News
Visions for a new Broadway Bridge
he Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department plans to replace the Broadway Bridge in 2013 with a $45 million project. Local officials, including Mayors Mark Stodola of Little Rock and Pat Hays of North Little Rock and County Judge Buddy Villines, want an iconic structure that would likely cost more than $45 million. Metroplan has tried to inspire interest in such a bridge with an online survey and a design contest. See the best of the contest entries.
About that 1957 declaration
In response to Max Brantley's column "Forget 1957; talk about today" (Nov. 23) on the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce proposal to repeal a 1957 Little Rock City Board resolution that cheered Gov. Orval Faubus for fighting to preserve segregation at Central High School.
Trouble in Huttig
The town's first black mayor receives threats.
Unexpected stardom
Kristi Malzahan, wife of Auburn assistant football coach Gus Malzahn, was among friends when she appeared Oct. 6 at The Summit luncheon series sponsored by Cross Church, the Springdale-based megachurch.
Big ideas for Arkansas 2011
Suggestions for making Arkansas a better place to live.
Good week for Freedom of Information
Also for Pulaski County Employees. It was a bad week for the Arkansas Razorbacks and geese.
Saved by SUV
On a particularly groggy Thursday morning, rounding out a particularly spiteful week of misfires, The Observer bummed a ride from the Significant Other and canine friend because ye old jalopy (that really isn't so old) was having an expensive, two-mechanics-worthy temper tantrum.
Big Ideas for Arkansas
From the pragmatic to the visionary.
Easter Seals development
The Hillcrest Residents Association has received an indication from Easter Seals that the charity won't pursue further a proposal to sell its land lease, and a largely vacant former training center on Lee Avenue, to Little Rock businessman John Chandler for $240,000 for redevelopment for offices.
Rethink higher education
The new University of Arkansas System president's vision for online education.
Big Ideas 2011: Stop the brain drain
A plan to put Arkansas's best graduates to work.
Bonus blues
The Pulaski County Quorum Court recently voted a 4 percent pay bonus for all county employees including themselves.
Columns
A bridge too few
Little Rock's Broadway Bridge, which opened in 1923, was supposed to be a cutting edge design and last for 1,000 years. The state Highway Transportation Department proposes to replace it 910 years early, in 2013, with $45 million in bridge construction money.
Politics makes us stupid
With a presidential election in the offing, Americans are increasingly inclined to divide into rival tribes contemptuous of the "other." It often seems that the higher the stakes, the more foolish the national dialogue.
Sick, also tired
I don't know about you but I'm sick and tired of all the squabbling over whether it was the Knights of Columbus or the Minnesota Vikings who discovered America.
The season of apostates
You can now make it a political maxim. No Republican can be a serious candidate for the presidential nomination in 2012 without a record of apostasy on all the burning issues of the day.
Bold talk
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has called the dogs off a high school student who'd spoken harshly of him. Some see this as admission that it's hard not to speak harshly of Sam Brownback, but more likely, the governor's uncharacteristic display of tolerance was prompted by all the criticism he was receiving from people who believed a governor should have better things to do than seek retribution on an 18-year-old girl, even a mouthy one.
Entertainment
Rep redeems Scrooge
In a staging of 'A Christmas Carol, The Musical.'
Al Bell returns to the radio
Plus, 'Take Shelter' scores big at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Saddest day of the year
I like to think I'm a reasonable man. I've accomplished childhood goals. Traveled all over the world. Dined with heads of state. Yet here I am, pulling into the overflow parking area at 11:55 p.m. on Thanksgiving night for Target's Black Friday sale.
Two Cow Garage returns
Plus, 'Fiddler on the Roof,' Wing Spur Wild Horses Benefit, Se7en Sharp, Slobberbone and Two Cow Garage, Alchemy Songwriting Contest, Kingsdown, Little Rock Wind Symphony, River City Men's Chorus.
A trio of new shows
On 'Weed Wars,' 'Virgin Diaries,' 'The Layover.'
The return of the Muppets
Kermit and co. still got it.
Hogs discover difference between good and great
It took two whole months, but Arkansas's tank finally ran dry.
Philander Smith College Choir sings holiday songs
Plus Mountain Sprout and more.
Dining
Ciao Baci's new chef
Plus, Your Mama's reopens.
Loco for tacos at Grills on Wheels
River Market food truck serves up delicious fare.
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