News

High court nomination sparks debate The death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Sept. 18 at the age of 87 set off a firestorm of controversy over who President Donald J. Trump would nominate to succeed her and triggered a fiery debate between Republicans and Democrats over whether he should nominate anyone at all, at least before the Nov. 3 general election. by Dale Ellis

As rates hit lows, loans in demand Mortgage rates are at an all-time low and the demand for real estate is at an all-time high. The increase spiked during the summer months. by Eplunus Colvin

Painting by PB’s Johnson among works selected for touring exhibit Pine Bluff resident Kimiara Johnson’s mixed-media painting “Nola Reception Couture Gown” is among the art selected for the Small Works on Paper exhibition at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. by Special to The Commercial

Older child needs to be prepared for newborn, UAPB expert says Preparing for a baby brings joy and excitement, but it can also be a challenging time for a big brother or sister, according to Linda Inmon of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. by By Will Hehemann Special to The Commercial

U.S. 79-63 Junk Hunt starts Thursday The fifth annual Highway 79-63 Junk Hunt will be held Thursday through Saturday and stretch through several southeast Arkansas communities, according to a news release. by Special to The Commercial

Ivy Center plans Zoom events The Ivy Center for Education announces its upcoming workshops by Zoom. by Special to The Commercial - September 26, 2020

Residents urgently urged to take part in 2020 census The chairwoman of the local 2020 census effort is urging Pine Bluff residents to be counted. by Special to The Commercial - September 26, 2020

OPINION | EDITORIAL: Wrong way to plead case for more funds There is such a thing as being too shrill. September 26, 2020

OPINION | PHILIPPE REINES: What to expect as rivals debate Donald Trump is a very bad debater. Donald Trump is very difficult to debate. by Philippe Reines The Washington Post - September 26, 2020

County’s crop trial plots yield variety particulars Crop variety plots were harvested in Jefferson County last week. These trial plots are set out each year to provide yield, herbicide and variety characteristic ... by Kurt Beaty Special to The Commercial - September 26, 2020

Officials weigh in on road sales tax Facing voters at the polls this fall is Issue 1, a proposed constitutional amendment that, if passed, will permanently extend the state's one-half cent sales an... by Dale Ellis - September 25, 2020

Goldmon joins university's hospitality program Suzzette Shaw Goldmon is the new assistant professor of hospitality and tourism management for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. by Special to The Commercial - September 25, 2020

Dill began low, rose to head of marketing Longtime Pine Bluff banking executive Robert Clifton Dill died Wednesday at the age of 77, after a long illness. He was born May 23, 1943, in Lonoke County near... by Dale Ellis, Byron Tate - September 25, 2020

Farm Bureau foundation reveals list of 13 students to get $3,000 scholarships The Arkansas Farm Bureau Scholarship Foundation Committee recently named 13 recipients of the $3,000 Farm Bureau scholarships, including two from the University... by Special to The Commercial - September 25, 2020

Southwood closes on-campus classes Southwood Elementary School will cancel in-person classes, starting today because of coronavirus infections among the Southwood staff members, according to a le... by Special to The Commercial - September 25, 2020

OPINION | STEPHEN HARRISON: How to have a better marriage The other day I was reading Genesis 2:24-25, God’s creation of marriage. Jesus quotes it (Matthew 19:5-6) and so does Paul (Ephesians 5:31) thus affirming it as... by Stephen Harrison Special to The Commercial - September 25, 2020

Pine Bluff Area Church News beginning 9-25-20 PLEASANT VIEW MINISTRIES CHURCH of Pine Bluff invites the community to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of their pastors, William and Tonya Shaw, in a virtual ev... September 25, 2020

CALENDAR Editor’s Note:At press time,the following events, workshops and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to... September 25, 2020

OPINION | OTHERS SAY: Census-takers need time to do job right A pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 Americans, and the toxic politics of a presidential election year have disrupted the taking of the 2020 census. Tha... by The Editorial Board The Philadelphia Inquirer - September 25, 2020

OPINION | JOE SCARBOROUGH: GOP will pay for tactics The Republican Party is sealing its fate. by Joe Scarborough The Washington Post - September 25, 2020