Arkansas House votes to advance LEARNS bill after debate cut short

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

After hours of debate in committee, Rep. Keith Brooks, R-Little Rock, presented the Arkansas LEARNS bill for passage to his fellow House members on Thursday.

LEARNS is the name given to a 144-page omnibus education package championed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Supporters and detractors of the bill spoke until Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville, ended debate prematurely.

During his bill presentation, Brooks hit upon familiar talking points like Arkansas’ low national rankings for education and literacy. Brooks said the bill was student-centric.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-03-03/arkansas-house-votes-to-advance-learns-bill-after-debate-cut-short

Arkansas House/Arkansas House

The Arkansas House of Representatives has voted to advance the omnibus education package known as the LEARNS Act.

Arkansas files suit after EPA rejects ozone plan

KUAR | By Steve Brawner / Talk Business & Politics

The state of Arkansas has filed suit against the Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency after the EPA rejected Arkansas’ submission for complying with a rule pertaining to ozone emissions affecting other states.

The lawsuit was announced Thursday (Feb. 16) by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Attorney General Tim Griffin.

The EPA’s disapproval was published in the Federal Register on Feb. 13. The agency disapproved State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions for 19 states for the 2015 rule regarding ozone national ambient air quality standards. State plans for Tennessee and Wyoming were partially disapproved.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-02-17/arkansas-files-suit-after-epa-rejects-ozone-plan

Wil Chandler/Arkansas Business

The White Bluff coal-fired power plant in Redfield, Ark. is seen in this file photo.

Arkansas Senate approves process for ethics violation hearings

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

Arkansas lawmakers set the framework Monday for hearings that will take place this week concerning ethics violations by Republican senators Alan Clark of Lonsdale and Mark Johnson of Ferndale.

Last month, the Senate Ethics Committee found Clark had asked Johnson to place his name on a sign-in sheet for a Boys State meeting he did not attend to receive reimbursement. The full Senate will vote whether to penalize the two.

According to a document provided by the committee, the penalties recommended for Clark and Johnson include:

• A letter of reprimand

• Removal as committee chair or co-chair for the remainder of the rest of the 93rd General Assembly

• Losing eligibility for per diem and mileage for the remainder of the 93rd General Assembly

• Losing future considering to serve on the Boys State, Girls State and Senate Ethics Committee

  https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-07-18/arkansas-senate-approves-process-for-ethics-violation-hearings

Ronak Patel/KUAR News

Senate President Pro Tem Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, on Monday said he will relinquish his duties of presiding over the chamber during an ethics violation hearing later this week.

Arkansas farmers experiencing bollworm explosion

KUAR | By George Jared/ Talk Business & Politics

The numbers of a common, damaging pest in Arkansas row crops have surged in the last several weeks.

Bollworms, a moth caterpillar, are typically found in cotton, soybean and corn crops. The insect emerges as a moth in mid-May and then spreads its larva onto crops, according to farmprogress.com. Hungry bollworms can damage soybean pods, corn ears and cotton bolls and squares.

Yields can be diminished as a result of bollworm damage.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-07-06/arkansas-farmers-experiencing-bollworm-explosion

Matthew Davis/UA System Division Of Agriculture

Bollworm moths in a trap in Jackson County on July 1. Agents and entomologists are seeing higher than usual numbers of these moths.

Foster care graduates celebrated at Governors Mansion

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

Young adults who grew up in foster care were honored at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion on Thursday. There were 74 young adults in the foster care system that graduated from high school or received their GED, according to a program from the event.

The graduation ceremony was hosted by the Arkansas Division of Children & Family Services. Mischa Martin, director of the Division of Children & Family Services, said in an interview the event is a way to bring together the children in the foster care system.

“We just like to come together even though they probably celebrated at the local level to do something special for them to really recognize the challenges they face to finish and make them feel valued and special. They'll walk away with a gift card and some gifts from our nonprofit as well,” Martin said.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-06-30/foster-care-graduates-celebrated-at-governors-mansion

Ronak Patel/KUAR News

Gov. Asa Hutchinson shares words of encouragement with graduates. Hutchinson spoke with some of the graduates before the ceremony about their future plans.

Arkansas School Safety Commission hears advice from former secret service agent

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

During its third meeting since being reconvened, the Arkansas School Safety Commission brought in a security expert to help better understand the issue. Former Special Agent for the Secret Service Cindy Marble spoke to commissioners Tuesday about the importance of having behavioral threat assessment teams in schools.

In an email, Cheryl May, chair of the Arkansas School Safety Commission, said 28% of schools in Arkansas have behavioral threat assessment teams.

Marble described for commissioners behavioral threat teams as a way to gather information when a threat is present. She said the teams focus on concerning behaviors instead of direct threats.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-06-28/arkansas-school-safety-commission-invites-former-secret-service-agent-for-advice

Arkansas School Safety Commission

Former Special Agent for the Secret Service Cindy Marble explains to the School Safety Commission the need to detect concerning behavior. She said direct threats are not the only things to look for to deter violence.

Finance Board approves increase for Arkansas employee health insurance premiums

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

The State Board of Finance on Friday unanimously approved increasing the rate paid to cover the cost of Arkansas state employee health insurance premiums. Currently, the state provides coverage for about 160,000 state and public school employees along with retirees and their families.

Jake Bleed, director of the Employee Benefits Division, told board members during a hearing that the state paying 65% of the cost of health insurance premiums is not enough.

According to a memo from the Employee Benefits Division, if Arkansas keeps the rate at 65%, the state’s health insurance plan for public school employees will begin deficit spending by 2025 and run out of its reserves by 2028.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-06-03/finance-board-approves-increase-to-contributions-for-employee-health-insurance-premiums

Ronak Patel/KUAR News

Jake Bleed, director of the Employee Benefits Division (center), explains to the State Finance Board the issues with the employee health insurance plan.

Resurgence in new COVID cases, hospitalizations concerns UAMS physician

KUAR | By Michael Hibblen, Josie Lenora

Arkansas reported the number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 surpassed 100 for the first time in about two months.

While the number of patients declined by eight on Friday to 97, a physician who has helped lead the response to the pandemic at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences says the number of new infections suggests there will be more people needing treatment in the immediate future.

The Arkansas Department of Health reported 712 new cases on Friday, which was the largest since March 21 when there were 781 cases. The second-highest increase was on Thursday, when 635 cases were reported.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/2022-06-04/resurgence-in-new-covid-cases-hospitalizations-concerns-uams-physician

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

Dr. Robert Hopkins, seen here at a UAMS drive-thru COVID-19 testing location on July 23, 2020, said Friday he is concerned about the growing number of new infections which will likely lead to a further resurgence in hospitalizations.

Arkansas farmers brace for impacts of Avian influenza

KUAR | By George Jared/ Talk Business & Politics

A flu that is nearly 100% lethal to poultry is spreading across the U.S. Thirty-four states have had confirmed cases of the deadly H5N1 avian influenza, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and poultry farmers in Arkansas should continue taking precautions.

The most recent outbreaks were in backyard cases in Oregon and Washington state. Oklahoma was added to the list of states after the disease was confirmed in a commercial breeder flock in Sequoyah County on May 1, the USDA reported.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-05-18/arkansas-farmers-brace-for-impacts-of-avian-influenza

Mary Hightower/UA Division Of Agriculture

A backyard chicken seen wandering the streets on October 30, 2021.

Arkansas lawmakers give initial approval of $6 billion budget

KUAR | By Laura Jansen , Daniel Breen

Arkansas lawmakers have nearly completed the approval of Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s $6 billion state budget proposal. The members of the Arkansas House and Senate voted Monday to approve identical versions of the state’s Revenue Stabilization Act.

The budget will include funding for higher education, the state's workforce, and will help address a backlog in people seeking services for those with disabilities. The fiscal year begins on July 1.

ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-03-07/arkansas-lawmakers-give-initial-approval-of-6-billion-budget

Arkansas Legislature

Rep. Lane Jean, R-Magnolia, addresses fellow House members on Monday ahead of a vote on the governor's proposed $6 billion state budget.

Hutchinson, Boozman say harsh sanctions are needed against Russia

KUAR | By Laura Jansen ,

Michael Hibblen

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and U.S. Sen. John Boozman expressed their support Friday for Ukraine and its citizens as Russia continues a military invasion of the sovereign eastern European nation.

