Highway Closures in Arkansas - IDriveArkansas

Arkansas Highway Routes, Structures and Facilities listed on this page are closed. When reopened, they are removed from the page. All data is current regardless of the date and time a closure is reported on the list.

Highway Closures

County Route Reason Direction Date/Time

Poinsett State Highway 308 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 3:57 PM CDT

Garland State Highway 227 Washout Northboun April 7th, 2025 at 3:37 PM CDT

Jackson State Highway 145 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 12:05 PM CDT

Jackson State Highway 37 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 10:53 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 145 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 9:50 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 14 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 9:44 AM CDT

Lawrence U.S. Highway 412 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 8:56 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 42 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 8:50 AM CDT

Perry State Highway 216 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 6:59 AM CDT

Pulaski State Highway 365 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 9:29 PM CDT

Lonoke State Highway 31 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 9:02 PM CDT

Arkansas State Highway 146 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 7:10 PM CDT

Mississippi State Highway 181 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 5:56 PM CDT

Jackson Interstate 57 High Water Southbound April 6th, 2025 at 2:59 PM CDT

Lonoke State Highway 236 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 2:44 PM CDT

Lonoke U.S. Highway 70 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 2:12 PM CDT

Ashley State Highway 160 Pipe / Culvert Maintenance Both April 6th, 2025 at 12:55 PM CDT

Greene State Highway 141 Pipe / Culvert Maintenance Both April 6th, 2025 at 12:19 PM CDT

Ouachita State Highway 7 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 10:47 AM CDT

Hot Spring State Highway 128 Washout Both April 6th, 2025 at 10:08 AM CDT

Greene State Highway 34 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 9:51 AM CDT

Randolph State Highway 328 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 7:37 AM CDT

Mississippi State Highway 158 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 7:00 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 69 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 5:46 AM CDT

Independence State Highway 69 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 4:20 AM CDT

Nevada State Highway 53 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 12:13 AM CDT

Independence State Highway 122 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 12:04 AM CDT

Clay State Highway 211 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 9:13 PM CDT

Phillips State Highway 318 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 9:07 PM CDT

Mississippi State Highway 14 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 8:24 PM CDT

Mississippi State Highway 119 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 8:21 PM CDT

Lawrence State Highway 230 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 8:13 PM CDT

Independence State Highway 14 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 7:30 PM CDT

Lawrence State Highway 25 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 6:25 PM CDT

Desha State Highway 159 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 4:11 PM CDT

Clark State Highway 51 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 4:09 PM CDT

Jackson State Highway 14 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 3:43 PM CDT

Greene State Highway 358 Washout Eastbound April 5th, 2025 at 3:23 PM CDT

Saline State Highway 5 Downed Power Line Both April 5th, 2025 at 2:46 PM CDT

Independence State Highway 14 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 2:28 PM CDT

Poinsett State Highway 69 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 2:21 PM CDT

Clark State Highway 7 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 1:32 PM CDT

Poinsett State Highway 214 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 12:34 PM CDT

Poinsett State Highway 140 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 12:30 PM CDT

Clark State Highway 51 Washout Both April 5th, 2025 at 12:13 PM CDT

Independence State Highway 37 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 11:55 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 37 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 11:51 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 226 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 11:27 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 18 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 11:25 AM CDT

Clay State Highway 139 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 11:20 AM CDT

Poinsett State Highway 322 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 11:00 AM CDT

Craighead State Highway 230 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 10:29 AM CDT

Craighead State Highway 230 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 10:28 AM CDT

Greene State Highway 139 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 10:24 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 224 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 8:46 AM CDT

Clark State Highway 128 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 8:31 AM CDT

Crittenden State Highway 118 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 5:00 AM CDT

Clay U.S. Highway 49 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 3:23 AM CDT

Randolph State Highway 231 Washout Both April 4th, 2025 at 9:59 PM CDT

Cross State Highway 364 High Water Both April 4th, 2025 at 8:49 PM CDT

Fulton State Highway 9 Washout Both April 4th, 2025 at 8:36 PM CDT

Randolph State Highway 166 High Water Both April 4th, 2025 at 3:01 PM CDT

Jackson State Highway 37 High Water Both April 3rd, 2025 at 3:07 PM CDT

Boone U.S. Highway 65 Construction Both March 26th, 2025 at 11:02 AM CDT

Mississippi State Highway 77 Construction Both March 24th, 2025 at 9:48 AM CDT

Columbia U.S. Highway 82 Maintenance (emergency / immediate priority) Westbound March 24th, 2025 at 7:08 AM CDT

Cross State Highway 42 Bridge Issue Both February 21st, 2025 at 3:40 PM CDT

St. Francis State Highway 261 Bridge Issue Both January 30th, 2025 at 9:14 AM CDT

Facility Closures

Rest Areas

No closures at this time.

Arkansas Welcome Centers

No closures at this time.

Commuter Park and Ride Lots

No closures at this time.

Weigh Stations

No closures at this time.

AMH Headquarters

No closures at this time.

District Headquarters

No closures at this time.

Ferries

No closures at this time.

CONSUMER ALERT: How to avoid Cryptocurrency Kiosk Scams

What Are Cryptocurrency Kiosk Scams?

Cryptocurrency kiosk scams are on the rise in Arkansas. For years, scammers have defrauded Arkansans out of their hard-earned money through gift card scams and wire money transfers. With the growth of technology, scammers have broadened their tactics to include cryptocurrency, a digital currency purchased with real money.

“Cryptocurrency or Bitcoin-related scams are significantly more difficult to track than cash or credit. Cryptocurrency is often referred to as ‘Bitcoin.’ While Bitcoin is one of the most well-known forms of cryptocurrency, there are multiple types. Scammers typically direct consumers to deposit money in cryptocurrency kiosks or ‘Bitcoin ATMs,’ which are ATM-like machines located in gas stations, liquor stores, and other places. Once the money is placed into the kiosk, it’s gone. There is no way of getting it back. Make sure you know the signs of a cryptocurrency scam and keep your money safe. Last year alone, my office received complaints from consumers totaling more than $400,000 in lost money in cryptocurrency kiosk scams.

