Economists: U.S., Arkansas economies not likely to see recession in 2023

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

According to three economists who spoke Friday (Jan. 27) at the 29th annual Arkansas Business Forecast Luncheon held in Rogers, Arkansas and the U.S. will likely avoid economic recession primarily because of continued job and wage growth.

Around 1,000 people attended the event, according to officials with the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.

Simmons Foods CEO Todd Simmons was the moderator for the event and said three areas of concern from his perspective included the need for affordable housing in Northwest Arkansas to ensure people continue to move here. He also said the region’s population growth over the past decade has taxed transportation infrastructure, and keeping up with the higher demand is crucial to ongoing growth. Lastly, he said workforce development is imperative for the region’s future growth.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/economists-u-s-arkansas-economies-not-likely-to-see-recession-in-2023/

U.S. corn, cotton and soybean production down in 2022

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Production for corn, cotton and soybeans declined from last year, according to the 2022 Crop Production Annual Summary released by the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Drought ravaged nearly every state during the year and it had impacts on harvested acres and yields.

U.S. corn growers produced 13.7 billion bushels, down 9% from 2021. Corn yield in the United States is estimated at 173.3 bushels per acre, 3.4 bushels below the 2021 record high yield of 176.7 bushels per acre. Area harvested for grain, at 79.2 million acres, is down 7% from 2021.

Soybean production for 2022 totaled 4.28 billion bushels, down 4% from 2021. The average soybean yield is estimated at 49.5 bushels per acre, 2.2 bushels below 2021, and 0.7 bushel below the Nov. 1 forecast.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/u-s-corn-cotton-and-soybean-production-down-in-2022/

Gus Wilson/UA System Division Of Agriculture

Corn planting begins in this photo from Feb. 24, 2012, in a field near Eudora in Chicot County, Ark.

Thanksgiving dinner costs on average up more than 20%

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Consumers should not be surprised that a Thanksgiving dinner for a party of 10 will cost more than 20% this year thanks to inflation, fueled in part by higher prices charged by food companies.

The overall cost is roughly $6.50 per person or $64.05 this year for a traditional Thanksgiving day turkey dinner, up from $53.31 last year. According to the American Farm Bureau (AFB) survey, higher prices are not dampening plans to celebrate. Families who will also add ham, russet potatoes and green beans to their overall meal will spend on average $81.30, a gain of 18% over last year’s average price of $68.72, AFB reported.

“Spending time with family and friends at Thanksgiving remains important for many Americans, and this year the cost of the meal is also top of mind,” according to Roger Cryan, AFB chief economist.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/11/thanksgiving-dinner-costs-on-average-up-more-than-20/

Residents can expect higher heating bills this winter, according to EIA

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

U.S. households will likely pay more to heat their homes this winter, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Compared to last winter, households are expected to spend 28% more on natural gas, 27% more on heating oil, 10% more on electricity and 5% more on propane.

On Wednesday (Oct. 12), the EIA released its 2022 Winter Fuels Outlook showing that U.S. residential energy prices will be higher this winter and heating fuel consumption is projected to be higher amid a colder winter than last year.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects the United States to have a slightly colder winter than last year, leading to higher consumption levels. The higher energy prices and consumption levels contribute to higher heating costs for households.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/10/residents-can-expect-higher-heating-bills-this-winter-according-to-eia/

J.B. Hunt releases metrics on self-driving truck pilot

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Lowell-based carrier J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. recently reported metrics of a pilot program to move freight autonomously on Interstate 45 between Dallas and Houston.

In a recently posted video on social media, Craig Harper, chief sustainability officer and executive vice president, discussed J.B. Hunt’s collaboration with Waymo Via on the pilot to move freight commercially using self-driving technology.

“I’m happy to report that all the safety and operating metrics were fantastic,” Harper said. “The freight was moved safely. There were no accidents, no speeding violations. Every pickup and delivery was on time.”

He said J.B. Hunt hauled more than 860,000 pounds of freight in the pilot.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/06/j-b-hunt-releases-metrics-on-self-driving-truck-pilot/

UAMS, CAVHS Studying Health Effects of Arkansas Veterans’ Exposure to Burn Pits in Middle East

Shuk-Mei Ho, Ph.D.

By David Robinson

More than 300 Arkansas veterans will become part of a new study conducted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) to determine if exposure to open pit burning and molecular-level changes are associated with chronic health conditions.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (DOD) estimate that 3.5 million service members were exposed to open burn pits used for waste disposal during military deployments in Southwest Asia since 1990.

The partnership is led by UAMS’ Shuk-Mei Ho, Ph.D., and Kalpana Padala, M.D., at CAVHS and UAMS. The four-year, $2.9 million DOD-funded study will test for persistent organic pollutants in blood and heavy metals in urine, which the researchers hypothesize remain from burn pit exposure. The team will also look for modifications (methylation) in DNA that can cause long-term health problems for the veterans including epigenetic changes that can be passed to their offspring.

https://news.uams.edu/2022/06/07/uams-cavhs-studying-health-effects-of-arkansas-veterans-exposure-to-burn-pits-in-middle-east/

Denver Broncos confirm new ownership pending, led by Walmart heir Rob Walton

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

The Denver Broncos have confirmed new ownership is on the way, and there are ties to Arkansas.

In a news release late Tuesday night (June 7), the NFL franchise said a purchase and sale agreement is in place to transfer ownership from the Pat Bowlen Trust to a bid submitted by Rob Walton, the oldest son of Walmart founders Sam and Helen Walton.

The bid is reportedly worth $4.65 billion, the most expensive sale of a sports franchise in North American history, according to multiple media reports. The Broncos did not include the price in the team’s official release.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/06/denver-broncos-confirm-new-ownership-pending-led-by-walmart-heir-rob-walton/

Sevier County Tourism Expecting Big Crowd for 2024 Total Eclipse

Keisha McKinney of the Sevier County Tourism Committee dropped by today to shed some light on preparations for the total eclipse of the sun in April of 2024.

Quarter Century After Arkansas Eagle Deaths, Researchers Identify Killer

By ZUZANNA SITEK

In the mid-1990s, dozens of bald eagles started dying at DeGray Lake after exhibiting neurological symptoms like stumbling, flying into cliffs and stooped wings. A quarter century later, researchers have identified the specific pollutant that causes blue green algae to make a novel toxin that then leads to brain lesions in the birds. Their research was published last month in Science Magazine.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/quarter-century-after-arkansas-eagle-deaths-researchers-identify-killer

Drooping wings are a symptom of vacuolar myelinopathy, which is caused by a toxin created by blue green algae.

COURTESY / REBECCA HAYNIE

Terry Anderson of UA Cossatot is the #NJCAAMBB DII Player of the Week

PRESS RELEASE

183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832

870-584-1172

www.cccua.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10 March 2021

CONTACT: Dustin Roberts, Director of Development

Terry Anderson of UA Cossatot is the #NJCAAMBB DII Player of the Week

Terry Anderson of UA Cossatot is the #NJCAAMBB DII Player of the Week. The 6'7" Deer Park, Texas freshman picked up two double-doubles this week, including a 40-point, 24-rebound performance. This game was the highest scoring and rebounding outing in program history.

UA Cossatot Colts Head Coach and Athletic Director, Robert Byrd praised Anderson after the NJCAA announcement saying, “This is a well-deserved award for Terry. He puts on his hard hat and works extremely hard every single day both on and off the court and I am glad that he is getting national recognition."

UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole said, "Coach Byrd is building a special basketball program at UA Cossatot and it all starts with special athletes. Terry is one of those athletes. Ever since signing to be a Colt he has just personified what it means to be a student athlete. We could not be more proud of Terry and all of our Colts teams. They are getting very good very quickly."

UA Cossatot travels to Harrison on Thursday, March 11 to face North Arkansas Community College. The Lady Colts play at 5:30 PM, with the men's game to follow. Fans can watch and listen live on ed88radio.com.

For more information on the UA Cossatot Colts, contact Head Coach and Athletic Director, Robert Byrd at 870-584-1105 or rbyrd@cccua.edu. ###

UA Cossatot Receives $400,587 Grant For Fiber Upgrades At The Lockesburg Campus And For Virtual Reality Welding Simulators

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2021 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is investing $42.3 million to help rural residents gain access to health care and educational opportunities (PDF, 255 KB). Rural areas are seeing higher infection and death rates related to COVID-19 due to several factors, including a much higher percentage of underlying conditions, difficulty accessing medical care, and lack of health insurance. The $42.3 million in awards includes $24 million provided through the CARES Act. In total, these investments will benefit 5 million rural residents.

As part of this program, UA Cossatot has been awarded $400,587. This Rural Development investment will be used to implement a distance learning system with virtual reality welding simulators at five rural sites in Sevier, Little River and Howard counties. The system will allow Cossatot Community College to offer distance learning skilled sciences courses to additional rural students at multiple locations. The grant will fund network fiber upgrades at Cossatot’s Lockesburg campus . The college expects to train 30 students in welding technology at five end-user sites annually. The equipment also will be available for special training sessions in evenings and on weekends for workers and industry partners.

