Appeal filed in dismissal of Arkansas redistricting case

KUAR | By Josie Lenora, Daniel Breen

A decision by a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Arkansas’ new districts in the state House of Representatives is being appealed by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The Arkansas State Conference NAACP and the Arkansas Public Policy challenged the new map arguing it dilutes the power of Black voters. The map was approved by the state Board of Apportionment, which is made up of Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and Secretary of State John Thurston, all Republicans.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-02-23/groups-appeal-dismissal-of-arkansas-redistricting-case

ARCAN/Arkansas PBS

Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge confer before the start of a meeting on Nov. 29, 2021 in which new legislative maps were approved.

U.S. Department of Justice Files Lawsuit Against Walmart for Unlawful Prescriptions Adding to the National Opioid Crisis

by Kim Souza

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Bentonville-based Walmart on Tuesday, (Dec. 22) claiming the retail giant and its pharmacists did not properly screen opioid prescriptions, and the lack of oversight contributed to the ongoing U.S. controlled substance crisis.

The complaint alleges that this unlawful conduct resulted in hundreds of thousands of violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The Justice Department seeks civil penalties, which could total in the billions of dollars, and injunctive relief, according to the release. The federal government is seeking billions in dollars in civil penalties which could be more than $67,000 per for each unlawful prescription.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/12/doj-files-lawsuit-alleging-walmart-contributed-to-national-opioid-crisis/

Arkansas Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging State's Virus Mandates

An Arkansas judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a group of Republican legislators seeking to invalidate a mask mandate and other restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen on Wednesday ruled that the directives issued by Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson's administration are within the governor's authority under state law and legislative rules.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-judge-dismisses-lawsuit-challenging-states-virus-mandates

Arkansas Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging State's Virus Mandates

An Arkansas judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a group of Republican legislators seeking to invalidate a mask mandate and other restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen on Wednesday ruled that the directives issued by Republican Gov.

League Of Women Voters Files Lawsuit Over Arkansas Absentee Ballot Process

A lawsuit was filed Tuesday by the League of Women Voters of Arkansas to alter the process for accounting for absentee ballots this fall. The lawsuit claims the state's requirements for accepting absentee ballots is unconstitutional, and seeks a court-ordered change before the Nov. 3 general election.

The lawsuit – League of Women Voter of Arkansas v. Thurston – was filed in federal court against Secretary of State John Thurston and several members of the State Board of Election Commissioners.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/league-women-voters-files-lawsuit-over-arkansas-absentee-ballot-process

League Of Women Voters Files Lawsuit Over Arkansas Absentee Ballot Process

A lawsuit was filed Tuesday by the League of Women Voters of Arkansas to alter the process for accounting for absentee ballots this fall. The lawsuit claims the state's requirements for accepting absentee ballots is unconstitutional, and seeks a court-ordered change before the Nov. 3 general election.

Lawsuit Aims to End Arkansas's COVID-19 Emergency

In early September, 18 Arkansas lawmakers and seven citizens filed a lawsuit against Arkansas Secretary of Health Jose Romero to take control of the COVID-19 public health emergency the governor declared in March. The declaration, which has been extended through the end of the year, resulted in a list of protective directives and mandates issued by the governor in collaboration with the Department of Health.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/lawsuit-aims-end-arkansass-covid-19-emergency

Lawsuit Aims to End Arkansas's COVID-19 Emergency

In early September, 18 Arkansas lawmakers and seven citizens filed a lawsuit against Arkansas Secretary of Health Jose Romero to take control of the COVID-19 public health emergency the governor declared in March. The declaration, which has been extended through the end of the year, resulted in a list of protective directives and mandates issued by the governor in collaboration with the Department of Health.

Two Arkansas Counties Sue Walmart Over Opioids

Two Arkansas counties have sued Walmart Inc. over allegations that the Bentonville retailer contributed to the opioid epidemic by failing to maintain tight controls when filling opioid prescriptions.

Pulaski and Jefferson counties filed the lawsuit against Walmart in July, making them the latest two government entities to sue the retailer over allegations it contributed to the opioid crisis.

https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/132823/two-counties-sue-walmart-over-opioids

Two Counties Sue Walmart Over Opioids

Two Arkansas counties have sued Walmart Inc. over allegations that the Bentonville retailer contributed to the opioid epidemic by failing to maintain tight controls when filling opioid prescriptions. Pulaski and Jefferson counties filed the lawsuit against Walmart in July, making them the latest two government entities to sue the retailer over allegations it contributed to the opioid crisis.