Arkansas News

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Hope Enterprise receives $93.67 million for solar programs in Arkansas

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

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Tuesday (April 23) that the Hope Enterprise Corporation will receive $93.67 million from the Solar for All grant program to fund residential solar that benefits low-income and disadvantaged communities in Arkansas.

Hope is a group of development organizations that help communities in the Delta and other economically distressed parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

The EPA award announced Tuesday is part of a $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund created under the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law by President Joe Biden. Only 60 applicants nationwide were selected to participate in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The Hope Enterprise Corporation’s grant is among 49 state-level awards totaling $5.5 billion, along with six awards to serve Tribes totaling over $500 million, and five multistate awards totaling $1 billion.

Hope Enterprise receives $93.67 million for solar programs in Arkansas

Image by Bill Mead

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Combined pay for Walmart’s top six execs was $96.724 million last year

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by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

The top six executives at Walmart saw higher compensation last year of a combined $96.724 million, or $264,997 per day. Most of the compensation is deferred or in stock options and shares, but salaries and bonus pay among the top six was $12.741 million or $34,906 per day.

According to the company’s proxy statement filed Thursday (April 25) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, CEO Doug McMillon saw his annual salary increase 2.32% to $1.505 million. He also earned a cash bonus of $4.5 million, up from $3 million the prior year. When adding in deferred stock compensation and other benefits, McMillon’s total compensation rose to $29.968 million, up 6.56% from the prior year.

According to the company’s proxy, McMillon’s salary is in line with that of 26 peer companies with more than $100 billion in revenue, including Walt Disney, Target, Amazon and Home Depot.

Combined pay for Walmart’s top six execs was $96.724 million last year

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Master Gardener plant sales offer choice picks for home gardeners

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By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Master Gardener plant sales are happening all around the state, offering home gardeners a wide assortment of annuals, perennials, pollinators, herbs, vegetables and more. A word of advice though: Arrive early.

PLANTS GALORE — Master Gardeners are hosting plants sales across Arkansas. UADA photo

At a recent sale at the Pulaski County Master Gardeners greenhouse in Little Rock, customers lined up well before the 8 a.m. start time for the two-day sale. Within an hour, hot items like the yellow lantana had been scooped up, and by the end of the first day, most of the annuals and heirloom tomato plants were sold out.

“It was probably the best showing we’ve had on the first day, and it helped that the weather cooperated,” said Pulaski County Master Gardener Jessica Rogers, who co-chaired the plant sale. “We saw a lot of experienced gardeners coming for something specific. We grow a lot of natives from cuttings, and we had some unique native perennial plants.”

More than 30 Master Gardener plant sales are happening around the state. The sales started in April and will continue through the first week of June. Find a sale at www.uaex.uada.edu/plant-sales.

Novice and experienced gardeners benefit from the sales by getting healthy plants at prices often below those at gardening centers. As an added perk, buyers can talk to Master Gardeners on site to get their knowledgeable recommendations for plant selection and care.

Proceeds from the plant sales, in turn, benefit the communities in which they are held.

“The Master Gardener plant sales are the primary source of revenue for our Master Gardener groups,” said Randy Forst, extension consumer horticulture educator and Master Gardener coordinator for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “They fund  beautification projects, education outreach and scholarships for students pursuing plant-related studies.”

Upcoming plant sales include:

  • April 27: Craighead County, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Judd Hill Farmers Market, 3360 Aggie Rd., Jonesboro

  • April 27: Cleburne County, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 725 S. 4th St., Heber Springs

  • April 27: Drew County, 8-11 a.m., Monticello Coffee Co., 316 Highway 425 South, Monticello 

  • April 27: Independence County, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville

  • April 27: Polk County, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Polk County Fairgrounds, 603 De Queen St., Mena

  • April 27: Baxter County 9-10:30 a.m., Baxter County Fairgrounds Livestock Barn, Mountain Home

  • April 27: Montgomery County, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Mount Ida

  • April 27: Arkansas County, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Arkansas County Fairgrounds, DeWitt

  • May 4: Pope County, 8 a.m.-Noon, Fairgrounds, 500 S. Knoxville, Russellville

  • May 4: Union County, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Historic Newton House Museum, 510 N. Jackson St., El Dorado.

