Governor's weekly radio address

System of Care Grant . Click play on the console below:

Friday in Arkansas

Time	Committee	Room	Agenda
1:00 p.m.	Task Force on Autism	151	Click here

Time	Event	Place
6:30 p.m.	Hosting the Come Home for the Holidays reception	Governor's Mansion

Time	Committee	Room
10:00 a.m.	Supreme Court Committee on Court Security	Justice Bldg., Rm. 101

Time	Place	Event
10:00 a.m.	Des Arc	Holiday Open House
6:00 p.m.	Eureka Springs	Christmas Parade
7:00 p.m.	West Memphis	Christmas Party

Time	Place	Event
7:00 p.m.	Perot Theatre	Texarkana Community Ballet 40th Anniversary
7:00 p.m.	Fouke HS cafeteria	Music Fest Benefit Concert

New York Times: Iraq Lacks Plan on the Return of Refugees, Military Says
Washington Post: FBI's Gun Ban Listing Swells
Los Angeles Times: Funding shortfall crimps DNA evidence testing
Houston Chronicle: Consumer-spending growth weakens
Reuters: Subprime aid plan
Chicago Sun Times: Amtrak, freight trains crash
Stephens DC Bureau: Medical costs taking bigger bite of Arkansans

Tyler (TX) Morning Telegraph: Funds Ok'D for Texas State Railroad
Nashville Tennessean: Bredesen opposes watering down open government laws
Shreveport Times: Leslie Carbone: 'Charter' a new course: All eyes on Louisiana
Edmond (OK) Sun: Regional deals may help ease water woes
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Internet bullying ban may come to St. Louis

Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Study shows health care mounting burden
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Schools get aid to translate via Web
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Senator cries, apologizes, defends e-mail
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Justices send mine case back to Benton County
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Nutt’s payout said to contain no public cash
Ark. News Bureau: Group will petition for committee on death penalty
Ark. News Bureau: Legislator apologizes for message on blacks, immigrants
Associated Press: State buys old Jefferson County jail
Associated Press: Lighting ceremony set for Saturday at Ark. Capitol

Texarkana Gazette: Director: No problem with Big deficit forecast for airport
NWA Morning News: Former School Board Members Want School On New Site
Northwest Ark. Times: Health care costs for families on the rise in Arkansas
Benton County Daily Record: Quorum Court approves ‘nuisance’ ordinance
Jonesboro Sun: Sales tax revenue rebounds
Pine Bluff Commercial: Official touts development work
Batesville Daily Guard: Wuorum Court meeting heated
Baxter Bulletin: Airport manager resigns following meeting
Harrison Daily Times: Mayor: Main Street funds eyed
Stuttgart Daily Leader: Quorum Court discusses annual budget proposals
Russellville Courier: Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center to be sold
Log Cabin Democrat: Conway City Council approves $93,680 in CDBG funds
Heber Springs Sun-Times: County budget passes $9 million
Helena Daily World: Main Street Helena awarded $2,500 AT&T grant

Dana Kelley: Divide immigrants
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Rx: More government
Steve Barnes: Coach Proves That Education Pays
Brenda Blagg: Taxes can wait
Meredith Oakley: Staying harder than leaving
Vic Harville cartoon

Governor appoints Abshure as Commissioner of the Arkansas Securities Department

Governor Beebe appointed Heath Abshure of Little Rock today as Commissioner of the Arkansas Securities Department. Abshure has been an attorney with Williams & Anderson in Little Rock since 2002. He replaces Huckabee-appointee Michael Johnson, who has served in that position since 2001. Here's the governor's news release.

Beans 'n cornbread luncheon -- Update

Texarkana, Texas Mayor James Bramlett welcomes visitors to the Southwest Center earlier today as he prepares to serve lunch for his annual Beans 'n cornbread fundraiser. The $4 donation for lunch goes to gift baskets for underprivileged families in Texarkana.

