Here’s an open line and a news roundup by video. Might be one more big court development today. Might not. But I’m standing by. Also:

* FIVE-YEAR SENTENCE: Steven Alan Standridge, 58, of Mount Ida was sentenced today to five years in prison and ordered to make $7.09 million in restitution for money laundering and wire fraud. He pleaded guilty to one count in each of two multi-count indictments from both the western and eastern districts of Arkansas.

Advertisement

In one case, Standridge, who was president of Steve Standridge Insurance, falsely represented that he’d sought loans to buy insurance agencies and submitted false information to a Hot Springs bank. In the other case, Standridge conspired with customers to obtain premium finance loans.

* PRIVATE OPTION: The monthly report from DHS shows a continuing rise in participation in the private option expansion of Medicaid under Obamacare: 223,456 eligibility approvals and 213,200 with complete enrollment. Will Gov. Asa Hutchinson and the Republican legislature vote to let them stay insured? Tune in in January.

Advertisement

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article The Lotto Problems Edition Next article Tom Cotton trying to stir fight against GOP spending plan