Quail, turkey conservation stamp winners unveiled

BY Jeff Williams

CANEHILL – Winners of the Arkansas Quail Stamp and Arkansas Turkey Stamp competitions were announced March 13 at Historic Cane Hill Gallery, about 3 miles southeast of Lincoln in Washington County.

AGFC Turkey Program Coordinator David Moscicki (left) and AGFC Quail Program Coordinator Clint Johnson with grand prize-winning “Bobwhite Quail Pair” by Abraham Hunter. Photo courtesy of Historic Cane Hill.

“Bobwhite Quail Pair” by Abraham Hunter took the grand prize in the quail stamp competition. “Quail Valley” by Amanda Hukill was second and “Edge of Maze” by Scott Hiestand” was third.

“Morning Mist” by Amanda Hukill won the turkey stamp grand prize. Second place went to “Sound” of Spring” by Abraham Hunter and third went to “Ridge Top Strutting” by Rick Morkel.

“The King of Spring” by Caleb Metrich won the Curator’s Award. Works by the grand prize winners, which received a $2,500 cash prize, will appear on the new editions of the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Stamp and the Eastern Wild Turkey Conservation Stamp issued by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Second-place artwork received $500 and third place received $250.

Lawrence McElroy, director of arts and culture at Historic Cane Hill, with Amanda Hukill and her grand prize artwork “Morning Mist.” Photo courtesy of Historic Cane Hill.

The stamps have raised $2.2 million over the years for habitat restoration across the state. Anyone may purchase the stamps, which are not required for hunting, for $9.50 each at www.agfc.com/license.

The juried art competition attracted 110 entries from 28 states. A selection of the entries and turkey calls made by Don and Sarah Clark will be on display at Historic Cane Hill Gallery through April 19.

Historic Cane Hill, a nonprofit group, is the curator of the legacy of Canehill, which is the oldest continuous settlement in Washington County. The community includes historic buildings, an art gallery, a museum, trails and a venue for special events. Visit historiccanehillar.org for more information.

Letter carriers' union: 'U.S. mail is not for sale'

KUAR | By Nathan Treece

Members of the Little Rock branch of the National Association of Letter Carriers gathered at the Arkansas State Capitol Sunday to protest a proposal from the Trump administration to move the U.S. Postal Service under the Department of Commerce.

It was part of a national day of action organized by the American Postal Worker's Union. NALC Local Branch President Chad Dollar spoke at the rally.

"The United State Postal Service employs 640,000, with over 200,000 being letter carriers. The postal service is the largest company to hire veterans, with over 73,000 hired," said Dollar. "The service we provide is a universal service. That means no one pays more, no one pays less. We just provide the service to the American people. We deliver nearly 160 million deliveries each and every day.”

Letter carriers' union: 'U.S. mail is not for sale'

Nathan Treece/Little Rock Public Radio

Local members of the National Association of Letter Carriers gather at the Arkansas State Capitol on March 23, 2025, to rally against attempts to privatize or dismantle the United States Postal Service.

New bill would dissolve Arkansas State Library and its board, set new library funding criteria

KUAR | By Tess Vrbin / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Arkansas Sen. Dan Sullivan filed legislation Thursday to abolish not only the State Library Board, but the State Library as well.

Senate Bill 536 would carry out Sullivan’s promise to dismantle the library board by transferring the agency’s and board’s powers, authorities, funds, contracts and employees to the Arkansas Department of Education. The Arkansas State Library is already under the department’s umbrella but operates independently, and the board consists of seven members appointed by the governor who disburse funds to public libraries on a quarterly basis.

In February, Sullivan introduced Senate Bill 184, which would have abolished the State Library Board but not the State Library. The bill also would have dissolved the Arkansas Educational Television Commission, which oversees Arkansas PBS and is also under the education department but operates independently.

New bill would dissolve Arkansas State Library and its board, set new library funding criteria

Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro, in the Senate chamber on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

College of Pharmacy Honors Pilar Murphy, Pharm.D., with Memorial Scholarship

By Benjamin Waldrum

The UAMS College of Pharmacy has established the Pilar Murphy Memorial Scholarship to honor the beloved alumna and faculty member who died Nov. 2.