“Recovering money lost to cryptocurrency scams is extraordinarily rare, but my office has had some recent success. Thanks to the excellent work of Investigator Shamikah Johnson, my office recently recovered $52,000 in funds that were lost to cryptocurrency kiosk scams. I’m extremely proud of Shamikah’s work, but make no mistake, this type of recovery is rare. Consumers should not assume that when they use these kinds of kiosks that their money can be recovered.” – Attorney General Tim Griffin

How Do These Scams Work, and What Are the Dangers?

• Scammers will call or text consumers claiming to be a legitimate institution, such as a bank or a government institution.

• Often, they create a sense of urgency by stating an account has been compromised or you owe the government back taxes or missed court and owe several thousand dollars. Scammers may even send you documents that look official or “spoof” a legitimate organization, meaning the caller ID will show an organization’s name.

• Once the scammer has the consumer worried, they direct the consumer to deposit money into a cryptocurrency kiosk or Bitcoin ATM. These ATMs often include a screen that says transfers are nonreversible and includes warnings about cryptocurrency scams. Consumers must agree to these disclosures before depositing money, which is why the owner of the machine cannot just open the machine and give consumers their money back.

• Payments through kiosks are quick and immediate. Transactions cannot be reversed and are often untraceable. There are no legal protections or government-insured protections when using a Bitcoin ATM.

5 Ways to Protect Yourself

• No legitimate business will demand advance payment through a Bitcoin ATM.

• No government organization will contact you via text message to pay a bill or ask you to pay through a Bitcoin ATM.

• Do not pay anyone who contacts you with cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards. If you are contacted about cryptocurrency, hang up and try calling the institution back (like the sheriff’s office, utility company, or your bank) through a known number.

• Never provide personal information to anyone you do not know. Contact a trusted relative or friend and ask for advice.

• Finally, if you’ve been the victim of a cryptocurrency scam, contact the Office of the Attorney General and file a complaint.

Arkansans who wish to report concerns about potential cryptocurrency kiosk scams should contact the Office of the Attorney General by calling (800) 482-8982, emailing consumer@arkansasag.gov, or by visiting https://arkansasag.gov/file-a-complaint.

President Trump Approves Arkansas’ Emergency Request Amid Flooding

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that President Trump has approved Arkansas’ request for an Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance to assist Arkansas with the state response to storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on April 2, 2025, and is ongoing. Arkansas is already experiencing flooding after last night’s rainfall and of particular concern are the Buffalo River, Spring River, Little Red River, Cache River, Black River, Saline River, Ouachita River, Eleven Point River, Mississippi River, Petit Jean River, Little River, and White River. 

The Governor’s letter to the President is linked here.

“I’m so thankful to President Trump for always jumping into quick action and ensuring the American people are safe and taken care of. We appreciate his administration’s proactive response to this storm,” said Governor Sanders. “With these additional federal resources, Arkansas will have the capacity to respond to this flooding more effectively, shore up property and roadways, and save lives.”

Arkansas is specifically receiving:

• Category B, limited to Direct Federal Assistance, statewide

White River Flooding - NARA & DVIDS Public Domain

Economic development bills working their way through Legislature

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

A package of economic development reform bills is making progress through both ends of the State Capitol as the 95th General Assembly counts down its final full week.

Two measures just need House floor votes before making their way to Gov. Sarah Sanders’ desk for signature.

SB 421, the Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Pollution Abatement Facilities Financing Act of 2025, is a massive infrastructure bill that outlines how and when the state can issue general obligation bonds to finance and refinance water, waste disposal, pollution control, abatement and prevention, drainage, irrigation, flood control, and wetlands and aquatic resources projects. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission helps put together the plan.

Economic development bills working their way through Legislature

Serial storms in Arkansas ramp up residents’ anxiety, create flooding and danger

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Willadean Hergott of Jonesboro clutched a stuffed toy monkey while sitting in the Craighead County safe room in Jonesboro Friday evening and waited for the next round of storms.

“I don’t like tornadoes. I don’t like seeing what happened in Lake City,” she said, referring to a twister that smashed the western edge of the Craighead County town Wednesday evening with winds of 150 mph.

“You never know anymore where one will come up,” she said.

Hergott sat in a chair inside the shelter, which has a capacity for 600 people. She said she had the monkey for her grandchildren who would show up shortly.

Serial storms in Arkansas ramp up residents’ anxiety, create flooding and danger

National Weather Service Little Rock

The past several days of heavy rains engorged streams and rivers across Arkansas. This National Weather Service map forecasts flood stage at various points along major rivers

Looking Toward the Future: Myeloma Center Celebrates 35th Anniversary

By Nathan Tidwell

The Myeloma Center, located in the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), has firmly established itself as an international leader in myeloma treatment. From its beginnings in 1989, UAMS’ myeloma program is recognized for detailed patient care, groundbreaking research and pioneering advances in the management of myeloma and its related conditions.

From the Total Therapy approach, the introduction of tandem autologous transplants, the creation of a prediction model for stem cell collection and the current implementation of innovative immunotherapies, the path towards a cure for myeloma continues — with UAMS leading the way.

Myeloma Center Clinical Director Frits van Rhee, M.D., Ph.D., and his team embrace the task of developing new methods of treating this disease.

Looking Toward the Future: Myeloma Center Celebrates 35th Anniversary

Myeloma Center physicians Sharmilan Thanendrarajan, M.D., Ph.D., Samer Al Hadidi, , M.D., clinical director Frits van Rhee, M.D., Ph.D., Carolina Schinke, M.D., and Maurizio Zangari, M.D. Image by Bryan Clifton

CBD Oils: Do you know what's inside?

By Maddie Johnson
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Since the 2018 Farm Bill effectively legalized hemp-derived cannabidiol — better known as CBD — there’s been an exponential growth in products hitting the market, but a newly published study suggests consumer understanding of the products has not kept pace.

