EDITORIAL >>Probe widens into firings

The U. S. Justice Department, in a remarkable bit of introspection, concluded this week that the White House had improperly directed the firing of the federal prosecutor in Arkansas so that it could put one of its political henchmen in the job.Everyone knew that already, but it was refreshing that the Justice Department acknowledged the fact and got it off […]

EDITORIAL >>We’re read in Congress

We’re not sure if our Wednesday editorial, “Bailout plan must pass,” swayed any votes on Friday in the House of Representatives, which finally passed a $700 billion rescue bill to shore up an economy that’s been on the brink since summer.Cong. Vic Snyder’s office tells us the editorial was passed around in Congress, along with a handful of others from […]

TOP STORY >>City seeks to unload its hospital

By RICK KRONLeader staff writer“It’s very difficult to maintain a hospital these days,” Mayor Tommy Swaim told the city council Thursday night as he asked permission to make a change in the lease, making it easier for Jacksonville to unload its city-owned hospital, North Metro Medical Center.The mayor said cities across the state are having difficulties. Two cities — Dardanelle […]

TOP STORY >>Broader mission for air base

By JOHN HOFHEIMERLeader senior staff writerIt was nothin’ but blue skies Wednesday at Little Rock Air Force Base as Brig. Gen. Rowayne Schatz, Jr. changed hats but not homes to become commanding officer of the newly minted 19th Airlift Wing, while remaining Little Rock Air Force Base commander. “Although I’m handing over the flag, I’m not leaving,” Schatz said. He […]

TOP STORY >>Bankers ride out financial turmoil

By JOHN HOFHEIMERLeader senior staff writerThe $700 billion economic bailout President Bush signed into law Friday afternoon may have been necessary, according to hometown banker Larry Wilson, but so far none of the dire effects threatened by proponents have surfaced here, at least not in locally-owned community banks.Wilson thinks the national media have contributed to a false notion that credit […]

TOP STORY >>Agency supports North Belt Loop route

By JOHN HOFHEIMERLeader senior staff writerThe Federal Highway Administra-tion has issued a record of decision setting the path that the North Belt Freeway will eventually take between the bean field at Hwy. 67/167 on the east and I-430 and I-40 at Crystal Hill on the west, according to Randy Ort, spokesman for the state Highway Department.After years of study, public […]

SPORTS >>Hurricane rages

By KELLY FENTONLeader sports editorThe Jacksonville Red Devils surrendered 426 yards and 24 first downs to Jonesboro on Friday night, but it was the offense that had head coach Mark Whatley upset afterward.Dropped passes, poor pass protection and a limited running game put the Red Devil defense in a huge hole all night long and the new-look Hurricane cashed in […]

SPORTS >>Rockets hold on to hand Panthers first loss

By JASON KINGLeader sportswriterTo the wire doesn’t even begin to describe Cabot’s tough 35-28 loss to Little Rock Catholic Friday night at Panther Stadium. Seth Bloomberg had one final shot to tie the game for the Panthers in the final three seconds, but on fourth down from the Catholic 6, he was sacked and Catholic held on for the win. […]

SPORTS >>Cats strike early, often in easy win

By RICK BUTLERSpecial to the LeaderSEARCY – Two teams headed in opposite directions refused to change courses here Friday night at First Security Stadium. Harding Academy quarterback Seth Keese was perfect in the first half as the Wildcats thumped 3A-2 Conference foe England, 45-6.Harding Academy improved to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in league play. England remained winless on the season […]

SPORTS >>Jackrabbits ‘D’ leads the way

By JASON KINGLeader sportswriterBALD KNOB — A great defensive effort led the way to Lonoke’s second-straight 2-4A Conference win of the season. The Jackrabbit defense pulled down five interceptions on the way to a 35-6 mercy-ruled win over Bald Knob at Heverling Stadium on Friday.The ’Rabbits went up 28-0 at the half before a 10-yard touchdown pass from Rollins Elam […]