News Minute: Here is the latest Arkansas news from The Associated Press - WXVT-TV Delta News - More Local News and Weather WXVT.com |

News Minute: Here is the latest Arkansas news from The Associated Press

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Lawyers have chosen a jury for the trial of a Little Rock police officer. Josh Hastings is charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of a teenage burglary suspect last year. Hastings says Bobby Moore III tried to run him over and defense lawyer asked potential jurors if they've ever had to make a snap decision on the job.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Governor Mike Beebe will hold off scheduling executions for seven Arkansas death row inmates even though the attorney general has asked him to set dates. Beebe's decision comes as the Department of Correction plans to rewrite its lethal injection procedure and nine death row inmates challenge the state's new execution law in court.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel is asking the state Supreme Court to uphold a $1.2 billion fine against Johnson and Johnson and a subsidiary over the marketing of an anti-psychotic drug. A Pulaski County jury ruled last year that the companies downplayed and hid risks associated with Risperdal. The companies have appealed that ruling.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Governor Mike Beebe is asking the White House to declare a major disaster in 12 Arkansas counties affected by tornadoes and floods last month. Severe weather killed five people and did an estimated $10 million damage.

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