Update (Saturday): It's being reported in this morning's Texarkana Gazette that Mayor Bramlett will not seek re-election next year. He's been at it for a decade and has accomplished lots for the Texas-side. HE thinks now is a good time to step aside and pass the reins.

Former Illinois Rep. Henry Hyde dies

Former Congressman Henry Hyde, the House Judiciary Chairman from 1995-2001 who steered the impeachment proceedings against President Clinton, died this morning. He was 83 years old. Associated Press

Thursday in Arkansas

Time	Committee	Place	Agenda
9:00 a.m.	Public Health, Welfare & Labor	Bentonville	Click here

Court	Oral Arguments	Today's Opinions
Arkansas Supreme Court	No hearings today	Click here (after 10:00 a.m.)
Arkansas Court of Appeals	No hearings today	No opinions released today

Time	Place	Event
1:00 p.m.	UALR Reynolds Center	Arkansas Sales and Use Tax Seminar
5:00 p.m.	Osceola	Christmas parade and winter festival
5:00 p.m.	Little Rock	Reception for U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor
6:00 p.m.	Little Rock	Robert Herzfeld for Circuit Judge FR
6:30 p.m.	Russellville	Christmas parade and tree lighting
7:00 p.m.	Little Rock	Beebe named Arkansas Citizen of the Year
7:00 p.m.	Hot Springs	"A Christmas Story"

Time	Place	Event
11:00 a.m.	Southwest Center	Beans 'n Cornbread Fundraiser
4:30 p.m.	Parks Jewelers	Chamber Business After Hours

New York Times: G.O.P. Rivals Exchange Jabs in Testy Debate
Washington Post: Foes Use Obama's Muslim Ties to Fuel Rumors About Him
Washington Post: Negotiators Close In on Energy Measure
Los Angeles Times: Public questions inspire combative GOP debate
Houston Chronicle: Naming of too many storms may be costing you money
Reuters: Fireworks erupt at Republican debate

Austin Amer-Statesman: TX science curriculum director resigns under pressure
New Orleans Times Picayune: LSU System's chief voices concerns about road plan
Nashville Tennessean: Panel calls for easing law on open meetings
Tulsa World: End franchise tax, group urges
South Miss. Sun Herald: Mississippi Highway Patrol adds 69 officers

Associated Press: Beebe says further cut to sales tax depends on revenue
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Addiction a sickness, official says
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Apology on e-mail is sought
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Cash greased coach’s exit, trustee says
Ark. News Bureau: Beebe: More environmental inspectors needed
Ark. News Bureau: Domestic abuse deaths rise, lawmakers told
Ark. News Bureau: Hwy Commission selects designer of new AHTD office
Ark. News Bureau: McDaniel chosen for fellowship program
Ark. News Bureau: Beebe appoints 23 to state panels
Ark. News Bureau: Pryor working on LRAFB housing problem
Arkansas Times: Alamo ministry resurrected
Associated Press: Arkansas health officials step up enforcement of smoking ban
Associated Press: Audubon Society: 41 birds in Arkansas 'imperiled'

Texarkana Gazette: SWEPCO work just getting started
Texarkana Gazette: Funding hopes for TXK airport may be grounded
Texarkana Gazette: Center offers activities, chance for friendship
Northwest Ark. Times: Aldermen look at ways to avoid tax increase
Benton County Daily Record: Rogers commission pushes partial rate hike
Jonesboro Sun: ASU leaders receive perks
Pine Bluff Commercial: Beebe pushes for new arsenal mission
Arkadelphia DSH: Reg will stop teachers from being released from contracts
Searcy Daily Citizen: Mineral rights from lease bring $500k for Searcy
Batesville Daily Guard: Budget ready for court approval
Harrison Daily Times: Boozman hosts Internet safety summit
Forrest City Times Herald: Bonus pay approved by QC, city council tops $200K
Arkansas Leader: Lincoln hopes for base funding

