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Central Arkansas couple on “Wheel of Fortune” | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

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Central Arkansas couple on “Wheel of Fortune” | Arkansas Democrat Gazette


Amy Robbins has been watching “Wheel of Fortune” since she was a child growing up in Little Rock in the 1980s. When she and Joe Robbins, who have been married for 12 years, first got together, she introduced him to the popular game show, creating another avid “wheel” fan.

“We watch it every night, pretty much while we’re eating dinner,” Amy said. “We always watch it, and we love it.”

Over the years, Amy said she and Joe often thought about being on the show, which pits contestants against each other in solving word puzzles for prizes ranging from cash to trips to automobiles. The 30-minute program, hosted by Pat Sajak with co-star Vanna White, airs at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday on ABC.

“We wanted to do it together, like explicitly, because it’s almost like we solve it for each other,” Amy said. “If I know one word, he knows the other word.”

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Amy is such a “wheel” fan that she subscribes to the show’s email newsletter. In November, she got an email announcing auditions for the 2024 season of Sweethearts Week in which married couples join as teams to compete against other couples. “I was like, well, that is what we’ve always wanted to do; let me just apply,” she said. “And, so, I did that on a whim. I didn’t even tell Joe about it.”

Two week later, in early December, the show’s producers contacted her to ask if they wanted to audition. By then she had told Joe, and he was up for it. They agreed and participated in a “meet and greet” session on Zoom where the producers evaluated the potential candidates for their personalities and energy, Amy said. “We were like, we don’t know if they’re even going to call again,” Amy said. But, call they did, and the couple went through round two, a Zoom session where they did word puzzles similar to the show and even competed with other couples.

“After that, we were like, ‘OK, they’re definitely not going call us now,’” Amy said. “We didn’t think we did that well. You know, we were like, ‘whatever, that was fun.’” But, lo and behold, they did do well and were invited to California in January to tape the show, which will be aired on Wednesday — Valentine’s Day.

Being on the set, located in Culver City, Calif., was “almost surreal,” Amy said, adding that they spent 12 hours at the studio, which included rehearsing taping their episode. They also met Vanna White, the show’s glamorous co-star, before the show. “She was just so nice,” Amy said, adding that the contestants had assistance with their makeup and hair, “which was also glamorous.”

Once the show began, it was over quickly. Show producers told them it would be “the fastest 20 minutes of your life,” Amy said. And they were right. “It almost feels like a blur because you’re just so excited and so nervous and trying to do your best,” Amy added.

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So how did they do? You will have to wait and watch on Wednesday. Show policy prohibits contestants from talking about the results prior to the airing of their episode. And even their closest friends and family, who will be joining them for a watch party at the couple’s home in Alexander, will have to wait to see who wins. “They tried every tactic to get it out of us, and we have not shared,” she said.



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Convicted Arkansas businesswoman seeking probation in wire fraud case

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Convicted Arkansas businesswoman seeking probation in wire fraud case


An Arkansas businesswoman who pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud is seeking a downward departure in her sentencing.

Chandler Wilson Carroll’s defense is arguing that while she acknowledges the offense is serious, other factors indicate that a lighter sentencing may be appropriate in this case.

Carroll’s offence level under the guidelines is 20, and her criminal history category is 1.

The defense cited a multitude of reasons, including her family history, mental illness history, lack of criminal history, and being a mother to small children.

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The defense argued that under United States v. Chase, United States v. Lamoreaux, and United States v. Davis, she could qualify for a downward variance or departure.

The defendant underwent extensive mental health treatment after a suicide attempt in July 2025. Carroll was prescribed numerous medications and sought intensive treatment at a psychiatric facility in Little Rock.

She is currently anticipating entering into a trauma-centered treatment program, which will take a year to complete.

The defense also argues that the defendant’s need to care for her children is a proper factor to consider in determining this sentence.

Carroll is currently undergoing a divorce from her husband, who she claims was physically abusive to one of the children in August of 2025.

