IT WAS A GOOD WEEK FOR …
TRAVELERS. The Little Rock National Airport continues to explore establishing direct service to Mexico. Olé.
EXERCISE. The Big Dam Bridge opened over the Arkansas River and thousands of runners, bikers and strollers sampled the view from the awesome non-vehicular span, which links riverside trails on both sides of the river.
The UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS. It threatened to sue a Hog fan who made a small batch of shirts critical of football coach Houston Nutt. The bullying University also threatened to jerk the poor guy’s football tickets. A fine understanding and respect our public University has for the First Amendment, but it fits its equally perverse view of the state Freedom of Information Act. (See our cover story on the T-shirt.)
NICKNAMES. City fathers decreed that the capital city will be known as “The Rock.” Now if only North Little Rock would adopt “A Hard Place.”
IT WAS A BAD WEEK FOR …
GARRETT’S LAW. The law intended to make doctors report drug-using mothers has succeeded in getting mothers reported and separated from their babies and, in at least one case, arrested. But legislators learned last week that precious few of the women have received treatment and there’s no telling how many mothers have stopped seeking pre-natal care for fear of the state crackdown.
The STATE SURPLUS. Legislators learned that school facility needs are about $250 million, which will make it harder still to turn the surplus into a major tax break.
THE HUCKSTER WATCH
He scheduled a rare weekend in Arkansas to formally name something for a family member. He also received poll results that put his favorability rating below 50 percent. Thirteen weeks to go.