“You’ve now got new products on the market that have never been there before, and so there's a pretty long learning curve for the average consumer,” said Brandon McFadden, professor and researcher of agricultural economics and agribusiness in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

HITTING THE SHELVES — CBD products are seen displayed in a retail case. Mention or depiction of product names does not imply endorsement by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. (Photo by Kimberly Boyles - stock.adobe.com)

CBD oils go by many names and contain a variety of ingredients. For example, “CBD isolate” only contains CBD, but “full-spectrum CBD” contains other compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids, which can contribute to aroma, flavor and overall therapeutic effects.

Full-spectrum CBD also can contain up to up to 0.3 percent delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, by weight — the legal threshold set by the federal government for hemp-derived CBD products.

Products with THC levels above this threshold would be classified as marijuana and considered illegal under federal law. THC is known for its psychoactive properties, but there is debate on whether any psychotropic or intoxicating effects are felt for THC levels below 1 percent, McFadden noted.

Considering the many types of CBD products and their distinctions, McFadden led a study surveying consumers to gauge their confusion when it came to product names. Those surveyed completed two product selection tasks. In both selection tasks, consumers chose between CBD isolate, hemp oil, full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD, which is a middle ground between the isolate and full-spectrum choices and contains no THC.

In one task, respondents were provided the common name of three CBD oil products, as well as hemp oil, and were asked to imagine they were purchasing 1000-mg CBD oil for themselves or a loved one. In the other task, they were faced with the same choice but were given more information about the products’ contents. The content information included concentration levels of CBD and THC, as well as the presence of additional compounds.

MAKING YOUR CHOICE — The figure accompanied the study "Consumer Confusion About Product Names Commonly Used to Describe Hemp-Based Oils" and shows examples of the selection tasks survey respondents faced as part of the study. Mention or depiction of product names does not imply endorsement by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. (Figure originally appeared in study)

The consumers surveyed included those who had reported previous CBD purchases and those who had not. 

The study, “Consumer Confusion About Product Names Commonly Used to Describe Hemp-Based Oils,” was published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs in February.

McFadden said he was surprised by the study’s finding that there was significant interest in CBD isolate among those surveyed who had not previously used CBD products.

“It did seem like there were consumers who were potentially interested in purchasing CBD, but because there was such a learning curve and a lack of knowledge, they wouldn’t participate in the market,” McFadden said.

The findings also showed that for consumers with a strong preference, it was not easy to identify their preferred product based on product name alone. In fact, some consumers who reported previously purchasing CBD products had difficulty distinguishing between CBD oil types.

Co-authors of the study included Kawsheha Muraleetharan, University of Arkansas graduate research assistant studying food science and technology; Benjamin Campbell, University of Georgia professor of agricultural and applied economics; Adam Rabinowitz, Auburn University professor of agricultural economics and rural sociology; Tyler Mark, University of Kentucky associate professor of production economics; and Michael Popp, Harold F. Ohlendorf Professor of agricultural economics and agribusiness with the Division of Agriculture. Popp is also a Bumpers College faculty member.

The work was supported in part by a grant from the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, project USDA-AMS-TM-FSMIP-G-20-0004.

Labeling made modern

To combat consumer misconceptions, McFadden pointed to the use of “smart labeling,” which uses technologies such as QR codes on product labels to allow consumers to gain more information than would fit on a printed label, especially the small bottles and containers in which CBD products are often packaged.

“It’s a very powerful tool across all products to provide more consumers with more information, fostering consumer education, which is particularly important for things like new products like CBD,” McFadden said.

McFadden added that these QR codes can take consumers not just to text on product information but to other media, such as videos, to aid in educating those who may not have done prior research.

“So that’s why providing them information at the point of purchase can be very important because they’re unlikely to spend much time before going to a store selling it,” he said.

Mention or depiction of product names does not imply endorsement by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.

Wholesale egg prices are decreasing, but expect delay in lower prices at grocery stores

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — The national average wholesale price of eggs has declined, but consumers may have a wait before seeing lower prices at the grocery store, said Jada Thompson, associate professor and poultry economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

EGG PRICES —  Though wholesale egg prices have declined, consumers may experience a delay in seeing that decline reflected in grocery store prices, which averaged $5.90 per dozen eggs in February. (Division of Agriculture photo.) 

Wholesale price changes can take up to three weeks to be reflected in retail stores, so consumers are only now starting to see shelf prices gradually decline, according to the March 28 Egg Markets Overview from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In February, the average price of a dozen eggs came to $5.90.

“In the same way that just because the barrel price of oil goes down does not mean that gas prices immediately go down, there’s a delay here,” Thompson said. “Retailers get to choose their own price, and they took a lot of losses when prices were exceptionally high. They may be saying, ‘I’ve lost money over here, so I’m going to let what I have in stock go out at the price it currently is before I lower the price, to compensate for that earlier loss.’”

Thompson said that retailers often use eggs as a “loss leader,” meaning the product is sold at a price below its market cost to stimulate the sales of more expensive goods. She said that it serves as an incentive to bring that retail price back down.

However, with highly pathogenic avian influenza — or HPAI — still in the background and typically higher demand at Easter, there could be some price fluctuation.

“Eggs are a basic product that everybody puts in their basket, so I think there will be a pretty quick response to that,” Thompson said. “The only caveats to that are more cases of HPAI and the holiday demand. You’re going to have a little bit of extra demand for the holiday season, so you’re not necessarily going to see the prices go up, but you may see fewer eggs on the shelf. That might drive a little of the competition for those wholesale market eggs, which is eventually going to bump that price a little.”

Transportation and production input costs, including feed, can also impact the price of eggs, Thompson said.

“The cartons, the cleaners, all the things that are going into the inputs, we don’t necessarily manufacture in the United States, so with any disruption in trade there will likely be changes in cost of good, and some of those are going to affect the price of eggs or the price of inputs for those eggs,” Thomspon said.

The price of feed also goes into the cost of producing eggs, and Thompson said those change with corn and soybean prices, “so that has a whole commodity bend to it.”

Though the price of eggs is coming down, Thompson said the extent of the decline would be market-based.

“Some of the markets have been recovering,” she said. “They’ve already had new birds coming online and laying eggs again.