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A separate investigation into that incident is ongoing.

The husband no longer lives at the house and Carroll does not want her husband to have custody of the children if she is incarcerated. However, her mother, is disabled and cannot assume care of the children. The defense argues that the children are at a age in particular need of their mother.

Lastly, the defense cited Carroll’s lack of criminal history, and that she is no danger to the public of committing further crimes. They also cite her need for long-term mental health treatment, of which the quality may not be as high in a prison system.

The defense asks for a probationary period, accompanied by a fine or community service in lieu of prison time.

According to federal court documents obtained in April 2024, Carroll was facing 4 counts of wire fraud and 4 counts of money laundering for abusing the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Carroll was an owner of 3 different businesses involved in the alleged fraud: WilCarr Ventures, Wilson Carroll Research Services (WCRS), and Brook Haven Lodge.

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In total, Carroll was awarded a little over $2 million in small business loans.



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Arkansas Lottery Powerball, Cash 3 winning numbers for Dec. 15, 2025

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The Arkansas Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

23-35-59-63-68, Powerball: 02, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

Midday: 2-3-5

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Evening: 7-2-6

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

Midday: 0-1-9-4

Evening: 8-3-6-1

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

12-16-27-34-41, Lucky Ball: 12

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Natural State Jackpot numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

16-18-25-27-36

Check Natural State Jackpot payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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When are the Arkansas Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Cash 3 Midday: 12:59 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
  • Cash 3 Evening: 6:59 p.m. CT daily.
  • Cash 4 Midday: 12:59 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
  • Cash 4 Evening: 6:59 p.m. CT daily.
  • Lucky For Life: 9:30 p.m. CT daily.
  • Natural State Jackpot: 8 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
  • LOTTO: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Arkansas editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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College Basketball AP Top 25: Vanderbilt, Arkansas lead SEC’s 7 ranked squads

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College Basketball AP Top 25: Vanderbilt, Arkansas lead SEC’s 7 ranked squads


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The Week 7 college basketball AP Top 25 came out on Monday morning. Like it did much of last season, the SEC again paces the nation in ranked teams (7). The order and composition of those respective schools, though, is a bit non-traditional.

Vanderbilt (No. 13) is the conference’s highest-ranked team. The Commodores, under head coach Mark Byington, are 10-0 following a victory over Central Arkansas on Saturday. They won the Battle 4 Atlantic during Feast Week and are the SEC’s last unbeaten squad. Arkansas (No. 14) slots right behind Vandy following an impressive 93-85 triumph over then-No. 16 Texas Tech. The Razorbacks had the second-biggest jump (+3) of any team in the AP poll, worse than only Nebraska (+8).

Alabama, Tennessee, Auburn and Florida all remain in the top 25. They were joined by Georgia, who snared the No. 25 spot. The Bulldogs (9-1) are ranked in back-to-back seasons for the second time this century (2001-02 & 2002-03) after an 84-65 drubbing of Cincinnati. You can see the full AP poll below:

  • No. 1 – Arizona
  • No. 2 – Michigan
  • No. 3 – Duke
  • No. 4 – Iowa State
  • No. 5 – UCONN
  • No. 6 – Purdue
  • No. 7 – Gonzaga
  • No. 8 – Houston
  • No. 9 – Michigan State
  • No. 10 – BYU
  • No. 11 – Louisville
  • No. 12 – North Carolina
  • No. 13 – Vanderbilt
  • No. 14 – Arkansas
  • No. 15 – Nebraska
  • No. 16 – Alabama
  • No. 17 – Kansas
  • No. 18 – Illinois
  • No. 19 – Texas Tech
  • No. 20 – Tennessee
  • No. 21 – Auburn
  • No. 22 – St. John’s
  • No. 23 (Tied) – Florida
  • No. 23 (Tied) – Virginia
  • No. 25 Georgia
Braden RamseyBraden Ramsey
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