In January, a devastating earthquake shook the country of Haiti to its knees. More than 230 thousand were killed and millions went weeks without food and water. Americans worked to help pull the country back from ruins.
In February, winter storms hit many portions of Arkansas causing power outages and icy road accidents across the state. Some, even fatal.
In March, four North Little Rock High school students died in a car crash. One of the students lost control of the SUV and it rolled over into a creek. They were all wearing their seatbelts.
In April, Gary Dunn is granted a new trial, but a judge rules it a mistrial after the jury deadlocked. Dunn stood trial accused of murdering Arkansas Tech student Nona Dirksmeyer inside her Russellville apartment in 2005. He remains in custody, awaiting a new trial.
In May, The Pulaski County Special School District and board members stand before legislators. A legislative audit finds board members and staff misusing thousands of tax payer money for travel and meals.
On June 11, 16 campers are killed during the flash floods that tore through Albert Pike campgrounds in the Ouachita National Forest. Torrential rainfall flooded the Caddo and Missouri Rivers causing them to rise overnight.
July was a record setting month for the state, hosting eight consecutive days of 100 degrees or above temperatures. Construction workers dreaded the heat as they worked on the Interstate 430-630 interchange.
August was the first time the state handed out lottery scholarships. More than 36,000 applications poured in and more than 10,000 students received full-tuition scholarships. Officials though caught heat from those not awarded.
September, three emergency responders on board an Air Evac helicopter were killed. The crew was based in Vilonia and were responding to a motorcycle accident when their chopper went down.
On October28, Clint McCance, a former Midland School Board member resigns because of anti-gay comments posted to his facebook page. He posted comments after being asked to wear purple in honor of five students committed suicide. He later apologizes on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360.
In the November 2 elections, Republicans gained major Senate and House seats and thus becoming majority.
Two time incumbent Senator Blanche Lincoln falls to GOP rival Congressman John Boozman. State senator Joyce Elliott lost to Tim Griffin in the second district for Congress.
Nov 4, was a long time waiting for one of the West Memphis three. The Supreme Court grants a new trial for Damien Echols ,ordering a new hearing on whether newly analyzed DNA evidence and other testimony can exonerate Echols. Jessie Misskelley and Jason baldwin still fight for their freedom.
The men were convicted of killing three second
graders in 1993.
In December, U.S. Census numbers show Arkansas gained slight in population. Conway saw a spike, but Pine Bluff lost six percent of its population
Also in December, A North Little Rock Alderman resigns after being convicted on federal gun charges. Prosecutors say Sam Baggett aided and abetted a felon in possession of a firearm, conspiring to help him obtain ammunition while making a false statement to a federal agent.