John Brummett: Coaching 101
Max Brantley: The numbers racket
Ernie Dumas: Arkansas: easy pickings
Russell McDermott: New book by Pat Buchanan should be required reading
Jonesboro Sun: Jury pay will get better as of Jan. 1
Arkansas Times: Glad to hear it
Vic Harville cartoon

From the mailbag

A big one is about to tip off in Fayetteville against Mizzou. ARSN has the tv broadcast. Here's the pregame shoot-around:

Twice as nice Christmas tree

The town Christmas tree was put in place at the post office down here this afternoon. The cedar had been growing for 20 years on Walnut Street at the home of John Harrison, who died in September. His son asked to have the tree displayed this year in his father's honor. The annual Christmas parade will be held next Monday, December 3rd and will be followed by the Twice as Bright Festival of Lights, which includes Santa Claus, a community tree lighting ceremony and carriage rides.

Tobacco case could limit state powers

The United States Supreme Court heard arguments today on a challenge to a Maine statute that requires tobacco retailers who sell their products online to register with the state (Rowe v. New Hampshire Motor Transport). The trial court and the 1st Circuit both found the state statute to be invalid. Forty states have similar laws that regulate Internet sales of tobacco products, the legislative intent being to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to minors.

The ruling could affect not only states' rights to regulate tobacco shipments but also other products such as explosives, fireworks, and wild animals. Arkansas statutes that could be affected include some non-tobacco related sections like Ark. Code Ann. §20-22-708.

Opponents of the state measures (delivery companies, etc.) believe that these state laws run afoul of federal law and put an unnecessary burden on companies to be knowledgeable of various restrictions in the 50 states. Here's more.

Alabama legislator threatens to sue over Iron Bowl tickets

The longest serving member of the Alabama Legislature said yesterday that he plans on filing suit against Auburn President Jay Gogue because he didn't receive his free legislative tickets and customary parking pass to the annual Alabama-Auburn game. Seriously.

Huntsville Times

Wednesday in Arkansas

Time	Committee	Place	Agenda
1:30 p.m.	Public Health, Welfare & Labor	Bentonville	Click here

Time	Event	Place
10:00 a.m.	Governor addresses Sheridan High School students	Sheridan HS
12:30 p.m.	Addresses the Ark Farm Bureau Convention	Peabody, LR

Court	Oral Arguments	Today's Opinions
Arkansas Supreme Court	No hearings today	No opinions released today
Arkansas Court of Appeals	Hunter v. Haunert	Click here (by 10:00 a.m.)

Time	Place	Event
8:15 a.m.	REA Bldg.	Worker Assistance Workshop: Dow Chemical
10:00 a.m.	Texarkana College	Career Fair
10:00a.m.	8499 N. Kings Hwy.	Groundbreaking for Stonevale Subdivision

New York Times: Musharraf Quits Pakistani Army Post
Washington Post: Compromise lost art as Lott leaves the Senate
Houston Chronicle: Houston red-light camera violations double in October
Reuters: U.S. Republican candidates and abortion
Chicago Sun-Times: Trans-fat bans proposed in 14 states

Dallas Morning News: Dallas County gets tougher on vendors who don't pay taxes
Memphis Commercial Appeal: Lott's exit opens doors
Baton Rouge Advocate: Speaker hopeful blasts remark
Shreveport Times: More experience in Senate could lead to outmaneuvered House
Tulsa World: Law on faith-based prison programs gets AG's OK
Jackson Clarion-Ledger: Report gives state's Youth Court system scathing review

Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Add inspectors for shale water, legislators urged
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: UA building given energy guarantee
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Missouri governor urges license limit
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Lincoln: Iraq trip an eye-opener
Ark. News Bureau: Beebe pushes for new mission for arsenal
Ark. News Bureau: Capitol holiday celebration arrives with tree
Ark. News Bureau: McDaniel to join brief supporting gun rights for individuals
Ark. News Bureau: Appeals court upholds dismissal of Medicare lawsuits
Associated Press: Ark. mapping project aimed at reducing damage by gas wells
Associated Press: Ark. regulators develop permit for gas well pits

