State notes 'uptick' in jobless-aid fraud
The state Division of Workforce Services said Wednesday that it has found an "uptick" in fraudulent unemployment claims but gave no details.
"Over the past few weeks, Arkansas, as well as several other states, has recognized an increase in reports filed for fraudulent unemployment claims and identity theft," the division, which is part of the Department of Commerce, said in a news release.
"Victims of fraud often discover they have been impacted when they receive a notice from [the Workforce Services Division] stating that a claim has been filed under their name," the agency said. "It appears that many individuals self-reporting these fraudulent claims have been victims of identity theft at some point in the past-- some up to 20 years ago. There are also cases where individuals have been notified by their employer that a false application for benefits has been filed under their name."
Reports of possible fraud can be filed with the division on its website, by telephone at (501) 682-1058, or by email at [email protected]
-- Stephen Steed
Walmart tops goal for hiring veterans
Walmart Inc. said Wednesday that it has exceeded its goal to hire 250,000 veterans by year's end. To date, the company has hired more than 265,000 nationwide, including more than 6,900 in Arkansas.
In a news release, Walmart said it reached its goal in February. But because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, "the decision was made to wait for a more appropriate time to make the announcement," the company said.
Walmart introduced its Veterans Welcome Home Commitment program in 2013. The program guarantees a job offer to any eligible, honorably discharged U.S. veteran.
Walmart began a program in 2018 called Military Spouses Career Connection that gives hiring preference to any military spouse applying for a job. The company said it has hired more than 31,000 through the program.
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have invested more than $40 million since 2011 in programs supporting job training, education and public/private community-based initiatives for veterans and military families, the retailer said.
-- Serenah McKay
Arkansas Index sinks 7.18, ends at 377.66
The Arkansas Index, a price-weighted index that tracks the largest public companies based in the state, closed Wednesday at 377.66, down 7.18.
"Optimism regarding potential coronavirus vaccine trials lifted the broader market higher to start the third quarter as the real estate and communication services sectors outperformed while the Arkansas Index closed lower for the day," said Leon Lants, managing director at Stephens Inc. in Little Rock.
The index was developed by Bloomberg News and the Democrat-Gazette with a base value of 100 as of Dec. 30, 1997.