“Some markets are still hit pretty hard,” Thompson said. “I don’t think we’re going to see $1.99 eggs anytime soon, but I think that everybody is working really hard to get back to that.”

HPAI impact and recovery

The outbreak of HPAI in 2024 had a significant impact on the number of egg layers in the country. In 2024, 38 million layers were affected by the bird flu. An additional 30 million layers were affected in January and February 2025, impacting the total number of eggs that end up on grocery store shelves.

“Prior to the disease outbreak, we were producing about 8 billion eggs on a monthly basis,” Thompson said. “For February of 2025, we produced about 6.6 billion. From a scalability perspective, that’s why when people were talking about the high egg prices, it’s because we just don’t have the eggs.”

Thompson said that though the number of layers is still low, she is seeing those numbers coming back up.

“We see really high recovery and replenishment rates in eggs in incubators,” Thompson said. “It looks like the industry is doing an awful lot to try to bump up the number of birds as quickly as possible so that those egg numbers recover as quickly as possible.”

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. 

Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week, the Arkansas House of Representatives passed several significant pieces of legislation focused on maternal health, breast cancer treatment, and state employee compensation. 

HB1004 aims to extend Medicaid coverage to postpartum mothers for one year after childbirth, while HB1826 ensures that insurance covers births at licensed birthing centers, helping to expand access to care in rural areas. Additionally, HB1333 requires insurance to cover breastfeeding and lactation consultant services. 

In another important development, SB392 adjusts the classification and compensation of state employees to bring their salaries in line with labor market rates, ensuring fairness in pay. 

The House also passed SB83, a health-related bill that mandates health benefit plans in the state to provide coverage for all types of breast reconstruction surgery starting January 1, 2026. This legislation guarantees that any surgery considered the best treatment by a healthcare professional and in consultation with the patient will be covered, whether following trauma, the loss of breast tissue due to disease, or a mastectomy. Moreover, HB1859 was approved to amend current laws on mastectomies by requiring health plans to cover the use of artificial or biological mesh and nerve grafts in reconstruction surgeries. 

The Arkansas House Revenue and Taxation Committee moved forward with HB1685, which proposes eliminating the state's 0.125% sales tax on groceries starting January 1, 2026. In addition, HB1631, which seeks to phase out the state's soft drink tax, also advanced through the committee. 

Furthermore, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced HJR1018, a proposed Constitutional Amendment known as the Citizens Only Voting Amendment, which is expected to be considered on the House floor next week. 

The House will reconvene on Monday, with plans to complete its business for the 2025 Regular Session by April 16. You can watch all House meetings at arkansashouse.org.

Consumer Alert: Tips to avoid scams and price gouging

Price Gouging Rules are in Effect

Act 376 of 1997 prohibitions on price gouging are now in effect following Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s declaration of a state of emergency on April 2 in Executive Order 25-07.
“I continue to pray for those impacted by the April 2 storms, which caused significant damage across much of northeast Arkansas. Unfortunately, unscrupulous people may already be preying upon our neighbors with offers of quick repair jobs. Arkansans should call their insurance company first and not be pressured into paying a quick deposit to someone who will take off with their money just as quickly.” – Attorney General Tim Griffin

2 Things Homeowners Should Remember

• Insurers will honor their home policies.

• There is no need to rush into or be pressured to sign a contract.
  

7 Tips to Avoid Storm Cleanup Scams

• Get more than one estimate.

• Demand references and check them out.

• Never let contractors pressure you into hiring them.

• Never sign a contract with blanks “to be filled in later.”

• Never pay a contractor in full until the work is finished.

• Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company.

• Make sure you review and understand all documents sent to your insurance company.
  

What is Price Gouging?


Upon the issuance of EO 25-07, Act 376 prohibits businesses from charging more than 10 percent above the pre-disaster price of the following goods or services.

• Repair or reconstruction services, including services performed by any person for repairs to residential or commercial property of any type that is damaged as a result of a disaster

• Any work, labor, or services including services furnished in connection with the sale or repair of goods or real property or improvements

Additionally, in conjunction with EO 25-07 and upon the additional declaration of a local emergency by the executive officer of any city or county, Act 376 prohibits businesses from charging more than 10 percent above the pre-disaster price of these goods or services.

• Building materials, including lumber, construction tools, windows, and anything else used in the building or rebuilding of property

• Consumer food items, including any article that is used or intended for use for food, drink, confection, or condiment by a person or animal

• Emergency supplies including, but not limited to, water, flashlights, radios, batteries, candles, blankets, soaps, diapers, temporary shelters, tape, toiletries, plywood, nails, and hammers

• Gasoline or any fuel used to power any motor vehicle or power tool

• Any rental housing and includes any housing provided by a hotel or motel

• Medical supplies, including, but not limited to, prescription and nonprescription medications, bandages, gauze, isopropyl alcohol, and antibacterial products

• Transportation, freight, and storage services, including any service that is performed by any company that contracts to move, store, or transport personal or business property or rents equipment for those purposes

Consumers should contact their city or county governments to determine whether a local emergency has been declared.

Price Gouging Has Consequences

A violation of Act 376 is a violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which carries a fine of up to $10,000. Additionally, a person who is found to have violated this act shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
 
The ban on price gouging remains in effect for at least 30 days and can be extended another 30 days if necessary to protect the lives, property, or welfare of the citizens. For home repairs, the law remains in effect for 180 days.
 
Arkansans who wish to report concerns about potential price gouging should contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office by calling (800) 482-8982, emailing consumer@arkansasag.gov, or by visiting https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/finances/price-gouging.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders sign bills into law

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, the Governor signed into law: 

HB1288 – An act to amend the Arkansas health care consumer act; to require a healthcare insurer to make certain retroactive payments to a provider upon credentialing of a provider; and for other purposes.  

SB83 – An act to mandate coverage for breast reconstruction surgeries; to require prior authorization for breast reconstruction surgeries; to establish a minimum reimbursement rate for breast reconstruction surgeries; and for other purposes. 

SB103 – An act concerning the state’s any willing provider laws; to amend the patient protection act of 1995; to create the pharmacy nondiscrimination act; to require pharmacy benefits managers to accept any pharmacy or pharmacist willing to accept relevant and reasonable terms of participation; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes.

SB329 – An act to create the online marketplace guarantees act; and for other purposes. 

SB366 – An act to create the strengthen Arkansas homes act; to create the strengthen Arkansas homes program fund; and for other purposes.

SB432 – An act to amend the law concerning accountants; to amend the definition of substantial equivalency for the practice of accountancy; and for other purposes. 

SB232 – An act to amend the Arkansas scholarship lottery act; to amend the definition of “lottery proceeds”; to amend the definition of “net proceeds”; to amend the contents of the financial report; to provide that the costs of administering scholarship awards are expenses of the division of higher education that will continue to be reimbursed by the office of the Arkansas lottery using lottery net proceeds; to eliminate the scholarship shortfall reserve trust account; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

SB454 – An act to amend the law concerning unclaimed property funds; to amend the law concerning the deposit and investment of unclaimed property funds; to create the unclaimed property interest trust fund; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

HB1167 – An act to modify the signature authority for advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants; to clarify that durable medical equipment includes diabetic shoes and shoe inserts; and for other purposes.  

HB1245 – An act to create the Arkansas behavioral analyst registration act; and for other purposes. 

HB1254 – An act to authorize a licensed psychological practitioner to practice independently in this state; to remove the independent practice privileges from psychological examiners; and for other purposes. 

HB1257– An act to remove the limitation of the practice of neuropsychology from technicians employed by psychologists; to allow psychology technicians to be employed by psychologists; and for other purposes. 

HB1258 – An act to create the community health worker act; to establish a statewide certification for community health workers; and for other purposes. 

HB1673 – An act to amend the law concerning barbers; and for other purposes. 

SB99 – An act to authorize a physician assistant to delegate certain tasks; and for other purposes.

SB278 – An act to repeal the statutes concerning the occupational authorization and licensure of private employment agencies, employment counselors, and employment agency managers; to repeal the Arkansas private employment agency act of 1975; and for other purposes.  

SB380 – An act to amend the law concerning certain reports of the office of child support enforcement; to repeal the law requiring the office of child support enforcement to submit a report concerning the child support enforcement program; and for other purposes. 

SB218 – An act to amend the Arkansas small business innovation research matching grant program; and for other purposes.

SB275 – An act to amend the law concerning the regulation of liquefied petroleum gases; and for other purposes. 

SB280 – An act to designate the oil and gas commission as the custodian of all property and the disbursing agent of all funds of the office of the state geologist; and for other purposes. 

SB327 – An act to amend the law concerning payments to localities; and for other purposes.

SB344 – An act to transfer the healthy employee lifestyle program from the Department of Health to the Department of Transformation and Shared Services; to amend the law concerning the healthy lifestyle program; and for other purposes. 

SB368– An act to amend the law concerning mineral, timber, and other resources on state lands; to reduce membership of the natural resources committee; to amend the state agencies required to receive notification related to leases and permits for mineral, timber, and other resources on state lands; and for other purposes. 

SB378 – An act to repeal the requirement that the Arkansas economic development commission submit a quarterly report concerning the training activities of the Arkansas industry training program; and for other purposes. 

SB388 – An act to repeal the annual reporting requirement related to the progress of foreign offices of the Arkansas economic development commission; and for other purposes. 

SB401 – An act to amend the Arkansas underground facilities damage prevention act; and for other purposes. 

SB403 – An act to create the 2030 Arkansas complete count committee; to plan and conduct statewide educational and outreach initiatives to increase community awareness and participation in the 2030 federal decennial census; and for other purposes.

HB1268 – An act to allow a public transit authority to become a participating public employer and for its employees to become members of the Arkansas public employees’ retirement system; and for other purposes.

HB1327 – An act to amend the law concerning the eligibility of certain retired employees under the state and public school life and health insurance program; and for other purposes. 

HB1509 – An act to create the second amendment financial privacy act; to prohibit financial institutions from using certain discriminatory practices; and for other purposes.

HB1574 – An act to amend the law concerning paid canvassers; to require domicile in Arkansas; and for other purposes. 

HB1590 – An act to combine the offices of treasurer and tax collector in Woodruff county; and for other purposes. 

HB1591 – An act to combine the offices of treasurer and tax collector in Arkansas county; and for other purposes.
 
HB1597 – An act to amend the law concerning the administration of the oath of office; and for other purposes.  

HB1637 – An act concerning the development and presentation of fiscal impact statements concerning the fiscal impact of statewide initiative and referendum measures and legislatively referred constitutional amendments; and for other purposes.   

HB1693 – An act to amend the law concerning damaged or defective ballots; to allow the state board of election commissioners to promulgate rules regarding the duplication of damaged or defective ballots; and for other purposes. 

SB91 – An act to provide that local governmental units shall have no authority to regulate or control the amount charged for a rental application fee or rental deposit for private residential of commercial property; and for other purposes. 

SB271 – An act to amend the law concerning a county clerk’s certification of school board candidates to the county board of election commissioners; and for other purposes. 

SB319 – An act to amend the uniform liability company act; to clarify charging orders under the uniform limited liability company act; and for other purposes. 

SB370 – An act to transfer the Arkansas wine producers council from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

SB414 – An act to amend the election laws of the state of Arkansas; to amend the Arkansas law concerning notices related to the election process and for other purposes.

SB379 – An act to amend the law concerning certain reports of the tax advisory council; to repeal the law requiring the tax advisory council to submit a report; and for other purposes. 

SB381 – An act to amend the law concerning certain reports of the Department of Finance and Administration; to repeal the law requiring the Department of Finance and Administration to submit a report concerning the activities of the multi state tax commission and Arkansas’s participation in the activities of the commission; and for other purposes. 

SB382 – An act to repeal the requirement that the Arkansas development finance authority submit a report concerning the capital access fund; and for other purposes. 

SB383 – An act to repeal the annual report required under the venture capital investment act of 2001; and for other purposes. 

SB384 – An act to repeal the requirement that the Arkansas development finance authority submit a program fact sheet to the legislative council and Arkansas legislative audit for each new bond issue; and for other purposes. 

SB385 – An act to repeal the requirement that the rural services division of the Arkansas economic development commission submit a biennial report concerning the activities of the division; and for other purposes. 

SB387 – An act to amend the law concerning certain reports of occupational licensing entities; to repeal the law requiring occupational licensing entities to submit a report concerning the number of individuals granted automatic occupational licensure and expedited occupational licensure; and for other purposes. 

SB389 – An act to amend the law concerning certain reports of the secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration; to repeal the law requiring the secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration to submit a report concerning alcoholic beverages; and for other purposes. 

ARHOME work requirements bill passes Senate panel

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

A bill amending the work requirements for participants in Arkansas’ ARHOME Medicaid expansion program passed the Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee Thursday (April 3).

Senate Bill 527 by Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, changes the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me (ARHOME) program created in 2011.

It passed on a voice vote with no audible dissenters. No one spoke for or against it.

Senate Bill 527 modifies existing state law, which already allows the governor to request a work requirement waiver as a condition for recipients continuing to receive coverage under ARHOME.

ARHOME work requirements bill passes Senate panel

Bipartisan resolution introduced declaring April as Second Chance Month

U.S. Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Barry Moore (R-AL), Carol Miller (R-WV), and LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) alongside U.S Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) reintroduced the bicameral Second Chance Month Resolution. The members released the following statements:

“Recognizing April as Second Chance Month is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of creating pathways for the millions of Americans previously and currently incarcerated, who have paid their debt to society, and experience the innumerable barriers to re-entering their communities,” said Rep. Westerman. “Each of these Americans have an intrinsic value and are worthy of the dignity that comes with establishing hard-earned jobs and gaining sought-after respect. Everyone deserves a second chance, and Congress must work to break down the stigmas attached to incarceration and reducing recidivism rates. I’m honored to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this resolution to restore the dignity of these reformed individuals.”

“Hard-working Americans should be compensated fairly for the work they do,” said Rep. McBath. “Declaring April as Second Chance Month highlights the importance of opening opportunities to formerly incarcerated workers and reducing obstacles to gainful employment so that we all have safer communities and our country is made stronger by a thriving workforce."

“Second Chance Month is a representation to all of us about the power of forgiveness and the Second Chance programs are key in that,” said Rep. Bacon. “They have helped reintegrate people back into society, heal families, and give much-needed mental health services. With the help of these support systems, individuals can become productive members of society, restoring dignity and respect to those who have served their time and want to contribute back to their communities and families.”

“There are millions of individuals in our country who have civil and criminal records that serve as barriers to obtaining education, technical skills, training, jobs, and government benefits,” said Rep. Davis. “Second chances - and especially the Second Chance Act – help to reduce and remove these barriers.  Therefore, I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing Second Chance Month.  Second Chance Month honors the work of non-profit organizations, faith-based entities, communities, governments, employers, and individuals that help those with records gain the skills, education, and employment needed to thrive, thereby strengthening individuals, rebuilding families, and growing our economy.”

“In Alabama, I have seen firsthand how giving someone who is incarcerated hope by training them with a new skill can significantly impact the recidivism rates,” said Rep. Moore. “The Lord shows us grace daily, and we should extend that same grace to individuals who have proven they are committed to rectifying their mistakes. This bipartisan resolution highlights the barriers that still exist for those with criminal records trying to reintegrate into their communities.”

“In West Virginia, we know how important it is to provide everyone with opportunities to succeed. Recognizing April as Second Chance Month gives hope to those who are reentering the workforce after serving their time incarcerated. When we invest in our communities and put in place resources and support for people released from prisons and jails, we build stronger and safer communities,” said Rep. Miller. “This resolution will bring more visibility to Second Chance programs that are instrumental in helping people across the nation get back on the right path as they reenter their communities.”

“This country was founded on the promise of a new beginning,” said Rep. McIver. “This bipartisan resolution to recognize April as ‘Second Chance Month’ will raise awareness for the barriers faced by previously incarcerated people and promote opportunities for them to create a new beginning for themselves.”

“America is a nation of second chances,” said Senator Cramer. “Yet too often our criminal justice system focuses on punishment over redemption. I joined Senator Klobuchar in introducing a bipartisan resolution to designate April as Second Chance Month, recognizing those who have paid their debt to society and have earned a second chance to rebuild their lives, reclaim their futures, and positively contribute to their community.”

“As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing those who have been formerly incarcerated,” said Senator Klobuchar. “People are capable of change and many deserve a second chance. This bipartisan resolution to recognize ‘Second Chance Month’ will bring awareness to these barriers and promote opportunities for those who have served their time to access stable jobs, continue their education, and become productive members of society again.”

Background

Millions of American adults with a criminal record face enormous obstacles to successfully re-enter society upon release. When legal and social barriers prohibit a formerly incarcerated person from finding well-paying jobs, this not only negatively impacts them, but also has lasting negative effects for their families. Beyond that, securing gainful employment and being accepted in society has been proven to reduce the likelihood of these individuals returning to prison in the future, ultimately decreasing crime and improving public safety.

This resolution was endorsed by Prison Fellowship.

“Since Prison Fellowship launched Second Chance Month in 2017, we are honored to lead this growing national movement that includes more than 1,000 partners committed to unlocking second chances for the 1 in 3 Americans with a criminal record who face nearly 44,000 barriers to building a productive future,” said Heather Rice-Minus, CEO and president of Prison Fellowship.

“We encourage Congress to pass this Second Chance Month resolution quickly because supporting second chances recognizes the God-given dignity and potential of every person and reinforces our nation’s commitment to creating pathways for new beginnings, healthy communities, and increased public safety,” said Kate Trammell, Prison Fellowship senior vice president of advocacy and legal.

This resolution is also supported by Brennan Center for Justice, Right on Crime, CPAC, Niskanen Center, FAMM, and National District Attorneys Association.

Issues:Education and Opportunity

Womack Reintroduces Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act

Congressman Womack recently met with the Hacala family to discuss reintroduction.

Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), along with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), French Hill (AR-2) and Bruce Westerman (AR-4), and Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Boozman (R-AR), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), reintroduced the Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act. The legislation would prohibit the sale of poppy seeds that contain a harmful level of opiates and require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue regulations that establish a maximum level of contamination.

Congressman Womack said, “The Hacala family of Rogers tragically lost their son, Stephen, because lethal substances find their way into our food supply through contaminated poppy seeds. In Stephen’s memory, my colleagues and I have created a solution to close an FDA loophole and ensure that only safe products are available for consumption. This bill can save lives and prevent another family from experiencing an unimaginable loss like the Hacalas.”

Congresswoman DeLauro said, “We need stronger safeguards against contaminated poppy seeds. No family should lose a loved one to an unregulated product that we know has the potential to be contaminated with a lethal amount of opiates as a result of how it’s harvested. A lethal and adulterated product has no place in our food supply. This bipartisan legislation is a critical step in closing dangerous gaps in our food safety laws, that allow unsafe poppy seeds to slip though, and ensuring the FDA takes action to protect the health of Americans.”

Senator Cotton said, “Stephen Hacala, Jr. died from an opioid overdose because of a dangerous gap in our nation's drug laws. Despite government warnings, unwashed poppy seeds, which can contain lethal doses of morphine, are still entering our food supply. It's time for the FDA to act so that no other families experience the pain the Hacala family has endured.”

Senator Boozman said, “The sale of unwashed poppy seeds is a threat to the safety of Arkansans and all Americans. This legislation honors Stephen Hacala Jr.’s memory by protecting other consumers from falling victim to dangerous, toxin-laced poppy seeds sold online and families from experiencing the loss of a loved one from similar circumstances.”

Senator Blumenthal said, “This measure would close loopholes that have allowed dangerous and deadly opiates to be sold online. Unwashed poppy seeds available for sale online can contain deadly levels of morphine and have killed tens of Americans. Our bill would ensure stricter FDA regulations and prohibit unwashed poppy seeds from being sold to unwitting consumers.”

Congressman Crawford said, “I am proud to join my Arkansas colleagues in supporting this legislation and I hope it makes the changes necessary to protect individuals in the future from harm.”

Congressman Westerman said, “Because of negligent practices among poppy seed distributors, the Hacala family now grieves the loss of a loved one. Congress must act to ensure that the Food and Drug Administration issues the appropriate regulations to correctly warn the public on the level of opiates that could be consumed through contaminated poppy seeds. I’m proud to support this legislation alongside my fellow Arkansans and House Republicans to prevent other families from enduring the same loss the Hacala family is unfortunately all too familiar with.” 

Background:

Poppy Seed Heads - Wikimedia Image

• While most poppy seeds are harmless, some manufacturers sell seeds laced with morphine at a cost far higher than normal seeds. These seeds can contain more than 20 times the therapeutic dosage of morphine.

• On April 3, 2016, Stephen Hacala of Fayetteville, Arkansas, died from morphine intoxication caused by morphine-laced poppy seeds purchased online. As many as 20 other Americans reportedly have died from overdoses caused by morphine-laced poppy seeds sold directly to consumers.

• A research team led by Dr. Madeleine Swortwood, assistant professor of forensic science at Sam Houston State University, studied the morphine content in different bags of poppy seeds. The researchers found that some bags of poppy seeds contained morphine levels many times higher than a fatal dose.

• In February 2023, the Department of Defense warned service members to avoid poppy seed products due to contamination and the risk of failing drug tests.

Veterans Affairs Congressional Oversight Leaders request cost estimate for Electronic Health Record Program

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, and his colleagues with direct oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs have requested the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) submit an updated schedule and cost estimate to Congress for the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program.

Boozman joined Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL-12) and Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Ranking Member Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Chairman John Carter (R-TX-31) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) in asking VA Secretary Doug Collins to provide necessary details to help Congress fully assess the EHRM program.

VA recently announced an accelerated EHRM deployment that includes nine additional VA medical centers in 2026 as part of its effort to restart the stalled modernization program. The members’ request follows a Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommendation to produce an updated cost estimate for EHRM before moving forward with the accelerated deployment schedule.

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“The need for a cost estimate is further underscored by practical necessity,” wrote the members. “Without a reliable cost estimate, VA risks budget overruns, schedule delays, and diminished congressional trust. Compliance with these laws, directives, and GAO recommendations is a critical step to ensuring EHRM’s success and accountability.”

In 2019, the program was initially estimated to cost $16.1 billion over a decade. An independent cost estimate conducted by the Institute for Defense Analysis in October 2021 estimated the project to cost up to $50 billion. After lifting a pause that was put in place on the program in April 2023, VA has not yet provided Congress with an updated cost estimate for EHRM as anticipated by a framework of federal laws and Office of Management and Budget directives governing major acquisition programs. 

The full letter can be foundhere.

Updated forage herbicide quick reference guide now available for download

LITTLE ROCK — The handy Forage Herbicide Quick Reference Guide from the Cooperative Extension Service has been updated and is available for download.

In just two pages, the guide, MP557, provides application rates, cost per acre, hay or grazing restrictions and comments and precautions for more than a dozen commonly used herbicides.

“We added new herbicides, updated the costs per acre and made the hay or grazing restrictions easier to find,” said Hannah Wright-Smith, extension weed specialist - turfgrass, vegetation management, and specialty crops. “The comments and precautions were also updated to reflect current recommendations.”

The publication reflects Arkansas research conducted in the past years by Wright-Smith.

The guide’s authors are Wright-Smith; David Nistler, horticulture weed management program associate and Jonathan Kubesch, assistant professor and extension forage specialist.

The Cooperative Extension Service, which conducts outreach for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has thousands of publications available online on a range of topics.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

Quick reference guide — The two-page MP557 has seen updates in the herbicides lists, costs to apply and other items. (U of A System Division of Agriculture image)

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Mark O. Hardin, M.D., Joins UAMS

By Linda Satter

LITTLE ROCK — Mark O. Hardin, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon with a focus on adult cardiac surgery, has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine Department of Surgery.

Hardin received his medical degree from UAMS in 2007 and has returned after spending several years as a general surgeon in the U.S. Army and three years as a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at the Arkansas Heart Hospital.

“We are so pleased to have Dr. Hardin join the Department of Surgery,” said Ronald Robertson, M.D., chair of the department. “He brings an exceptional skill set in cardiovascular surgery. We look forward to growth in cardiovascular surgery under the leadership of Dr. Hardin and Dr. Streitman.”

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Mark O. Hardin, M.D., Joins UAMS

Mark O. Hardin, M.D.

Severe weather (4/4) and continued heavy rainfall expected for much of Arkansas Friday - NWS/NOAA

The threat for severe weather continues for this Friday into Friday night. All modes of severe weather will be possible including very large hail, damaging winds and even a few tornadoes.

Specifics About Hazards (If Any): A warm front will lift northward into Arkansas today, eventually stalling out once again across the north-central and west-central sections of the state. Conditions along and south of the front will become very unstable by this afternoon as temperatures warm into the 80s. All modes of severe weather will be possible, including damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes. A few long- track tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

There is a high risk for excessive rainfall today into tonight for a large portion of the state. Several inches of rainfall are possible, which may lead to flash and river flooding.

Thunderstorms will remain likely on Saturday into Saturday night, with strong to severe weather potential remaining. All modes of severe weather will be possible Saturday afternoon and evening, including large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. The highest threat for severe weather on Saturday will be across the southeastern two-thirds of the area.

Areas of heavy rainfall will continue on Saturday into Saturday night as well, with the threat for flash and river flooding continuing to remain a very significant hazard.

Expect the threat for heavy rainfall and severe weather to exit the region by Sunday afternoon. Some areas could see temperatures dropping into the low and mid 30s Sunday and Monday mornings. This may result in some frost or freeze conditions for some areas over northwestern portions of the state. Otherwise, the threat for hazardous weather will become low into the middle of next week.

Several inches of additional rainfall are expected through Sunday morning. Most areas could see an additional 4 to 6 inches, with some areas seeing potentially over 8 inches.

Spotter Activation (Day 1 - Friday/Friday Night): (More Widespread Severe Weather). Scattered to numerous severe storms are expected. The focus area includes much of Arkansas. You can help by monitoring and forwarding severe weather information. If there are strong to severe storms (i.e. wind damage, quarter size hail or larger, etc.) at your location, please consider submitting a report via an online form found here. Thank you for your assistance!

Forecast with massive rain may mean planting do-overs for Arkansas farmers

By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
April 2, 2025

LITTLE ROCK — As forecasts call for up to 10 inches of rain through Sunday, the immediate future for Arkansas farmers will probably involve clearing ditches, with a good likelihood next week will be taken up with replanting and reworking fields, extension specialists said.

Planting of the state’s commodities has begun, with Monday’s Crop Progress report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showing 22 percent of the state’s corn crop planting and 3 percent already emerged.  Rice was 8 percent planted and 1 percent emerged. Soybeans were 5 percent planted. Winter wheat, usually harvested in summer, was 11 percent headed.

While rain is usually a welcome event, the expected deluge can wash away plant beds and any newly emerged seedlings.

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“I’ve been telling guys to hold off,” said Jeremy Ross, extension soybean agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.  “We’ll probably need to repull beds that have been freshly pulled.”

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of the state through April 6.

“There’s not much you can do with that much rain in a short amount of time,” said Scott Stiles, extension economics program associate for the Division of Agriculture. “You want to have all the ditches and pipes open.”

In northeastern Arkansas, “everybody around here has water furrows run — a good effort on drainage,” Stiles said.

“Backing up of the rivers, streams and bayous will be the story,” said Jarrod Hardke, rice extension agronomist for the Division of Agriculture. “Low ground that’s already planted may be wiped out regardless of the crop planted there.”

Hardke said “rice will survive the best, but levees will be the issue. They’ll get washed out and blown and have to be repulled and reseeded.

“Recently planted corn and soybean are in for a wild ride for survival,” he said. “Cool temperatures may help buy them some time but staying flooded or saturated for four-plus days is a bad recipe for emerged seedlings and fresh planted seed.”

The cotton and peanut growers, with their later planting dates, might dodge a bullet.

“We haven’t begun to plant yet,” said Zachary Treadway, extension cotton and peanut agronomist for the Division of Agriculture. “If we end up getting all the rain they’re calling for, we could see delays, either from extremely wet ground that takes a long time to dry, and/or replants taking priority.

Crop insurance considerations

Stiles said that for crop insurance purposes April 1 is the earliest planting date for rice, with April 15 being the earliest planting date for soybeans.

“Rice or soybeans that have already been planted are not eligible for replant payments from crop insurance,” he said.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

Bill to abolish Arkansas State Library and its board advances despite librarians’ opposition

KUAR | By Tess Vrbin / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

After more than two hours of debate, an Arkansas Senate committee advanced a proposal on Tuesday to abolish the Arkansas State Library and its board, which disburses state funding to local public libraries.

Senate Bill 536 would transfer the agency’s and board’s powers, authorities, funds, contracts and employees to the Arkansas Department of Education. The State Library is already under the department’s umbrella but operates independently.

The bill would delete all mentions of the State Library from existing state statute and make “prohibit[ing] access to age-inappropriate materials to a person who is sixteen (16) years old or younger” a condition for public libraries to receive state funds from the education department.

Bill to abolish Arkansas State Library and its board advances despite librarians’ opposition

Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate

Five Arkansans spoke against Senate Bill 536 before the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. From left: Misty Hawkins, regional director of the Arkansas River Valley Regional Library System; Allie Gosselink, director of the Calhoun County Library; Debbie Hall, grants manager for the Arkansas State Library; John McGraw,executive director of the Faulkner-Van Buren Regional Library; and Clare Graham, Mid-Arkansas Regional Library System director.