News

Researchers at the University of Central Arkansas have completed a study showing that the digital divide between younger and older generations is beginning to narrow. 

The study reveals some surprising truths about seniors. They have more money available for technological expenses, are already a significant online presence, and they use technology and the internet in comparable ways to younger generations.

The National Weather Service in North Little Rock says severe weather is possible in north and western parts of the state. 

Forecasters say a weather system that brought devastating tornadoes to the Plains on Sunday was pushing toward northwest Arkansas on Monday. The storms led the way for a cold front, which is meeting a high pressure system that's over Arkansas and other southern states.

The high pressure ridge is causing the front to stall, with storms expected to develop over the northern and western Arkansas.

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department says the body of a young woman has been found in the Black River but her name is not yet known.

The sheriff's office said Saturday evening that the body would be sent to the Arkansas Crime Laboratory in Little Rock for an autopsy and identification.

There was no immediate indication whether the body is that of 14-year-old Sidney Nicole Randall.

She has been missing since early March after her stepfather was found dead along a Lawrence County road. Officials say Cornell committed suicide.

Arkansas Treasurer Martha Shoffner is to go before a federal judge Monday, after being arrested over the weekend on charges of extortion.

FBI spokeswoman Kimberly Brunell says agents arrested Shoffner Saturday at her home in Newport.

The Democrat serving her second term has been under scrutiny because of how her office has handled state investments.

Legislative auditors say that in 2011, 11 bonds were sold from the state’s investment portfolio before they had matured, resulting in a net loss of more than $434,000 worth of earnings.

So far, no Arkansas colleges or universities are permitting faculty and staff to carry concealed handguns on campus.

A law approved in the just-completed legislative session allows higher education institutions to decide whether to allow the weapons.

At least nine colleges and universities have voted to opt out of the new law.

Trustees for the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University systems are scheduled to vote Thursday on allowing guns.

A research center collecting writings and art of Native Americans hopes Arkansans will be more aware of racial issues.

Sequoyah National Research Center at UALR had just received a $20,000 grant to preserve Herschfelder-Molin Collection which depicts stereotypes of Native Americans.

Arkansas Treasurer Martha Shoffner has been arrested for extortion by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being held in Pulaski County Jail.

FBI spokeswoman Kimberly Brunell said Shoffner was arrested Saturday at her home in Newport and is scheduled for a federal court hearing Monday. Brunell said Shoffner was arrested on charges of "extortion under color of official right." Brunell said she would have more details Monday.