Texarkana Gazette: More growth in store for city
NWA Morning News: District Must Get Rid Of Tires, Environmental Agency Says
Northwest Ark. Times: Updating code, beautification top issues in Tontitown
Jonesboro Sun: Mississippi County justices OK 2008 budget
Arkadelphia Daily Siftings Herald: Video-conferencing saves time, money
Hope Star: PSC asserts itself
Batesville Daily Guard: Teachers face unemployment
Harrison Daily Times: City could hike raises
Arkansas Leader: Lenders’ decision to bring appeal
Log Cabin Democrat: Jim Baker speaks to Vilonia Chamber
Helena Daily World: Citizens to show support of Arnell Willis

Paul Greenberg: In defense of uppitiness
Gene Lyons: Golden Rule is different in D.C.
Meredith Oakley: A family affair
Wally Hall: UA chancellor’s folly aids Nutt’s great escape
David Sanders: In search of the GOP nomination
NWA Morning News: FEMA Brass Still Doing Heck Of A Job
Brenda Blagg: Power of one
Vic Harville cartoon

Tuesday in Arkansas

Legislature

Time	Committee	Room	Agenda
9:30 a.m.	Joint Performance Review	151	Click here

Governor Beebe

Time	Event	Place
12:00 p.m.	Beebe addresses the Pine Bluff Rotary Club	1100 Country Club Lane

Around Arkansas

Time	Place	Event
11:30 a.m.	Little Rock Club	Tony Poe's tour of North Korea
6:00 p.m.	Monticello	13th Annual Carols of Christmas Holiday Parade
7:15 p.m.	Clinton School	Lou Dobbs of CNN

District Calendar

Time	Place	Event
10:00 a.m.	Texarkana College	Career Fair
12:30 p.m.	Texarkana College	Board of Trustees meeting
6:00 p.m.	TASD Admin Bldg.	TASD Facility Task Force Meeting

New York Times: Bush Ties Mideast Peace to Broader Struggle
Washington Post: Cheney Treated for Irregular Heartbeat
Washington Post: Bush Meets Al Gore: Effect On Permafrost Unknown
Los Angeles Times: How low will housing market go?
Houston Chronicle: Supreme Court spurns Harris County's Bible fight
Reuters: Bush says Annapolis path will be difficult

Dallas Morning News: Ex-Pizza Hut exec leading local fight against homelessness
New Orleans Times Picayune: Panel approves Citizens rate cut
Norman (OK) Transcript: HB 1804's impact too early to predict
Oklahoma City Journal Record: Immigration bill hitting retailers, employers
Tulsa World: Free religious expression is intent of bill

Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Governor opposes deal for O’Keeffe art
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: $3 million bid for lockup in PB needs board’s OK
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: HSU to interview 14 semifinalists for school’s helm
Ark. News Bureau: Trial on challenge to 2006 Senate runoff postponed
Ark. News Bureau: Nearly 700 made eligible to seek early parole
Associated Press: Rheem's Fort Smith plant lays off 125 furnace workers
Associated Press: New Ark. law increases pay for jury duty
Associated Press: Judge orders convicted Ark senator, wife to pay back tax refund

John Brummett: Disc jockey for president
Arkansas Leader: Score one for pollution
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Whose right to bear arms?
Texarkana Gazette: Spirit of Victory
Scott Shackelford: The excuse
Vic Harville cartoon

Transition in Fayetteville; Ole Miss hires Houston Nutt

From all indications, it looks as though Houston Nutt will land at Ole Miss. It's a good fit for him and close in proximity to his mother in Little Rock. Here are a few articles on his status with Ole Miss:

Update: Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal: Fayetteville-Oxford express: Ole Miss has a new football coach

Memphis Commercial Appeal: Rebels keeping mum on next step
Memphis Commercial Appeal: Ole Miss needs a winner; here he is
Jackson Clarion Ledger: Arkansas' Nutt resigns, now lead name at Ole Miss
South Mississippi Sun Herald: Ole Miss going after Houston Nutt
Mobile (AL) Press Register: Ole Miss, Bears bid for Nutt
NWA Morning News: Nutt Could Be Rebel With A Cause

