State of the State Mid-Year 2024: Schools implementing LEARNS; funding formula change coming?

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

What’s the state of the state in education? Schools are implementing Gov. Sarah Sanders’ LEARNS Act. Legislators are performing the biennial adequacy study that will determine school funding amounts for the next two years. In next year’s legislative session, they could craft a new funding formula.

The sweeping 2023 LEARNS Act made major changes to the state’s education system but left many of the details to the rulemaking process. Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva estimated in an interview that “95%” of the rules are ready. Many had to be completed by July 1.

Among the most notable aspect of LEARNS was its creation of “educational freedom accounts.” Through these, 90% of the state per pupil foundation funding traditionally provided to schools instead goes to eligible families that can use them for qualifying expenses for nonpublic school alternatives. Roughly $7,000 per student will be provided to those families this upcoming second year of the program. Up to 3% of public school students can use them for private schools. Next year, there will be no percentage restrictions, and homeschooled students will be eligible.

State of the State Mid-Year 2024: Schools implementing LEARNS; funding formula change coming?

For 10th Year, UAMS Nationally Recognized for Commitment to High-Quality Stroke Care

By Linda Satter

LITTLE ROCK — The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association awarded the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) with its highest level of stroke recognition for the 10th consecutive year for providing stroke patients with the most advanced treatments, leading to the best outcomes.

In addition to the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award, the AHA recognized UAMS with three Honor Roll awards for its quick treatment of stroke patients after arrival and its up-to-date, evidence-based care for stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes, who face a higher risk of complications.

The other awards are the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite, the Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy Honor Roll and the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. UAMS previously received the honor roll elite and Type 2 diabetes honor roll recognitions, but 2024 marks the first time that UAMS was named to the Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy Honor Roll as well.

For 10th Year, UAMS Nationally Recognized for Commitment to High-Quality Stroke Care

Republican Party of Arkansas facing internal lawsuit

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

A lawsuit has been filed stemming from the Republican Party of Arkansas’ decision to hold closed primaries. 

At a biennial convention in June, the party voted to close their primaries. This would mean that only registered Republicans could vote in primary elections. Hypothetically, having closed primaries could make winning candidates more conservative, as they would be chosen by a voter pool of people only within their own party.

The suit is being brought by state Republican Convention Chair Jennifer Lancaster. The lawsuit says the Arkansas GOP’s internal rules give them the power to make this change. Weeks after the vote, party chairman Joseph Wood nullified the decision claiming the party violated their own rules in making the decision. The disagreement represents a current disagreement in the party over ideology and rule implementation.

Republican Party of Arkansas facing internal lawsuit

Michael Hibblen/Little Rock Public Radio

The suit is asking for the primaries in Arkansas to be closed after the state Republican Party voted to close them this year.

Attorney General Griffin praises Arkansas Supreme Court's rejection of motion brought by convicted felon of Little Rock

Griffin offered the following statement:

“Convicted felon Oscar Stilley’s emergency motion sought to resurrect the abortion amendment ballot petition by compelling the Secretary of State to provisionally certify it for the November general election. I applaud the Arkansas Supreme Court’s decision to deny Stilley’s motion as moot after the court had correctly denied the attempt by the sponsor of the abortion amendment to get on the ballot.

“Stilley has no legal standing to bring this lawsuit in the first place. In fact, his filings have made it clear that he cares more about re-litigating his federal felony conviction. This attempt to retry his conviction has done nothing but waste the court’s time and taxpayers’ money.”

To read a copy of the court’s rejection of the motion, click here.

To download a PDF version of this release, click here.

Sanders, DHS Announce $15 Million to Support Arkansans with Substance Use Disorder, Mental Illness, and Intellectual Disabilities

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Today, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) announced $15 million in grants to fund infrastructure improvements that support individuals with substance use disorders, mental illnesses, or intellectual disabilities. Recipient organizations offer Medicaid treatment in community-based settings for specialty populations around the state.

“Vulnerable Arkansans need help – and they deserve to receive that help in modern, well-functioning facilities,” said Governor Sanders.“As my administration supports our most at-risk citizens, these grants will build a continuity of care that helps Arkansans through every step of their lives.”

“The funding awards announced today will create an array of additional services that support an improved continuum of care for both young people and adults who are struggling with substance use disorders, mental illness, or intellectual disabilities,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam. “We are excited to see these investments turn into services that fill gaps in coverage and ultimately make a positive difference in the lives of Arkansans who need this support.” 

This program will award grants to support Youth Substance Abuse Residential Treatment and Supported Housing Units for Young Adults later this summer. 

The different grant types and recipient groups are below:

The Community Reintegration for Children grant funds new buildings that will function as family home environments for children to provide step-down support from high-cost, restrictive settings. Recipients are:

• Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, Fort Smith – $4 million

• United Methodist Children’s Home, Little Rock – $1 million

The Adult Substance Abuse Residential Treatment Facilities grant funds improvements to existing facilities that offer 30- to 60-day treatment programs for adults struggling with substance abuse disorders. Recipients are:

• Harbor House, Fort Smith – $1,842,004

• ARVAC Lake Point Recovery and Wellness, Russellville – $2,157,996

The Supported Housing Units for Young Adults grant funds the construction of an apartment complex that will house youth struggling with behavioral health who have aged out of group homes or other services provided by the Division of Children and Family Services or the Division of Youth Services. The recipient is:

• Rainbow of Challenges, Inc., Hope – $3 million

The Therapeutic Communities for Adults with IDD grant funds the creation of a 16-bed therapeutic community that will provide step-down support from high-cost, in-patient psychiatric care for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and a co-occurring behavioral health diagnosis. The recipient is: 

• ARISA Health, Jonesboro – $3 million

New UA philanthropic giving was $92.3 million in recent fiscal year

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

The University of Arkansas said Friday (Aug. 23) that philanthropic giving in the fiscal year ended June 30 totaled $211.1 million. Of that, $92.3 million was from new giving and $118.8 million was payments on previous commitments.

The $92.3 million includes cash, in-kind giving, planned gifts and new pledges. According to the UA, the giving will support scholarships for students, campus and study-abroad programs, faculty and staff, research and economic development, entrepreneurship and capital projects. Of the giving, $14.8 million was directed to the university’s endowment.

“The university is fortunate to have the commitment of alumni and friends who understand how their gifts directly impact the student experience through scholarships and quality teaching, research and service,” said Sandy Edwards, senior advisor for advancement. “We are building on this commitment as we launch into an even more robust new school year.”

New UA philanthropic giving was $92.3 million in recent fiscal year

Old Main - Photo credit: Michael Barera

State of the State Mid-Year 2024: Arkansas tourism continues to be a strong industry

by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas Tourism Director Dalaney Thomas said the state’s 2% tourism tax collections continue to rise with fiscal year 2024 (June 2023-July 2024) closing out at a record $26.363 million, up 5.13% compared with the recent fiscal year.

“Arkansas’ travel industry continues to see growth in large part thanks to the expansion of the state’s marketing footprint and the return of strong business and corporate travel,” Thomas said.

The tax collections are directly allocated toward promotion of the state, and Thomas said those efforts are working.

State of the State Mid-Year 2024: Arkansas tourism continues to be a strong industry

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson attends DNC

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

During the Democratic National Convention (DNC) last week, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, was one of the handful of Republicans, at the event.

In an interview with Fox News, Hutchinson said he was not at the event to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. However, he said he still believes Donald Trump should not be the next president and the Republicans need to move on from the former president.

“We need to define it [the Republican Party] differently than Donald Trump and the rule of law is important to me. I said on the debate stage I’m not going to vote for a convicted felon. That still holds true,” Hutchinson said.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson attends DNC

Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson - Flickr Image

Arkansas medical marijuana sales down almost 4% through July

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

Medical marijuana sales in Arkansas between January and July total $158.5 million, down 3.7% compared with the $164.6 million in the same period of 2023. Sales since medical marijuana was legalized in 2019 total more than $1 billion.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration reported $22.956 million in July sales, with 6,467 pounds sold. There are 37 dispensaries in Arkansas. The voter-approved amendment allowing medical marijuana sales provides for up to 40 dispensaries.

Following are the top five dispensaries for pounds sold in July.
Suite 443 (Hot Springs): 731.95 pounds
Natural Relief Dispensary (Sherwood): 540.18 pounds
CROP (Jonesboro): 366.7 pounds
Harvest (Conway): 323.47 pounds
High Bank (Pine Bluff): 315.47 pounds

Arkansas medical marijuana sales down almost 4% through July

Wikimedia Commons Image

Legislative committee approves rules on electronic signatures, gender-neutral IDs

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Members of the Arkansas Legislative Council approved two controversial rule changes in a meeting Friday: the first had to do with elections, while the second had to do with gender-neutral driver's licenses.

Driver's licenses

The Department of Finance and Administration recently implemented a rule requiring the letter “M” or “F” to be listed under “sex” on all driver’s licenses or state-issued IDs. Right now, a few hundred Arkansans have “X” listed instead of "M" or "F".

Democratic lawmakers protested the rule change, saying it was harmful to transgender and nonbinary Arkansans. Rep. Andrew Collins, D- Little Rock, said the rule change goes beyond the purview of what the Department of Finance and Administration is allowed to do.

Legislative committee approves rules on electronic signatures, gender-neutral IDs

Dwain Hebda/Arkansas Advocate

The Arkansas Legislature approved two controversial rules at a legislative meeting Friday.

Dove delay preserves full weekend of fun

BY Randy Zellers

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansans gearing up for the state’s kickoff to hunting seasons might have noticed that the Sept. 7 opening day doesn’t fall on Labor Day Weekend, which is typically associated with the event. The break from the federal holiday is a matter of unfortunate timing, so to speak.

Each year, federal migratory bird frameworks dictate that dove seasons in the Central Management Unit (migration corridors similar to flyways) may not begin before Sept. 1 and must conclude by Jan. 15. Labor Day, which began in 1882 and became a federal holiday in 1894 is annually scheduled for the first Monday in September, regardless of the calendar date.

Here’s where the phenomenon known as “calendar creep” comes into effect. This year (and next year), Labor Day Weekend will actually begin at the end of August, preceding the first available date for dove season.

During these years the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has to decide whether to open the season on Sunday, cutting the weekend short, or to postpone the opening day to the following weekend.

In 2019, the AGFC was faced with this decision and decided on the Sunday opening day. Staff and commissioners fielded many calls from the public that many people were not able to take advantage of the Labor Day holiday from work, which resulted in their traditional opening weekend of dove season becoming a single-day hunt.

With this in mind, Commissioners and staff agreed that postponing the season until Sept. 7 allowed more opportunities for all Arkansans to enjoy a full weekend of dove hunting unpressured birds during the season opener.

Luckily this issue only presents itself two out of every seven years, notwithstanding shifts caused by leap year. Unfortunately, next year will see the same delay because Sept. 1 falls on Labor Day itself, leaving no room for a full weekend of fast flights and delicious doves.

Kamala Harris tells Democrats: ‘I see a nation that is ready to move forward’

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Vice President Kamala Harris accepted her party’s nomination for President Thursday night (Aug. 22), while laying out a stark contrast between herself and her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.

In accepting the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Harris made history as the first woman of color to lead her party for President.

“On behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth, I accept your nomination to be the President of the United States of America,” Harris said.

Kamala Harris tells Democrats: ‘I see a nation that is ready to move forward’

College of Pharmacy Recognized by AACP with Designation, Individual Awards

By Benjamin Waldrum

The American Association of College of Pharmacy (AACP) recently recognized the UAMS College of Pharmacy with a prestigious designation and handed out national awards to two faculty members, one preceptor and a student.

The College of Pharmacy was one of only 17 schools of pharmacy nationwide selected as an inaugural Academia-Community Transformation (ACT) Community Pharmacy Center of Excellence. This designation recognizes schools and colleges of pharmacy that are committed to advancing community pharmacy practice.

Chris Johnson, Pharm.D., M.Ed., assistant professor of pharmacy practice, was one of four pharmacy faculty nationwide recognized as a national Emerging Teaching Scholar. Laura Lumsden, Pharm.D., a local pharmacy owner and longtime College of Pharmacy preceptor, was named a Distinguished Preceptor. Marty Perry, Ph.D., associate professor and vice chair for professional education in the college’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, was named to the AACP’s prestigious Academic Leadership Fellows Program (ALFP).

Amberly Clifton, MBA, a third-year pharmacy student, was selected to the AACP’s Aspiring Academics Program. The program aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of career paths in academic pharmacy.

College of Pharmacy Recognized by AACP with Designation, Individual Awards

(From left) Christopher Johnson, Pharm.D., M.Ed., Laura Lumsden, Pharm.D., Marty Perry, Pharm.D., and Amberly Clifton each received individual awards from the AACP. The College of Pharmacy was also recognized by AACP as a ACT Community Pharmacy Center of Excellence.

Walmart sells $3.7 billion stake in JD.com

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Walmart sent a signal that it’s reducing investments in China by selling 144.5 million shares of JD.com, which totaled about $3.7 billion. The trade happened Wednesday, ending the retail giant’s eight-year partnership.

The world has changed since Walmart first took a stake in China’s e-commerce platform JD.com in 2016. Walmart ramped up its ownership to 10% as it sought to grow its retail business inside China. Since that time, China has experienced a volatile economy, slower consumption patterns, and a prolonged shutdown from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Walmart said divesting the JD shares indicates the company plans to focus on Walmart China, Sam’s Club, and allocate funds to other priorities. Walmart execs have said the Sam’s Club format is performing well in China for online and physical sales. Market analysts estimate Sam’s Club achieved a compounded annual growth rate of around 30% in the past three years. Sam’s Club China posted annual sales of $11.1 billion (US) in 2023. More than 50% of Sam’s Club orders in China came from online.

Walmart sells $3.7 billion stake in JD.com

Cotton Reiterates the Demand for Answers Regarding Harris’ National Security Advisor’s Communications with Iranian Influence Operation

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a second letter to Vice President Kamala Harris to express his concern about her National Security Advisor, Philip Gordon, and his connections to senior Department of Defense official Ariane Tabatabai. Ms. Tabatabai was reportedly involved in an Iranian government operation to expand Iran’s influence in the United States.

In part, Senator Cotton wrote:

Ariane Tabatabai - Flickr Image

“In social media posts since my last letter, Mr. Gordon continues to demonstrate a pattern of anti-Israel bias, which furthers Iranian interests. If he’s willing to ridicule Israel so unfairly in public, I can only imagine what he is telling you in private. I understand that it may be difficult to discern Iranian agents from the left-wing ideologies on your staff. But you have the responsibility to make these difficult distinctions and appropriately vet the people you elevate to positions of distinction and trust.”

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

August 15, 2024

Vice President Kamala D. Harris

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500                                                        

Dear Vice President Harris,                                    

On July 31, I sent you a letter regarding your National Security Advisor Philip Gordon’s connections to alleged Iranian spy, Ariane Tabatabai. Yet, you failed to respond by my deadline or to appropriately address this threat to national security emanating from your staff.                                                   

The presence of such an obvious security risk in your inner circle should have elicited your utmost attention. It raises the question of whether you’ve been aware of Mr. Gordon’s possible links to the Iranian regime and simply find your policies aligned enough with Tehran’s interests that ties to that regime don’t concern you.                                                 

In social media posts since our last letter, Mr. Gordon continues to demonstrate a pattern of anti- Israel bias, which furthers Iranian interests. If he’s willing to ridicule Israel so unfairly in public, we can only imagine what he is telling you in private.                                                        

I understand that it may be difficult to discern Iranian agents from the left-wing ideologues on your staff. But you have the responsibility to make these difficult distinctions and appropriately vet the people you elevate to positions of distinction and trust.                                                           

I expect you to immediately investigate Mr. Gordon’s ties to the Iranian regime and provide responses to my initial July 31 letter.                                                                     

Thank you for your belated attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Tom Cotton                                                             

United States Senator                                              

Arkansas initiative advances organic farming, diversity

By Jenifer Fouch
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With U.S. organic food sales topping $63 billion last year, the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food wants to help Arkansas farmers grab a larger share of that market.

Arkansas has 107 certified organic farms, most of which are poultry or egg operations, with 19 fruit or vegetable farms, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  That’s an increase from 82 organic farms in 2021, as reported in the latest USDA Certified Organic Survey. However, Luke Freeman, program associate for CAFF, says there’s still room for growth to meet consumer demand, especially in specialty crops.

ORGANIC FARM TOUR -- Participants gather at Peebles Organic Farm on May 23, 2024, for a farm tour as part of CAFF's resources and training. (Photo Credit: Center for Arkansas Farms and Food)

CAFF is leading the Arkansas Organic Agriculture Project, a statewide effort to help producers transition to organic production and promote diversity within the agricultural industry.

“We’re importing a significant amount of organic products that Americans consume, whereas we could be producing those products right here in the U.S. and Arkansas especially,” Freeman said.

According to the Organic Trade Association, U.S. organic food sales have grown yearly since 2013, reaching $63.8 billion in 2023.

Since the Arkansas Organic Agriculture Project started in 2022, CAFF surveyed farmers in Arkansas about barriers to pursuing organic certification. They learned that weed and insect control was a key issue, as was the need to seek out-of-state organic certifiers since Arkansas doesn’t have an in-state option. CAFF is working on addressing these issues with the new project and helping farmers connect with certifiers.

The Arkansas Organic Agriculture Project is part of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, also known as TOPP, a nationwide effort funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. TOPP’s primary goals are to increase certified organic acreage to meet growing consumer demand and to expand the participation of people from various racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds in organic farming.

Diverse partners

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff plays a key role in this initiative, focusing on engaging these underserved producers.

“UAPB’s long-standing commitment and successful track record in serving small-scale and limited-resource clientele makes the institution uniquely positioned to engage these groups in the area of organic production practices,” said Shaun Francis, extension horticulture specialist at the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences at UAPB. “This type of initiative is very timely as it provides producers another avenue to remain competitive in the agriculture industry.”

Another partner in the project is Black Women in Agriculture, an advocacy group dedicated to increasing the representation of Black women in the industry. Founder and director Kesha Cobb says these efforts are essential because organic growth is a part of the foundation of conservation.  

“We want to usher in a better, more sustainable way of crop production for socially disadvantaged growers and make it plain and attainable so that we can look forward to a new day in agricultural production,” she said.

The Arkansas Organic Agriculture Project offers resources, events, and opportunities in four key priority areas: organic farmer mentorship, technical assistance, community building, and workforce development.

Through mentorship, farmers transitioning to organic practices are paired with experienced organic producers who provide one-on-one guidance on production methods, marketing strategies and the certification process. Experienced organic farmers who sign up to be mentors can receive a stipend.

COMMUNITY BUILDING -- Attendees gather at the Organic Farm Tour at Dripping Springs Garden in Huntsville on June 23, 2024. (Photo Credit: Center for Arkansas Farms and Food)

The project offers technical support through resources such as the Beginning Farmer classes, an online video library at CAFF, and the Arkansas Organic Network, a platform for farmers, agricultural support organizations, advisors, suppliers, and buyers to share resources and collaborate on solutions to common challenges. It includes a discussion board called the AR Farmer Exchange, where members can find work opportunities, buy and sell farm equipment and livestock, and coordinate bulk purchasing.

The workforce development component of the project includes training organic inspectors, developing practices among agriculture advisors, and providing additional training to increase the knowledge and resources available to current Arkansas organic farmers.

“Technical assistance and training in the area of organic production offers smaller producers the opportunity to utilize their existing small acreage and receive a premium price for their organic produce,” said Francis. “This initiative complements other diversification efforts such as high tunnel production, micro irrigation, and use of cover crops.”

Upcoming Event: Organic Farm Tour at PrairieWoods Farm

The Arkansas Organic Agriculture Project is holding an organic farm tour at PrairieWoods Farms on Aug. 25 in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas.

This free event will offer participants a firsthand look at practices and techniques used on a certified organic farm with a guided tour and discussions on managing mixed vegetables, using high tunnels and the organic certification process.

“The event provides an excellent opportunity for both current and aspiring organic farmers to learn more about organic farming practices and network with others in the field,” said Freeman.

A training workshop for agriculture professionals and extension agents will also be held on Oct. 2, focusing on techniques and practices for organic weed management in specialty crops.

CAFF director Heather Friedrich leads the Arkansas Organic Agriculture project. Other key leaders in the initiative include TOPP program manager Luke Freeman and CAFF instructor Joe Hannan. Other partners include Winrock International, the Arkansas Natural Soybean and Grain Alliance and the National Center for Appropriate Technology Southeast Office.

Stay up-to-date on the Arkansas Organic Agriculture Project by signing up for the newsletter and checking out the podcast Arkansas Organic Chronicles and other resources.

About the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food

The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food trains farmers and food entrepreneurs with production, business skills and resources to help them develop businesses that sustain ecosystems, land and communities. CAFF is a program of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.

Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week, the House and Senate Education Committee convened to continue important work on the Educational Adequacy Study, a crucial study aimed at ensuring that every student in Arkansas has access to a high-quality education. One area of focus has been teacher recruitment and retention—an essential component in providing a stable and effective learning environment for our students.

Historically, Arkansas has taken significant steps in educational funding following landmark legal cases such as the 2002 Lake View case. At the heart of our funding strategy is the foundation funding model established in 2003, which outlines the essential resources needed for an adequate education. This funding matrix, while largely unchanged in its composition, has seen adjustments in funding amounts over the years. For 2023, the per-pupil foundation funding stood at $7,413, reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting our schools.

 In recent years, we have seen positive trends in teacher qualifications and experience. The percentage of teachers holding bachelor's, master's, and advanced degrees has risen, along with an increase in fully certified teachers. From 2021 to 2023, the average years of teacher experience grew from 10.5 to 11.8 years, showcasing a more experienced workforce in our classrooms. Currently, 92% of teachers have at least one year of experience, and 3% are nationally board-certified, indicating a dedicated and skilled teaching staff.

 While our average teacher retention rate stands at 74%, we will always strive for improvement.

Under the LEARNS Act, we raised starting teacher salaries to $50,000/year. It is clear that investing in our teachers is paramount. We must continue to explore ways to ensure they feel valued and supported in their vital roles.

The final Educational Adequacy Report must be completed by November 1. You can find copies of the presentations at the committee meetings at arkansashouse.org.

UAMS College of Medicine Welcomes 175 Students at Joint White Coat Ceremony in Little Rock, NWA

By Linda Satter

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine welcomed 175 new medical students to its Little Rock and Fayetteville campuses in an Aug. 9 white coat ceremony attended by hundreds of friends, family and other well-wishers.

A tradition for incoming medical students, the ceremony followed a week of orientation before classes started Aug. 12.

It began with several distinguished speakers offering words of wisdom from the Robinson Center Performance Hall stage in Little Rock. Most of the students, who are starting medical school on the main campus, watched from the first several rows, while 19 freshmen at the Fayetteville campus participated through a live feed from the Schmieding Center in Springdale.

UAMS College of Medicine Welcomes 175 Students at Joint White Coat Ceremony in Little Rock, NWA

Members of the College of Medicine Class of 2028 recite the medical student oath before crossing the stage to don their white coats at Robinson Center Performance Hall. Image by Bryan Clifton

Mississippi River projected to be at minus levels during harvest for third straight year

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Drought conditions have plagued farmers for the last two harvest seasons, but haven’t been a factor this growing season. One side impact has been on the water levels of the Mississippi River.

Last year, the river at Memphis dropped to an all-time low of minus 11.5 feet in October. It topped the previous record of minus 10.81 feet set in 2022. Despite consistent rain throughout much of the region, the river is projected to be at minus 3.2 feet by Aug. 27, according to NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service.

The mid-south hasn’t had drought-like conditions, but a lack of snow last winter in the upper Midwest and lower rain levels throughout the spring and summer have led to lower water levels with many tributaries in the river’s upper system.

Mississippi River projected to be at minus levels during harvest for third straight year

Multi-million dollar jail death settlement may be heard by Sebastian County Quorum Court

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Sebastian County Quorum Court members are expected on Tuesday (Aug. 20) to hear about a proposed settlement in the August 2021 death of Larry Price Jr. resulting from “cruel and inhumane” treatment while an inmate in the Sebastian County Detention Center.

A lawsuit was filed Jan. 13, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas seeking a jury trial. Sebastian County and Turn Key Health Clinics, the company contracted to provide medical care at the jail when Price died, were named as defendants.

In a June 10, 2024, filing, Turn Key Health asked for a settlement hearing.

Multi-million dollar jail death settlement may be heard by Sebastian County Quorum Court

Larry Price’s body was photographed Aug. 29, 2021, after being pronounced dead at the Mercy Fort Smith hospital.