In a first for Arkansas, UAMS uses NanoKnife technology to treat prostate cancer

By Linda Satter

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) recently became the first provider in Arkansas of NanoKnife technology, a new form of focal therapy for localized prostate cancer.

Focal therapy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses different forms of energy to target only the area of the prostate where cancerous cells are located and destroy them while sparing damage to surrounding tissue. It carries a lower risk of side effects — such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence — than radiation and surgery, which are the other treatments for prostate cancer.

The NanoKnife form of focal therapy uses irreversible electroporation (IRE), which consists of short, high-voltage electrical pulses, to isolate the tumor without overtreating the entire prostate gland.

In a First for Arkansas, UAMS Uses NanoKnife Technology to Treat Prostate Cancer

UAMS Health Urology Center at Premier Plaza in Little Rock

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

As we approach the final days of the 2025 Regular Session, the Arkansas House of Representatives remains focused on passing legislation that will have a lasting impact on the lives of Arkansans. We anticipate adjourning on April 16, and several key bills have advanced as we wrap up our work.

 This week, the House passed HB1685, a bill that proposes eliminating the state’s 0.125% sales tax on groceries, effective January 1, 2026. This effort continues our work to reduce the tax burden on Arkansas families.

The House passed HB1312, amending public school funding to provide an increase of 5% in per pupil funding, raising it to $8,162 for the 2025-2026 school year. This amount includes the cost of health insurance. For the 2026-2027 school year, the per pupil amount is set at $8,037, with the $333 for insurance costs being paid directly to the Employee Benefits Division.

We also adopted HJR1018, a proposed constitutional amendment titled "The Citizens Only Voting Amendment."  This proposed amendment, if approved by the Senate, will appear on the November 2026 ballot. It proposes that only U.S. citizens who meet voter qualifications may vote in state and local elections.

A number of additional measures also passed the House:

• HB1732, which increases the income tax deduction for teachers purchasing classroom supplies from $500 to $1,000.

• HB1485, which creates a sales and use tax exemption for organizations supporting veterans' facilities.

• HB1922, which establishes an income tax credit for companies that relocate their corporate headquarters to Arkansas, further enhancing our state’s economic competitiveness.

Finally, the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA) for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year was distributed to members on Friday. This document outlines our state spending priorities. You can view the proposed RSA at arkansashouse.org.

Hunters, anglers urged to use caution accessing remote areas

This washed-out road at Petit Jean River WMA is indicative of some of the damage seen throughout the state during last week’s epic rain event. AGFC photo.

BY Randy Zellers

The road crossing this set of culverts on H. E. Alexander WMA has narrowed considerably from a washout, and caution is advised when encountering this sort of condition when hunting. AGFC photo.

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is still assessing much of the damage from five days of rain and storms that dumped more than 2 feet of water in some portions of The Natural State. The AGFC asks hunters and anglers to exercise additional caution when driving to their favorite turkey hunting location or boat ramp this spring.

The AGFC’s Special Youth Turkey Hunt is Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13. The regular statewide turkey season begins Monday, April 21.

Damage at Jim Hinkle Spring River Hatchery was extensive. AGFC photo.

“We know there are still some roads underwater right now that will block access to some wildlife management areas, and we’re still receiving reports on county roads and roads within WMAs that have been washed out or otherwise compromised to vehicle traffic,” AGFC Operations Division Chief Mike Cantrell said. “All of our areas will remain open for turkey season and other access so that people can enjoy the outdoors and reengage with nature, but please be patient and observant as downed trees, washouts and other dangers may be present until our crews and various partner agencies have a chance to address them.”

Downed power lines, a collapsed railroad bridge and extensive erosion contribute to safety concerns at Spring River facilities following last week’s storms. AGFC photo. 

Cantrell also warns that water levels still have not crested on some of Arkansas’s major rivers, and additional areas may experience flooding, particularly in the southern half of the state. Visit this link to view the National Water Prediction Service’s map of existing river gauges and flood predictions.

The Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery at Mammoth Spring is one AGFC-owned area that will be temporarily closed as agency staff work to rebuild the road leading to the hatchery and assess the damage caused by the flood.

“The hatchery did flood, and we are still getting a bearing on the extent of the damage,” Cantrell said. “We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience as we work to make these areas safe again. Please stay safe and stay away from the Spring River State Fish Hatchery and Dam 3 Access to the Spring River area until further notice. We will provide updates on the situation as they become available.”

Cotton Introduces Bill to End U.S. Dependence on Chinese-Manufactured Pharmaceuticals

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Anyone But China (ABC) Safe Drug Act, which would end U.S. dependence on China for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

“Shortages in the medical supply chain are a matter of life and death, and we cannot rely on China for our citizens’ survival. This bill will encourage pharmaceutical production in the United States and end dependency on the Chinese Communist Party,” said Cotton.