  • May 4: Madison County, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Watson Primary School parking lot, 314 N Gaskill St., Huntsville

  • May 4: Prairie County, 9-11 a.m., Hazen Community Center

  • May 4: Stone County, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Extension Homemakers Club (EHC) building at Stone County Fairgrounds, 216 Warren St, Mountain View

  • May 10-11: Crittenden County, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 12401 Hwy 70 W, Proctor

  • May 11: Faulkner County, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Conway Expo Center. 2505 E. Oak. St, Conway

  • May 11: Greene County, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Paragould Farmers Market Community Pavilion

  • May 11: Van Buren County, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Van Buren County Fairgrounds, 1827 Arkansas 16 East, Clinton

  • May 11: Madison County, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Kingston Square

  • May 11: Logan County, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Union Bank Community Center, Paris

  • May 17-18: Benton County Plant Sale & Expo, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, First United Methodist Church, Bentonville.

  • June 8: Boone County, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Downtown Square, Harrison

The Master Gardener program started with 40 members in four counties — Garland, Jefferson, Pulaski and Saline. Today, more than 3,200 members volunteer in 67 of the state’s counties.

To learn about Arkansas Master Gardeners, visit or www.uaex.uada.edu/Master-Gardeners or contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension.

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Anuradha Kunthur, M.D., Joins UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

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By Marty Trieschmann

Anuradha Kunthur, M.D., has joined the Division of Hematology Oncology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, where she treats patients with blood cancers and other hematological disorders.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Kunther decided to join us after completing her fellowship at UAMS, said Ahmed Abuabdou, M.D., MBA, chief clinical officer for UAMS Medical Center and director of cancer service line. “She is a great addition to our team, and our patients will benefit from her excellent and compassionate care.”

Kunthur is accepting new patients; please call (501) 296-1200 for an appointment.

Anuradha Kunthur, M.D., Joins UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

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Arkansas woman pleads guilty in stolen body parts case

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KUAR | By Josie Lenora

An Arkansas woman who stole human body parts from the mortuary where she worked has pleaded guilty.

Candance Chapman Scott sold over $10,000 worth of human remains to a man on Facebook over a two-year period. On Thursday, Scott admitted to two charges against her in federal court. She was initially indicted on April 5 of this year.

Scott pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property. Through her lawyer, she asked the government to drop the other counts they listed in their indictment. As part of the plea, she admitted to stealing body parts and fetal remains. Scott has agreed to pay back the money she received selling body parts. Additionally, she could go to prison for up to 30 years and could face fines up to $500,000.

Arkansas woman pleads guilty in stolen body parts case

UAMS

Candace Chapman Scott admitted to taking cadavers from UAMS and selling them to someone she met on Facebook.

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Teacher pay study touts Arkansas improvements

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

A study conducted by The New Teacher Project says Arkansas has the highest teacher pay in the country, when you figure in cost-of-living factors, but the report is hesitant to draw further conclusions about the improvement of teacher recruiting and retention until more data is available on recent initiatives.

Released last week, the TNTP report titled “Moving Up: Promising Strategies to Address Teacher Shortages in Arkansas” is a follow up to a 2021 report titled “Missing Out,” which outlined some ways the state could fix its looming teacher shortage. Some of those recommendations were included in Gov. Sarah Sanders’ LEARNS Act.

The signature education bill raised minimum teacher salaries in Arkansas to $50,000 and provided one-time $2,000 raises to teachers earning more than $50,000.

Teacher pay study touts Arkansas improvements

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Arkansas students win Soybean Science Challenge awards at seven regional and state science fairs

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By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Across Arkansas, hundreds of junior and high school students competed in regional science fairs this spring. Fifteen of these students won Soybean Science Challenge awards, provided by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, which seeks to improve the sustainability and profitability of one of the state’s largest crops.

