The article summarizes the top stories from February 15-21, including the full release of Jeffrey Epstein files by the DOJ, which contains a list of 300 individuals, sparking controversy. Other reports cover local law enforcement and political issues in Lonoke County, a recall of peanut butter due to foreign material, repairs to potholes on I-40, a fatal accident on I-57, and a shooting at an ice rink in Pawtucket that resulted in three deaths.

7 on 7: The biggest stories from last week you might've missed

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Here are the biggest stories you might have missed in the week of February 15-February 21.

1. DOJ declares full release of Epstein Files, but list of 300 names sparks backlash

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced in a letter to Congress that the Justice Department has released what she described as “all” of the Jeffrey Epstein files, saying the agency has fulfilled its obligations under the Epstein Transparency Act.{ }(PHOTO: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

But the disclosure is igniting fresh controversy — not only over what was released, but how.

Included in the letter is a list of roughly 300 prominent individuals whose names appear somewhere in the Epstein records. The list includes government officials and others the department classifies as “politically exposed persons.” While some individuals had documented ties to Jeffrey Epstein, others are included despite no public evidence they ever communicated with him or his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

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2. Sheriff John Staley makes his case for experience, accountability in Lonoke County

For more than a decade, John Staley has led law enforcement in Lonoke County — overseeing deputies on patrol and the county jail, one of the most demanding responsibilities in any sheriff’s office. (PHOTO: KATV)

He says his mission has never changed.

“Our goal is to do what’s right and not what’s easy.”

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3. On the Ballot and Awaiting Trial: Aaron Spencer on Bridging the Gap in Lonoke County

A sheriff’s race in Lonoke County is drawing national attention — because one of the candidates is awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge. (PHOTO: KATV)

A sheriff’s race in Lonoke County is drawing national attention — because one of the candidates is awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge.

Aaron Spencer is accused of shooting and killing a man he believed was sexually abusing his 14-year-old daughter.

The case stems from October 8, 2024 — a day Spencer says changed his life forever.

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4. Tens of thousands of jars of peanut butter recalled for containing 'foreign material'

Tens of thousands of jars of peanut butter have been recalled after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the products may contain "foreign material." (PHOTO: WKRC)

Tens of thousands of jars of peanut butter have been recalled after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the products may contain "foreign material."

The FDA issued a recall for three peanut butter products that may contain pieces of "blue plastic." The products were distributed in 40 states, including Ohio and Indiana.

Although the recall was initiated in 2025, the FDA reclassified it Feb. 12 as a Class II recall, meaning exposure could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences.

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5. ARDOT starts repair of troublesome I-40 potholes, closing two eastbound lanes

Drivers in North Little Rock are being urged to use caution if traveling Eastbound on Interstate 40, where potholes have created a rough and potentially hazardous stretch of roadway. (PHOTO: KATV)

Drivers in North Little Rock are being urged to use caution if traveling Eastbound on Interstate 40, where potholes have created a rough and potentially hazardous stretch of roadway.

For drivers brave enough to stay in the far-right lane, the rattling sound from uneven pavement has become all too familiar, highlighting just how deteriorated this stretch has become over the past week.

Meandy Bishop, a North Little Rock driver, says the issue has been ongoing for years and worsens during bad weather.

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6. Fatal accident reported on I-57 in Sherwood

{p}According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, a fatal accident occurred on I-57 northbound in Sherwood. (PHOTO: iDriveArkansas){/p}

According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, a fatal accident occurred on I-57 northbound in Sherwood. (PHOTO: iDriveArkansas)

According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, a fatal accident occurred on I-57 northbound in Sherwood.

The Arkansas State Police confirmed a pedestrian fatality occurred in the early hours of Thursday, February 19.

The accident previously had all lanes blocked at mile marker 3.8, but the interstate is now open for travel.

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7. Police identify suspect in deadly shooting at ice rink in Pawtucket

{p}Three people, including the suspected shooter, were killed and three people were injured in a shooting Monday at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena ice rink in Pawtucket during a high school hockey game between two co-op teams. (PHOTO: WJAR){/p}

Three people, including the suspected shooter, were killed and three people were injured in a shooting Monday at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena ice rink in Pawtucket during a high school hockey game between two co-op teams. (PHOTO: WJAR)

The names and ages of the victims were not immediately available.

On Tuesday morning, NBC 10’s Gene Valicenti reported that one of the dead was the suspect's son.

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