The bill's key restrictions would go into effect in 2028. No Food and Drug Administration resources will be diverted to begin implementation. Specifically, the bill will:

1. Prohibit pharmaceutical purchases from China or products with active pharmaceutical ingredients created in China*.

2. Create transparency in the supply chain by instituting a country-of-origin label of all imported drugs.

3. Provide economic incentives for manufacturing drugs and medical equipment in the United States.

* This requirement will be phased in over two years. The FDA may issue waivers if the active pharmaceutical ingredients are only available in China, however, no waivers may be issued after 2030.

FMT Image

Attorney General Griffin, task force warn 9 companies about unlawful robocalls

Griffin: ‘This Is Unacceptable And Must End Now’

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today announced that he and the 50 other attorneys general who make up the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force have sent letters to nine telecommunications companies notifying them that they may be violating state and federal laws by continuing to route allegedly unlawful robocalls across their networks.

“Robocalls have unfortunately become a common part of our lives, not just in Arkansas, but across the country. Our task force is taking steps to stem the tide of illegal robocalls that are bombarding American consumers.

“At least four of the companies that received our warning letters today have been confirmed to be routing calls to Arkansans in recent months. This is unacceptable and must end now. I will continue to stand up for Arkansans’ rights and do all in my power to protect them from these unlawful practices.”

The task force also shared its concerns about the nine telecommunications companies with federal law enforcement partners and regulatory bodies, including the Federal Communications Commission.

The following companies received the letters: Global Net Holdings; All Access Telecom; Lingo Telecom; NGL Communications; Range; RSCom Ltd.; Telcast Network; ThinQ Technologies; and Telcentris. To read copies of the warning letters, click here.

To download a PDF of this release, click here.

Bill limiting care for trans minors moves through Arkansas Legislature

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

In the current legislative session, the first bill about transgender kids Republican Rep. Mary Bentley tried to pass didn't live a day past the committee.

She pulled it after hearing testimony from Arkansas Assistant Attorney General Justin Brasher. He said, Rep. Bentley, we agree with you, but if the state gets sued, the AG'S office isn't going to bat over this one.

“We have facial constitutional concerns with this bill,” he said.

The problem with the initial draft of the bill, also called the Vulnerable Youth Protection Act, is that it was too broad. Draft one could have encompassed speech protected in the Constitution: the right to cut your hair the way you want to, the right to wear what you want, the right to be called the name of your choice.

Bill limiting care for trans minors moves through Arkansas Legislature

John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate

The Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock.

Senate advances right to bear arms amendment; Senate leader says prison funding likely stalled

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas Senate voted 28-7 Thursday (April 10) to advance a proposed constitutional amendment to protect the right to keep and bear arms.

SJR 11, by Sen. John Payton, R-Wilburn, 14 other senators and 47 state representatives, would provide that “citizens of the state of Arkansas shall have the right to keep and bear arms for their common defense, for lawful hunting and recreational use, and for any other lawful purpose; providing that the right to keep and bear arms includes without limitation the possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories, and firearm components; and providing that the right to keep and bear arms is a natural, fundamental, and individual right that shall not be infringed.”

The proposed amendment could be the second amendment that state lawmakers in the 95th General Assembly refer to voters for the 2026 general election. They are allowed to refer up to three proposals.

Senate advances right to bear arms amendment; Senate leader says prison funding likely stalled

Farmers wait for high water to recede to reach cattle, assess damage to fields

By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas farmers are waiting for floodwater to recede so they can get to stranded cattle and assess damage to infrastructure and newly planted crops a week after storms dropped more than a foot of rain.

The storms that swept the state April 2-6 produced tornadoes and heavy rain across Arkansas and much of the Mid-South. The National Weather Service reported that 8.75 inches fell in Jonesboro, Arkansas. In Little Rock, more than 5 inches fell in a matter of hours, triggering a rare flash flood warning for the area.

Scenes of flooding in Sharp and Fulton counties, April 6-7, 2025. (Division of Agriculture images.)

In the days after the rains subsided, rivers swelled over their banks, and many producers throughout the state found their fields saturated, if not underwater outright. The flooding has also closed numerous state and U.S. highways across Arkansas.

Scenes of flooding in Sharp and Fulton counties, April 6-7, 2025. (Division of Agriculture image.)

The severe weather arrived relatively early in the planting season for most Arkansas row crops. Nearly one-third of the state’s planned corn acres, however, was already in the ground as of April 6, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with 12 percent of plants emerged. Several extension agents, along with agronomists for the Division of Agriculture, acknowledged that some growers will likely need to replant those acres.

Stewart Runsick, Clay County extension staff chair for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said nearly 100 percent of the county’s row crop acres were affected by flooding.

“Some places in the county received 15-19 inches of rainfall since Wednesday,” Runsick said. “The Big Slough Levee near Rector breached around 7 p.m. Saturday. Many county roads were washed out. Cache River ditch, Current River and Little Black River got out big, with major flooding around McDougal and Success.”

Traveling by boat

Jerrod Haynes, Woodruff County extension staff chair, said that the White River and the Cache River, both of which run through his county, as well as a number of large bayous, were “receiving runoff water from every direction.