SOYBEAN SCIENCE CHALLENGE — Bennet Chen, 14, a freshman at Little Rock Central High School, is the State Soybean Science Challenge First Place Award winner at the Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair. The Soybean Science Challenge is an education program, co-sponsored by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, that aims to educate students about one of the state's largest crops. (Students' photo.) 

“The Soybean Science Challenge provides an opportunity for Arkansas junior high and high school students to participate in scientific research that can impact the state of Arkansas as well as the world,” said Julie Robinson, extension professor of leadership and director of the Soybean Science Challenge program for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Student researchers learn about this important commodity crop and its many uses, including feeding the world, development of biofuels and sustainable products. The Soybean Science Challenge helps students develop an understanding of the challenges and complexities of modern farming.”

The Soybean Science Challenge launched to 9-12 grade students in 2014 and now includes 6-8 grade students as well. The statewide, farmer-funded education program aims to improve students’ knowledge about the value of Arkansas soybeans, the crop’s contributions to the state’s economy and labor force and its unique ability to feed and fuel the world.

“The goal of the Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge is to engage students in ‘real- world’ education to support soybean production and agricultural sustainability,” said Gary Sitzer, a former member of the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. “The program also rewards scientific inquiry and discovery that supports the Arkansas soybean industry.”

2024 Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge state winners: Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair

  • Bennet Chen, 14, freshman at Little Rock Central High School: State Soybean Science Challenge First Place Award winner at Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair

    • $1,000 reward; teacher Tarsha Parker won $300 Soybean Science Challenge Teacher-Mentor Award

  • Jana Abuelem, 15, junior at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock: Soybean Science Challenge Second Place Award winner at Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair

    • $500 award; teacher Katie Parsons won $200 Soybean Science Challenge Teacher-Mentor Award

  • Sulli Schaffer, 16, sophomore at Gravette High School in Gravette: Soybean Science Challenge Honorable Mention Award winner at Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair

    • $250 award; teacher Alison Schaffer won $100 Soybean Science Challenge Honorable Mention Teacher-Mentor Award

2024 Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge winners: Senior Division

  • Bennet Chen, 14, freshman at Little Rock Central High School: Soybean Science Challenge Regional Award winner at Central Arkansas Science and Engineering Fair

    • $300 reward; teacher Tarsha Parker won $200 Soybean Science Challenge Teacher-Mentor Award

  • Duyen Do, 18, senior at Fayetteville Christian Academy: Soybean Science Challenge Regional Award winner at Northwest Arkansas Regional Science and Engineering Fair

    • $300 award; teacher Patrick Briney, won $200 Soybean Science Challenge Teacher-Mentor Award

  • Alice Dong, 17, junior at Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA) in Hot Springs: Soybean Science Challenge Regional Award winner at West Central Arkansas Science Fair

    • $300 award; teacher Lindsey Waddell won $200 Soybean Science Challenge Teacher-Mentor Award

  • Sydney Fuller, 15, sophomore at Stuttgart High School: Soybean Science Challenge Regional Award winner at Southeast Arkansas Science Fair

    • $300 award; teacher Katherine Yancy won $200 Soybean Science Challenge Teacher-Mentor Award

  • Ka’Lee Hanson, 16, sophomore at Emerson High School: Soybean Science Challenge Senior Division Award winner at Southwest Arkansas STEM Night

    • $300 award; teacher Amanda Watson won $200 Soybean Science Challenge Teacher-Mentor Award

  • Anna Leslie, 17, and Sydney Wolf, 17, both seniors at The Academies at Jonesboro High School: Soybean Science Challenge Senior Division Award winners at Northeast Arkansas Regional Science Fair

    • $300 award split between Leslie and Wolf; Allyson Goodin won $200 Teacher-Mentor Award

  • Kacylyn Reupta, 14, freshman at Genoa Central High School in Texarkana: Soybean Science Challenge Senior Division Award winner at Ouachita Mountain Regional Science and Engineering Fair

