The government reopened its doors today after a battle-weary Congress approved a bipartisan measure to end a 16-day shutdown and avert default on U.S. bills.
Early this morning President Obama signed the measure, ending a brawl with Republicans who tried to use the legislation to mount a last-ditch effort to derail the health care law and demand concessions on the budget. The White House directed all agencies to reopen promptly and in an orderly fashion. Furloughed federal employees across the country are expected to return to work today.
The shutdown has taken a $24 billion bite out of the economy, and the Fitch credit rating agency could downgrade the government's credit rating. This budget only lasts until January though. We'll see what happens after New Year's, when it's likely we could go through this all over again.
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Hot Springs police have arrested a murder suspect after he turned himself in Wednesday morning.
20-year-old Anthony Burnell is charged with first-degree murder for the shooting death of 21-year-old Christopher Howard.
Last Saturday, officers found Howard shot to death at a home on Quawpaw. Burnell remains in custody at this hour.
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A suspect has been arrested in an arson case after a small Lonoke County church caught fire.
Around 7 a.m. yesterday morning, drivers passing by the Southbend United Methodist Church in Lonoke County saw smoke coming out of the window and called police.
A suspect was arrested, but the name has not yet been released. The extent of damage is still being determined.
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A billboard in Harrison is sparking nationwide controversy.
It's a plain yellow sign with bold black lettering that says, "Anti-Racist is a code word for Anti-White." You can't miss it as you're driving up the 62-65 bypass.
Many are outraged, saying it's a racist message. Those who have fought against racism, like the Diversity Council, say it sets everything back 100 years. Some plan to protest until the sign comes down.
But the man behind the sign says it's not racist but a political statement. He says he's tired of white people being accused of racism for disagreeing with the president. He says he's simply expressing his freedom of speech.
Our news partners at FOX 16 were unable to reach Harrison's mayor for comment, but we're told he's expected to make a speech in front of the billboard this morning.
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Looking for highs in the upper 60s, lows in the 40s tonight. You might want to bring a jacket for the Ginuwine concert at the Fair tonight.
