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Vaccination access added for ages 65-69 Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday extended eligibility for the coronavirus vaccines to Arkansans age 65-69, a group that he previously said wouldn't have access to the shots for another month. by Andy Davis 4 hrs. ago
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FDA says Johnson & Johnson 1-dose shot prevents covid; final decision soon WASHINGTON — Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine protects against covid-19, according to an analysis by U.S. regulators Wednesday that sets the stage for a final decision on a new and easier-to-use shot to help tame the pandemic. by The Associated Press 2 hrs. ago

Fair-housing chief quits to run for attorney general Arkansas Fair Housing Commission Executive Director Leon Jones Jr. has tendered his resignation, effective Monday to focus on vying for the Republican nomination for attorney general in 2022. by Michael R. Wickline 4 hrs. ago

Transgender Arkansan killed in Pennsylvania A 24-year-old transgender woman from Springdale was killed Thursday in Pennsylvania , according to the Pennsylvania State Police. by Ashton Eley 7 hrs. ago

Biden to order a review of U.S. supply chains for vital goods WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is preparing to sign an executive order to review U.S. supply chains for large-capacity batteries, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals and semiconductors that power cars, phones, military equipment and other goods. by The Associated Press 2 hrs. ago

Ranking rarity: UA hosts its first top-25 duel since ‘98 FAYETTEVILLE -- Twice within a two-week span in February 1998, the University of Arkansas basketball team hosted top-25 matchups in Walton Arena. by Bob Holt 8 hrs. ago

Police ID slaying victim, 20; man's body found at Little Rock Walmart Little Rock police on Wednesday released the name of a man who was reportedly found slain inside a vehicle at a Walmart Supercenter. by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette 4 hrs. ago

Hillary Rodham Clinton writing mystery novel 'State of Terror' with Louise Penny One of the world's better known fans of mystery novels, Hillary Rodham Clinton, is now writing one. by The Associated Press 6 hrs. ago

Committee likes stand ground bill on 2nd try A second attempt to get a controversial "stand-your-ground" bill out of the House Judiciary Committee succeeded Tuesday, after members of the committee beat back an attempt to amend the bill in a way to appease gun owners. by John Moritz 4 hrs. ago

OPINION | FRONT BURNER: Snowstorm brings longing for Pain au Chocolat When faced with a pastry case full of croissants and pains au chocolat, I will choose the pains au chocolat every time. by Kelly Brant 9 hrs. ago

Not told of riot threat, ex-lawmen testify Three former top Capitol security officials and the chief of the Washington police on Tuesday blamed federal law enforcement agencies and the Defense Department for intelligence failures before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and for slow authorization of the National Guard as the violence escalated. by Compiled by Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports 4 hrs. ago

Latest on coronavirus

In support of public health, we’re continuing to keep our vital coronavirus content available to all readers online.

Vaccine makers assure production revving up 4 hrs. ago

White House promises vaccine help as states rush to catch up 19 hrs. ago

Drug executives: Big jump in vaccine supply is coming soon 19 hrs. ago

Vaccine slots open to Arkansans 65 and older 20 hrs. ago

Biden marks U.S. lives lost in pandemic 1 day ago

State's active cases fall below death total 1 day ago

Half a million dead in U.S., confirming virus’s tragic reach 1 day ago

Governor, state health officials give Tuesday coronavirus update

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New or used, auto prices hit gas FENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- The viral pandemic has triggered a cascade of price increases throughout America's auto industry -- a surge that has made both new and used vehicles unaffordable for many. by MIKE ISAAC AND DAMIEN CAVE THE NEW YORK TIMES 8 hrs. ago

Home prices post another big jump Home prices in 20 U.S. cities surged in December, with low mortgage rates fueling the housing market. by Compiled by Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports 8 hrs. ago

Buying binge nudges stocks toward high ground A late-afternoon burst of buying on Wall Street helped reverse most of a stock market sell-off Tuesday, nudging the S&P 500 to its first gain after a five-day losing streak. by The Associated Press 9 hrs. ago

Vaccines' progress boosts consumers' outlook in February SILVER SPRING, Md. -- U.S. consumer confidence rose again in February as an accelerating covid-19 vaccine push provides hope for Americans who have lived through a year of unprecedented restrictions. by Compiled by Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports 9 hrs. ago

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Wildcats earn region spot, date with Billies today Patiently waiting amid more adversity, Watson Chapel got its chance to extend the boys basketball season in the District 4A-8 tournament and made the most of it. by I.C. Murrell 56 mins. ago

Downtown Springdale Alliance reports banner year despite pandemic The Downtown Springdale Alliance can count 28 new, developing and growing businesses in the city's central district last year -- despite the shutdown created by covid-19. by Laurinda Joenks 3 hrs. ago