“A lot of acres that have been planted are underwater, with some growers looking at potential replanting situation,” he said. “Rice fields that had levees in them before the rain will need to be repaired or rebuilt and re-seeded.”

Haynes said that many residents who live close to major rivers in the county required boats to get to and from their homes.

Affects to livestock

In the northcentral area of the state, Michael Paskewitz, Izard County staff chair, said residents in his county were seeing substantial damage to roads and bridges, exacerbated by flood water carrying debris from previous tornado and wind damage.

“Several cattle are dead due to a lightning strike,” he said. “Miles of fence are destroyed. Hayfields and pastures have been littered with trees and debris that must be removed before the grass overgrows them to prevent equipment damage during harvest. Sand and gravel deposits are also an issue along larger creeks and rivers in the county.”

Pasturelands in central and southwestern Arkansas weren’t spared, either. Rachel Bearden, Hot Spring County extension staff chair, said her area experienced historic flooding from the Ouachita River.

“Several livestock producers were unable to get to groups of cattle due to high water blocking roads,” she said.

Amy Simpson, Clark County staff chair, said nearly all farms in her county experienced flooding.

“Some still have rice under a foot of water and their fields are washed like a riverbank with debris and logs,” she said. “We still have some corn and soybeans under water as well.”

Jerri Dew, Lafayette County extension staff chair, said residents in her area experienced as much as 9 inches of rain, although many row crop fields seemed to drain quickly.

“Farmers are in a wait-and-see mode to assess damage,” she said. “All the cattle seem to be accounted for. There is one herd stranded on a 200-acre island, but they are OK. We are watching Lake Texoma and what the runoff will do up there.”

According to the March 31 Prospective Plantings Report from USDA, Arkansas growers planned to plant more than 7.1 million acres of principal crops in 2025. Extension agronomists with the Division of Agriculture began gathering data from extension agents across the state on April 7, seeking assessments of how much of that acreage will likely be affected by the recent storm damage, requiring replanting, tillage or other fieldwork.

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.

Highway Closures in Arkansas - IDriveArkansas

Arkansas Highway Routes, Structures and Facilities listed on this page are closed. When reopened, they are removed from the page. All data is current regardless of the date and time a closure is reported on the list.

Highway Closures

County Route Reason Direction Date/Time

Poinsett State Highway 308 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 3:57 PM CDT

Garland State Highway 227 Washout Northboun April 7th, 2025 at 3:37 PM CDT

Jackson State Highway 145 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 12:05 PM CDT

Jackson State Highway 37 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 10:53 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 145 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 9:50 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 14 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 9:44 AM CDT

Lawrence U.S. Highway 412 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 8:56 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 42 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 8:50 AM CDT

Perry State Highway 216 High Water Both April 7th, 2025 at 6:59 AM CDT

Pulaski State Highway 365 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 9:29 PM CDT

Lonoke State Highway 31 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 9:02 PM CDT

Arkansas State Highway 146 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 7:10 PM CDT

Mississippi State Highway 181 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 5:56 PM CDT

Jackson Interstate 57 High Water Southbound April 6th, 2025 at 2:59 PM CDT

Lonoke State Highway 236 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 2:44 PM CDT

Lonoke U.S. Highway 70 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 2:12 PM CDT

Ashley State Highway 160 Pipe / Culvert Maintenance Both April 6th, 2025 at 12:55 PM CDT

Greene State Highway 141 Pipe / Culvert Maintenance Both April 6th, 2025 at 12:19 PM CDT

Ouachita State Highway 7 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 10:47 AM CDT

Hot Spring State Highway 128 Washout Both April 6th, 2025 at 10:08 AM CDT

Greene State Highway 34 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 9:51 AM CDT

Randolph State Highway 328 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 7:37 AM CDT

Mississippi State Highway 158 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 7:00 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 69 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 5:46 AM CDT

Independence State Highway 69 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 4:20 AM CDT

Nevada State Highway 53 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 12:13 AM CDT

Independence State Highway 122 High Water Both April 6th, 2025 at 12:04 AM CDT

Clay State Highway 211 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 9:13 PM CDT

Phillips State Highway 318 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 9:07 PM CDT

Mississippi State Highway 14 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 8:24 PM CDT

Mississippi State Highway 119 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 8:21 PM CDT

Lawrence State Highway 230 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 8:13 PM CDT

Independence State Highway 14 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 7:30 PM CDT

Lawrence State Highway 25 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 6:25 PM CDT

Desha State Highway 159 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 4:11 PM CDT

Clark State Highway 51 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 4:09 PM CDT

Jackson State Highway 14 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 3:43 PM CDT

Greene State Highway 358 Washout Eastbound April 5th, 2025 at 3:23 PM CDT

Saline State Highway 5 Downed Power Line Both April 5th, 2025 at 2:46 PM CDT

Independence State Highway 14 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 2:28 PM CDT

Poinsett State Highway 69 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 2:21 PM CDT

Clark State Highway 7 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 1:32 PM CDT

Poinsett State Highway 214 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 12:34 PM CDT

Poinsett State Highway 140 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 12:30 PM CDT

