Magnolia Reporter

Magnoliareporter.com is a website operated by Magnolia Reporter LLC, a corporation based in Arkansas. The site is owned and managed by Mike McNeill, who also serves as its editor and publisher. As a proud native of Magnolia, Mike has an extensive background in journalism, having spent 33 years working for daily newspapers across four different states. He launched magnoliareporter.com in April 2010 after stepping down from his role as managing editor at the Banner-News of Magnolia, where he worked for 11 years. The website aims to deliver timely news, information, and advertising, featuring articles, photos, videos, and other content that is relevant to the local community. Magnolia Reporter LLC is actively involved with the Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Local Independent Online News Publishers organization.

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Fed chair cites uncertainty, keeps interest rates as-is - for now

1 day ago | magnoliareporter.com | Mary Hightower

In keeping interests rates as-is in May, the Federal Open Market Committee is walking a tightrope in trying to cool a still-hot economy while still trying to maintain a strong dollar, said Ryan Loy, extension economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. In its May 7 meeting, the committee — better known as the Fed — kept its benchmark short-term rate at a range of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent for a third straight meeting.
Ex-wife says she wouldn't wish her experience with Smith Bonds on her worst enemy

4 days ago | magnoliareporter.com | Becky Bell

Earlier this month, Stephens resident Smith Bonds, 41, received 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections on charges of endangering the welfare of a minor, fleeing in a vehicle or conveyance, with substantial danger or causing death or serious injury, and being a habitual felon. The sentence was handed down by Circuit Judge David Talley Jr. in Columbia County Circuit Court on May 1, 2025.
FayettevilleFlyer.com: Latest assessment outlines challenges facing Fayetteville’s housing market

5 days ago | magnoliareporter.com | Stacy Ryburn

FAYETTEVILLE — It’s not that housing isn’t being built in the city. It’s that a lot of what’s being built isn’t affordable to most residents, according to a presentation the City Council heard last week. Fayetteville has a lower average rent cost compared to the other three major Northwest Arkansas cities. However, that cost is steadily going up.
Percentage of choice-graded beef grows thanks to better genes, feedlot tech

5 days ago | magnoliareporter.com | Mary Hightower

Headed into grilling season, consumers have a better grade of beef to choose from as the percentage of beef earning a “choice” grade has increased from about 50 percent in the early 2000s to about 75 percent today. Choice is one of three grades consumers are likely to see in the store. There are eight grades defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, whose evaluators classify the beef.
Fat means flavor when it comes to beef

5 days ago | magnoliareporter.com | Mary Hightower

When it comes to beef, fat makes for better flavor. Janeal Yancey — known on social media as Meat Counter Mom — is a meat scientist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, working in the animal science department. She knows beef. “Beef quality grades are largely based on marbling, which is the little flecks of fat found within the ribeye muscle,” Yancey said.
Louisiana Illuminator: Louisiana officials lament loss of USDA money to help schools, food banks buy from local farmers

6 days ago | magnoliareporter.com | Shannon Heckt

Louisiana lawmakers are asking Congress to bring back a $1 billion federal program that allows schools, child care programs, and food banks to purchase locally grown produce and protein. The Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program and Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, both administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, were axed in March as part of the Trump administration’s move to reduce federal government spending.
Webster Parish Journal: Former Webster Registrar of Voters, husband found dead in home

1 week ago | magnoliareporter.com | Bonnie Culverhouse

Webster Parish deputies are currently investigating the deaths of former parish Registrar of Voters Melanie Smith and her husband Kenny. Sheriff Jason Parker said the bodies of the couple were found inside their home in the 5500 block of LA Hwy. 528 shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday. Deputies were dispatched to the residence in response to a call for a welfare check, Parker said.
Arkansas Advocate: Arkansas attorney general rejects first ballot measure under new law

1 week ago | magnoliareporter.com | Antoinette Grajeda |Arkansas Advocate

The League of Women Voters of Arkansas on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 decried the attorney general’s rejection of its proposed constitutional amendment under a new law that prohibits ballot titles from being written above an eighth-grade reading level.
Arkansas Advocate: Replacement driver’s licenses temporarily processed online as Arkansas officials focus on REAL ID

1 week ago | magnoliareporter.com | Antoinette Grajeda |Arkansas Advocate

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration officials announced Wednesday that duplicate driver’s licenses can be ordered online and delivered by mail beginning Monday, May 12, 2025. The temporary online processing of duplicate and replacement licenses and ID cards will allow DFA officials to focus on issuing REAL IDs, according to a press release. New, first-time licenses may still be obtained at any State Revenue Office.
KFF Health News: States including Arkansas push Medicaid work rules, but few programs help enrollees find jobs

1 week ago | magnoliareporter.com | Sam Whitehead |Phil Galewitz |Katheryn Houghton

For many years, Eric Wunderlin’s health issues made it hard to find stable employment. Struggling to manage depression and diabetes, Wunderlin worked part-time, minimum-wage retail jobs around Dayton, Ohio, making so little he said he sometimes had to choose between paying rent and buying food. But in 2018, his CareSource Medicaid health plan offered him help getting a job. It connected him to a life coach, who helped him find full-time work with health benefits.