Arkansas

Former Arkansas Psychiatrist Seeks Trial Delay Amid Charges of Medicaid Fraud and Rising Legal Battles

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PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. — A former prominent psychiatrist is awaiting a judicial decision on his request for a rescheduled trial after being accused of Medicaid fraud, marking yet another twist in a case that continues to garner significant attention. Brian Hyatt, previously the director of Northwest Medical’s Behavioral Health unit and a former Arkansas State Medical Board member, faces allegations that could lead to serious legal ramifications. Arrested in 2023, Hyatt is dealing with two counts under the Medicaid Fraud Act while maintaining his innocence. The charges stem from an informant’s claims who alleged unethical … Read more

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders Enacts Free Breakfast for Schools and Classroom Cellphone Ban

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In a move aimed at supporting education and family needs, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders enacted two significant pieces of legislation at the state capitol on Thursday afternoon. These laws address key issues facing students in public schools: nutritional access and classroom distractions. The first piece of legislation ensures that every student attending a public school in Arkansas will receive a complimentary breakfast. This initiative is designed to alleviate some of the morning burdens on parents and ensure that no child starts their school day hungry. Governor Sanders highlighted that ensuring … Read more

Arkansas Community Rallies for Legislation to Prohibit Sales of Human Remains After Mortuary Scandal

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Little Rock, Arkansas — A proposed law in Arkansas seeks to address a growing concern following an unsettling discovery involving the theft and illegal sale of human remains. This legislative effort comes in the wake of several incidents where individuals affiliated with mortuary services in the state were found guilty of such acts, highlighting a pressing need for regulatory intervention. Recent cases have shed light on the disturbing practice of stealing body parts from donated cadavers intended for medical research and other educational purposes. Notably, one case involved a former mortuary manager who was convicted … Read more

ACLU Sues After Arkansas Library Director Fired for Fighting Book Censorship

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Saline County, Ark. — In a striking assertion of First Amendment rights, Patty Hector, the former library director of Saline County, along with the ACLU of Arkansas, have initiated a federal lawsuit against county officials. The suit claims Hector was terminated from her position in retaliation for her vocal opposition to what she perceived as censorship efforts within the public library system. Hector’s dismissal occurred in October 2023, directly following a period of heated public discourse that centered around the contents of the library’s children’s section. Earlier in the year, the Saline County Quorum Court … Read more