Clark State Highway 51 Washout Both April 5th, 2025 at 12:13 PM CDT

Independence State Highway 37 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 11:55 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 37 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 11:51 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 226 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 11:27 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 18 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 11:25 AM CDT

Clay State Highway 139 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 11:20 AM CDT

Poinsett State Highway 322 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 11:00 AM CDT

Craighead State Highway 230 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 10:29 AM CDT

Craighead State Highway 230 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 10:28 AM CDT

Greene State Highway 139 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 10:24 AM CDT

Jackson State Highway 224 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 8:46 AM CDT

Clark State Highway 128 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 8:31 AM CDT

Crittenden State Highway 118 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 5:00 AM CDT

Clay U.S. Highway 49 High Water Both April 5th, 2025 at 3:23 AM CDT

Randolph State Highway 231 Washout Both April 4th, 2025 at 9:59 PM CDT

Cross State Highway 364 High Water Both April 4th, 2025 at 8:49 PM CDT

Fulton State Highway 9 Washout Both April 4th, 2025 at 8:36 PM CDT

Randolph State Highway 166 High Water Both April 4th, 2025 at 3:01 PM CDT

Jackson State Highway 37 High Water Both April 3rd, 2025 at 3:07 PM CDT

Boone U.S. Highway 65 Construction Both March 26th, 2025 at 11:02 AM CDT

Mississippi State Highway 77 Construction Both March 24th, 2025 at 9:48 AM CDT

Columbia U.S. Highway 82 Maintenance (emergency / immediate priority) Westbound March 24th, 2025 at 7:08 AM CDT

Cross State Highway 42 Bridge Issue Both February 21st, 2025 at 3:40 PM CDT

St. Francis State Highway 261 Bridge Issue Both January 30th, 2025 at 9:14 AM CDT

Facility Closures

Rest Areas

No closures at this time.

Arkansas Welcome Centers

No closures at this time.

Commuter Park and Ride Lots

No closures at this time.

Weigh Stations

No closures at this time.

AMH Headquarters

No closures at this time.

District Headquarters

No closures at this time.

Ferries

No closures at this time.

CONSUMER ALERT: How to avoid Cryptocurrency Kiosk Scams

What Are Cryptocurrency Kiosk Scams?

Cryptocurrency kiosk scams are on the rise in Arkansas. For years, scammers have defrauded Arkansans out of their hard-earned money through gift card scams and wire money transfers. With the growth of technology, scammers have broadened their tactics to include cryptocurrency, a digital currency purchased with real money.

“Cryptocurrency or Bitcoin-related scams are significantly more difficult to track than cash or credit. Cryptocurrency is often referred to as ‘Bitcoin.’ While Bitcoin is one of the most well-known forms of cryptocurrency, there are multiple types. Scammers typically direct consumers to deposit money in cryptocurrency kiosks or ‘Bitcoin ATMs,’ which are ATM-like machines located in gas stations, liquor stores, and other places. Once the money is placed into the kiosk, it’s gone. There is no way of getting it back. Make sure you know the signs of a cryptocurrency scam and keep your money safe. Last year alone, my office received complaints from consumers totaling more than $400,000 in lost money in cryptocurrency kiosk scams.

“Recovering money lost to cryptocurrency scams is extraordinarily rare, but my office has had some recent success. Thanks to the excellent work of Investigator Shamikah Johnson, my office recently recovered $52,000 in funds that were lost to cryptocurrency kiosk scams. I’m extremely proud of Shamikah’s work, but make no mistake, this type of recovery is rare. Consumers should not assume that when they use these kinds of kiosks that their money can be recovered.” – Attorney General Tim Griffin

How Do These Scams Work, and What Are the Dangers?

• Scammers will call or text consumers claiming to be a legitimate institution, such as a bank or a government institution.

• Often, they create a sense of urgency by stating an account has been compromised or you owe the government back taxes or missed court and owe several thousand dollars. Scammers may even send you documents that look official or “spoof” a legitimate organization, meaning the caller ID will show an organization’s name.

• Once the scammer has the consumer worried, they direct the consumer to deposit money into a cryptocurrency kiosk or Bitcoin ATM. These ATMs often include a screen that says transfers are nonreversible and includes warnings about cryptocurrency scams. Consumers must agree to these disclosures before depositing money, which is why the owner of the machine cannot just open the machine and give consumers their money back.

• Payments through kiosks are quick and immediate. Transactions cannot be reversed and are often untraceable. There are no legal protections or government-insured protections when using a Bitcoin ATM.

5 Ways to Protect Yourself

• No legitimate business will demand advance payment through a Bitcoin ATM.

• No government organization will contact you via text message to pay a bill or ask you to pay through a Bitcoin ATM.

• Do not pay anyone who contacts you with cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards. If you are contacted about cryptocurrency, hang up and try calling the institution back (like the sheriff’s office, utility company, or your bank) through a known number.

• Never provide personal information to anyone you do not know. Contact a trusted relative or friend and ask for advice.

• Finally, if you’ve been the victim of a cryptocurrency scam, contact the Office of the Attorney General and file a complaint.

