News

Attorney General Rutledge Continues to Combat robocalls with FCC and 40 states

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge joins 40 other attorneys general acknowledging the Federal Communications Commission’s ongoing work to combat robocalls. In the letter attorneys general sent to the Commission, they recognized the FCC’s work encouraging states to join information-sharing agreements and collaboratively address complex robocalls issues.

“I have long been determined to end incessant robocalls and protect Arkansans from these con artists,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Even though we have made strides to stop these illegal calls, we still have a long way to go, and I am hopeful a combined effort with states and the FCC will continue to combat and eliminate robocalls.”

Attorney General Rutledge has led the national effort by state attorneys general to demand stronger oversight by the FCC by requiring telecommunication providers to aggressively block illegal robocalls before they reach consumers. Rutledge has consistently pushed the FCC to implement rules and policies to make telephone carriers more responsible to identify and block these calls and to hold the providers liable for allowing these calls to pass through their networks. Rutledge brought together state and federal partners, as well as representatives of the telecommunications industry, to develop effective and innovative methods to stop the scourge of these persistent calls.

Along with Rutledge, 40 other states and territories signed the letter. They are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

More storms and heavy rainfall on the way for Arkansas followed by hot and humid conditions next week

From the National Weather Service In Little Rock:

--Another complex of strong to severe storms is expected to move through the forecast area as soon as the early morning hours on Friday, extending into the daytime on Friday. The main hazards of this storm system would be damaging winds and large hail.  

--Where storms move over the same locations repeatedly, the risk for flash flooding will increase given wet antecedent conditions of late. Additional heavy rainfall over swollen smaller tributaries will keep local river levels elevated as well. 

--Heading into next week, hot, humid, and oppressive conditions are expected to ensue, with hazardous heat index values possible as early as Monday. 

As always, tune into your local National Weather Service forecast offices for the latest updates.

Click on the pic below for the latest weather brief from the NWS.

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/

UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Launches Statewide Cancer Navigation Program

By Marty Trieschmann

The UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute is implementing a new statewide patient navigation program to help cancer patients across the state access needed prevention, screening, treatment and support services. The program serves all Arkansans regardless of provider.

“We know advances in cancer treatment may not reach underserved communities, especially in low socioeconomic areas and among racial and ethnic minorities,” said Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., associate director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. “Cancer navigation is critical to improve access to cancer prevention and care.”

For Cancer Institute Director and UAMS Vice Chancellor Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., cancer navigation is a moral imperative. “All Arkansans deserve access to state-of-the-art cancer screening regardless of economic or geographic differences. In addition, every Arkansan should have access to the best possible treatment including the new and novel cellular therapy and potentially lifesaving clinical trials,” he said.

https://news.uams.edu/2022/06/08/uams-winthrop-p-rockefeller-cancer-institute-launches-statewide-cancer-navigation-program/

Arkansas Recreational Marijuana Ballot Petition Initiative Exceeding Expectations

Jacqueline Froelich of KUAF

A state-wide citizens' petition initiative to place an Arkansas constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana for adults on the November ballot is well underway. The “Responsible Growth Arkansas” campaign ends July 8th.

https://www.kuaf.com/show/ozarks-at-large/2022-06-08/arkansas-recreational-marijuana-ballot-petition-initiative-exceeding-expectations

J. Froelich

Contract canvasser, Jeff Hollis, right, and Ellis Hairston, a verified Arkansas coordinator prepare to collect petition signatures on the Fayetteville Square to legalize recreational marijuana.

Arkansas lawmakers express concerns about ACT scores

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

Arkansas lawmakers are raising concerns about student achievement and test performance. During the joint House and Senate education committee meeting Tuesday, legislators were presented ACT scores with some lawmakers arguing the test scores should be higher.

According to the Arkansas Department of Education, the average composite score on the ACT is 19, while the national average is 20. State Sen. Missy Irvin, a Republican from Mountain View and chairwoman of the committee, said there is some optimism in the state’s average since it is near the national level.

Secretary of Education Johnny Key said there were multiple factors in the average score being behind the national average.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-06-07/arkansas-lawmakers-express-concerns-about-act-scores

Arkansas Legislature Website/

Secretary of Education Johnny Key shared concerns on Tuesday about a teacher shortage with lawmakers. He said the shortage could limit the amount of advanced placement courses offered.

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/

Gas Pos, AMS to open portable gas stations in 22 states

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

North Little Rock-based fintech Gas Pos and AMS Technologies of Oceanside, N.Y., have partnered to open portable, aboveground gas stations (PAGS) across the United States that can open more quickly and at a lower cost than stations with underground storage tanks.

Joshua Smith, CEO of Gas Pos, said only one portable aboveground gas station is open in the United States, and Gas Pos provides the point-of-sale technology for it. The companies are working to receive approval to open the gas stations in 22 states. Five Arkansas locations are in the works, including in Little Rock, Bryant, Searcy and Hot Springs, according to a Wednesday (June 8) press release from the companies.

The systems are manufactured at three facilities domestically and internationally in Mexico and China. Components are sourced in the United States for the portable, above ground gas stations (PAGS). Gas Pos has about 50 employees.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/06/gas-pos-ams-to-open-portable-gas-stations-in-22-states/

Heavy-duty electric vehicle reports show mixed projections for emissions reductions

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Existing heavy-duty electric vehicles can be used to complete about half of regional hauls, especially for routes of no more than 100 miles, a recent report shows. Still, the emissions reductions attributed to electric vehicles don’t look to be as significant when considering the full vehicle life cycle.

According to the report by North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), existing technology is not available to replace every heavy-duty diesel truck with battery electric vehicles, but it is available for vehicles on regional routes of less than 200 miles per day, including those hauling heavy loads.

However, even with compliance with one of the strictest electrification regulations in the United States, the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation in California, this likely won’t be enough to offset the projected rise in emissions based on the expected increase in freight demand in the coming decades, according to a report by RMI. Truck emissions have nearly doubled over the past 30 years and have continued to increase as the industry expands to accommodate a growing economy and a rise in e-commerce.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/06/heavy-duty-electric-vehicle-reports-show-mixed-projections-for-emissions-reductions/

Electric vehicles registered in Arkansas up 43% through May; up almost 300% since 2019

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Electric vehicles registered in Arkansas are up 43% in the first five months of 2022 from the end of 2021, with Benton, Pulaski and Washington counties home to 57% of those, according to info from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).

The number of fully electric vehicles in Arkansas as of Jan. 1 was 2,094, with 2,997 at the end of May, noted info from DFA spokesman Scott Hardin, who said more would be on the road if supply matched demand.

Between the end of 2019 and the end of May 2022, the number of fully electric vehicles registered in Arkansas has risen 283.7%.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/06/electric-vehicles-registered-in-arkansas-up-43-through-may-up-almost-300-since-2019/

FAA to give almost $10 million to Arkansas airports

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Nearly 20 Arkansas airports will receive $9.99 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as part of recently announced grants from the Airport Improvement Program.

The agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Tuesday (June 7) awarding $518 million in the second round of the 2022 Airport Improvement Program. The awards include 416 grants to U.S. airports for projects such as construction of new and improved airport facilities, repairs to runways and taxiways, maintenance of airfield features like lighting or signs and purchasing equipment needed to operate and maintain airports.

The first round of funding was announced this past December.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/06/faa-to-give-almost-10-million-to-arkansas-airports/

EIA says to expect ‘historically high’ energy prices through 2023

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

U.S. energy prices are expected to remain high through 2023 as a result of economic recovery and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The EIA released Tuesday (June 7) the June Short-Term Energy Outlook that shows the prices of oil, natural gas, coal and electricity will remain high through next year.

The share of renewables in U.S. electricity generation is expected to rise as a result of the high prices of natural gas and coal. Renewables are largely expected to offset the decline in coal’s share. Wind and solar generation are projected to account for more than 11% of U.S. electricity generation this summer, up from less than 10% in summer 2021. The natural gas share is projected to fall over the next two years but at a slower rate than coal.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/06/eia-says-to-expect-historically-high-energy-prices-through-2023/

Attorney General Alert: Ensure Your Child is Safe Online

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is sending an important warning for parents to take time to monitor their child’s internet usage and social media accounts. Social media sites are a valuable resource for learning and connecting with others, but these platforms also enable bullying, anonymous messaging and exploitation of children by criminals.

“While technology can be an invaluable resource for learning, it can also expose your child to criminal or inappropriate activity,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “It is important we all take the necessary steps to protect our most precious Arkansans from those who want to do them harm.”

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge urges parents to familiarize themselves with these phone apps that may make children vulnerable to dangers online:

  • Bumble – Bumble is a popular dating app that requires women to make the first contact. It is common for minors to use this app and falsify their age.

  • Chatous – Chatous is a messaging app that allows users to chat and share images. This app makes it easy for predators to engage in age-inappropriate conversations with potential victims.

  • Discord – Discord is a voice and text chat tool that allows gamers to communicate in real time. Users can chat, add friends one-on-one or in larger groups. This app discusses content geared towards adults, but allows users as young as 13.

  • Grindr – Grindr is a dating app for LGBTQ adults, not children. The app gives users options to chat, share photos and meet with people based on a smartphone’s GPS location.

  • Houseparty – Houseparty is a group video chat app that allows users to communicate via live video chats and texts. There is no screening, and the video is live. Users can also communicate with people they do not know.

  • Live.Me – Live.Me allows users to livestream videos using geo-location to share the videos so other users can find the broadcaster’s exact location. Users can earn “coins” to “pay” minors for photos.

  • Monkey – Monkey is an app that allows users as young as 12 to chat with people all over the world during a brief introductory call, then users are given the chance to add each other on Snapchat.

  • Phony Calculator App– Most phones have a calculator. However there are many third party calculator apps that actually serve as a “vault” where the user can hide photos, videos, files and even browser history data.

  • Snapchat – Snapchat is a photo & video sharing app that promises users their photo or video will disappear even though it does not. Snapchat stories allow users to view content for up to 24 hours and share their location.

  • TikTok – TikTok is a popular app among kids that is used to create and share short videos with limited privacy controls. Users are vulnerable to explicit content and cyberbullying.

  • Tinder – Tinder is a dating app that allows users to “swipe right” to like someone and “swipe left” to pass. Users can falsify their age, share photos, message, and meet.

  • Tumblr – Tumblr is a blogging app and website that allows users as young as 13 to create an account. There are very few privacy settings and pornography is easy to find. Most posts are public and cannot be made private.

  • WhatsApp – WhatsApp is a popular messaging app allowing users to text, send photos, make calls and leave voicemails worldwide.

  • Whisper – Whisper is a social network that allows users to share secrets anonymously and it reveals the users’ location so strangers can meet.

  • Yik Yak – Yik Yak is a social media app that allows an individual to anonymously chat with other app users within a 5-mile radius. Due to its anonymous nature, bullying, sexually explicit or other graphic content is often encountered on the platform.

  • YouTube – YouTube is a video sharing app that may not be age appropriate for kids. Inappropriate content can be found using innocent search terms, but with parental controls this can be avoided.

  • Yubo – Yubo is a social media app that allows users as young as 13 to create a profile, share their location, view other users’ profiles in their area and view livestreams. Substance abuse, profanity, racial slurs and scantily clad people are common.

Parents should follow the following tips to monitor their child’s online activity:

  • Talk to children about sexual victimization and the potential of online danger.

  • Keep the computer or laptop in a common room of the house, not in a child’s bedroom.

  • Utilize parental controls available from internet service providers or use blocking software.

  • Always maintain access to a child’s online account and monitor text, email and other message inboxes.

  • Teach children the responsible use of online resources.

  • Familiarize yourself with computer safeguards being utilized at school, the library and at friends’ homes.

  • Never automatically assume that what a child is told online is true.

Control which apps your child downloads by following these steps

Arkansans can report child exploitation by calling the National CyberTipline at (800) 843-5678, or visit CyberTipline.com. In the event of an emergency, dial 911, or call local law enforcement.

Austin Porter, DrPH, MPH, Honored by Arkansas Minority Health Commission

By Kev' Moye

Austin Porter, DrPH, MPH, an assistant professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, has tirelessly worked to help Arkansas’ minority communities get pertinent information about COVID-19.

For his dedication, the Arkansas Minority Health Commission honored Porter with the Governor’s Health Policy award during its 2022 Biennial Health Summit.

The awardee is chosen by the governor and reflects someone who has had a tremendous impact on the health and healthcare of minority Arkansans through public policy.

https://news.uams.edu/2022/06/03/austin-porter-drph-mph-honored-by-arkansas-minority-health-commission/

Finance Board approves increase for Arkansas employee health insurance premiums

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

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

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

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

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

Ronak Patel/KUAR News

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

Resurgence in new COVID cases, hospitalizations concerns UAMS physician

KUAR | By Michael Hibblen, Josie Lenora

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

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

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

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

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

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

Arkansas officials estimate budget surplus to reach $1.473 billion

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

With all key tax categories showing year-over-year gains through 11 months of Arkansas’ fiscal year, state officials project a fiscal-year end budget surplus of $1.473 billion, according to Thursday’s (June 2) revenue report from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).

The fiscal year-to-date revenue is $7.876 billion, up 8.5% compared with the same period in 2021 and up 0.1% above a forecast that was revised May 18.

Individual income tax revenue in the first 11 fiscal months was $3.832 billion, up 5.3% from the same period in the previous fiscal year, and 0.1% above the revised budget estimate. Sales and use tax revenue, an indicator of consumer spending, was $2.868 billion in the first 11 months, up 9.2% compared with the previous fiscal year and $1.3 million above the revised budget forecast.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/06/arkansas-officials-estimate-budget-surplus-to-reach-1-473-billion/

Arkansas receives second $786.6 million; now, where to spend?

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Arkansas has a good problem to have: What should it do with $842 million in federal funds sitting in the bank? That amount – actually $841,965,067.52 – is what’s left of money coming from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

It provided $195 billion in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The act also provided $130 billion for local governments.

Arkansas has received two tranches each of $786,560,790.40. The second arrived May 19. The first came in June 2021. So far, $55.4 million has not been allocated from the first tranche. The money was transferred to the Arkansas ARP Steering Committee Holding Fund. States have until the end of 2024 to obligate the money, and until the end of 2026 to actually spend it.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/06/arkansas-receives-second-786-6-million-now-where-to-spend/