National News

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White County 4-H team wins Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge

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NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Aug. 2, 124 participants from 36 teams put their food and nutrition knowledge — and cooking skills — to the test at the Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge.

The competition, part of Arkansas 4-H’s Healthy Living Project, was held at the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute at UA Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Each team had 40 minutes to prep and cook their dish, with the choice to compete in fruits and vegetables, dairy, protein or grains. Teams had to use ingredients available at dollar stores, including frozen peas and canned tomatoes, as well as rice and smoked sausage. Each team also had to incorporate a mystery ingredient.

Teams then had five minutes to present their dish to judges and explain the nutritional value, total cost of the ingredients and the food safety measures taken in preparing it. The judging panel included Cooperative Extension Service family and consumer science agents and specialists.

JeAlberne Smith, extension 4-H program technician for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and coordinator of the 4-H Food Challenge, said the competition is an important opportunity for youth to practice their cooking skills and work together as a team.

“The Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge gives our members a chance to apply their food and nutrition knowledge in a fun, exciting contest that also teaches them to think quickly on their feet,” Smith said. “I’m proud of this year’s teams for getting creative with their dishes, and I’m also grateful to all the 4-H agents and parent leaders for their hard-working helping these teams get ready for the competition.”  

Smith said that all food not used during the competition was donated to The Shack, a non-profit ministry in Little Rock that provides free meals, hygiene facilities and laundry services for people in need.

BOUND FOR NATIONALS — The Cooking Herd from White County won First Place Overall in the Senior Division in their first year competing at the Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge, held Aug. 2 at the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute at UA Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock, Arkansas. (Division of Agriculture photo.) 

The winners were:

Senior Division

  • First place: The Cooking Herd from White County — Caitlin Cooper, Jack Pruitt, Lynnlee Morrison, Madison White

  • Second place: The Rolling Scones from Grant County — Lauren Fleming, Kortni Nelson, Aubrey Ottens

  • Third place: Hillbilly Cooks from Faulkner County — Morgan Caro, Kacie Clark, Chloe Parish, Leah Smith

Junior Division

  • First place: The Saucy Bosses from Union County — Makena Saffold, Sadie Saffold, Sophie Wheeler

  • Second place: Spicy Slicers from Drew County — Audrey Clayton, Alvia Daniels, Jesika Henson, DJ Hewing

  • Third place: The Cooking Clovers from Yell County — Kaitlyn Munroe, Kourtney Munroe, Skylen Reddin, Colt Stokes

First-time competitors, first-time winners

Nancy Evans, White County extension 4-H program assistant, said The Cooking Herd team had looked forward to competing in the 4-H Food Challenge for the first time.

“We prepared with practices once a week, and they also got together and practiced at home,” Evans said. “They were so excited, and I was so excited for them to go and compete. I was impressed with all the knowledge they developed for this contest.”

Evans said that through studying the USDA MyPlate nutrition lessons and trying their hand at preparing recipes, all the White County teams gained skills they can use for the rest of their lives — a core value of the 4-H program.

“These are important skills for them to know,” Evans said. “They can use these in their personal lives and with their families in the future. That’s why 4-H is so good for them — so they can go and share their skills, and help other people learn to prepare healthy meals.”

The Cooking Herd team will next head to the National 4-H Food Challenge held at the Texas State Fair in October. Evans said the team’s performance at the state contest is already a big win for the county.

“Before we left for the competition, they were ready,” Evans said. “When they came out from the judging portion, they were so confident that they did well. It was unbelievable to get this trophy because before we started preparing for the competition, I mentioned to them that I wanted to take this trophy home. And they said, ‘We can do it!’”

4-H is a youth development program operated by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The program teaches participants life skills through the “learn by doing” model. Program participants gain knowledge through non-formal, science-based, experiential education activities.

To learn more about Arkansas 4-H and its programs, visit the Arkansas 4-H website.

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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20 Arkansas airports to receive $14 million in federal grants

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Arkansas airports were awarded $14.83 million in federal grant money on Friday (Aug. 9), according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Highfill will receive $3.88 million to support a project to build a new control tower.

The money comes from the newest round of 2024 Airport Improvement Program grants awarded by the agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grants pay for various projects to improve runways, airfields and airport facilities. On Friday, the FAA awarded $636.05 million to airports in 46 states and the American Samoa.

