Arkansas roundup -- Friday

Governor Beebe told rural leaders Thursday at the Rural Development Conference that they'll have to fight harder for money for their local projects in light of Wilson v. Weiss and after the House changed the way such projects are funded. [AP]

Dustin McDaniel spoke in Fayetteville on Thursday about rising gas prices. I heard yesterday that prices in NWA are 20-30 cents higher than elsewhere in Arkansas. Any truth to that? My neighborhood station was selling regular unleaded at $2.94 yesterday. If someone from northwest Arkansas can check in, I'd appreciate it. Here's Andrew DeMillo's AP story from yesterday's conference in Fayetteville. Here's another from the Springdale Morning News.

Federal travel security chief in Ark. offers tips for summer trips [AP]

Ark. sets schedule to prep retailers for grocery tax cut [AP] [Ark. News Bureau]

State agency adopts emergency rule for food tax break [ADG]

Beebe signs on to call for D.C. gas-cost review [ADG]

Ginger Beebe to use paper dolls to promote reading and that the inspiration comes from a child [Ark. News Bureau]

Meredith Oakley: Ask and you should receive