Chancellor White made it clear that incoming Athletic Director Jeff Long will make the new hire, but here are some names that are surfacing:

Lane Kiffin, head coach of the Oakland Raiders. Son of Monte Kiffin, def. coordinator for the Tampa Bay Bucs and former Razorback defensive coach under Holtz. He's the same age as I am (33) and is the former offensive coordinator at Southern Cal. Reportedly asked former Ole Miss Head Coach Ed Orgeron whether they can win big at Arkansas (with Orgeron as defensive coordinator?). We probably don't have the time to wait on him with Al Davis, and it's a reach anyway.

Chris Peterson, head coach at Boise State. Won the 2007 Fiesta Bowl over Oklahoma.

Mike Leach, head coach at Texas Tech.

Butch Davis, head coach at North Carolina. He hasn't signed that extension yet, but his dad says the timing is not right.

Bill Cowher, former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He reportedly has close ties to Long.

Paul Johnson, head coach at Navy. Navy leads the nation in rushing. Johnson is the former offensive coordinator at Hawaii and won two Div. I-AA championships with Georgia Southern.

Other names being thrown out there in this morning's newspapers across the state, some of whom are popular fan choices:
Tommy Tuberville, Auburn head coach ($6,000,000 buyout - that's a lot of zeros)
TCU head coach coach Gary Patterson
Reggie Herring, Arkansas defensive coordinator
Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly
Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe
LSU offensive coordinator Gary Crowton
LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini
Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp
Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong
Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables
Former Auburn head coach Terry Bowden
Former Minnesota head coach Glen Mason
Tulsa offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn

Here are some of today's Arkansas articles:
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Nutt quits, cites fan rift
Wally Hall: Unifying Arkansas’s fan base will be Long task
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Players in jail, hateful e-mails add to Nutt’s worries
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Nutt’s departure surprises many recruits
Harry King: Resignation about two families
Ark. News Bureau: Nutt era comes to an end
Associated Press: Embattled Nutt out as Arkansas coach, leaves team to Herring
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Interim Coach Reggie Herring’s statement:
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Carousel spins as 6 others go
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Coach Houston Nutt timeline
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Let the search begin But timing not right for Davis
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Team dispirited yet sympathetic
NWA Morning News: Nutt Steps Down After 10 Seasons
NWA Morning News: Who's On Long's Short List?
Nate Allen: Nutt resigns to unite fractured fanbase
Rainer Sabin: Who's next?
Arkansas Business: Coach Houston Nutt Resigns from UA

Take a look at next year's scedule. We open with La-Monroe (just beat Alabama), then it's Alabama, at Texas, and Florida. So who will it be?

Houston Nutt will not return as head coach

Press conference at 6:30 p.m.

New commissioner for Arkansas Securities Department

Arkansas Business is reporting that Governor Beebe will replace Huckabee-appointee Michael Johnson, commissioner of the Arkansas Securities Department since 2001. Here's the link.

Annual Arkansas-aTm clash in DFW?

The Democrat-Gazette and the Houston Chronicle are reporting that Arkansas and Texas A&M are considering an annual football game to be played in the new Dallas Cowboys stadium to be built in Arlington. It would sure help recruiting in an area where we've been hurting since leaving for the SEC. It's also against a team with whom we've enjoyed considerable success (we own the all-time series record 38-24-3). This news comes on the heels of the Aggies hiring Houston Texans assistant Mike Sherman as its new head coach. We renew our series with former SWC foe Texas next year in Austin.

UALR develops credit program for IB students

UALR has officially developed a 24 hour credit program for International Baccalaureate diploma students and will also give credit hours for courses taken by IB students who do not receive the IB diploma. Click here to read more about the program. International Baccalaureate programs have been somewhat controversial in Arkansas, mainly from groups that aren't particularly fond of a strong internationalist policy, although some debates go deeper than that.