Study in order for parking along West Avenue in Fayetteville, transportation committee says City staff will study on-street parking use on West Avenue to determine whether creating a paid parking district may be appropriate once street improvements associated with the arts corridor downtown are complete. by Stacy Ryburn 3 hrs. ago

Benton County sheriff seeks to replace books jail staff discarded Benton County Sheriff Shawn Holloway is asking the public to replace inmates' books six months after confiscating almost all the reading material in the jail. by Tracy Neal 3 hrs. ago

Bentonville school board talks pandemic learning, graduation planning The School Board held a work session Tuesday to discuss student learning during the pandemic and the 2021 commencement. by Mary Jordan 3 hrs. ago

Little Rock board backs hate-crimes bill Members of the Little Rock Board of Directors approved a symbolic resolution Tuesday expressing support for efforts in the Legislature to pass a bill adding enhanced penalties for hate crimes. by Joseph Flaherty 3 hrs. ago

Vote sends jobless-aid tax exemption to governor The Arkansas Senate voted Tuesday to send Gov. Asa Hutchinson a bill that would exempt federal and state unemployment benefits from state income taxes in 2020 and 2021. by Michael R. Wickline 4 hrs. ago

U.S. eases state rules on testing students; implications for Arkansas studied The U.S. Department of Education is offering states flexibility in how they give state and federally required exams this spring, but it won't be repeating 2020's blanket waivers of the testing requirement. by Cynthia Howell 4 hrs. ago

State Senate will take up new bill on voter ID A bill that would tighten Arkansas' voter-identification law by removing a provision allowing voters without IDs to sign their names in order to have their ballot counted will head to the Senate floor, over the objections of lawmakers and community groups that said it would make it harder for certain populations to cast ballots. by Rachel Herzog 4 hrs. ago

Water-hit schools in quandary Water damage at schools caused by last week's frigid temperatures and record-breaking snowfall has Little Rock School District leaders looking for alternatives for pupils and staff at Pulaski Heights Elementary and Middle schools, Superintendent Mike Poore said Tuesday. by Cynthia Howell 4 hrs. ago

Woman dies after Fort Smith fire A woman died Tuesday, one day after a fire in her kitchen, according to Ethan Millard, a marshal with the Fire Department. by Thomas Saccente 4 hrs. ago

Northwest Arkansas arrest roundup A roundup of recent arrests in Northwest Arkansas. by NWA Democrat-Gazette 4 hrs. ago

Rogers council approves police upgrades, rezoning The Police Department will move forward with upgrades and a new ethics program. by Alex Golden 4 hrs. ago

Food Hall of Fame taps Monte Ne Inn, Bentonville chef Monte Ne Inn Chicken in Rogers, Feltner's Whatta-Burger in Russellville and Star of India in Little Rock are the class of 2021 entrants into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame. by Eric E. Harrison 4 hrs. ago

Water shortages reported in western Arkansas Some western Arkansas residents are dealing with water shortages in the wake of last week's winter weather. by Thomas Saccente 4 hrs. ago

Siloam Springs Dogwood Festival returns The Dogwood Festival will return on April 23 to 25, according to the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce. by From Staff Reports 4 hrs. ago

Beat poet, activist Ferlinghetti dies at 101 SAN FRANCISCO -- Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the poet, publisher, bookseller and activist who helped launch the Beat movement in the 1950s and embodied its curious and rebellious spirit well into the 21st century, has died at age 101. by The Associated Press 6 hrs. ago

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Crime in Arkansas

Prosecutors ask judge to decide if mayor's brother a danger Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr.'s brother is poised to be cleared of criminal wrongdoing on mental-health grounds for stealing a truck holding two children, among other things, but what happens to Darrell Lamont Scott after that is up to a judge. by John Lynch

Body found in vehicle at Little Rock Walmart Little Rock police are investigating a killing after a man's body was found Tuesday inside a vehicle at the Walmart Supercenter on South Shackleford Road, according to authorities. by William Sanders

Little Rock police: Body found outside Walmart store Little Rock police are investigating after a body was found in a parked car at the Walmart on South Shackleford Road Tuesday afternoon. by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Police: Florida man traveled to Beebe to pick up girl, 14 A 31-year-old Florida man was arrested after reportedly driving a 14-year-old Beebe girl to his home state, police said Monday. by Brianna Kwasnik

Three charged with murder in Sebastian County court FORT SMITH -- Two separate shootings Feb. 14 led to three people being charged Monday with murder in Sebastian County Circuit Court, according to Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Shue. by NWA Democrat-Gazette