Murphy, a 2010 College of Pharmacy graduate, returned to UAMS in 2021, joining the Department of Pharmacy Practice faculty as an associate professor. She is survived by her mother, Patricia Ann Murphy, son, Zion Vincent Murphy and sister, Erica Pleshette Murphy.

“Dr. Pilar Murphy’s life was full of impact that extended to the lives of her colleagues, students and patients,” said College of Pharmacy Dean Cindy Stowe, Pharm.D. “She cared deeply for and about others and stayed committed to challenging herself and those around her to be better and do better. Dr. Murphy brought energy and hope to every room she entered — it was palpable. This memorial scholarship honors her legacy and impact by supporting student pharmacists who exemplify her same commitment to caring about patients, colleagues and the broader community.”

College of Pharmacy Honors Pilar Murphy, Pharm.D., with Memorial Scholarship

Governor Sanders Opens Internship Applications for the Summer of 2025

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today encouraged interested students to apply for a summer internship in the Governor’s office.

“Internships are a great way to serve the people of Arkansas – and to learn about a career in public service. I encourage students who are looking to make a real difference to apply,” said Governor Sanders.
 
Those interested may apply here. Applications are due April 11th. This unpaid internship lasts from June 2nd – July 25th and will require roughly 30 hours a week. 
 
Applicants may specify their desired department within the Governor’s office:

• Advance & Coalitions

• Boards & Commissions

• Communications 

• Constituent Services 

• Legislative Affairs 

Attorney General Griffin Announces Arrest of Faulkner County Couple for Fraud and Exploitation

Griffin: ‘It Is Heartbreaking That This Couple Would Prey On An Elderly Person In Need’

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement announcing the arrest of a Faulkner County married couple after an investigation by his office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit:

“Robert Johnson, 58, and Tina Cates Johnson, 56, of Mayflower were arrested by the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office on charges related to their exploitation of an elderly victim. Tina Johnson took control of an elderly acquaintance’s finances last year under the auspices of helping the acquaintance move into an assisted living facility. But both Robert and Tina then used the victim’s money for various purchases, including a brand-new car and a brand-new RV.

“It is heartbreaking that this couple would prey on an elderly person in need for the couple’s own selfish gain. I am grateful to Special Agent Laura Glover in my office for her tireless work on this case, and I appreciate the invaluable assistance of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Inspector General and the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office.”

Tina Johnson is charged with Exploitation of a Vulnerable Person, a Class B Felony, and Financial Identity Fraud, a Class B Felony. Robert Johnson is charged with Abuse of an Endangered or Impaired Person (Exploitation), a Class B Felony. Their cases will be prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Gabrielle Davis-Jones in cooperation with Carol Crews, Prosecuting Attorney for the Twentieth Judicial District of Arkansas.

To download a PDF of this release, click here.

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.

Womack Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Tipped Workers

Washington, DC—March 24, 2025…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) reintroduced the Tipped Employee Protection Act of 2025, legislation to clarify the definition of tipped employee and relieve reporting burdens that harm the restaurant industry.

Congressman Womack said, “Hardworking restaurant owners and employees have a lot on their plate running a business and serving people. This bill makes their lives easier by preserving the hard-earned tipped wage for workers and creating a stable compliance environment for operators. I’m proud to support restaurants in Arkansas’ Third and across America—their work drives our economy, provides jobs, and serves our communities.”

Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs of the National Restaurant Association said, “Tipped workers and restaurant owners should have the confidence that the definition of their job cannot change as often as the Administration changes in Washington. Tipped servers and bartenders are professionals, who have chosen to build restaurant careers because their skills and knowledge mean high earning potential in a job that’s flexible to their needs. The current system of tipping works for them. We appreciate Rep. Womack championing tipped income workers and his ongoing support of restaurant owners and operators.”

Restaurant Staff - Tableo Image

The legislation:

• Amends the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) definition of a tipped employee to create a more explicit definition of the term by removing interpretive language (customarily and regularly), providing additional clarity and simplicity in categorizing individuals as tipped employees.

• Restricts the ability of judges or bureaucrats to set arbitrary limits or requirements in classifying the hours or duties that a tipped employee performs. 

• Preserves the tipped wage and the protection in the FLSA for tipped employees to receive at least the minimum wage between the addition of an employer-paid cash wage of $2.13 and tips—and in many cases much more. If an individual’s tips do not reach the applicable minimum wage under that formula, the employer would still be required to pay any difference. 

• Retains the ability of states under the FLSA to set wages higher than the federal statutory minimum, meaning that any state could continue to independently set the wage.

Arkansas 4-H teams put submersible robots to the test at 2025 SeaPerch Challenge

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas 4-H teams from across the state gathered at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for the 2025 SeaPerch Challenge, remotely navigating submersible robots through obstacle and mission courses.

Two hundred and twenty-six Arkansas 4-H members from 16 counties participated in the March 14 event. The annual competition is hosted by Arkansas 4-H, part of the Cooperative Extension Service, and the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.

Fifty-four teams worked to build remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs, using pieces of pool noodles, electrical tape, 3-D printed parts, PVC pipe and other supplies. They then steered the ROVs through an underwater mission course and obstacle course, both designed to mimic undersea exploration or deep-sea missions. Teams were also judged on their technical design reports, where they documented the construction and engineering design process for the robots.

INTERNATIONALS BOUND — The Grant County Aquanauts are the winning open class team for the 2025 Arkansas SeaPerch Challenge. From left to right: Eli Watson, Priyam Laxmi and Garrett Key. (Photo by the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.) 

Michelle McVay, extension STEM instructor for 4-H and Youth Development for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said the SeaPerch program is a great example of how 4-H helps participants learn by doing.

“Instead of just reading about engineering, they actually get to build and test underwater robots, figuring things out as they go,” McVay said. “This hands-on experience makes learning more fun and memorable. STEM programs like SeaPerch are super important because they teach problem-solving, teamwork and real-world skills that kids can use in school, their careers and beyond.”

For the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, this emphasis on STEM education is at the heart of the organization’s support for the SeaPerch program.

“When we became aware of the program, the cooperatives took an immediate interest due to the kind of learning that SeaPerch provides,” said Rob Roedel, senior director of corporate communications for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. “I distinctly remember watching the first competition in 2016 and thinking immediately of ways we could make the SeaPerch program a marquee event for the youth of Arkansas. Each year, the partnership between Arkansas 4-H and the Electric Cooperatives allows us to make the program bigger and better.”

The overall winning junior and senior stock teams, open class team and high score overall team will compete at the International SeaPerch Challenge May 31-June 1 in College Park, Maryland.

Winning Senior Stock Class Team:

• DeepWater Vanguard from Grant County: Gavin McGinley, Gracie McKinley and Callen Shaw

Winning Junior Stock Class Team:

• Hydro Rappers from Grant County: Cooper Henderson, Jackson Knight, Priyesh Laxmi and Abby Martin

Winning Open Class Team:

• Aquanauts from Grant County: Garrett Key, Priyam Laxmi and Eli Watson

High Score Overall Winner*:

• Sea-Cret Agents from Grant County: Jaxson Andrews, Ella Daniels, Sarah Daniels and Luke Douthit

*The Sea-Cret Agents had the next highest overall score after the Aquanauts, so because the Aquanauts secured a spot as the winning open class team, the Sea-Cret Agents will take the high score overall spot.

Fun for families

For the first time in the program’s history, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas were able to set up cameras in the pool and live stream the ROVs as they navigated through the mission and obstacle courses. The video streamed to the organization’s YouTube channel, and it also appeared on display monitors in the waiting area for teams inside the Donaghey Student Center Fitness and Aquatic Center.

“We’ve tried to do this before, but we never got the cameras just right,” said Chance Allmon, audio visual technician for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. “It’s a very hard sport to spectate. So, we wanted the parents to be able to watch their kids and know what’s going on.”

Allmon said it has been rewarding to watch SeaPerch participants grow in their skills since the program first began in 2016.

“During the first few years, the kids were not comfortable with the courses at all. There was a lot of tangling with their tether cables,” Allmon said. “But there were kids just zipping through the course today. We barely saw them drop their ROVs in before they were back out. The kids are really getting this sport down, and it seems like a really fun way to get them into robotics.

