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News about Phillips County, Arkansas

Stay current with all the latest and breaking news about Phillips County, Arkansas, compare headlines and perspectives between news sources on stories happening today. In total, 11stories have been published about Phillips County, Arkansas which Ground News has aggregated in the past 3 months.

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Top Phillips County, Arkansas News

Judge Ousts Mayor of Helena-West Helena; Franklin Responds

Taxes · Helena-West Helena

Judge Ousts Mayor of Helena-West Helena; Franklin Responds

45% Center coverage: 9 sources

HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. -- An Arkansas mayor was removed from office on Monday after his latest controversy. Helena-West Helena's Christopher Franklin was ousted by a judge just days after he was arrested. The now former mayor is charged with failing to pay his taxes. However, during a hearing, the judge heard a number of other complaints against Franklin. After the four-hour court case, WREG had the chance to talk with citizens of the town abo…See the Story

Lawmakers question East Arkansas city officials about ongoing financial troubles

Helena-West Helena · Helena-West Helena

Lawmakers question East Arkansas city officials about ongoing financial troubles

Coverage: 2 sources

Helena-West Helena Treasurer Derrick Turner answers questions about the city’s finances from the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee on Friday, July 11, 2025. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) State lawmakers spent nearly two hours Friday questioning elected officials from an East Arkansas city about its financial troubles, particularly under its recently removed mayor who was arrested by state police last month. Arkansas Legislative Audit, a nonp…See the Story

State law enforcement standards board strips certification from 3 former Helena-West Helena officers | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Helena-West Helena · Helena-West Helena

State law enforcement standards board strips certification from 3 former Helena-West Helena officers | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

100% Right coverage: 1 sources

Members of the state's police standards board voted unanimously Tuesday to strip three former Helena-West Helena police officers of their law enforcement certification for failing to adequately report force used during a December 2023 arrest that is now the subject of a civil suit against the city.Read Article

Independence Day event canceled by Helena-West Helena police

100% Center coverage: 1 sources

HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. -- Police in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, are cancelling an Independence Day weekend event over concerns about possible violence. The second annual Helena Day was scheduled for July 5 at Helena River Park, has been cancelled by police over concerns of violence. The event was advertised as family-oriented, but police aren't taking any chances. Helena West Helena Helena West Helena River Park "It was thought on for a whil…Independence Day · Helena-West Helena Read Article

Disorderly Conduct, Battery Allegations Surface in Complaint Filed Against Embattled Arkansas Mayor

37% Center coverage: 11 sources

Further examination of a complaint filed by a district attorney in a circuit court in Phillips County reveals charges in 2023 of disorderly conduct and battery against Mayor Christopher Franklin of Helena-West Helena. It alleges he was caught on video striking a woman multiple times in the head and face "without justification."Helena-West Helena · Helena-West Helena See the Story

Mayor of Helena-West Helena Arrested by Arkansas State Police

54% Center coverage: 13 sources

The mayor of an east Arkansas city has been arrested, authorities said.Taxes · Helena-West Helena See the Story

Arkansas tree trimmer dies after worksite injury, mayor says

100% Center coverage: 1 sources

An Arkansas tree trimmer died after a worksite injury Wednesday, according to Helena-West Helena Mayor Christopher Franklin.Helena-West Helena · Helena-West Helena Read Article

Firearms purchase leads to 2 years of probation for Phillips County woman | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

100% Right coverage: 1 sources

A Phillips County woman who admitted to the straw purchase of two firearms from a Helena-West Helena pawnshop in 2020 was sentenced Friday in federal court to two years of probation.Helena-West Helena · Helena-West Helena Read Article

Crittenden County man gets 3-year prison sentence for stealing money for gun purchase from ATF agent | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

100% Right coverage: 1 sources

A Crittenden County man indicted with two other men following the robbery of a federal agent of $600 was sentenced Tuesday in a federal courtroom in Helena-West Helena to three years in federal prison.Helena-West Helena · Helena-West Helena Read Article

Phillips County Judge Clark Hall has not stepped down despite censure and calls for resignation over broken door | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

100% Right coverage: 1 sources

Phillips County's top administrator kicked in a locked door because he noticed an office light was on and, moments later, people had to come between him and a deputy prosecutor to prevent the two men from coming to blows, according to a sheriff's report.Phillips County, Arkansas · Phillips County Read Article

Phillips County woman facing possible 5-year sentence after admitting to filing false statement to buy gun | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

100% Right coverage: 1 sources

A Phillips County woman pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to one count of making a false statement while purchasing a firearm, which could result in up to a five-year prison sentence when she returns for sentencing in a few months.Phillips County, Arkansas · Phillips County Read Article