During his weekly press conference, Hutchinson said the U.S. needs to enact severe sanctions on Russia and suggested President Joe Biden hasn’t acted as quickly as he would like.

“We don’t need to hold anything back right now, we need to give the full weight of our sanctions now,” Hutchinson said.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/2022-02-25/gov-hutchinson-sen-boozman-say-harsh-sanctions-are-needed-against-russia

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

Sen. John Boozman speaking with reporters Friday inside the Arkansas State Capitol.

Appeal filed in dismissal of Arkansas redistricting case

KUAR | By Josie Lenora, Daniel Breen

A decision by a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Arkansas’ new districts in the state House of Representatives is being appealed by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The Arkansas State Conference NAACP and the Arkansas Public Policy challenged the new map arguing it dilutes the power of Black voters. The map was approved by the state Board of Apportionment, which is made up of Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and Secretary of State John Thurston, all Republicans.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-02-23/groups-appeal-dismissal-of-arkansas-redistricting-case

ARCAN/Arkansas PBS

Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge confer before the start of a meeting on Nov. 29, 2021 in which new legislative maps were approved.

More than 27,000 feral hogs eradicated in Arkansas

KUAR | By George Jared/ Talk Business & Politics

Feral hogs cause billions of dollars in agriculture losses nationwide each year, and in the Natural State an effort has been underway since before the pandemic to curb the problem. At least 27,803 feral hogs have been killed in Arkansas since January 2020 by members of the Arkansas Feral Hog Eradication Task Force, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

The Feral Hog Eradication Task Force was initially created by the Arkansas Legislature during the 2017 regular session and was directed to create a plan for the eradication of feral hogs in Arkansas. The Task Force is made up of 21 federal and state agencies and non-government organizations.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-02-21/more-than-27-000-feral-hogs-eradicated-in-arkansas

United States Division Of Agriculture

Feral hogs, an invasive species, are especially destructive to agricultural crops, native wildlife, and young domestic livestock.

Active COVID cases in Arkansas near 80,000; UAMS hits record number of patients

KUAR | By Michael Hibblen

Cases of COVID-19 continue expanding rapidly in Arkansas. The state reported nearly 13,000 new infections on Thursday, setting another record for the second day in a row. The number of active cases grew to nearly 80,000 people, according to the Department of Health, which is the highest since the pandemic began.

The actual number of cases is likely higher as the state this week began distributing hundreds of thousands of free rapid at-home tests, with results typically not reported to authorities. Officials say the tests have been snatched up quickly at locations like local health units and hospitals.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-01-13/active-covid-cases-in-arkansas-near-80-000-uams-hits-record-number-of-patients

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

UAMS Clinical Services Manager Deborah Hutts speaks to staffers in July 2020 before they began conducting COVID-19 testing.

U.S. Steel to locate $3 billion steel mill in Northeast Arkansas

KUAR | By George Jared/ Talk Business & Politics

When Big River Steel first started operations in 2014 near Osceola in Mississippi County, it was one of the largest industrial projects ever in the state of Arkansas. BRS, now owned by U.S. Steel, is about to get a companion steel mill and it will rival the first plant in terms of money spent and jobs created.

U.S. Steel Corp. announced Tuesday it would locate a new $3 billion steel factory in Osceola, a move expected to create 900 jobs with an average pay over $100,000 annually. It is the largest capital investment project in Arkansas history.

The new optimized steel production facility is expected to feature two electric arc furnaces (EAFs) with 3 million tons per year of advanced steelmaking capability, a state-of-the-art endless casting and rolling line, and advanced finishing capabilities. Upon completion, the project will apply to become LEED certified, the company said.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-01-11/u-s-steel-to-locate-3-billion-steel-mill-in-northeast-arkansas

File Photo/Big River Steel

The Big River Steel mill when it was under construction. Now owned by U.S. Steel, it's about to get a companion mill.

UAMS Chancellor expects Omicron unknowns to be solved by Christmas

The Omicron variant that has become a major concern for public health officials is undergoing rigorous testing and UAMS Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson expects to have many questions answered before Christmas, he said in a Sunday (Dec. 5) interview on Talk Business & Politics.