“We’re able to give the kids an outlet to learn a new skill, something that will be transferable if they go into engineering or wiring,” Allmon said. “Very rarely will you invest in kids, and it not pay off.”

Engaging and educating the next generation

Roedel said Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas are proud to work closely with the Cooperative Extension Service and Arkansas 4-H.

“The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas are committed to improving quality of life in the communities that we serve,” Roedel said. “The cooperatives make significant investments in the youth with our communities, as they represent the future. The electric cooperatives in Arkansas would not exist today without the dedication of Division of Agriculture extension agents, who went farm to farm with the state’s electric cooperative pioneers to convince farmers to sign up for electricity back in the 1930s and ‘40s.

“The values of Arkansas 4-H, the Cooperative Extension Service and the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas closely align, as we all exist to serve,” Roedel said. “The SeaPerch program is just another example of a service that our partnership provides to the Natural State.”

McVay said Arkansas 4-H’s partnership with Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas is critical to the program’s success.

“The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas play a huge role in making the SeaPerch Challenge possible,” McVay said. “As the sole sponsor since the beginning, they provide the funding, resources and support needed to keep the program running and growing each year. By reaching out to your local Electric Cooperative, new teams can secure their first SeaPerch kit completely free of charge. By supporting this competition, they’re not just investing in the event itself — they’re investing in the future workforce and leaders of Arkansas.”

For more information about the Arkansas 4-H SeaPerch Challenge, contact McVay at mmcvay@uada.edu or visit 4h.uada.edu. To learn more about the SeaPerch program, visit seaperch.org/about.

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. 

USDA announces $10 billion for farmers amidst economic hardship, uncertainty

By Sarah Cato
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK – As farmers face high input costs, low commodity prices and a postponed farm bill, the USDA is issuing up to $10 billion in direct economic assistance to agricultural producers.

PRODUCERS STRUGGLING – With low commodity prices and high input costs, Scott Stiles said the recent funding issued by the USDA is much needed assistance for Arkansas producers. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

The Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, authorized by the American Relief Act of 2025, will provide payments to growers based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. Major Arkansas row crops that qualify include corn, soybeans, cotton, rice, peanuts and wheat.

“This assistance is greatly appreciated by growers and no doubt, they need all the help they can get,” said Scott Stiles, an extension economics program associate for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “The last few years have resulted in the most difficult economic situation that we’ve seen in the state since the mid-1980’s.

“In the background, we have now reached the third year without an updated farm bill,” Stiles said. “Arguably, you could say we’ve been operating under the same farm program provisions for the past 10 years. Persistently high input costs and a deep correction in commodity prices has producers in the state struggling. This is evidenced by the sheer number of operations that have gone out of business in the past two years.”

In order to streamline and simplify the delivery of ECAP funding, USDA’s Farm Service Agency will begin sending out pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities soon after the signup period opens on March 19. Producers do not have to wait for their pre-filled ECAP application to apply, but can visit the FSA website. Stiles provides more information on eligibility, payment amounts and the application process in his most recent blog post.

“The assistance from ECAP will help, but a much improved and modernized farm policy safety net is needed for producers,” Stiles said. “Hopefully we will see some progress on that front in 2025.”

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

Remy Cofield named UA deputy athletics director, general manager

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

Remy Cofield, who recently worked as director of scouting for the Boston Celtics and played basketball for the University of Pennsylvania, is the new University of Arkansas deputy athletics director and general manager of Razorback Athletics.

According to Monday’s (March 24) announcement by the UA, Coalfield’s employment will begin April 1, and he “will oversee the strategic allocation of department and affiliate resources to support Razorback head coaches in the acquisition and retention of championship-caliber athletic talent.”

The news release also said Cofield will “lead player contract negotiations” and help all head coaches implement “each program’s strategic vision.”

Remy Cofield named UA deputy athletics director, general manager

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

As the 2025 Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assembly enters its 11th week, the House has been advancing legislation designed to address infrastructure, election processes, and public health. 

