Legal

Leadership Appointments at Farmers Bank & Trust, Arkansas Capital Corp. & More (Movers & Shakers)
This week’s business moves highlight key leadership changes across various sectors in Arkansas.
Jennifer Smith Rejoins Wright Lindsey Jennings
Smith returns after nearly two years with UAMS, where she was associate general counsel and previously practiced as a registered nurse. read more >
Arkansas Attorney General’s Office Sues Capital City Tree Service for Price Gouging
The lawsuit against Capital City Tree Service alleges price gouging and deceptive practices during Arkansas' storm emergencies in 2023 and 2024. read more >
Artificial Interest (Hunter Field Editor’s Note)
The AI buzz is exhausting, but companies seeking to thrive don’t have the luxury of looking away. read more >
by Hunter Field -
Matt Campbell Files for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Matt Campbell, the former blogger behind the Blue Hog Report, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Jan. 8, listing debts over $414,000, including student loans, taxes, and pending malpractice lawsuits. read more >
SQRL Founder Joseph Blake Smith Fights to Keep Private Jet Amid Legal Battles
SQRL founder Blake Smith’s jet is now entangled in his mounting legal and financial troubles. read more >
by George Waldon -
Promotions at HoganTaylor, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Baptist Health & More (Movers & Shakers)
Promotions and leadership changes span industries in Arkansas, from accounting and banking to healthcare and utilities. read more >
Pope County Bets on a Long Shot to Revive Casino License
After years of legal battles, the Cherokee Nation’s $320 million casino project in Russellville faces uncertainty, with a federal trial in March seeking to overturn a state constitutional amendment voiding their casino license. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
AI-Assisted Works Can Get Copyright With Enough Human Creativity, Says US Copyright Office
The office’s approach is based on the “centrality of human creativity” in authoring a work that warrants copyright protections. read more >
by Associated Press -
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Unveils New Medicaid Work Requirement Plan
The "Pathway to Prosperity" program would use automated tracking and coaching instead of terminating coverage, aiming to avoid legal challenges that blocked previous attempts. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Legal Battle Begins as Trump Orders a Funding Freeze During Review of Federal Loans and Grants
Democratic attorneys general in several states have announced a lawsuit asking a judge to block a federal funding freeze by the Trump administration set to take effect Tuesday at 5 p.m. Eastern time. read more >
by Associated Press -
Dr. Brian Hyatt’s Trial on Medicaid Fraud Charges to Begin in April
Dr. Brian Hyatt’s trial for two felony Medicaid fraud counts, involving $300,000 in alleged false claims, is set for April 9-18, as he also faces over 100 civil lawsuits. read more >
New Appointments at Grand Savings Bank, Stephens Insurance, ASU-Beebe & More (Movers & Shakers)
Key Arkansas appointments include Aubrey Blackmon’s Agriculture Hall of Fame induction, Laura Landreaux as State Chamber chair, and leadership changes in banking, energy, health care, and more. read more >
Arkansas Flexes Regulatory Power With Enforcement Actions Against Financial Giants
The Arkansas Securities Department kicked off 2025 with four major national enforcement actions totaling more than $200 million in settlements. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Supreme Court Allows Small Business Registration Rule to Take Effect, Aimed at Money Laundering
The ruling means owners and part-owners of an estimated 32.6 million small businesses must register personal information with Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN. read more >
by Associated Press -
Zenwork and Social Security Administration Reach Agreement to Restore E-Filing Access
The Fayetteville tax software firm sued the agency last week, alleging that its access was suspended without explanation and without an opportunity to appeal the move. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
US Sues Sam’s Club for Firing Disabled Worker
A location in Douglasville, Georgia, allegedly refused to make reasonable accommodations for an employee who had been injured in a car crash. read more >
Massachusetts Insurer Wins Appeal in $4.7M Arkansas Chicken House Case
Massachusetts insurer Norfolk & Dedham Mutual wins 8th Circuit appeal, reviving lawsuit over $4.7M chicken house collapse in southeast Arkansas. read more >
A Personal Warning (Gwen Moritz Commentary)
A scam victim ignored warnings from her bankers, and bankers need to understand why. read more >
by Gwen Moritz -
Promotions Announced at First Security Bank, Caddell Construction, UAMS & More (Movers & Shakers)
First Security Bank names Matthew Boyd as Cabot market president; key hires and promotions across health care, law, nonprofits, and more in Arkansas industries. read more >
Arkansas Hospitals Brace for More Insurer Showdowns Amid Financial Recovery
Hospitals in Arkansas and nationwide are improving financially but still face challenges, including insurance disputes, staffing shortages, and financial uncertainties in 2025. read more >
by Kyle Massey -