How transmissible is the variant? Does Omicron make people sicker than previous strains of COVID-19? How do the vaccines that have been developed hold up against Omicron? These are mysteries Patterson expects science to solve in the next few weeks.

“I think we’ll have pretty good answers to the unknown questions within the next couple of weeks, certainly before Christmas holiday,” he said. “There are a lot of unknowns. What we do know is that it is spreading globally. It’s now in the United States, it’s in Canada. It will eventually get to Arkansas I suspect before the next week or two is out and we’ll start detecting this variant here in the state of Arkansas. And because there’s so much uncertainty it’s difficult to know how to react.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/12/uams-chancellor-expects-omicron-unknowns-to-be-solved-by-christmas/

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

UAMS Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson, seen here making an announcement last month, said he expects researchers will know within a few weeks how dangerous the omicron variant of the coronavirus is compared to the delta variant.

Arkansas Records 3,365 New COVID-19 Cases In Three Days

By TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS STAFF

ACHI President and CEO Dr. Joe Thompson called for action to be taken to contain the virus before the new school year begins next month.

CREDIT ARKANSAS CENTER FOR HEALTH IMPROVEMENT

Friday was the third consecutive day that new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas topped 1,000, and the rise in active cases in the past three days has risen more than 27%, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).

ADH numbers show 1,000 new cases on Wednesday, 1,210 on Thursday and 1,155 on Friday. The state’s cumulative number of cases is 355,462, and active cases rose by 673 on Friday to 6,605, which is 27.2% more than the 5,192 on Wednesday. Deaths rose by 4 to 5,948, and hospitalizations rose by 16 to 497.

The Health Policy Board of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) issued a statement Friday explaining the danger of the more transmissible COVID Delta variant and urging Arkansans to get vaccinated.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-records-3365-new-covid-19-cases-three-days

Arkansas Sees Largest Spike In COVID-19 Hospitalizations Since January

By DANIEL BREEN

The highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to grow in Arkansas, resulting in a new surge in coronavirus hospitalizations.

The state added another 270 cases of COVID-19 Tuesday while another six Arkansans died from the disease caused by the coronavirus. The state currently has 4,645 active cases of COVID-19.

“This is the largest increase in hospitalizations since January. It is the largest increase in hospitalizations since we’ve had the vaccination available to prevent hospitalizations. And we have 55 added to the hospital rolls as a result of COVID-19,” Hutchinson said.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-sees-largest-spike-covid-19-hospitalizations-january

Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks with reporters at the state Capitol in his weekly media briefing on July 6, 2021.

CREDIT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE / YOUTUBE

Bill Prohibiting Teaching Certain Ideas On Racism Passes Arkansas House

By SARAH KELLOGG

The Arkansas House has voted to advance a bill that would prohibit public schools, as well as open enrollment charter schools in the state, from teaching certain aspects about racism.

By a vote of 63-13, representatives passed House Bill 1761. Under the legislation, schools would be unable to teach anything that falls under a list of five ideas. Those ideas include: that any individual from a particular race or ethnicity is inherently racists, or that any race or ethnicity should “feel guilt or shame” due to their race or ethnicity.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/bill-prohibiting-teaching-certain-ideas-racism-passes-arkansas-house

Rep. Mark Lowery, R-Maumelle, presents House Bill 1761 to the House floor

CREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE

School Voucher Bill Passes Arkansas House Committee

By DANIEL BREEN

Following hours of debate, members of the Arkansas House Education committee narrowly passed a bill that would provide private school scholarships for low-income students.

Lawmakers on Tuesday voted 11 to nine in favor of House Bill 1371, sponsored by Republican Rep. Ken Bragg of Sheridan.

The bill would create a tax credit for individuals and businesses to donate to two funds, which would be run by a private nonprofit. One would provide up to $6 million in credits for donations to provide grants to public schools, while the other would provide $4 million in credits for donations to a fund for low-income students to attend private schools.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/school-voucher-bill-passes-arkansas-house-committee

Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming speaks against House Bill 1371 as the bill's sponsor, Rep. Ken Bragg, R-Sheridan, looks on.

CREDIT ARKANSAS LEGISLATURE