Air Force to Cut 41 Jobs in Little Rock

(WASHINGTON) -- The restructuring of the U.S. Air Force’s personnel will cause Little Rock to lose 41 jobs, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports.

Nearly 9,000 jobs are being slashed across the country while 5,900 new jobs are added to the Air Force’s highest positions.

The changes are designed to “increase efficiencies, reduce overhead and eliminate redundancy," according to Air Force officials.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

President Obama Nominates LR Attorney to Federal Bench

(WASHINGTON) -- Little Rock attorney Kristine Gerhard Baker has been nominated as the U.S. District Court judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

The White House announced the nomination on Wednesday.

Baker, who received her J.D. in 1996 from the University of Arkansas School of Law, is currently a partner at Little Rock law firm, Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow PLLC.

"I am proud to nominate Kristine Gerhard Baker to serve on the United States District Court," President Obama said in a statement. "I am confident she will serve on the federal bench with distinction."

Baker is nominated to replace retiring Judge James M. Moody on the bench.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Authorities Identify Missing Man Found Dead Near DeValls Bluff

(DEVALLS BLUFF, Ark.) -- Authorities have identified the body of a man found dead in the DeValls Bluff area.

John Perry Whitcomb, 53, was reported missing Saturday after witnesses told police they had not seen him since leaving a party Thursday night. No other details regarding his death have been released.

The case remains under investigation.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Suspect Sought in Afternoon Bank Robbery

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) -- Authorities are searching for a suspect in connection with the robbery of a bank in Little Rock Wednesday afternoon.

Police say the incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. at the Regions Bank branch located at 1801 North Fillmore. A suspect walked into the bank and demanded cash from the teller. It is unclear whether or not a gun was used during the robbery.

The suspect fled the scene heading west on Cantrell, police said.

The case remains under investigation.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Arkansas Workforce Center Holds Career Expo in Little Rock

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) -- Arkansas residents in need of a job can attend the Arkansas Workforce Centers' Career Expo in Little Rock on Thursday.

The jobs fair is being held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Verizon Arena in North Little Rock.

The expo will feature a Veterans Center for servicemen and women. There will also be a kiosk for resume advice and job searches.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio