Attorney General Griffin leads multistate letter asking Congress to prohibit Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning or operating pharmacies

Griffin: ‘It Is Far Past Time That We Act To Restore The Balance Of Competition And Ensure That PBMs Only Play The Role They Were Always Meant To Play’

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement after leading a bipartisan coalition of 39 states and territories in sending a letter to Congress asking it to prohibit pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning or operating pharmacies:

“PBMs are third-party administrators of prescription drug programs for health plans, and as such they heavily influence drug prices for pharmacies. Over the past few decades, PBMs have increasingly moved into the space of pharmacy ownership and operation. This has allowed them to set certain drug prices for pharmacies they control while setting less competitive prices for independent pharmacies and others outside their scope of influence.

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“While this practice hurts small businesses, it ultimately hurts consumers by driving down competition. The letter that I led alongside the attorneys general of Massachusetts, Missouri, and Vermont urges Congress to take action and protect consumers by enacting a law prohibiting PBMs or their parent companies from owning or operating pharmacies.

“We have stood by for too long and watched PBMs’ influence encroach on consumers and small businesses. It is far past time that we act to restore the balance of competition and ensure that PBMs only play the role they were always meant to play.”

In addition to Griffin, the attorneys general of the following states and territories also signed on to the letter sent by Arkansas: Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

To read the letter, click here.

Anti-Trump protest held at Arkansas Capitol

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Activists gathered on the steps of the Arkansas State Capitol Saturday as part of a nationwide push against the Trump administration's policies.

Protestors crowded under the blazing sun to sing protest songs and cry out in chants against the Trump administration. The protest was part of the 50501, a recently-formed group hosting similar rallies across the nation.

Twice the group was led in a chorus of “This Land is Your Land.” The lyrics have often been interpreted as a protest song, and were initially written by Arlo Guthrie as a sarcastic response to Irving Berlin's patriotic anthem “God Bless America.”

Anti-Trump protest held at Arkansas Capitol

Nathan Treece/Little Rock Public Radio

Protesters crowd the Arkansas State Capitol steps Saturday opposing new polices enacted by President Donald Trump.

Cotton Introduces Bill to End U.S. Dependence on Chinese-Manufactured Pharmaceuticals

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Anyone But China (ABC) Safe Drug Act, which would end U.S. dependence on China for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

“Shortages in the medical supply chain are a matter of life and death, and we cannot rely on China for our citizens’ survival. This bill will encourage pharmaceutical production in the United States and end dependency on the Chinese Communist Party,” said Cotton.

The bill's key restrictions would go into effect in 2028. No Food and Drug Administration resources will be diverted to begin implementation. Specifically, the bill will:

1. Prohibit pharmaceutical purchases from China or products with active pharmaceutical ingredients created in China*.

2. Create transparency in the supply chain by instituting a country-of-origin label of all imported drugs.

3. Provide economic incentives for manufacturing drugs and medical equipment in the United States.

* This requirement will be phased in over two years. The FDA may issue waivers if the active pharmaceutical ingredients are only available in China, however, no waivers may be issued after 2030.

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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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

Bill limiting complexity of ballot titles advances in Arkansas Legislature

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

Arkansas Lawmakers have advanced another bill changing the state’s direct democracy process.

Members of a Senate committee on Thursday advanced House Bill 1713, which requires all titles of citizen-led ballot initiatives and constitutional amendments to be written at or below an eighth-grade reading level. The bill’s Senate co-sponsor, Sen. Mark Johnson, R-Little Rock, said it’s an effort to make the process more accessible to voters.

“People have points to argue, but if they’re clear that if you believe this way you’re for it and if you believe the opposite then you’re against it, that’s the way the process is supposed to work. We’re not trying to confuse people,” he said.

Bill limiting complexity of ballot titles advances in Arkansas Legislature

Walmart investing $6 billion in Mexico expansion by 2030

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Walmart has announced plans to expand its business in Mexico over the next five years with a $6 billion investment to add 1,500 new stores. This will add to the 3,200 stores Walmex now operates in Mexico.

Walmex includes stores in Central America, but the investment will focus on operations in Mexico. Walmex Chief Executive Officer Ignacio Caride said the investment would create 5,500 direct jobs.

The majority of the new stores will be branded Bodega Aurrera. The low-cost grocery format is one of the four retail brands Walmart operates in Mexico, with the others being Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenter and Walmart Express.

Walmart investing $6 billion in Mexico expansion by 2030

UAMS Health Weight Management Clinic Adds Bariatric Surgery to Weight Loss Offerings

By Yavonda Chase

LITTLE ROCK — Effective today, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has added bariatric surgery to the weight loss options offered at the UAMS Health Medical and Surgical Weight Management Clinic.

“We are pleased to be able to offer bariatric surgery to our patients who have been unable to lose weight using other interventions such as medication, exercise or dietary changes,” said Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health. “We know obesity is a disease that affects far too many in our state, and we are committed to helping Arkansans lose weight effectively and safely.”

Arkansas has an adult obesity rate of 40%, the third highest among all states and the District of Columbia, according to a 2024 study by the Trust for America’s Health.

UAMS Health Weight Management Clinic Adds Bariatric Surgery to Weight Loss Offerings

The UAMS Health Medical and Surgical Weight Management Clinic team -- Monica Ferrero, M.D., (top left); Yasthil Vijay Jaganath, M.D., MPH; Martha M. Estrada, M.D.; Lexie H. Vaughn, M.D. (bottom left); Rebekka Amick, APRN; and Kaitlin Shonnard, PA-C.

Cotton, Kustoff introduce cellphone bill to keep cellphones out of jails

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025, legislation which would prevent inmates from using contraband cellphone use in prison facilities by allowing state and federal prisons to use cellphone jamming systems. Congressman David Kustoff (Tennessee-08) is leading companion legislation in the House. 

Senators Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Shelley Capito (R-West Virginia), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), and James Risch (R-Idaho) are cosponsoring the legislation. 

“For far too long, contraband cellphones have been a major security threat in our prisons, allowing criminals to coordinate crimes from behind bars. This legislation is a common-sense step to cut off their ability to threaten witnesses, organize drug trafficking, and endanger law-abiding citizens from within prison walls,” said Senator Cotton.

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“Criminals are using contraband cellphones to commit crimes while in prison. The extent of coordinated criminal activity carried out by inmates is a serious threat to public safety,” said Congressman Kustoff. “As a former United States Attorney, I have seen first-hand the dangerous effects of contraband cellphone use to both law enforcement officers and our communities. It should be impossible for prisoners to organize gang activity, traffic drugs, and coordinate any other wrongdoing from behind bars. The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act is commonsense legislation that will crack down on cellphones in prisons and protect inmates, guards, and the public at large.” 

Text of the legislation may be found here.  

Background:

• The use of contraband cellphones is widespread in both federal and state prison facilities. Inmates have used contraband cellphones to conduct illegal activities, including ordering hits on individuals outside of the prison walls, running illegal drug operations, conducting illegal business deals, facilitating sex trafficking, and organizing escapes which endanger correctional employees, other inmates, and members of the public.

• Last year, two 13-year-old boys were killed at a birthday party in Atlanta after inmates in a Georgia prison used contraband cellphones to order their murder. In 2024, Georgia authorities confiscated more than 15,500 contraband cellphones and seized more than 8,000 in 2023.

• In December 2024, two California inmates were convicted of murder, racketeering, and other RICO-related crimes for running a heroin and meth trafficking operation from their prison cells. 

• In 2018, a gang fight over territory using cellphones to trade contraband sparked a brawl inside the Lee Correctional Institution near Bishopville, South Carolina, and left seven inmates dead and 20 injured.

• Bureau of Prisons Correctional officer Lt. Osvaldo Albarati was murdered in 2013 for interrupting an illicit contraband cellphone business. His actual assassination was initiated by an inmate using a contraband cellphone to contact the gunman as outlined in the indictment.                                                                                                

Womack holds National Transportation Safety Board oversight hearing

Washington, DC—March 26, 2025…Today, House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) held his first public hearing of the 119th Congress to conduct oversight of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy was the witness, appearing for the first time before Congress since the tragic mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in January. Today is also the one-year anniversary of the catastrophic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

THUD Chairman Womack delivered the following remarks during the hearing, “Safety is a top priority for this subcommittee in our work to fund the nation’s transportation network. It is our duty to ensure we provide appropriate levels of support to transportation programs that ensure the safety of our skies, roads, and railroads.

“It is also our duty on this committee to support the operations of the National Transportation Safety Board. This critical, independent safety watchdog helps ensure our world-class transportation system is as safe as possible, identifying the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of some of our most tragic accidents and puzzling events in civil transportation.”

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cole delivered the following remarks during the hearing, “When you get on a plane, drive over a bridge, or board a train – you shouldn’t have to wonder if you’ll make it to your destination safely. The mission of Chair Homendy and her team at the National Transportation Safety Board is essential to that point. They investigate why an accident occurred and identify measures to prevent it from happening again. They don’t speculate – they find the facts necessary to uphold the highest standards of reliability and safety.

“As we begin the FY26 appropriations process, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to responsibly fund the critical safety missions and transportation infrastructure needs of this country.”

Congressman Womack’s full remarks as prepared are available here.

A video of Congressman Womack’s questions for Chair Homendy can be found here.

A full recording of the hearing is available here.

A video of Congressman Womack’s opening remarks is below.

Walmart receives top spot in national grocery shopper survey

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Bentonville-based Walmart held the top spot with 63% of U.S. shoppers in a survey using the retailer to shop for groceries, according to YouGov’s grocery store ranking survey for 2025.

The online polling firm reports Walmart held a 20.8% lead over second-place Target as the place they shop for groceries. Rounding out the top five were deep discounter Aldi with 32.8% of the share, Costco with 31.8%, and Kroger with 23.9%.

Sam’s Club ranked sixth with a 22.8% share of shoppers’ choices for their next grocery purchase. Trader Joe’s (20.5%), Whole Foods Market (15.9%), Publix (13.3%), and Amazon Fresh (12%) were in the top 10 retailer rankings in the recent survey.

Walmart receives top spot in national grocery shopper survey

Boozman Leads Bipartisan Bills to Address Doctor Shortage in Rural Areas

WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is continuing his efforts to increase access to reliable, quality health care for Arkansans by championing legislation that supports and attracts the next generation of doctors and medical professionals to The Natural State.

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Boozman and Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) recently introduced the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act to ease financial burdens on medical professionals completing their medical training, and the Physicians for Underserved Areas Act to increase available medical residency spots and prioritize placement in rural and underserved areas. 

Nationwide, the U.S. faces a projected shortage between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034 according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. More than 500,000 Arkansans live in an area defined by the federal government as lacking the adequate number of health professionals to serve the population. 

“Addressing the shortage of medical professionals is a necessary step in ensuring Arkansans are able to access affordable and reliable health care no matter where they live,” said Boozman. “These bipartisan bills are practical efforts to encourage students to pursue careers in medicine by helping mitigate some of the financial barriers and burdens associated with internship and residency requirements while also ensuring more medical school graduates train and go on to practice in the communities that desperately need them.”

Boozman and Rosen’s Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act would help alleviate the health care provider shortage by allowing medical professionals to defer their student loan payments without accruing interest until the completion of their respective residency or internship programs. This deferment will decrease the financial burden for future doctors, dentists and other medical providers who face a median medical debt of over $200,000 upon graduation.

The senators also introduced the Physicians for Underserved Areas Act to redistribute available residency slots in a manner that prioritizes areas experiencing physician shortages. Medical professionals are more likely to practice medicine where they completed their residencies, and opening more opportunities in rural communities is a strong step forward to ensure Arkansans have access to reliable health care.

Ozark United FC releases plans for mixed-use development at stadium site

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

A planned soccer stadium for Ozark United FC in Rogers has grown to include a $250 million to $350 million sports-anchored entertainment district on 36 acres.

Located at the intersection of West Perry Road and South Bellview Road in Rogers, the site will include commercial, retail, and residential spaces, positioning the project as a year-round “live-work-play” destination for the region.

Renderings and details of the updated site plan were released Tuesday night (March 25) by the founders of the soccer club.

“Our goal has always been to create more than just a stadium; we want to build a lasting home for soccer and a hub for community engagement,” said Chris Martinovic, co-founder of Ozark United FC in a news release. “This district will provide fans, residents, and visitors with an unparalleled experience both on and off matchdays.”

Ozark United FC releases plans for mixed-use development at stadium site

Rendering courtesy of Buf Studio.

Hip, Knee Specialist Simon Mears, M.D., Ph.D., Returns to UAMS Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

By Linda Satter

LITTLE ROCK — Simon Mears, M.D., Ph.D., a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee joint-related conditions, has returned to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) after a year in an endowed professorship in orthopaedics at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Mears specializes in hip and knee replacement surgery and taking care of patients with complex joint problems such as periprosthetic fractures, revisions and infections.

“We are ecstatic that Dr. Mears has returned to the UAMS Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,” said C. Lowry Barnes, M.D., professor and chair of the department. “He is an outstanding joint replacement surgeon and a leader at the campus level for quality and safety. In addition, he is a nationally recognized researcher in hip and knee replacement.”

Hip, Knee Specialist Simon Mears, M.D., Ph.D., Returns to UAMS Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Simon Mears, M.D., Ph.D.

Cathy Cole and Denton Seilhan Pledge $1 Million to Create Endowed Chair for Child and Family Resilience at UAMS

By Andrew Vogler

LITTLE ROCK — Cathy Cole and Denton Seilhan pledged $1 million to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to establish the Cathy Cole Seilhan and Denton Seilhan Endowed Chair for Child and Family Resilience in the College of Medicine’s Department of Family and Preventive Medicine.

“I want to thank the Seilhans for their visionary gift to UAMS that establishes the Cathy Cole Seilhan and Denton Seilhan Endowed Chair for Child and Family Resilience,” said Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health. “With the assistance of these funds, we will be able to help many children throughout our state who have experienced trauma and mental health issues.”

The gift was made in honor of Nikki Edge, Ph.D., professor and vice chair for research in the UAMS College of Medicine’s Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and director of the department’s Research and Evaluation Division, who will be invested in the chair later this year.

Cathy Cole and Denton Seilhan Pledge $1 Million to Create Endowed Chair for Child and Family Resilience at UAMS

Denton and Cathy Cole Seilhan have been champions of Arkansas children, dedicating their time and resources to improving the lives of the state’s most vulnerable citizens and children.