Arkansas
Federal judge bars Arkansas public schools from displaying the Ten Commandments
The federal judge called the law ‘obviously unconstitutional’ and said passing it was likely part of a coordinated strategy to inject Christian religious doctrine into public schools.
Texas House passes bill mandating Ten Commandments in classrooms
The Texas House of Representatives passed a bill that would require the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom in the state.
unbranded – Newsworthy
A federal judge on Aug. 4 barred several Arkansas school districts from implementing what he described as a “plainly unconstitutional” state law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in their classrooms and libraries.
The preliminary injunction, a temporary measure that maintains the status quo until a court hears the merits of the case, was issued a day before Arkansas Act 573 was set to go into effect.
U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Brooks wrote that the Protestant displays would unconstitutionally violate the right to free exercise of religion as well as the Establishment Clause, a provision of the First Amendment that prohibits the government from favoring religion over non-religion.
He noted that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a “nearly identical” law in Kentucky in 1980.
“Why would Arkansas pass an obviously unconstitutional law?” he wrote. “Most likely because the State is part of a coordinated strategy among several states to inject Christian religious doctrine into public-school classrooms.”
He went on to say that such states, including Louisiana and Texas, may be taking such measures in light of the Supreme Court’s recent rulings in favor of religious expression and accommodation in public spaces.
Several civil liberties groups – Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, the ACLU and the Freedom From Religion Foundation – and the New York-based law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP are representing the plaintiffs, a group of multifaith families with children in Arkansas public schools.
The Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville and Siloam Springs school districts are defendants in the case. The state of Arkansas, on behalf of Attorney General Tim Griffin, is listed as an intervenor in the case – a third party who’s not part of the original lawsuit but requests to get involved.
Following Brooks’ order, Griffin told Axios he was “reviewing the court’s order and assessing our legal options.”
Republican Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders also disagreed with the order.
“In Arkansas, we do in fact believe that murder is wrong and stealing is bad,” Sanders told Axios. “It is entirely appropriate to display the Ten Commandments – the basis of all Western law and morality – as a reminder to students, state employees and every Arkansan who enters a government building.”
BrieAnna Frank is a First Amendment Reporting Fellow at USA TODAY. Reach her at bjfrank@usatoday.com.
USA TODAY’s coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input.
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The Arkansas Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
20-24-46-59-65, Mega Ball: 07
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
Midday: 9-7-4
Evening: 8-4-7
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
Midday: 4-9-2-0
Evening: 0-4-2-7
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
03-04-19-24-39, Lucky Ball: 11
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Natural State Jackpot numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
03-06-33-34-39
Check Natural State Jackpot payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
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.
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — 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.
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.
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.
In total, Carroll was awarded a little over $2 million in small business loans.
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