    • $300 award; teacher Sheila Bentley won $200 Soybean Science Challenge Teacher-Mentor Award

2024 Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge winners: Junior Division

  • Suleyman Acikgoz, 13, eighth grader at Lisa Academy West Middle School in Little Rock: Soybean Science Challenge Junior Division Award winner at Central Arkansas Regional Science and Engineering Fair

    • $200 award; teacher Sevcan Acikgoz won $100 Soybean Science Challenge Junior Division Teacher-Mentor Award

  • Me’Shelle Hinson, 12, seventh grader at Paragould Junior High School: Soybean Science Challenge Junior Division Award winner at Northeast Arkansas Regional Science Fair

    • $200 award; teacher Jennifer Langston won $100 Soybean Science Challenge Junior Division Teacher-Mentor Award

  • Zane Morris, 16, eighth grader at Genoa Central Junior High School in Texarkana: Soybean Science Challenge Junior Division Award winner at Ouachita Mountain Regional Science and Engineering Fair

    • $200 award; teacher Rita Martin won $100 Soybean Science Challenge Junior Division Teacher-Mentor Award

  • Hadley Panek, 13, eighth grader at St. Joseph Catholic School in Fayetteville: Soybean Science Challenge Junior Division Award winner at Northwest Arkansas Regional Science Fair

    • $200 award; teacher Erin Wragg won $100 Soybean Science Challenge Junior Division Teacher-Mentor Award

  • Aiden Watson, 14, eighth grader at Emerson High School: Soybean Science Challenge Senior Division Award winner at Southwest Arkansas STEM Night

    • $200 award; teacher Jessica Glass won $100 Soybean Science Challenge Junior Division Teacher-Mentor Award

For his project, Chen, the first-place winner of the 2024 Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge, studied the impact of climate change on county level soybean yields. Chen said his project gave him a new appreciation for the role of agriculture in farming, science, technology and more.

“Working on my project has absolutely given me a new perspective on agriculture and the agriculture industry,” Chen said. “It has shown me that agriculture is not just about farming, but it is about the scientists, engineers and inventors who help find new ways to plan crops, make the machinery work and come up with new irrigation methods for agriscience.

“Before this project, I had known about soybeans used in food, such as tofu or vegetable oil,” Chen said. “However, because of this project and the Soybean Science course, I learned about the variety of other uses that soybeans have in the various aspects of our daily lives.”

Tarsha Parker, Chen’s teacher, said her student benefitted from his project’s success in multiple ways.

“Bennet gained confidence and reassurance in his abilities to properly communicate his thoughts and findings about his project,” Parker said. “It also helped him to realize the importance of his research to make a difference in society. He beamed so much more after placing in the State Science Fair. He amazed himself.”

A win for teachers and students

The Soybean Science Challenge program is co-sponsored by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, and it includes curriculum and other resources for science teachers. Diedre Young, extension Soybean Science Challenge associate for the Division of Agriculture, said the program has helped show students the variety of careers available within the field of agriculture.

“I have seen the Soybean Science Challenge have a real impact for both students and teachers,” Young said. “We hear from teachers of more students choosing to pursue an agriculturally based degree in college due to our program, as they realize what a wide range of opportunities agriculture offers in a career. We have also noticed that if we can get students to do a project and move on to the State Science Fair, we have a greater chance of them going into the agricultural field.”

For teachers, the Soybean Science Challenge provides hands-on education that meets curriculum needs and keeps students engaged.

“Teachers love our resources because they are detailed, complete and free,” Young said. “Teachers often tell me how much they appreciate having this available for them to use in their classroom. Students love to dig in the dirt, and our resources allow teachers to let pupils do just that — while still learning the necessary science standards at the same time. It's a win-win situation.”

For more information about the Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge, visit the Division of Agriculture’s Soybean Science Challenge webpage or contact Diedre Young at dyoung@uada.edu or 501-671-2301 or Keith Harris at kharris@uada.edu.

 

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. 