 Improving Water and Sewer Infrastructure

One of the bills to pass this week was HB1681, which establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program. This initiative creates a $50 million matching grant system aimed at improving water and sewer infrastructure across the state. With 80% of the funding allocated to "shovel-ready" projects, and the remaining 20% directed towards small towns and rural systems serving fewer than 1,200 customers, the program seeks to ensure that communities have the resources needed to address critical water and sewer needs. The grants will be funded by interest earnings from state funds.

Addressing Electricity Demand

Another piece of legislation approved was SB307. This bill allows utility companies to implement incremental rate adjustments as they begin construction on investments aimed at increasing the state’s generation capacity. 

Election Legislation

The House also passed several bills regarding the state's election processes. Among them was HB1574, which requires paid canvassers for statewide initiative or referendum petitions to be residents of Arkansas. 

HB1693 directs the State Board of Election Commissioners to establish rules for duplicating damaged or defective ballots.  Additionally, SB304 passed, allowing voters to cast a ballot after changing their county of residence—provided their updated registration is received by the county clerk before polls close on election day. 

HB1713 mandates that the Attorney General cannot certify a proposed ballot title if its reading level exceeds eighth grade, according to the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formula.

Protecting Children Online

In response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on minors, HB1726 creates the Arkansas Kids Online Safety Act. This bill requires technology platforms to take reasonable measures to protect minors from harmful content that could contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. 

Looking Ahead

As the House adjourns for an extended recess this week, lawmakers are set to return on Monday, March 31, to continue their work.

2024 boating accident report shows continued issue of low life-jacket use among victims

Fifty-six boating accidents were reported to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in 2024. AGFC photo courtesy Sydney Grant.

HOT SPRINGS — According to the recently released 2024 Year-End Boating Accident Report compiled by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, life jacket wear continues to be one of the largest shortfalls among Arkansas boaters when it comes to enjoying the water safely.

Only 20 percent of the 207 individuals involved in boating accidents last year were wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident, and only one of the nine victims involved in boating fatalities recorded last year were wearing a life jacket.

This boat fell victim to the wrong drain hole being plugged before launch. AGFC photo courtesy Sydney Grant.

Sydney Grant, AGFC Boating Law Administrator, says that drownings account for the majority of fatalities every year on Arkansas waters, and in many cases, life jackets were available, but not worn.

“Arkansas game wardens and other rescue agency personnel have seen too many drownings where a life jacket was out but not worn,” Grant said. “It’s not a seat cushion or a piece of gear you just throw in the boat and forget about. It’s there to save your life so why wouldn’t you use it?”

According to Arkansas boating law, all vessels must have at least one properly fitting Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person onboard.

Grant notes that children 12 and younger must wear a properly fitting life jacket the entire time they are on the water. The only exception to this is on houseboats and pontoon boats with adequate handrails that are not underway.

“Even those vessels require life jacket use by younger boaters when it is underway,” Grant said.

Grant says many boaters use the excuse that they know how to swim to avoid wearing a life jacket, but that reply rarely holds water.

“Swimming in a pool is much different than falling unprepared into the water fully clothed,” Grant said. “And many boating accidents result in injuries, which can compound any problems with swimming. Even climbing back on board a boat can be challenging for many people without help or a ladder attached to the gunwale. That life jacket gives you the help you need to stay afloat until help arrives after an accident.”

What caused the accidents in the first place?

“Operator inattention was the number one primary contributor to most of our boating accidents in 2024,” Grant said.

According to Grant, cell phone use on the water has increased, and it has been the cause in a rising number of accidents.

“It’s illegal to text and drive a car, but a lot of people don’t understand that it’s extremely dangerous on a boat, too,” Grant said. “It only takes a second for things to go wrong, and, unlike cars, boats don’t have brakes, so they take more room to stop or turn if you get in trouble.”

Other factors, such as operator inexperience, unseen water hazards and alcohol or drug use also played a role in many accidents, but inattention was by far the biggest primary cause of boating accidents last year.

Operator inattention was the leading primary cause for boating accidents in 2024. AGFC photo courtesy Sydney Grant.

Life jackets weren’t the only noticeable absence during boating accidents in 2024. Only 34 percent of the operators involved in boating accidents last year had taken any boating safety course.