Arkansans who wish to report concerns about potential cryptocurrency kiosk scams should contact the Office of the Attorney General by calling (800) 482-8982, emailing consumer@arkansasag.gov, or by visiting https://arkansasag.gov/file-a-complaint.

President Trump Approves Arkansas’ Emergency Request Amid Flooding

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that President Trump has approved Arkansas’ request for an Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance to assist Arkansas with the state response to storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on April 2, 2025, and is ongoing. Arkansas is already experiencing flooding after last night’s rainfall and of particular concern are the Buffalo River, Spring River, Little Red River, Cache River, Black River, Saline River, Ouachita River, Eleven Point River, Mississippi River, Petit Jean River, Little River, and White River. 

The Governor’s letter to the President is linked here.

“I’m so thankful to President Trump for always jumping into quick action and ensuring the American people are safe and taken care of. We appreciate his administration’s proactive response to this storm,” said Governor Sanders. “With these additional federal resources, Arkansas will have the capacity to respond to this flooding more effectively, shore up property and roadways, and save lives.”

Arkansas is specifically receiving:

• Category B, limited to Direct Federal Assistance, statewide

White River Flooding - NARA & DVIDS Public Domain

Economic development bills working their way through Legislature

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

A package of economic development reform bills is making progress through both ends of the State Capitol as the 95th General Assembly counts down its final full week.

Two measures just need House floor votes before making their way to Gov. Sarah Sanders’ desk for signature.

SB 421, the Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Pollution Abatement Facilities Financing Act of 2025, is a massive infrastructure bill that outlines how and when the state can issue general obligation bonds to finance and refinance water, waste disposal, pollution control, abatement and prevention, drainage, irrigation, flood control, and wetlands and aquatic resources projects. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission helps put together the plan.

Economic development bills working their way through Legislature

Serial storms in Arkansas ramp up residents’ anxiety, create flooding and danger

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Willadean Hergott of Jonesboro clutched a stuffed toy monkey while sitting in the Craighead County safe room in Jonesboro Friday evening and waited for the next round of storms.

“I don’t like tornadoes. I don’t like seeing what happened in Lake City,” she said, referring to a twister that smashed the western edge of the Craighead County town Wednesday evening with winds of 150 mph.

“You never know anymore where one will come up,” she said.

Hergott sat in a chair inside the shelter, which has a capacity for 600 people. She said she had the monkey for her grandchildren who would show up shortly.

Serial storms in Arkansas ramp up residents’ anxiety, create flooding and danger

National Weather Service Little Rock

The past several days of heavy rains engorged streams and rivers across Arkansas. This National Weather Service map forecasts flood stage at various points along major rivers

Looking Toward the Future: Myeloma Center Celebrates 35th Anniversary

By Nathan Tidwell

The Myeloma Center, located in the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), has firmly established itself as an international leader in myeloma treatment. From its beginnings in 1989, UAMS’ myeloma program is recognized for detailed patient care, groundbreaking research and pioneering advances in the management of myeloma and its related conditions.

From the Total Therapy approach, the introduction of tandem autologous transplants, the creation of a prediction model for stem cell collection and the current implementation of innovative immunotherapies, the path towards a cure for myeloma continues — with UAMS leading the way.

Myeloma Center Clinical Director Frits van Rhee, M.D., Ph.D., and his team embrace the task of developing new methods of treating this disease.

Looking Toward the Future: Myeloma Center Celebrates 35th Anniversary

Myeloma Center physicians Sharmilan Thanendrarajan, M.D., Ph.D., Samer Al Hadidi, , M.D., clinical director Frits van Rhee, M.D., Ph.D., Carolina Schinke, M.D., and Maurizio Zangari, M.D. Image by Bryan Clifton

CBD Oils: Do you know what's inside?

By Maddie Johnson
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Since the 2018 Farm Bill effectively legalized hemp-derived cannabidiol — better known as CBD — there’s been an exponential growth in products hitting the market, but a newly published study suggests consumer understanding of the products has not kept pace.

“You’ve now got new products on the market that have never been there before, and so there's a pretty long learning curve for the average consumer,” said Brandon McFadden, professor and researcher of agricultural economics and agribusiness in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

HITTING THE SHELVES — CBD products are seen displayed in a retail case. Mention or depiction of product names does not imply endorsement by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. (Photo by Kimberly Boyles - stock.adobe.com)

CBD oils go by many names and contain a variety of ingredients. For example, “CBD isolate” only contains CBD, but “full-spectrum CBD” contains other compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids, which can contribute to aroma, flavor and overall therapeutic effects.

Full-spectrum CBD also can contain up to up to 0.3 percent delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, by weight — the legal threshold set by the federal government for hemp-derived CBD products.

Products with THC levels above this threshold would be classified as marijuana and considered illegal under federal law. THC is known for its psychoactive properties, but there is debate on whether any psychotropic or intoxicating effects are felt for THC levels below 1 percent, McFadden noted.

Considering the many types of CBD products and their distinctions, McFadden led a study surveying consumers to gauge their confusion when it came to product names. Those surveyed completed two product selection tasks. In both selection tasks, consumers chose between CBD isolate, hemp oil, full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD, which is a middle ground between the isolate and full-spectrum choices and contains no THC.

In one task, respondents were provided the common name of three CBD oil products, as well as hemp oil, and were asked to imagine they were purchasing 1000-mg CBD oil for themselves or a loved one. In the other task, they were faced with the same choice but were given more information about the products’ contents. The content information included concentration levels of CBD and THC, as well as the presence of additional compounds.

MAKING YOUR CHOICE — The figure accompanied the study "Consumer Confusion About Product Names Commonly Used to Describe Hemp-Based Oils" and shows examples of the selection tasks survey respondents faced as part of the study. Mention or depiction of product names does not imply endorsement by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. (Figure originally appeared in study)

The consumers surveyed included those who had reported previous CBD purchases and those who had not. 

The study, “Consumer Confusion About Product Names Commonly Used to Describe Hemp-Based Oils,” was published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs in February.

McFadden said he was surprised by the study’s finding that there was significant interest in CBD isolate among those surveyed who had not previously used CBD products.

“It did seem like there were consumers who were potentially interested in purchasing CBD, but because there was such a learning curve and a lack of knowledge, they wouldn’t participate in the market,” McFadden said.

The findings also showed that for consumers with a strong preference, it was not easy to identify their preferred product based on product name alone. In fact, some consumers who reported previously purchasing CBD products had difficulty distinguishing between CBD oil types.

Co-authors of the study included Kawsheha Muraleetharan, University of Arkansas graduate research assistant studying food science and technology; Benjamin Campbell, University of Georgia professor of agricultural and applied economics; Adam Rabinowitz, Auburn University professor of agricultural economics and rural sociology; Tyler Mark, University of Kentucky associate professor of production economics; and Michael Popp, Harold F. Ohlendorf Professor of agricultural economics and agribusiness with the Division of Agriculture. Popp is also a Bumpers College faculty member.

The work was supported in part by a grant from the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, project USDA-AMS-TM-FSMIP-G-20-0004.

Labeling made modern

To combat consumer misconceptions, McFadden pointed to the use of “smart labeling,” which uses technologies such as QR codes on product labels to allow consumers to gain more information than would fit on a printed label, especially the small bottles and containers in which CBD products are often packaged.

“It’s a very powerful tool across all products to provide more consumers with more information, fostering consumer education, which is particularly important for things like new products like CBD,” McFadden said.

McFadden added that these QR codes can take consumers not just to text on product information but to other media, such as videos, to aid in educating those who may not have done prior research.

“So that’s why providing them information at the point of purchase can be very important because they’re unlikely to spend much time before going to a store selling it,” he said.

Mention or depiction of product names does not imply endorsement by 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.

Wholesale egg prices are decreasing, but expect delay in lower prices at grocery stores

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — The national average wholesale price of eggs has declined, but consumers may have a wait before seeing lower prices at the grocery store, said Jada Thompson, associate professor and poultry economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

EGG PRICES —  Though wholesale egg prices have declined, consumers may experience a delay in seeing that decline reflected in grocery store prices, which averaged $5.90 per dozen eggs in February. (Division of Agriculture photo.) 

Wholesale price changes can take up to three weeks to be reflected in retail stores, so consumers are only now starting to see shelf prices gradually decline, according to the March 28 Egg Markets Overview from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In February, the average price of a dozen eggs came to $5.90.

“In the same way that just because the barrel price of oil goes down does not mean that gas prices immediately go down, there’s a delay here,” Thompson said. “Retailers get to choose their own price, and they took a lot of losses when prices were exceptionally high. They may be saying, ‘I’ve lost money over here, so I’m going to let what I have in stock go out at the price it currently is before I lower the price, to compensate for that earlier loss.’”

Thompson said that retailers often use eggs as a “loss leader,” meaning the product is sold at a price below its market cost to stimulate the sales of more expensive goods. She said that it serves as an incentive to bring that retail price back down.

However, with highly pathogenic avian influenza — or HPAI — still in the background and typically higher demand at Easter, there could be some price fluctuation.

“Eggs are a basic product that everybody puts in their basket, so I think there will be a pretty quick response to that,” Thompson said. “The only caveats to that are more cases of HPAI and the holiday demand. You’re going to have a little bit of extra demand for the holiday season, so you’re not necessarily going to see the prices go up, but you may see fewer eggs on the shelf. That might drive a little of the competition for those wholesale market eggs, which is eventually going to bump that price a little.”

Transportation and production input costs, including feed, can also impact the price of eggs, Thompson said.

“The cartons, the cleaners, all the things that are going into the inputs, we don’t necessarily manufacture in the United States, so with any disruption in trade there will likely be changes in cost of good, and some of those are going to affect the price of eggs or the price of inputs for those eggs,” Thomspon said.

The price of feed also goes into the cost of producing eggs, and Thompson said those change with corn and soybean prices, “so that has a whole commodity bend to it.”