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Experts Share New Treatments, Solutions for Parkinson’s Patients, Caregivers

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By Linda Satter

New treatments for Parkinson’s disease, including drugs that researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) have been working on for years, will finally become available in pharmacies this year, Rohit Dhall, M.D., predicted at the recent Ninth Annual Parkinson’s Symposium at UAMS.

Dhall, who is also the medical director of the UAMS Clinical Trials Innovation Unit, said most of the novel therapies are designed to help patients control motor symptoms although UAMS neurologists are continuing research trials to slow the progression of the disease.

Addressing live and virtual audiences from a stage at the UAMS Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, he provided an update on a randomized clinical trial for which UAMS was a site, designed to test the effectiveness of the diabetes drug exenatide as a potential disease-modifying drug in Parkinson’s patients. Despite some initially positive signs, the trial did not show improved course of Parkinson’s disease after 48 weeks of receiving drug compared to those who received a placebo.

Experts Share New Treatments, Solutions for Parkinson’s Patients, Caregivers

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Arkansas, Tennessee file suit over federal pregnant-worker protections rule

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KUAR | By Sonny Albarado / Arkansas Advocate

The attorneys general of Arkansas and Tennessee filed a federal lawsuit Thursday seeking to halt enforcement of a new federal rule that requires employers to accommodate pregnant workers who want or need an abortion.

The rule, finalized last week by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, extends the 2022 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act’s definition of workplace accommodation to include abortion.

The lawtook effect in June 2023, and requires employers to accommodate “known limitations” connected with “pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.” But proposed rules that included abortion in the law’s definition of “related medical conditions” generated significant opposition.

Arkansas, Tennessee file suit over federal pregnant-worker protections rule

LM Otero/NPR

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is attempting to extend a law to protect pregnant to people to also protect people who want an abortion.

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Officials say Arkansas’ tourism strategy should play to its outdoors strength

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by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Arkansas should focus on its strengths, particularly its easily accessible and affordable outdoor spaces, the state’s first gentleman said Wednesday (April 24) at Power Up Little Rock, an economic development series presented by Arvest Bank, at the Clinton Presidential Center.

Bryan Sanders, who chairs Gov. Sarah Sanders’ Natural State Advisory Council, said as a political strategist, he looks for his candidates’ unique selling proposition. Arkansas should do the same.

“What is it that makes Arkansas unique? To me, it’s our outdoors,” he said. “You look around us in this region of the country. Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana – none of these states have anywhere close to the access to outdoor recreation that we have here in the state of Arkansas.”

Officials say Arkansas’ tourism strategy should play to its outdoors strength

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APhA Annual Meeting Recognizes College of Pharmacy Students, Alumni with Awards

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By Benjamin Waldrum

UAMS College of Pharmacy students and alumni received multiple awards this year at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) annual meeting, held March 22-25 in Orlando.

The APhA-Academy of Student Pharmacists (ASP) awards and honors program is the most comprehensive recognition program for students in the profession of pharmacy.

“Both our students and alumni have a strong track record for exceptional professional advocacy, scholarship and patient care, which these awards affirm,” said Cindy Stowe, Pharm.D., dean of the College of Pharmacy. “Building a legacy of excellence begins during their time as students and continues on into their long and successful careers. I am so incredibly proud of all their accomplishments.”

APhA Annual Meeting Recognizes College of Pharmacy Students, Alumni with Awards

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Severe Weather Briefing from the NWS Little Rock

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  • A northward lifting warm front on Friday, in tandem with an approaching dryline from the west in eastern Oklahoma, will initiate an opportunity for strong to severe thunderstorms to develop and move into Arkansas.

  • All modes of severe weather will be possible from large hail, damaging wind gusts, and a few tornadoes.

  • Excessive rainfall will also accompany this system which will present the risk for flash flooding, especially in vulnerable locations for flash flooding as early as Thursday through Friday night.

