THE PARENTS OF MICHAEL GREEN CONTEND THAT ARSENIC IN CHICKEN LITTER CAUSED THEIR SON’S LEUKEMIA. A SERIES OF CANCER CASES OCCURRED IN PRAIRIE GROVE, AND SEVERAL FAMILIES CONTEND THAT FEED ADDITIVE ENDED UP IN THE SOIL, CAUSING ILLNESS.

ANDERSON HAS A PLAN

AS POLITICAL SEASON REVS UP, WE’VE HEARD FROM THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE IN THE THIRD DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL RACE. WOODY ANDERSON OF FORT SMITH YESTERDAY ANNOUNCED HIS SUPPORT FOR A SIMPLER PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN, ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES AND AN END TO WHAT HE CALLED “CORPORATE WELFARE” ON CAPITAL GAINS AND SUBSIDIES. CONGRESSMAN BOOZMAN RESPONDED BY SAYING THE FEDERAL PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM NEEDS FIXED – NOT REPLACED. HE ALSO SAID THE ONLY CURE FOR HIGH GAS PRICES IS INCREASED OIL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION.

CLINTON VISITS THURSDAY

FORMER PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS A CAMPAIGN APPEARANCE IN ARKANSAS TOMORROW. HE’LL CAMPAIGN FOR THE NOMINEES FOR GOVERNOR AND ATTORNEY GENERAL. CLINTON WILL ATTEND A 100-DOLLAR A PLATE DINNER IN NORTH LITTLE ROCK, THEN ATTEND A THOUSAND DOLLAR A TICKET BENEFIT LATER THAT EVENING FEATURE COUNTRY MUSIC ARTISTS JOE NICHOLS AND JERRY JEFF WALKER. PRESIDENT BUSH VISITED ARKANSAS EARLIER THIS MONTH TO CAMPAIGN FOR ASA HUTCHINSON.

STATE REVENUES UP

THE STATE SAYS IT SAW AN INCREASE IN TAX COLLECTIONS LAST MONTH – BUT WE ALSO SAW SIGNS THE STATE ECONOMY HAS STARTED TO SLOW. IN AUGUST, STATE REVENUES ROSE ONE PERCENT OVER THE SAME TIME A YEAR AGO. HOWEVER, THOSE COLLECTIONS ONLY CAME IN 3 PERCENT ABOVE FORECASTS, A LITTLE SLOWER THAN WE SAW IN JULY.