Though the price of eggs is coming down, Thompson said the extent of the decline would be market-based.

“Some of the markets have been recovering,” she said. “They’ve already had new birds coming online and laying eggs again.

“Some markets are still hit pretty hard,” Thompson said. “I don’t think we’re going to see $1.99 eggs anytime soon, but I think that everybody is working really hard to get back to that.”

HPAI impact and recovery

The outbreak of HPAI in 2024 had a significant impact on the number of egg layers in the country. In 2024, 38 million layers were affected by the bird flu. An additional 30 million layers were affected in January and February 2025, impacting the total number of eggs that end up on grocery store shelves.

“Prior to the disease outbreak, we were producing about 8 billion eggs on a monthly basis,” Thompson said. “For February of 2025, we produced about 6.6 billion. From a scalability perspective, that’s why when people were talking about the high egg prices, it’s because we just don’t have the eggs.”

Thompson said that though the number of layers is still low, she is seeing those numbers coming back up.

“We see really high recovery and replenishment rates in eggs in incubators,” Thompson said. “It looks like the industry is doing an awful lot to try to bump up the number of birds as quickly as possible so that those egg numbers recover as quickly as possible.”

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. 

Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week, the Arkansas House of Representatives passed several significant pieces of legislation focused on maternal health, breast cancer treatment, and state employee compensation. 

HB1004 aims to extend Medicaid coverage to postpartum mothers for one year after childbirth, while HB1826 ensures that insurance covers births at licensed birthing centers, helping to expand access to care in rural areas. Additionally, HB1333 requires insurance to cover breastfeeding and lactation consultant services. 

In another important development, SB392 adjusts the classification and compensation of state employees to bring their salaries in line with labor market rates, ensuring fairness in pay. 

The House also passed SB83, a health-related bill that mandates health benefit plans in the state to provide coverage for all types of breast reconstruction surgery starting January 1, 2026. This legislation guarantees that any surgery considered the best treatment by a healthcare professional and in consultation with the patient will be covered, whether following trauma, the loss of breast tissue due to disease, or a mastectomy. Moreover, HB1859 was approved to amend current laws on mastectomies by requiring health plans to cover the use of artificial or biological mesh and nerve grafts in reconstruction surgeries. 

The Arkansas House Revenue and Taxation Committee moved forward with HB1685, which proposes eliminating the state's 0.125% sales tax on groceries starting January 1, 2026. In addition, HB1631, which seeks to phase out the state's soft drink tax, also advanced through the committee. 

Furthermore, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced HJR1018, a proposed Constitutional Amendment known as the Citizens Only Voting Amendment, which is expected to be considered on the House floor next week. 

The House will reconvene on Monday, with plans to complete its business for the 2025 Regular Session by April 16. You can watch all House meetings at arkansashouse.org.

Consumer Alert: Tips to avoid scams and price gouging

Price Gouging Rules are in Effect

Act 376 of 1997 prohibitions on price gouging are now in effect following Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s declaration of a state of emergency on April 2 in Executive Order 25-07.
“I continue to pray for those impacted by the April 2 storms, which caused significant damage across much of northeast Arkansas. Unfortunately, unscrupulous people may already be preying upon our neighbors with offers of quick repair jobs. Arkansans should call their insurance company first and not be pressured into paying a quick deposit to someone who will take off with their money just as quickly.” – Attorney General Tim Griffin

2 Things Homeowners Should Remember

• Insurers will honor their home policies.

• There is no need to rush into or be pressured to sign a contract.
  

7 Tips to Avoid Storm Cleanup Scams

• Get more than one estimate.

• Demand references and check them out.

• Never let contractors pressure you into hiring them.

• Never sign a contract with blanks “to be filled in later.”

• Never pay a contractor in full until the work is finished.

• Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company.

• Make sure you review and understand all documents sent to your insurance company.
  

What is Price Gouging?


Upon the issuance of EO 25-07, Act 376 prohibits businesses from charging more than 10 percent above the pre-disaster price of the following goods or services.

• Repair or reconstruction services, including services performed by any person for repairs to residential or commercial property of any type that is damaged as a result of a disaster

• Any work, labor, or services including services furnished in connection with the sale or repair of goods or real property or improvements

Additionally, in conjunction with EO 25-07 and upon the additional declaration of a local emergency by the executive officer of any city or county, Act 376 prohibits businesses from charging more than 10 percent above the pre-disaster price of these goods or services.

• Building materials, including lumber, construction tools, windows, and anything else used in the building or rebuilding of property

• Consumer food items, including any article that is used or intended for use for food, drink, confection, or condiment by a person or animal

• Emergency supplies including, but not limited to, water, flashlights, radios, batteries, candles, blankets, soaps, diapers, temporary shelters, tape, toiletries, plywood, nails, and hammers

• Gasoline or any fuel used to power any motor vehicle or power tool

• Any rental housing and includes any housing provided by a hotel or motel

• Medical supplies, including, but not limited to, prescription and nonprescription medications, bandages, gauze, isopropyl alcohol, and antibacterial products

• Transportation, freight, and storage services, including any service that is performed by any company that contracts to move, store, or transport personal or business property or rents equipment for those purposes

Consumers should contact their city or county governments to determine whether a local emergency has been declared.