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House Judiciary Committee chair calls for investigation into Malinowski raid

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KUAR | By Daniel Breen

Congressional leaders are calling for more information about an early morning raid which led to the shooting death of former Clinton National Airport Executive Director Bryan Malinowski.

Malinowski was killed in a shootout with federal agents last month. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had attempted to serve a search warrant on Malinowski’s residence, which led to the shooting.

On Monday, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-OH, and the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to ATF Director Steven Dettelbach saying the committee is investigating the raid.

House Judiciary Committee chair calls for investigation into Malinowski raid

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Federal financial aid stress continues for Arkansas universities, students

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KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Nearly four months after the delayed rollout of an updated federal financial aid form, Arkansas colleges and universities continue to face challenges in accessing accurate information needed to award funding to students.

Although implementation of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form has been less than ideal, college officials agreed difficulties were to be expected and the changes will create an easier application process once the system is working efficiently.

The FAFSA form, which is being updated as a result of congressional action, is used to award federal aid like Pell Grants, as well as state scholarships, like the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship. Arkansas education officials announced in January they would grant conditional approval of state scholarship applications as the federal government addressed issues associated with the FAFSA revamp.

Federal financial aid stress continues for Arkansas universities, students

Elissa Nadworny/NPR

Schools and students are coping with challenges from the delayed rollout of FAFSA.

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Representative Hill provisions included in package fighting against foreign adversaries and strengthening national security

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement after three of his bills passed the House as part of significant, strategic, and critical legislation to support U.S. allies Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. 

“As our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan face threats against their freedom, providing U.S. aid was dire. Russia’s Vladimir Putin will not stop until he takes Ukraine, China’s Xi Jingping seeks to follow Putin’s aggressive and illegal footsteps in his pursuit of Taiwan, and Iran and Iran-backed terror groups are relentless in their attacks against our strongest Middle East ally, Israel. 

“It should be brutally obvious that Putin is responsible for the destruction his army has caused in Ukraine and bears the sole burden of paying for Ukraine’s reconstruction. The REPO Act that House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10) and I authored was a crucial part of our assistance to Ukraine as it allows Russian sovereign assets held in the United States to be converted for Ukraine’s reconstruction – all while saving U.S. taxpayer money. 

“Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is a transnational drug kingpin who exploits his dangerous drug captagon to generate billions in illicit funding and devastate families in Syria and in the region. It is crucial that we take further action to disrupt and dismantle the proliferation of captagon as it fuels Assad’s terror partnership with the Iranian regime and before it makes its way west to American shores. My bill, the Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act, does exactly that by directly targeting and sanctioning those involved with the proliferation of captagon. 

“Iran is the top state sponsor of terrorism and profits from their alliances with other terror regimes in the region, and the citizens of Iran deserve transparency about their corrupt, authoritarian leaders. While most of the population lives in poverty, Iranian leaders are focused on funding terrorism and enriching themselves. My bill, the Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act, exposes the finances of Iran’s theocratic leaders and cracks down on the financial institutions that facilitate Iran’s terror. 

“I am pleased that Speaker Johnson and House Leadership secured the important passage of my bills and crucial supplemental aid to our allies today – the world was watching, and we delivered.”  

Further Background: 

H.R. 8038 - 21st Century Peace through Strength Act: This legislation includes three of Rep. Hill’s bills:

H.R.8035 - Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act: This bill would provide $60.8 billion in aid to Ukraine for defense purposes. $48.3 billion (79%) of this total will fund the U.S. defense industrial base. 

H.R.8034 - Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act: This bill would provide $26.38 billion to support Israel as it defends itself Iran and Iran-backed terror groups such as Hamas. It also would reimburse U.S. military operations in response to the recent attacks. 

H.R.8036 - Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act: This bill would provide $8.12 billion to assist Taiwan as they continue their efforts to counter the Chinese Communist Party and ensure strong deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

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Arkansas' U.S Senators disagree with Senate's decision not to have trial for Sec. Mayorkas

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KUAR | By Ronak Patel

Last week, the U.S Senate, which is controlled by Democrats, dropped impeachment charges against U.S Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorka. In February the U.S House, which is controlled by Republicans voted for Articles of Impeachment against Mayorkas.