Breaking: Sen. Trent Lott to resign

Here's the story.

Monday in Arkansas

Time	Place	Event
12:00 p.m.	Clinton School	Japanese American Internment Camps in Arkansas
12:00 p.m.	Little Rock	Touchdown Club (HS coaches panel)
6:00 p.m.	Jonesboro	NE Ark Citizen of the Year (U.S. Rep. Marion Berry)

Time	Place	Event
10:00 a.m.	Texarkana College	Career Fair
5:30 p.m.	Arkansas City Hall	Texarkana, Ark. Board of Directors meeting
5:30 p.m.	Sandflat Center	Neighborhood Strategic Planning meeting
7:00 p.m.	Genoa Middle School	Public water authority meeting

New York Times: Short of Money, G.O.P. Enlists Rich Candidates
Washington Post: Romney and Giuliani Turn Negative in N.H.
Washington Post: That's Rich -- but Maybe Not for Someone Else
Los Angeles Times: Strike takes toll on non-writers
Houston Chronicle: Ring bonds DiNardo to pope
Reuters: Bush launches drive for Mideast peace

Dallas Morning News: Activists represent opposite sides of Irving immigration fight
Murfreesboro (TN) Daily News Journal: Don't pour Jack Daniel's down drain
New Orleans Times-Picayune: Jindal trendy with ethics reform
Tulsa World: Tribal language fading away
Hattiesburg American: Can moderates win Democratic debate?

Ark. Democrat Gazette: State ranks 5th in job licensing; officials dispute report
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Fayetteville to be pit stop for jet service
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Program helps students find shortcut to teaching
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Ties to state don’t secure delegates to conventions
Ark. News Bureau: Milk Board considering ways to keep Ark dairy farms afloat
Associated Press: 3 dead after bus crosses I-40 median in Forrest City, crashes
Associated Press: Clinton stresses importance of volunteers to wife's campaign

Texarkana Gazette: Miller County to pay FEMA $600,799
Texarkana Gazette: Amtrak malfunctions near Red River, strands passengers
Texarkana Gazette: YouthBuild is moving forward in Texarkana
NWA Morning News: State Court Juror Pay To Increase
Benton County Daily Record: Bentonville expected to award bid for new terminal
Jonesboro Sun: Paragould City Council to consider $10M city budget for 2008
Hope Star: PSC decision a holiday surprise
Batesville Daily Guard: Factory closes for good
Baxter Bulletin: Mtn. Home City Council to discuss $21M budget
Heber Springs Sun-Times: Ethics panel says bonuses not unreasonable

John Brummett: Talking yourself out of the presidency
Andrew DeMillo: Greens growing in Ark., but hardly a spoiler
Pat Lynch: Change is coming, bet on it

Buck Island, Arkansas

A trio of legislators -- Reps. Clark Hall, Allen Maxwell and Robert S. Moore, Jr. -- encouraged the state earlier this year to acquire Buck Island, a 1,500 acre island in the Mississippi River just northeast of Helena. Moore authored legislation to obtain the island using General Improvement Funds (Act 1337 of 2007), but the Game and Fish Commission and the governor's office cited several concerns over such a move, including lack of access, regular flooding, and other priorities.

Now conservationists have dropped the price to $950,000 in hopes that someone will come forward, purchase the island and either hold it in trust until it can be secured for use as a state or city park, or donate a conservation easement for public use. Tim Richardson, government affairs director for the American Land Conservancy, says that such a deal needs to be done by December 31 because tax laws regarding easements change next year. Here's Saturday's Memphis Commercial Appeal article on Buck Island, and here's a previous article from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette from October.