Following are the 19 other airports to receive the money.
• Carroll County in Berryville: $418,435 to expand apron.
• Z M Jack Stell Field in Crossett: $1.05 million to construct taxiway.
• J Lynn Helms Sevier County in De Queen: $388,656 to construct a taxi lane.
• Billy Free Municipal in Dumas: $155,655 to reseal apron and taxiway pavement.
• Drake Field in Fayetteville: $240,210 to extend and expand taxiway.
• Memorial Field in Hot Springs: $558,485 to rehabilitate runway and its lighting and markings.
• Jonesboro Municipal in Jonesboro: $141,300 to extend and expand runway.
• Ralph C Weiser Field in Magnolia: $218,044 to reconstruct taxiway lighting.
• Manila Municipal in Manila: $299,444 to reconstruct taxiway lighting and rehabilitate runway lighting.
• Monticello Municipal/Ellis Field in Monticello: $316,566 to reseal apron and taxiway pavement
• Morrilton Municipal in Morrilton: $318,277 to construct an airport lighting vault, install taxiway lighting, and reconstruct runway and taxiway lighting.
• Bearce in Mount Ida: $924,474 to rehabilitate runway and reseal taxiway pavement.
• Baxter County in Mountain Home: $100,043 to reconstruct runway visual guidance system.
• Osceola Municipal in Osceola: $525,079 to construct terminal access road.
• Pine Bluff Regional/Grider Field in Pine Bluff: $2.08 million to rehabilitate runway.
• Russellville Regional in Russellville: $165,007 to reconstruct apron.
• Sheridan-Grant County Regional in Sheridan: $246,082 to reseal and resurface runway pavement.
• Springdale Municipal in Springdale: $606,559 to reseal and resurface runway pavement.
• Texarkana Regional-Webb Field in Texarkana: $2.18 million to construct apron.

20 Arkansas airports to receive $14 million in federal grants

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Undergraduates Show Off Research Skills at UAMS’ Summer Symposium

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By Nathan Tidwell

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) hosted students from 39 colleges and universities across the nation at the 11th Annual Arkansas Undergraduate Summer Research Symposium.

The symposium was an opportunity for undergraduate students to present research on a wide range of topics including biomedical sciences, plant science. informatics and modeling. The UAMS College of Medicine Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology organized and sponsored the event with support from the UAMS Graduate School and the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program.

“This symposium stands as a testament to the curiosity, dedication and ingenuity of students, who have embarked on journeys of exploration within their respective fields. Undergraduate research is not merely a supplement to coursework; it is a transformative experience that nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of academic disciplines.”

Undergraduates Show Off Research Skills at UAMS’ Summer Symposium

The winners of the poster competition were selected from 122 submissions. Image by Nathan Tidwell

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Bipartisan legislation introduced to study impact of cell phones in schools

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WASHINGTON - Today, Reps. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), David Trone (MD-06), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), and Jason Crow (CO-06) introduced the Focus on Learning Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to complete a study on the effects of cell phone use in K-12 classrooms and its impact on students’ mental health and academic performance.

“Any parent, teacher, or administrator can tell you that cell phones are the leading distraction and source of anxiety for students in school. Our Focus on Learning Act is a bipartisan solution to bridge the gap in data of the real-time effects of cell phone usage in schools so we can support local communities in alleviating those distractions and cultivating the best possible learning environment for our students,” said Congressman Westerman. “I’m proud to lead this bicameral effort with my friend and fellow Arkansan, Senator Cotton, and I look forward to continued collaboration on this important issue.” 

“Prioritizing student mental health is how we ensure young folks receive the best education possible. The Focus on Learning Act aims to do just that by conducting a study on cell phone use in schools,” said Congressman Trone. “By limiting cell phones in schools, we could also limit one of the main causes of stress and anxiety for students. In Congress, I’ll always work to ensure young people are set up for success.”

“It is critical to the development of our children that we understand the impact that cellphones have on their mental health and academic performance,” said Congressman LaTurner. “The Focus on Learning Act will help ensure that schools are free of distractions that may hinder a student’s education.”

"As a Dad, I’m concerned about the impact of cell phone use on our kids' mental health and academic success," said Congressman Crow. "Proud to lead the Focus on Learning Act with Rep. Westerman to research the effects of increased phone use and give our kids the best opportunity to succeed.”

BACKGROUND:

  • Since 2012, test scores have steeply declined nationwide, presumably correlated with the increased presence of cell phones in schools.

  • Recent studies show that three-quarters of U.S. teens feel more happy/peaceful when they are away from their phones.

  • As research is being conducted in scholarly settings, there’s a gap in data on the real-time effects of cell phone usage in classrooms and its impact on the learning and mental health of students.

FOCUS ON LEARNING SUMMARY:

  • Requires the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to complete a study on the effects of cell phone use in K-12 classrooms on students’ mental health and academic performance.

  • Authorizes $5 million annually for the next five years for a pilot program that provides students with secure containers to store cell phones during school hours.

  • The pilot program will allow exceptions for students with health conditions, disabilities, and non-English speakers.

  • Participating schools will have a communication system in place to allow teachers, students, and administrators to communicate with local emergency responders in case of an emergency.

  • U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) are cosponsors of the Senate companion Focus on Learning Act.

Click here for the full bill text.

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Representatives Hill, Turner, Green press for answers on terror watchlist individuals crossing our southern border

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. French Hill (R-AR), House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH), and House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) released the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee released a report that showed nearly 100 individuals on the terror watchlist were released into the United States after crossing our southern border.

“It’s unacceptable that the Biden-Harris Administration has left our southern border open and that they don’t know who is coming into our country or where they are once here – including potential terrorists.

“We recently sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to look into the process of identifying which terrorist watchlist individuals are trying to come into our country and where they are once released. The FBI and DHS have yet to answer these most basic questions.

“Since the Biden-Harris Administration’s failed open border policies have welcomed potential terrorists into our nation, we’re working to combat these threats and safeguard Americans in their own backyards. The FBI and DHS must answer our requests.”

U.S. Congressman French Hill

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH)

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN)

Further Background:

Rep. Hill, Chairman Turner, and Chairman Green sent the following letter to the GAO on April 30, 2024, to investigate the process of finding terror watchlist individuals entering the United States and identify where they are after they are released into our country. This letter was sent as a next step following the lawmakers’ prior efforts in pressing for answers because of the lack of responsiveness from FBI Director Christopher Wray and Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) Alejandro Mayorkas. 

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Can solar energy and ag coexist? August 21 webinar takes up ‘agrivoltaics’

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By Drew Viguet
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Does large-scale installation of solar panels on farms make the land unusable for other purposes?

Agrivoltaics, which is agricultural production under or around solar panels, will be discussed during the National Ag Law Center's webinar on Aug. 21, 2024. (U.S. Department of Energy photo by Merrill Smith)

“Solar energy development is increasing rapidly, which commonly involves large-scale solar projects on rural and agricultural lands that can take that land out of agricultural production,” Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center, said. “Agrivoltaics offers the potential of keeping the land in production while also using it for solar.”

“Agrivoltaics,” as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy, is agricultural production under or adjacent to solar panels. This agricultural production can include crop production, livestock production or pollinator habitats.

In September 2021, the DOE released its Solar Futures Study, which looks at the role of solar in decarbonizing the U.S. electric grid. One finding from the study is that much land for ground-based solar development is needed to accomplish this: approximately 0.5 percent of contiguous U.S. surface area. The report notes that to meet this need, photovoltaic systems, or solar panels, could be installed on farming or grazing areas.

Key principles of agrivoltaics, including the impact of agrivoltaics on agricultural production, is the focus of the Aug. 21 NALC webinar, “Can Agriculture and Solar Co-Exist? Exploring the Promise and Challenge of Agrivoltaics.” The webinar will be presented by Peggy Kirk Hall, director of The Ohio State University Extension Agricultural and Resource Law Program, and Jesse Richardson, professor of law and lead land use attorney at West Virginia University College of Law.

The webinar begins at 11 a.m. Central/Noon Eastern. Registration is free of charge and available online.

“We’ve seen initiatives and mandates across the country geared toward boosting renewable energy to meet energy demands,” Hall said. “Solar energy is often a part of those initiatives, which raises many concerns for producers and communities as well, such as cost, impact on agricultural production, loss of prime and unique soils, and community land use goals. The installation of large-scale solar panels can limit that land’s ability to be used for other agricultural needs, but it doesn’t necessarily have to.”

In 2023, the agrivoltaic market size was valued at $5.5 billion, according to Global Market Insights, and that number is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of almost 6 percent from 2024 to 2032.

Richardson said that he and Hall will explore agrivoltaics from a variety of angles, shedding light on its opportunities and challenges.

“As renewable energy is an increasingly popular topic at local, state and federal levels, these conversations will inevitably become more frequent,” Richardson said. “We aim to inform the discussion on agrivoltaics, looking at how things are now and possible impacts for the future.”

All webinars in the NALC Webinar Series are recorded and archived on the NALC website.

For information about the National Agricultural Law Center, visit nationalaglawcenter.org or follow @Nataglaw on X. The National Agricultural Law Center is also on Facebook and LinkedIn.

For updates on agricultural law and policy developments, subscribe free of charge to The Feed, the NALC’s twice-monthly newsletter highlighting recent legal developments facing agriculture.

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UAMS Researchers Discover Cholesterol Drug’s Potential as Treatment for Alzheimer’s, Other Dementia

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By Chris Carmody

Researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) have discovered that an FDA-approved cholesterol drug holds the potential to disrupt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

The research team published its findings in the journal Aging Biology. Akshatha Ganne, a postdoctoral fellow in the UAMS College of Medicine’s Department of Geriatrics, is the lead author. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Ph.D., associate professor in the College of Medicine, and Robert J. Shmookler Reis, Ph.D., professor in the College of Medicine, are the corresponding/senior authors of the paper.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002, ezetimibe is a prescription medication that reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the intestines.

UAMS Researchers Discover Cholesterol Drug’s Potential as Treatment for Alzheimer’s, Other Dementia

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Armed to Farm programs help military veterans, establish connections

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By Drew Viguet
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Veterans and other beginning farmers face numerous challenges getting into agriculture. Much goes into the development and management of any kind of agricultural business: from planning the business entity, to liability considerations, to marketing and running the operation.

Rusty Rumley, senior staff attorney for the National Agricultural Law Center, is a frequent presenter at Armed to Farm events, which provide training to military veterans as they get started in agriculture. (U of A System Division of Agriculture image)

In the U.S., more than 289,000 farms have producers with military service, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. These farms account for more than 108 million acres of land throughout the country.

Veterans pursuing agriculture as a business may require training and want support as they get started in their new journey. A program from the National Center for Appropriate Technology fills that need: Armed to Farm.

Launched in 2013, Armed to Farm’s purpose is to provide training, resources and opportunities to military veterans as they get started in agriculture, connecting them to invaluable resources.

“Across the country, there are veterans who want to start a new business opportunity in farming,” Margo Hale, Armed to Farm program director, said. “Our program provides not only a solid foundation in the basic principles of operating a sustainable farming enterprise, but also a support system they can rely on throughout their farming journey. We want to see them succeed in reaching their goals.”

Armed to Farm training events are hosted frequently at locations across the U.S. At the events, veterans learn about farming and sustainable agriculture, develop goals for their business and connect with other veterans and farmers.

Rusty Rumley, a senior staff attorney for the National Agricultural Law Center, or NALC, is a frequent presenter at Armed to Farm events, having spoken at trainings nationwide over the past decade. He said there is a lot of ground to cover in these presentations, as getting started in agricultural business is no small feat.

“I talk about business entities, landowner liability, ag leasing and more with veterans at these events,” he said. “I always receive great questions, too. Helping these veterans learn about the process of starting an ag business and connecting them to other resources is something the NALC is very proud to be a part of.”

Rumley’s presentations utilize research materials published on the NALC website, which is regularly updated. Much of this research is stored in the NALC’s numerous “Reading Rooms.” The Reading Rooms cover a range of agricultural subjects, many of which Rumley has developed over the years. These include topics of interest to new farmers, such as business organizations, agritourism, and landowner liability. Information on topics such as these is crucial in helping veterans in their new endeavor.

“There’s so much to cover, it’s important we have resources available on our website to help those who need it, too,” he said.

Hale said that while the workshops conclude after a week, their impact lasts much longer.

“It’s amazing to see veterans from our program go on to build up and improve their agricultural businesses,” Hale said. “The connections they make during Armed to Farm workshops last well beyond the workshops themselves, too.”

Rumley will next speak at an Armed to Farm workshop in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on Aug. 14-15.

A full list of upcoming Armed to Farm events can be found online.

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Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin leads 14-state amicus in support of Texas suit against Biden-Harris overtime rule

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LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement after filing an amicus brief on behalf of himself and 13 other state attorneys general in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas supporting Texas’s motion for summary judgment in its suit against the U.S. Department of Labor and its rule regulating overtime pay for exempt employees:

“The rule is another example of the Biden-Harris administration trying to rewrite laws passed by Congress. The new rule drives up costs for private businesses and forces state governments to increase budgets—hitting Americans’ pocketbooks twice.

“Texas has already secured a preliminary injunction stopping this rule, and I am proud to lead this coalition of states in supporting our neighbor asking to vacate this latest effort by the Biden-Harris administration to go around Congress in an election-year giveaway.”

Federal law exempts workers with “executive, administrative, and professional” duties from receiving overtime pay. For decades, the Labor Department has used salary as one factor in deciding when that applies. The new rule requires employers to provide overtime pay to salaried professional, administrative, and executive employees who are already highly paid and were previously exempt from overtime requirements by conditioning overtime exemptions primarily on workers’ pay rather than their duties.

Griffin is joined in the amicus brief by the attorneys general of Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and West Virginia.

To read the brief, click here.

For a printer-friendly version of this release, click here.

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'Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience' arrives in Little Rock

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KUAR | By Nathan Treece

Even if you have studied the life and work of a particular artist in-depth, there is something to be said for getting a new perspective on even the most well-known works of art.

You could say the artist Vincent van Gogh has become somewhat of a rockstar of the art world. Iterations of the impressionist's works can be found in museums, on mouse pads, and everywhere in between. The man himself has become the poster child for the troubled genius archetype.

The legend of van Gogh has even been adapted into a full-length movie animated entirely using stills painted in his signature style.

'Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience' arrives in Little Rock

Will Newton/2024 Will Newton

Two visitors enjoy the Van Gogh Immersive Experience at its soft opening in Little Rock.

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Womack Introduces Bill to Protect Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services

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Washington, DC—August 6, 2024…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) introduced the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2024. This bill would permanently extend a current pandemic related exemption that allows health care professionals employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to deliver, distribute, and dispense medically necessary controlled substances to veterans via telemedicine under certain conditions regardless of whether that health care professional has conducted the one in-person medical examination required under the Ryan Haight Act.

Telemedicine-Wikimedia Image

Congressman Womack said, “Our veterans deserve accessible health care, regardless of where they live. Millions of veterans—particularly in rural communities—rely on the VA's successful use of telehealth services. This bill acknowledges and meets their needs by permanently authorizing the delivery of care right to their homes. America is indebted to our veterans for their service, and it’s our duty to ensure they have the resources to live a healthy life.”

Background:

  • The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 was enacted on April 13, 2009. This bill was designed to combat the rogue internet pharmacies that proliferated in the late 90s, selling controlled substances online.

  • Under this Act, a practitioner is required to have conducted at least one in-person medical evaluation of the patient, in the physical presence of the practitioner, before issuing a prescription for a controlled substance.

  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, requirements under the Ryan Haight Act for a patient to meet with a practitioner in-person for the prescription of a controlled substance were temporarily waived.

  • On October 6, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the continuation of temporary extension of flexibilities around telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances from the COVID-19 public health emergency through December 31, 2024.

Bill Impact on Veterans in Rural Areas:

  • According to the VA’s Office of Rural Health, there are more than 2.7 million veterans in rural communities who are enrolled in and rely on the VA’s health care system.

  • Veterans residing in rural areas do not have the same access to VA health care as those in more suburban and urban areas, which can result in poor long-term health outcomes.

  • Due to lack of immediate access to VA clinics, veterans residing in rural areas often have difficulty complying with the requirement for one in-person visit to their health care provider under the Ryan Haight Act.

  • This bill would reduce disparities and improve access to VA health care for veterans in rural areas by allowing VA health care professionals to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine.

  • If the current exemption expires at the end of the year, veteran access to certain medications classified as a controlled substance will be severely restricted.

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Representatives French Hill and Haley Stevens respond to the release of four Americans wrongfully detained in Russia

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), Co-Chairs of the Hostage Task Force in the House, commended the release of Americans Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, along with U.S. Green Card holder Vladimir Kara-Murza, from Russia. 

“I am overjoyed that Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir are coming home,” said Rep. Hill. “After being wrongfully detained by Russia for far too long, our fellow Americans are going to reunite with their families and loved ones. Putin has a pattern of wrongfully detaining Americans, and this cannot continue. Russia must be held accountable, and the U.S. must do more to stop this trend that you can take and wrongfully hold an American with impunity. As Co-Chairs of the Hostage Task Force in the House, we remain committed to being a voice for Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained around the world.” 

“Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir, welcome home! For too long, each of you was held as a political pawn, with your liberty stripped away,” said Rep. Stevens. “You have each lost so much, but we are looking forward to helping you rebuild your lives. Thank you to President Biden and our allies who made this remarkable exchange possible.”

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UAMS Colleges of Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Professions, Public Health, Make List of Top Graduate Schools for 2024

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By News Staff

LITTLE ROCK — U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of Best Graduate Schools for 2024 ranked the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) colleges of Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Professions and Public Health highly among their peers nationwide.

The UAMS College of Pharmacy was ranked 31st nationwide among all pharmacy colleges. It has produced more than 5,000 graduates since making UAMS its home in 1951. The college offers several dual degree programs, as well as experiential opportunities in specialties from oncology pharmacy to toxicology and solid organ transplant, as well as one of the nation’s few nuclear pharmacy programs.

“I am proud that the UAMS College of Pharmacy continues to rank among the nation’s best,” said Cindy Stowe, Pharm.D., dean of the College of Pharmacy. “This recognition reflects the positive impact that our students, alumni and faculty have here at home and across the country. They lead by example through their passionate commitment to improving the health of all. A high ranking in U.S. News is a strong endorsement of that fact.”

UAMS Colleges of Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Professions, Public Health, Make List of Top Graduate Schools for 2024

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Boozman Pushing to Restrict Legislation Restricting Bonuses to Senior VA Executives

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WASHINGTON –– U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in introducing legislation to prohibit funding for veterans benefits to be used to pay bonuses to senior executives at the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO) in Washington, D.C. 

The Stop Government Rewards Enriching Executives in the District – or Stop GREED Act – comes on the heels of a VA Office of Inspector General report that found the VA’s Under Secretaries of Health and Benefits improperly approved $10.8 million in PACT Act Critical Skill Incentive (CSI) payments to VACO’s senior executives rather than rank-and-file employees across the country. 

Last month, VA announced a budgetary shortfall of $3 billion in Fiscal Year 2024 and nearly $12 billion in Fiscal Year 2025 that may cause a delay in veterans benefits without action from Congress by September 20. VACO senior executives involved with this budget mismanagement were approved for CSI bonuses worth tens of thousands of dollars. The VA has been recovering the improper CSI payments since the scandal became public but without legislative action, it would be able to use these bonus payments to reward VACO executives again in the future.

“The PACT Act was intended to expand benefits to the men and women who wore our nation’s uniform now living with toxic exposure-related illnesses as a result of their service,” Boozman said. “This legislation will ensure funds will be used to support the needs of veterans, not VA executives.”

“The critical skills incentive payments that were included in the PACT Act were meant to improve recruitment and retention for difficult-to-fill positions across VA, not to increase the salaries of senior executives in Washington, D.C.," Moran said. “The bonuses to executives were a gross misuse of funds, especially in light of the VA’s budget shortfall failure, and we must make certain it does not happen again.”

“The VA must be held accountable for its egregious mishandling of the critical skill incentives that were included in the PACT Act,” said Blackburn. “We must restore integrity and trust within the VA, and the Stop GREED Act would help ensure such a failure does not happen again.”

The CSI authority from the PACT Act was intended to strengthen the delivery of health care and benefits to veterans by providing incentives to retain highly-skilled, rank-and-file employees across the country, including human resources staff, police officers and housekeepers in the VA. 

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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Cotton, Colleagues to Garland: Investigate schools with ties to Chinese communists

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Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with seven of his colleagues, today sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland to urge him to investigate cases of American institutions of higher education having ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In addition to investigating the current cases, the senators asked AG Garland for written responses on how the Department of Justice is working to mitigate the threat the CCP poses to the U.S. education system.

Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), and Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) co-signed the letter.

In part, the senators wrote:

“Undisclosed and unmonitored financial relationships between U.S. academia and the CCP are glaring national security risks. Such relationships leave the U.S. vulnerable to intellectual property theft, improper influence, and even espionage. It is imperative that DOJ take additional steps to swiftly address this concern.”

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

August 5, 2024 

The Honorable Merrick Garland
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20530

Dear Attorney General Garland,

We write regarding reports that American institutions of higher education (IHEs) are failing to disclose financial ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Efforts to conceal CCP attempts to influence American students and steal intellectual property threaten our national security.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has disclosed multiple cases where U.S. universities collaborated illegally with the CCP. On July 16, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of Maryland announced that the University of Maryland paid $500,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to disclose funding from Chinese companies, including Alibaba. On October 2, 2023, the same office announced that Stanford University paid $1.9 million to resolve allegations related to faculty’s ties with the CCP. In both cases, the universities knowingly defrauded federal agencies critical to national security.

Undisclosed and unmonitored financial relationships between U.S. academia and the CCP are glaring national security risks. Such relationships leave the U.S. vulnerable to intellectual property theft, improper influence, and even espionage. It is imperative that DOJ take additional steps to swiftly address this concern.

For those reason, please answer the following questions by September 2, 2024.

  1. Has the frequency of IHEs committing False Claims Act violations as result of failing to disclose funding from CCP-affiliated entities increased since January 1, 2020?

  2. What is the current assessment of the threats posed to American students and federal research initiatives by CCP involvement?

  3. What steps does the DOJ take to mitigate CCP attempts to influence the U.S. education system?

  4. How does the DOJ work with the rest of the interagency, including the Department of Defense, to evaluate and mitigate these threats?

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

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UAMS Breast Cancer Program Earns Fourth National Accreditation

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By Marty Trieschmann

The Breast Cancer Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute has earned reaccreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) for the fourth time in 10 years.

The UAMS Breast Cancer Program first received accreditation from NAPBC in 2014 and was reaccredited in 2017 and 2020. NAPBC is a program of the American College of Surgeons and represents a consortium of national professional organizations dedicated to improving of the quality of care and monitoring of outcomes for patients with diseases of the breast.

“Being recognized again by NAPBC distinguishes the UAMS Breast Cancer Program as one of the leading breast cancer treatment programs in the United States,” said Ronda S. Henry-Tillman, M.D., chief of breast oncology at UAMS and the Muriel Balsam Kohn Chair in Breast Surgical Oncology at UAMS.

UAMS Breast Cancer Program Earns Fourth National Accreditation

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Womack Travels to West Point for Summer Training, Leads Board of Visitors Meeting

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West Point, NY—July 26, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors (BOV), traveled to the United States Military Academy at West Point to observe cadet summer training, meet with cadets and academy leadership, and lead the West Point Board of Visitors meeting.

Chairman Womack said, “One of my highlights each summer is observing cadet training and meeting with our next generation of Army leaders, particularly those from Arkansas’ Third District. As Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, I focused today's board meeting on the cadets’ developmental experience and ensuring USMA remains the world’s preeminent leadership institute. I’m incredibly proud of these cadets, who commit themselves every day to the values of Duty, Honor, and Country.”

Today, Chairman Womack observed cadet summer training and led the Board of Visitors meeting, where board members received briefings on West Point’s academic, physical, and military priorities. Faculty and cadets also led discussions on a range of topics, including developing leaders of character, building diverse and effective teams, modernizing readiness capabilities, strengthening partnerships, and the importance of investments in military readiness.

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point Board of Visitors provides independent advice and recommendations on academy matters, including morale and discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other issues deemed appropriate by board members. 

Chairman Womack was first appointed to the BOV in 2012 by Speaker John Boehner and subsequently elected BOV Chairman in 2017. He is currently the only congressional representative from Arkansas to serve on the board.

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Cotton, Scott, Colleagues introduce bill to sanction Palestinian leadership and institutions that reward terrorism

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Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) today introduced the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act, legislation that would impose sanctions on foreign persons and entities that provide payments to Palestinian terrorists and the families of terrorists as part of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority’s (PA) system of terror compensation. 

Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Rick Scott (R-Florida), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) are cosponsoring the legislation. Congressmen Mike Lawler (New York-17) and Doug Lamborn (Colorado-05) are introducing bipartisan companion legislation in the House with 27 cosponsors.

“The Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization continue to support terrorism against Israel by providing hundreds of millions of dollars per year in their reprehensible ‘pay-for-slay’ program. Anti-Semitic Palestinian terrorists know they can expect payment as a reward for killing Israelis and Americans–with thousands of Palestinian terrorists tied to October 7 eligible for these terror payments. Our bill will ensure that the PA, PLO and their institutions that reward acts of terrorism are punished,” said Senator Cotton.

“For years, the Palestinian Authority has incentivized brutal attacks against Israelis—and even American citizens—through its horrific 'pay for slay' policies. Strong words and failed negotiations aren’t enough to stop these acts of terror. We need to actually use the authorities at our disposal to impose real economic pain against those who support and facilitate so-called 'martyr payments,' and I am proud to partner with Senator Cotton and our Republican colleagues to do just that,” said Senator Scott.

Text of the bill may be found here.

The PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act would impose sanctions on:

  • Foreign persons who serve as an employee of the PLO and PA that has facilitated the payments, provided payments themselves, or knowingly provided significant financial, technological, or material support and resources as part of the PLO and PA’s system of compensation supporting acts of terrorism. 

  • Entities that facilitate the PLO and PA system of compensation supporting acts of terrorism including the Commission of Prisoners and Released Prisoners, the Institute for the Care of the Families of the Martyrs and the Wounded, the Palestine National Fund, and National Association of the Families of the Martyrs of Palestine.

  • Foreign financial institutions that participate in a financial transaction that is part of the PLO and PA’s system of compensation supporting acts of terrorism. 

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Gov. Sanders and Col. Hagar release statement on arrest of illegal immigrant, following assault of ASP Trooper

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Today, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders slammed Vice President Harris and President Joe Biden for their creation of the worst border crisis in American history and hailed two women as heroes for their quick action to stop an illegal immigrant who refused arrest and assaulted an ASPTrooper. 

Last night, a female Trooper engaged a suspect, Angel Zapet-Alvarado, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, after he was speeding on I-49, who refused to exit the vehicle and resisted the Trooper’s efforts to remove him. A female motorist who witnessed the altercation stopped her vehicle and assisted the Trooper.

“These two women who put their lives on the line to make sure their communities are safe, are heroes and thanks to their quick, brave action, a criminal illegal immigrant is in custody and off the streets. Even though they deny it and the media covers it up, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have created the worst border crisis in history and they must be held responsible,” said Gov. Sanders.

“I pray every day for the safety of our Troopers as they sacrifice their own safety for the sake of our innocent civilians. I thank God today that He kept our Trooper alive and that He placed an unbelievably brave civilian by her side during her time of need,” said Col. Mike Hagar. “I have the same fear and frustration any time someone assaults one of our Troopers, but it’s even more disturbing that this suspect is an undocumented, illegal immigrant from Guatemala. That shows another level of lawlessness that will not be tolerated in our state.”

Zapet-Alvarado was transported to Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, where he was treated and released to law enforcement. He was transported to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and charged with Second-Degree Battery and placed on hold for Homeland Security Investigation (HSI). Additional charges are pending.

The Trooper was treated for non-life-threatening injuries she sustained when Zapet-Alvarado assaulted her.

ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the incident.

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Attorney General Griffin Hails Decision in Title IX case as a win for Arkansas women and girls

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LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement regarding the preliminary injunction issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in Arkansas v. U.S. Department of Education halting the implementation of the Biden-Harris administration’s new rule interpreting Title IX:

“Today’s ruling is a victory for women and girls in Arkansas and across the nation as yet again a federal court has stopped the Biden-Harris administration from going around Congress to implement a ridiculous, nonsensical, and illegal election-year move.

“Congress enacted Title IX to protect and promote educational opportunities for women and girls. This preliminary injunction halts the administration’s plan to allow men into women’s and girls’ locker rooms, restrooms, and showers. It stops the administration’s plan to allow males onto girls’ sports teams. It also protects teachers, administrators, and students from the threat of investigation or sanction for disagreeing with the gender ideology of the Biden-Harris White House. And it comes just in time before the start of the new school year.

“I congratulate Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni and Deputy Solicitor General Dylan Jacobs for their diligence that led to today’s victory.”

Griffin filed the suit on May 7 and was joined by the attorneys general of Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and an Arkansas high-school athlete.

To read the order, click here.

To read the original lawsuit, click here.