“Again, it’s a requirement for some boaters, but not all,” Grant said. “Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1986, and of legal age to operate a motorboat is required to have passed an AGFC-approved Boater Education course and carry proof of the certification with them while on the water.

“Just like the life jackets, these courses are meant to save your life and the lives of others, it doesn’t take much effort to complete a boating safety course, and some insurance companies will even give you a lower rate if you have the certification.”

Grant also points out that many people involved in boating accidents were experienced boaters.

“The average age of fatality victims was 59,” Grant said. “And we had more operators with more than 100 hours of experience get involved in accidents than we did operators with less than 20 hours of experience.”

Visit www.agfc.com/boatered to read more about the 2024 Boating Accident Year-End Report and learn more about Boater Education in Arkansas.

'Social transition' bill pulled amid First Amendment concerns

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

A bill that would open up liability to Arkansans who assist in someone's "social transition" was pulled following debate in committee.

The bill to create “The Vulnerable Youth Protection Act” would give broad litigation rights to people seeking to sue those who provide minors with gender-affirming care. A person could seek up to $10 million in punitive damages for 15 years against anyone who assists in social transitioning. The bill would expand previous legislation making it easier to sue doctors who participate in the medical transition of a minor.

The bill met pushback in a meeting of the House Judiciary committee Tuesday over its definition of “social transitioning” as “changes in clothing, pronouns, hairstyle, and name,” meaning a person could possibly sue their barber or person who calls them by a nickname.

'Social transition' bill pulled amid First Amendment concerns

Michael Hibblen/Little Rock Public Radio

Steps leading up to the Arkansas Senate chamber in the state Capitol.

Arkansas Delegation to European Commission: Fix Unworkable Deforestation Rules

Washington, D.C. — Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), and Congressmen Rick Crawford (Arkansas-01), French Hill (Arkansas-02), Steve Womack (Arkansas-03), and Bruce Westerman (Arkansas-04) today sent a letter to the European Union raising major concerns with the proposed European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This impractical regulation will impose an unfair and unnecessary burden on American businesses while failing to effectively combat deforestation.

In part, the lawmakers wrote: 

“This regulation is unworkable for the forest products industry in the United States and would jeopardize more than $3.5 billion worth of paper and wood products shipping into the EU market for essential products like timber or pulp for baby diapers.”

Full text of the letter may be found here and below. 

March 14, 2025

Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity

Jessica Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment

Marcos Sefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security 

Dear Commissioners,

We write to you today to share our significant concerns with the European Union deforestation-free supply chains regulation (Regulation (EU) No 2023/1115) and to share our perspective on the impact this will have on the more than 900,000 forest products workers throughout the United States and the over 23,000 men and women in Arkansas who are employed by this industry.  This regulation is unworkable for the forest products industry in the United States and would jeopardize more than $3.5 billion worth of paper and wood products shipping into the EU market for essential products like timber or pulp for baby diapers. 

The U.S. Forest products industry is a strong proponent of international efforts to suppress deforestation and forest degradation. As such, the United States has excellent ratings in this regard and no evidence of deforestation. Unfortunately, as written, this regulation presents severe compliance challenges that constitute technical barriers to trade for the U.S. Forest products industry. The United States is not a source of the EU’s deforestation concerns and the burden this regulation puts on U.S. pulp, paper, and packaging manufacturers will not achieve the EU’s stated policy goal. Furthermore, the U.S. is widely recognized for its sustainable forestry practices, with negligible deforestation risk, as confirmed by the EU Observatory on deforestation and forest degradation.

The unprecedented and over-prescriptive reporting requirements of the regulation are a one-size-fits-all approach that does not recognize commodity-specific challenges or country differences. The U.S. Forest products sector operates with deep visibility into their supply chains, with clear management rules and strict controls of forestry practices. These practices and performance measures not only deliver the intended goals of EUDR but go beyond the narrow objectives of regulation.

We are asking you and the European Commission to work with the United States to ensure the United States is recognized as the lowest possible risk for deforestation and to ensure the geolocation traceability requirements in place are proportional to the level of risk for a particular country. These obligations should be simplified, more proportional and with greater distinction among the risk categories. The geospatial coordinate mapping requirement for every individual plot of land should be removed for supply chains that have already achieved deforestation risk status as low risk, negligible, or insignificant. Secondary materials should be exempt from geolocation because traceability is virtually impossible. Unless these key problems are addressed, I am extremely concerned that the EU may lose their trading relationship with the U.S. Forest products industry, which they rely upon every day. 

We also believe the EUDR fits within President Trump’s “America First Trade Policy” executive order that was signed on January 20th, 2025, and requires key members of his cabinet to identify examples around the world where the United States is being disadvantaged by policies in place from governments that could be considered a technical barrier to trade and submit reports to President Trump by April 1st, 2025. Already, key members of the President’s cabinet, like Mr. Howard Lutnick, the Secretary of Commerce, have identified the EUDR as a potential technical barrier to trade and it will be more important than ever that you and your team address the concerns we have identified here. 

We look forward to your response. 

Sincerely,

Arkansas Timber and Forestry Products Image - Arkansas Inc

High winds fuel rare wildfire outbreak across Arkansas

KUAR | By Daniel Breen,

Maggie Ryan

Dry conditions and abnormally high winds sparked a number of wildfires across Arkansas Wednesday.

Much of Arkansas remains under extreme fire danger, according to the National Weather Service in North Little Rock. As of 5:19 p.m., Arkansas State Police said fire crews were responding to 54 wildfires across the state. No injuries had been reported as of early Wednesday evening.

Pulaski County/X

Flames engulf the historic St. Joseph Center in North Little Rock on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

In a news conference, Little Rock Fire Chief Delphone Hubbard said the department received its first call of a grass fire at 1:18 p.m. Wednesday.

Hubbard said 14 locations across Little Rock had been affected by fires, including four businesses. Of the 10 residential properties affected, four sustained damage to the primary residence; Hubbard said all four are located on Chaucer Lane in southwest Little Rock. He added only one firefighter responding to Wednesday's blazes received medical attention for dehydration, and that resources were never a concern for fire crews.

High winds fuel rare wildfire outbreak across Arkansas

Pulaski County/X

Fire crews respond to a blaze near the St. Joseph's Center in North Little Rock on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

Boozman, Kaine, Hassan, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Hiring of Military Spouses

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) and Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced the Military Spouse Hiring Act, legislation that would amend the U.S. tax code to create incentives for businesses to hire military spouses.

The Military Spouse Hiring Act would expand the existing Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program – which provides tax credits to employers who hire people facing unique barriers to employment – to include military spouses. Military spouses experience rates of unemployment and underemployment higher than the national average, and frequent moves often stall military spouses’ upward career progression and force them to find new jobs.

“Spouses of servicemembers play an integral part in the support system that bolsters America’s military,” said Boozman. “Part of their sacrifice includes factors, like relocation, that can make it difficult to access meaningful career opportunities. This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense effort that will encourage employers to hire military spouses and benefit from their unique skills and experiences.”

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“Our servicemembers and their families make sacrifices day in and day out to protect us and our national security,” said Kaine. “We owe military families a debt of gratitude and support—including when it comes to juggling frequent moves with building their careers. By incentivizing the hiring of military spouses, the Military Spouse Hiring Act will help bring down the obstacles that America’s talented military spouses too often face when seeking work opportunities, and reduce financial instability among military families that can cause servicemembers to leave even if they want to continue serving. I am proud to be introducing this commonsense bill alongside colleagues from both parties.”

“Military families make tremendous sacrifices to help keep our country safe, secure, and free. The often-frequent relocations required of military families can make it harder for military family members to find jobs,” said Hassan. “This bipartisan bill incentivizes companies to hire military spouses – helping them get jobs – and is a crucial way that we can continue to support our service members and their families.”

“Our service members and their families are willing to sacrifice so much for our country,” said Rounds. “One of these sacrifices includes moving from one assignment to the next, which can make it difficult for military spouses to secure a job and for employers to hire them. We owe it to our service members and their families to remove obstacles hindering their financial well-being. I’m pleased to reintroduce this legislation, which would expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to include military spouses to help remove one barrier, giving our military families the opportunities they deserve.”