Sunday morning Ark-La-Tex roundup

Texarkana Gazette: Razorback repeat
John Brummett: Governor's conscience drops by
John Brummett (national column): Talking your way out of the presidency
Associated Press: Volunteer firefighters hard to come by in some north Ark. towns
Meredith Oakley: Progress brings new problems
Doug Thompson: What's In A Name?
Roby Brock: Arkansas business update
David Sanders: Huck, Chuck and Nature Boy
Arkansas News Bureau: Some poker games legal, some not, authorities say
Texarkana Gazette: Meeting called to levy city tax rate
Arkansas Democrat Gazette Editorial: The wasteland
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Unused trailers at Hope’s airport bringing in cash
Bob Caudle: Centerton Mayor Needs His Own Scorecard
Hoyt Purvis: Room for relevance? Film ‘talks’ about serious issues
Steve Barnes: Not Too Old To Learn
Benton County Daily Record: Cyber Monday the online equivalent to Black Friday
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: More international students attracted to Ark. schools
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Ark. charities No. 1 beneficiary of Wal-Mart gifts
NWA Morning News: Lack Of Doctors Keeps Patients Scrambling

Austin Amer.-Statesman: Local civil courts moving closer to going paperless
Dallas Morning News: Court disagrees, pointing out opinions are often divided
Longview News Journal: Cost keeps emissions program from region
Houston Chronicle: County official has few rivals, but plenty of donors
New Braunfels Herald: Lack of competition may drive up rates
El Paso Times: Despite Perry's promise schools still fail
San Antonio Express News Edit.: Texans take a stand for research funding
San Antonio Express News: Group targeting new business tax
Austin American Statesman Editorial: Accountability for red-light runners
Dallas Morning News: More cities broadcasting their business on the Web
Beaumont Enterprise: How students, teachers should communicate outside class

Shreveport Times Editorial: Swing for fences on ethics reform
Shreveport Times: Agriculture and Forestry commissioner-elect details plans
Shreveport Times: La's Network Foundation Technologies announces more growth
Shreveport Times: Jindal leaves Capitol Hill with smattering of successes
New Orleans Times Picayune: Insurer crisis has deep roots
New Orleans Times Picayune: Jindal urged to stimulate ports
New Orleans Times Picayune: How will business return to New Orleans?
KLFY-10 Lafayette Acadiana: State takes aim at growing ranks of wild pigs
Baton Rouge Advocate: State ‘trying to change culture’ of child welfare agency
Monroe News-Star: Farmers urging Strain to keep Odom’s staff intact

Go Hogs, Part II

I wasn't able to get out of town for the game, but Arkansas High is now lining up to kick off against Lake Hamilton in search of a repeat state championship. The Razorbacks' only loss this year came at Lake Hamilton's Wolf Stadium. Ace reporter Billy Lavender sends in this picture from the game. You can listen to the game live here.

It's 37 and raining down here, making it tough to get all the decorations up on the house. We did get the Christmas tree up down here, however.

Final: 13-0 Arkansas High. 2nd straight title.

Arkansas Weekend

If you don't want to shop or watch football today, there are lots of other things going on around the state:

Stuttgart: 72nd Annual World Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over The Prairie Festival
Springdale: 11th Annual Christmas Parade of the Ozarks (6:00 p.m.)
Hot Springs: 20th Annual Winter Wonderland Arts & Crafts Festival
Mount Ida: Old-Timey Fire Department Auction and Spaghetti Supper
Blanchard Springs Caverns: 5th Annual Caroling in the Caverns
El Dorado: SAAC Lighting of the Festival of Trees (6:30 p.m.)
Paris: 11th Annual Christmas Lights Ceremony (6:00 p.m.)
Forrest City: 11th Annual Rumble on the Ridge
Petit Jean: 10th Annual Mountain Rendezvous
Little Rock: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
Searcy: Holiday of Lights
Altus: Chateau aux Arc Thanksgiving Open House
Lake Ouachita: Eagle Watching Tour

High School Football Championship Games (War Memorial Stadium):
12:00 p.m.: Fayetteville vs. Springdale Har-Ber (AAAAAAA)
6:30 p.m.: Arkansas High vs. Lake Hamilton (AAAAAA)