In an interview with Arkies in the Beltway, a podcast by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, U.S Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, said he disagrees with the move by the Senate to drop the charges.

“The House of Representatives sent articles of impeachment, the Constitution along with our customs say that we should have a trial. Sen. Chuck Schumer didn’t want to have to subject vulnerable Democratic senators running for re-election to the embarrassment of sitting through a trial,” Cotton said.

Arkansas' U.S Senators disagree with Senate's decision not to have trial for Sec. Mayorkas

Brad Barket/Getty Images For People En Español

Alejandro Mayorkas speaks in October 2015 in New York City.

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Boozman, Cotton introduce bill to report illegal immigrant attempts to purchase firearm

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) to introduce legislation that would require the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and relevant local law enforcement when an illegal immigrant tries to purchase a gun.

“Alerting the proper authorities when illegal immigrants seek to obtain firearms is commonsense. I’m proud to join Senator Cotton and our colleagues on this legislation to help protect our communities,” Boozman said. 

Image by Taylor R

“Those who come into America illegally should be detained and deported. They certainly shouldn’t be able to purchase a firearm. Our bill is necessary to ensure the proper authorities are notified when an illegal immigrant attempts to buy a gun,” Cotton said. 

“The National Instant Criminal Background Check system is an important tool to ensure firearms stay out of the wrong hands, which is why I co-introduced the Fix NICS Act. It is already against the law for an illegal immigrant to purchase a firearm, and this legislation would notify the appropriate authorities when an illegal immigrant tries to break the law,” said Tillis.

“Our local law enforcement and immigration officials should have the tools to know if folks are in our country illegally. Instead of taking every opportunity to crack down on lawful FFLs just trying to earn a living, the Biden administration should capitalize on their dutiful work by using their resources to prevent unlawful actions by illegal immigrants. In the face of the border crisis of its own making, President Biden’s priorities again are out of touch. This bill will help officials do their job and keep our communities safe,” said Ernst.  

“I have no confidence in this administration’s willingness or ability to prevent illegal aliens from unlawfully entering our country, let alone in preventing them from illegally obtaining a firearm,” said Lummis. “If this administration refuses to enforce our existing immigration laws, we must empower law enforcement and immigration officials to hold them accountable and take appropriate action to keep our communities safe.” 

Bill text may be found here.

Background: 

  • When a person tries to buy a firearm from a store, the firearm seller, known as a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), contacts the NICS to conduct a background check. That background check verifies the buyer is not ineligible to purchase or own a firearm.

  • The FBI maintains a record of prohibited persons which currently includes the names of 14.8 million illegal immigrants. NICS is not, however, required to notify immigration authorities if an applicant is in the country illegally.

  • Since November 30, 1998, NICS has issued denials for 49,411 attempted firearm purchases by illegal immigrants. 

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Womack votes to strengthen national security, defend democracy abroad

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Washington, DC—April 20, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after voting for the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; and the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act—all of which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today.

Congressman Womack said, “The security of America is a constitutional imperative. America is safer when our allies and partners are safe. Providing these nations with necessary and timely resources to defend against aggression is essential to American security. This is not the time to demonstrate weakness. The packages we approved today will not only help America, but a significant amount of these resources will be spent right here in Arkansas, where a number of the munitions and weapons are made. I am grateful to Speaker Mike Johnson for his courage and leadership in bringing these measures to a vote.”

Before the vote, Congressman Womack spoke on the House floor urging his colleagues to vote YES on the foreign aid legislation. Click HERE to watch his remarks.

Bill breakdowns

The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024: The bill totals $26.38 billion to support Israel in its effort to defend itself against Iran and its proxies, and to reimburse U.S. military operations in response to recent attacks.

  • $4 billion to replenish Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems.

  • $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam defense system to counter short-range rockets and mortar threats.

  • $3.5 billion for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services through the Foreign Military Financing Program.