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John Hoeven (R-ND), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Tom Cotton (R-AR).

The Military Spouse Hiring Act is supported by the Air & Space Forces Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, Chief Warrant Officers Association of the U.S. Coast Guard, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Fleet Reserve Association, Jewish War Veterans, Marine Corps League, Military Chaplains Association, Military Family Advisory Network, Military Officers Association of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Spouse Advocacy Network, National Defense Committee, National Military Family Association, National Military Spouse Network, Non Commissioned Officers Association, Reserve Organization of America, Service Women’s Action Network, The American Legion, The Retired Enlisted Association, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, United States Army Warrant Officers Association, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Wounded Warrior Project.

“Employing military spouses is a strategic issue with direct ties to force readiness and the retention of experienced warfighters. And in 2025, having two household incomes is a baseline requirement. This bill eases an employer's path to hiring from this talented pool of dedicated workers to invest in both military families and the viability of the all-volunteer force,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, USAF (Ret.), President and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). “MOAA wants to thank Sens. Kaine, Boozman, Hassan and Rounds and Reps. Beyer, Kelly, Panetta and Carter for their ongoing work to support military spouses and families.”

“Hiring a military spouse isn’t just good for a business, it’s good for America,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association. “Expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to include military spouses incentivizes businesses to employ military spouses, a highly qualified talent pool. It also supports military family financial security—ensuring our military is always ready. We’re grateful to Senators Boozman and Kaine and Representatives Kelly and Beyer for introducing this important legislation.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), John Carter (R-TX-31) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19).

Full text of the legislation is availablehere. A summary of the legislation is availablehere.

Congressional delegation a no-show at packed Little Rock rally

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

A rally denouncing Arkansas’ Congressional delegation, all of whom are Republicans, drew a crowd of Arkansans to downtown Little Rock Tuesday night. Shouts of “do your job” rang out in First United Methodist Church as speakers called on Rep. French Hill and Sens. Tom Cotton and John Boozman to respond to their demands in a town hall.

The three members of Arkansas’ congressional delegation that were invited to attend the event, but did not appear. Instead, speakers took turns speaking on recent cuts to government services led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.

Former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Jones hosted the event.

Congressional delegation a no-show at packed Little Rock rally

Josie Lenora/Little Rock Public Radio

Attendees gather at First United Methodist Church in downtown Little Rock on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Governor signs ACCESS Act at forum touting lithium, economic development

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Repeating the notion that she wants to be known as the education governor, Gov. Sarah Sanders signed her higher education overhaul bill into law at an economic forum in Little Rock Tuesday (March 18) before nearly 1,000 business leaders.

At a packed house crowd in the Wally Allen Ballroom at Little Rock’s Arkansas Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) luncheon, Sanders shared remarks that touched on education and jobs, before signing her higher education reform measure, the ACCESS Act, into law.

The AEDF is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization established in 1955 that raises funds to support economic development efforts in Arkansas, including research, site visits, and recruitment support. The foundation frequently helps pay for overseas business recruiting trips for the governor and staff of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

Governor signs ACCESS Act at forum touting lithium, economic development

UAMS Receives $2.5 Million for Family Medicine Residency Programs in South Arkansas

By Philip Allison

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) will expand its residency programs in south Arkansas thanks to a $2.5 million grant from the Arkansas State Legislature.

The state’s PEER Joint Budget Committee recently approved a request for $2,550,225 in funding from the restricted reserve fund to support the development of family medicine residency programs in El Dorado and Crossett. The funds will help create 22 new residency slots in hospitals in the two cities as well as one new family medicine obstetrics fellowship.

“Expanding the number of physicians starting their careers in Arkansas through their medical residency increases the chance they will remain in the state to practice, so partnering with hospitals around the state to increase the number of residency slots is a pathway for addressing physician shortages in rural Arkansas,” said Stephanie Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D., UAMS provost and chief strategy officer. “We are grateful for the State of Arkansas providing startup funds for these new family medicine residency programs in Crossett and El Dorado.”

UAMS Receives $2.5 Million for Family Medicine Residency Programs in South Arkansas