$1.9M Grant for Economic Development and Housing Program

(WASHINGTON) -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded nearly $2 million to Southern Bancorp Capital Partners in Arkadelphia to bankroll an economic development and housing program.

The $1,998,621 award is a Rural Innovation Fund Comprehensive grant that will be pumped into the program, which aims to support existing business and entrepreneurs and give supportive services and incentives to homeowners.

Officials say the money will go towards projects such as a new downtown Helena-West mixed-use retail and housing development, a loan loss reserve and business loan fund, and a small business incubator.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Little Rock Blaze Kills 90 Rabbits and Cats

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) -- Officials are investigating a blaze Monday evening that claimed the lives of close to 90 animals.

Little Rock Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Ralph Tobin says he believes around 60 rabbits and 30 cats that homeowner Deborah Craig cared for died in the fire.

Craig, whose horses and dogs survived the fire, was in Michigan at the time of the fire.

Fire officials are still trying to determine the cause of the blaze, but it is believed to have originated from an electrical malfunction.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

UALR Bowen Included on 'Best Value' Law School List

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) -- On Monday, preLaw magazine released its list of Best Value Law Schools for 2011, naming 60 schools across the country.

The University Of Arkansas William H. Bowen School Of Law was included on the list, which was dominated by public schools.  

"In 2004 and 2007, there were a decent number of private schools on the honor roll," Crittenden said. "BYU, Faulkner University and Willamette are the only private schools left on the list. Private tuition has just increased by too much to consider the schools a good value."

Bowen Dean John DiPippa said the value of the school is that students graduate with less debt than other schools, allowing students to work in public service if they so desire.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Little Rock Apple Store to Open Saturday

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) -- The countdown is on for local tech-savvy residents, as the Apple Store is set to open in Little Rock over the weekend.

The store's grand opening is set for Saturday at 10 a.m., according to information on the Apple website. The store will be located at 17711 Chenal Parkway.

This will be the first Apple Store to open in Little Rock.

Opening hours are listed on the Apple website as being from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

USDA to Provide 16 States with Funds for Broadband Expansion

(WASHINGTON) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced 16 states will share a $103 million grant to expand broadband Internet access into rural areas with smaller populations.

Alabama, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming will share the federal money in order to improve high-speed Internet and expand opportunities for businesses and education, according to the USDA.

The USDA says rural areas are in need of the federal assistance since their population and land size makes it more costly for companies to serve them.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio