⌚ The Week’s Top Stories In 60 Seconds

Here are the five stories that resonated most with Arkansas Business readers this week.

1. Former SQRL Owner Files for Bankruptcy as Lawsuits and Debts Mount

• Joseph Blake Smith, the former owner of SQRL, filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy reorganization last month
• Smith’s ongoing series of financial problems are outlined in the case

2. KATV Meteorologist Melinda Mayo Says Goodbye After 39 Years

• Mayo, who has been part of the city’s TV news scene since 1987, is retiring from KATV, Channel 7, on April 1

3. Billionaire YouTube Star Acquires Fintech Backed by Evolve Bank & Trust

• Beast Industries, the company founded by popular internet personality and entrepreneur MrBeast, has purchased Step, a fintech company and smartphone app that is supported by Evolve
• The billionaire YouTuber has a similar audience base to the app, which is marketed toward young adults and teens

4. Rausch Coleman Homes Sale Marks End of an Era, Start of New Ventures

• John Rausch said no to potential buyers for two decades before a meeting with Lennar Corp. changed his mind
• Lennar paid $254 million for Rausch Coleman, with John Rausch saying that even though it was a fair deal, it was still like losing a family member

5. US Lawmaker Urges SEC Action Against Arkansas Firm Accused of Selling Fake Tax Credits

• White River Energy Corp. of Fayetteville is facing fresh federal scrutiny in relation to its allegedly fraudulent sale of tribal tax credits that the IRS doesn’t recognize