UAC Chancellor Steve Cole said, "We will be receiving $400,000 to pilot, beginning next school year, a virtual welding program that will link our four campuses and Dierks High School. We are excited to see the success we can have if we keep being progressive and proactive when it comes to technical education. This will allow students to access a welding learning environment from a distance, ensuring we can continue to teach students even if they are quarantined or live in extremely remote areas. We look forward to putting this in motion."

Winter Storm Warning, Hard Freeze Warning and Wind Chill Advisory Issued from the National Weather Service

Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-Miller-Lafayette- Columbia-Union-Caddo-Bossier-Webster-Claiborne-Lincoln-De Soto- Red River-Bienville-Jackson-Ouachita-Sabine-Natchitoches-Winn- Grant-Caldwell-La Salle-McCurtain-Bowie-Franklin-Titus-Camp- Morris-Cass-Wood-Upshur-Marion-Smith-Gregg-Harrison-Cherokee-Rusk- Panola-Nacogdoches-Shelby-Angelina-San Augustine- Including the cities of De Queen, Nashville, Mineral Springs, Dierks, Ashdown, Hope, Prescott, Texarkana, Stamps, Lewisville, Bradley, Magnolia, El Dorado, Shreveport, Bossier City, Minden, Springhill, Homer, Haynesville, Ruston, Farmerville, Bernice, Mansfield, Stonewall, Logansport, Coushatta, Martin, Arcadia, Ringgold, Gibsland, Jonesboro, Monroe, Many, Zwolle, Pleasant Hill, Natchitoches, Winnfield, Colfax, Montgomery, Dry Prong, Clarks, Grayson, Columbia, Jena, Midway, Olla, Idabel, Broken Bow, Clarksville, Bogata, Mount Vernon, Mount Pleasant, Pittsburg, Daingerfield, Lone Star, Naples, Omaha, Atlanta, Linden, Hughes Springs, Queen City, Mineola, Winnsboro, Quitman, Hawkins, Gilmer, Big Sandy, Jefferson, Tyler, Longview, Marshall, Jacksonville, Rusk, Henderson, Carthage, Nacogdoches, Center, Lufkin, San Augustine, Hemphill, and Pineland 223 AM CST Sun Feb 14 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST MONDAY... ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches possible across deep east Texas into northwest Louisiana and south- central Arkansas with lesser amounts elsewhere. Sleet accumulations of around 1 inch and ice accumulations of around one quarter of an inch possible across north-central and northeast Louisiana. For the Wind Chill Advisory, very cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 5 below zero across southeast Oklahoma and in the single digits elsewhere.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and east and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, through 6 PM CST Monday. For the Wind Chill Advisory, through 6 PM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible due to snow, sleet, and ice accumulations. The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

...HARD FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures on Sunday night to range anywhere from single digits across Southeast Oklahoma to near 20 degrees across East Texas and North-Central Louisiana. On Monday night, temperatures are forecast to fall into the single digits areawide.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and east and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 6 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Hard freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

Detailed Forecast for SW Arkansas from the National Weather Service:

Sunday

Snow likely before noon, then snow and sleet likely between noon and 3pm, then snow likely after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 26. Wind chill values as low as 11. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Sunday Night

Snow. Low around 11. Wind chill values as low as 4. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Monday President’s Day

A 20 percent chance of snow before noon. Partly sunny and cold, with a high near 22. Wind chill values as low as zero. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 3. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 29. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

A slight chance of snow showers before midnight, then a chance of snow and freezing rain. Cloudy, with a low around 19. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday

Snow and sleet before noon, then snow and freezing rain. High near 28. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Wednesday Night

Snow, freezing rain, and sleet likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday

A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 10.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 39.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,103 new cases; 13,518 active cases; 712 hospitalized, which is down 23 from Wednesday; 117 on ventilators, which is down 21 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 25, for a total of 5,199; a total of 311, 043 cases; 233,057 recoveries; PCR tests, 11,617; antigen tests, 1,470.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 178; Benton, 90; Washington, 60; Saline, 57; and Sebastian, 52

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"For the second day in a row, we see a decrease of over 50% in new cases from last week. Vaccine administration has progressed throughout the state, with an increase of over 94,000 since last week. We must continue doing our part in this fight."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 132
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 91

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 84
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 52

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 21

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 102
Active Confirmed Cases: 65
Active Probable Cases: 37

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 30
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 10

Thursday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,092 new cases; 14,190 active cases; 735 hospitalized, which is down 40 from Tuesday; 138 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 26, for a total of 5,174; a total of 309,940 cases; 231,828 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,790; antigen tests, 2,207.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 163; Washington, 85; Benton, 71; Saline, 68; and Faulkner, 56.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Compared to last week, there are over 1,300 fewer new cases and over 2,300 fewer active cases. Our mitigation efforts are working, but we cannot use this as an excuse to relax. This virus can spread rapidly, and we all must work together to defeat it."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 123
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 84

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 90
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 56

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 94
Active Confirmed Cases: 62
Active Probable Cases: 32

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 31
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 10

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 127
Active Confirmed Cases: 43
Active Probable Cases: 84

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 101
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 64

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 101
Active Confirmed Cases: 74
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 30
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 10

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 637 new cases; 15,320 active cases; 777 hospitalized, which is down 4 from Sunday; 142 on ventilators, which is up 16 from Sunday; deaths added today, 30, for a total of 5,106; a total of 307,373 cases; 229,290 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,139; antigen tests, 573.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 125; Benton, 52; Garland, 45; Lonoke, 36; and Sebastian, 33.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Today's report shows nearly half as many new cases as last Monday. This, as well as almost 90,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered last week, provides us with hope as we continue to fight this pandemic. Our united efforts as a state will help to get past this, but it takes everyone working together."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,464
Confirmed Cases: 1,701
Probable Cases: 763
Total Active Cases: 115
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 77

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,445
Confirmed Cases: 963
Probable Cases: 482
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 60

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,086
Confirmed Cases: 833
Probable Cases: 253
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,769
Confirmed Cases: 1,528
Probable Cases: 241
Total Active Cases: 103
Active Confirmed Cases: 75
Active Probable Cases: 28

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 913
Confirmed Cases: 708
Probable Cases: 205
Total Active Cases: 28
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 9

Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,469 new cases; 16,992 active cases; 815 hospitalized, which is down 69 from Wednesday; 145 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 24, for a total of 5,009; a total of 302,899 cases; 225,114 recoveries; PCR tests, 12,782; antigen tests, 2,068.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 349; Garland, 203; Benton, 178; Washington, 154; and Faulkner, 124.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"The best news today is that our hospitalizations decreased by 69, but it is disappointing that our deaths because of COVID-19 have now exceeded 5,000 Arkansans. Our heart goes out to those families who have lost loved ones. All of this is a reminder that our actions make a difference."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,418
Confirmed Cases: 1,684
Probable Cases: 734
Total Active Cases: 94
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 59

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,423
Confirmed Cases: 957
Probable Cases: 466
Total Active Cases: 108
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 57

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,069
Confirmed Cases: 821
Probable Cases: 248
Total Active Cases: 45
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,738
Confirmed Cases: 1,510
Probable Cases: 228
Total Active Cases: 102
Active Confirmed Cases: 83
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 900
Confirmed Cases: 700
Probable Cases: 200
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 6

Report: Heartland Region Poised for Industrial Resurgence as Firms Consider Reshoring

by Talk Business & Politics staff

A new report Wednesday (Feb. 3) from Bentonville think tank Heartland Forward highlights the need for a bipartisan strategy to bring manufacturers back to the U.S.

The new research, “Reshoring America: Can the Heartland Lead the Way?,” says the nation’s Heartland region can play a significant role in the country’s industrial comeback driven by reshoring, the return of manufacturing centers to the U.S. from abroad.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/02/report-heartland-region-poised-for-industrial-resurgence-as-firms-consider-reshoring/

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 29

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 49

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 86
Active Confirmed Cases: 75
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 6

Tuesday COVID-19 Update

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,226 new cases; 16,665 active cases; 889 hospitalized, which is down 24 from Sunday; 146 on ventilators, which is down 2 from Sunday; deaths added today, 27, for a total of 4,895; a total of 296,494 cases; 220,771 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,803; antigen tests, 398.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 175; White, 79; Benton, 76; Washington, 54; and Faulkner, 53.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"We continue to see a decline in active cases, with over 1,100 fewer than this time last week. Over 422,000 tests were performed in the month of January, and there are over 7,200 fewer active cases than on January 1. We are seeing the effects of our combined efforts of vaccine distribution, mask wearing, and social distancing. Some positive trends have started to emerge, but we cannot use this as a reason to relax in following the guidelines.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,355
Confirmed Cases: 1,659
Probable Cases: 696
Total Active Cases: 47
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,359
Confirmed Cases: 927
Probable Cases: 432
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 38

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,043
Confirmed Cases: 812
Probable Cases: 231
Total Active Cases: 46
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,664
Confirmed Cases: 1,444
Probable Cases: 220
Total Active Cases: 80
Active Confirmed Cases: 70
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 879
Confirmed Cases: 683
Probable Cases: 196
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 4