  • $1 billion to enhance the production and development of artillery and critical munitions.

  • $4.4 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Israel.

  • $2.4 billion for current U.S. military operations in the region in response to recent attacks. 

  • Provides additional flexibility for transfers of defense articles to Israel from U.S. stockpiles held abroad.

  • Prohibits funds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

The Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024: The bill totals $60.84 billion to address the conflict in Ukraine and assist our regional partners as they counter Russia, $23.2 billion of which will be used for replenishment of U.S. weapons, stocks, and facilities. 

  • $23.2 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Ukraine. 

  • $11.3 billion for current U.S. military operations in the region.

  • $13.8 billion for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services.

  • $26 million to continue oversight and accountability of aid and equipment provided to Ukraine.

  • Bolsters oversight through in-person monitoring requirements.

  • Requires partners and allies to pay their fair share through cost-matching requirements.

  • Mandates agreement on repayment for economic support by the government of Ukraine. 

  • Increases the fiscal limits on several Presidential drawdown authorities.  

The Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024: The bill totals $8.12 billion to continue efforts to counter communist China and ensure a strong deterrence in the region. 

  • $3.3 billion to develop submarine infrastructure, including investments in dry dock construction. 

  • $2 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan and other key allies and security partners in the Indo-Pacific confronting Chinese aggression.

  • $1.9 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Taiwan and regional partners. 

  • $542 million to strengthen U.S. military capabilities in the region.

  • $133 million to enhance the production and development of artillery and critical munitions.

  • Provides additional flexibility for Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees.

The 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act:

  • Imposes sanctions on Iranian infrastructure and high-ranking officials to weaken Iran’s energy exports, weapons development, and technology transfers.

  • Places additional sanctions on China and Russian oligarchs.

  • Forces the sale of TikTok unless divested from China and protects Americans’ data from China.

  • Authorizes the REPO Act to seize roughly $5 billion of Russian sovereign assets under US jurisdiction and repurposes those funds to Ukraine.

  • Includes the FEND OFF Fentanyl Act, to implement sanctions on drug cartels and criminal organizations to hamper fentanyl distribution in the United States and crack down on money laundering associated with fentanyl trafficking.

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Fort Smith Retiree Heading to Disney World after Successful Proton Therapy for Brain Tumors

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By Marty Trieschmann

In November 2023, Malinda Larey, 67, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, was all set to jump on the retirement travel bandwagon when she was unexpectedly diagnosed with atypical meningioma.

Meningiomas are tumors that grow from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Patients can have a range of symptoms — from none to severe seizures, headaches and changes in vision, smell or hearing. Only about 15-20% of meningiomas are atypical, which means the tumors cells are neither cancerous nor benign but may become malignant at some point.

“It was inside and outside of my skull and just grew bigger and bigger,” Larey recalls of the fast-growing mass that had formed at the base of her skull.

Meningiomas are more common in older women, though the cause is unknown.

Fort Smith Retiree Heading to Disney World after Successful Proton Therapy for Brain Tumors

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Former U.S. Sen. David Pryor has died; hailed as ‘dedicated’ public servant, ‘true statesman’

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

David Pryor, a key Arkansas political figure for more than five decades from the governor’s office to the halls of Congress, died Saturday (April 20). He was 89.

A U.S. Senator, congressman and governor, Pryor, former President Bill Clinton, and former U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers were once considered the “Big Three” of modern Arkansas politics.

Pryor is survived by his wife, Barbara; three children, David H. Jr., Mark, and Scott; and four grandchildren, David H. III, Adams, Porter, and Devon.

Pryor, the former editor and publisher of the Ouachita Citizen in Camden, Ark., began his political career in the Arkansas House of Representatives where he served three terms between 1961 and 1966 before representing the Fourth District in the U.S. Congress. He was elected Arkansas governor in 1974 and reelected in 1976 before winning the 1978 race for U.S. Senate.

Former U.S. Sen. David Pryor has died; hailed as ‘dedicated’ public servant, ‘true statesman’