Price Gouging Has Consequences

A violation of Act 376 is a violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which carries a fine of up to $10,000. Additionally, a person who is found to have violated this act shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
 
The ban on price gouging remains in effect for at least 30 days and can be extended another 30 days if necessary to protect the lives, property, or welfare of the citizens. For home repairs, the law remains in effect for 180 days.
 
Arkansans who wish to report concerns about potential price gouging should contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office by calling (800) 482-8982, emailing consumer@arkansasag.gov, or by visiting https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/finances/price-gouging.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders sign bills into law

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, the Governor signed into law: 

HB1288 – An act to amend the Arkansas health care consumer act; to require a healthcare insurer to make certain retroactive payments to a provider upon credentialing of a provider; and for other purposes.  

SB83 – An act to mandate coverage for breast reconstruction surgeries; to require prior authorization for breast reconstruction surgeries; to establish a minimum reimbursement rate for breast reconstruction surgeries; and for other purposes. 

SB103 – An act concerning the state’s any willing provider laws; to amend the patient protection act of 1995; to create the pharmacy nondiscrimination act; to require pharmacy benefits managers to accept any pharmacy or pharmacist willing to accept relevant and reasonable terms of participation; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes.

SB329 – An act to create the online marketplace guarantees act; and for other purposes. 

SB366 – An act to create the strengthen Arkansas homes act; to create the strengthen Arkansas homes program fund; and for other purposes.

SB432 – An act to amend the law concerning accountants; to amend the definition of substantial equivalency for the practice of accountancy; and for other purposes. 

SB232 – An act to amend the Arkansas scholarship lottery act; to amend the definition of “lottery proceeds”; to amend the definition of “net proceeds”; to amend the contents of the financial report; to provide that the costs of administering scholarship awards are expenses of the division of higher education that will continue to be reimbursed by the office of the Arkansas lottery using lottery net proceeds; to eliminate the scholarship shortfall reserve trust account; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

SB454 – An act to amend the law concerning unclaimed property funds; to amend the law concerning the deposit and investment of unclaimed property funds; to create the unclaimed property interest trust fund; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

HB1167 – An act to modify the signature authority for advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants; to clarify that durable medical equipment includes diabetic shoes and shoe inserts; and for other purposes.  

HB1245 – An act to create the Arkansas behavioral analyst registration act; and for other purposes. 

HB1254 – An act to authorize a licensed psychological practitioner to practice independently in this state; to remove the independent practice privileges from psychological examiners; and for other purposes. 

HB1257– An act to remove the limitation of the practice of neuropsychology from technicians employed by psychologists; to allow psychology technicians to be employed by psychologists; and for other purposes. 

HB1258 – An act to create the community health worker act; to establish a statewide certification for community health workers; and for other purposes. 

HB1673 – An act to amend the law concerning barbers; and for other purposes. 

SB99 – An act to authorize a physician assistant to delegate certain tasks; and for other purposes.

SB278 – An act to repeal the statutes concerning the occupational authorization and licensure of private employment agencies, employment counselors, and employment agency managers; to repeal the Arkansas private employment agency act of 1975; and for other purposes.  

SB380 – An act to amend the law concerning certain reports of the office of child support enforcement; to repeal the law requiring the office of child support enforcement to submit a report concerning the child support enforcement program; and for other purposes. 

SB218 – An act to amend the Arkansas small business innovation research matching grant program; and for other purposes.

SB275 – An act to amend the law concerning the regulation of liquefied petroleum gases; and for other purposes. 

SB280 – An act to designate the oil and gas commission as the custodian of all property and the disbursing agent of all funds of the office of the state geologist; and for other purposes. 

SB327 – An act to amend the law concerning payments to localities; and for other purposes.

SB344 – An act to transfer the healthy employee lifestyle program from the Department of Health to the Department of Transformation and Shared Services; to amend the law concerning the healthy lifestyle program; and for other purposes. 

SB368– An act to amend the law concerning mineral, timber, and other resources on state lands; to reduce membership of the natural resources committee; to amend the state agencies required to receive notification related to leases and permits for mineral, timber, and other resources on state lands; and for other purposes. 

SB378 – An act to repeal the requirement that the Arkansas economic development commission submit a quarterly report concerning the training activities of the Arkansas industry training program; and for other purposes. 

SB388 – An act to repeal the annual reporting requirement related to the progress of foreign offices of the Arkansas economic development commission; and for other purposes. 

SB401 – An act to amend the Arkansas underground facilities damage prevention act; and for other purposes. 

SB403 – An act to create the 2030 Arkansas complete count committee; to plan and conduct statewide educational and outreach initiatives to increase community awareness and participation in the 2030 federal decennial census; and for other purposes.

HB1268 – An act to allow a public transit authority to become a participating public employer and for its employees to become members of the Arkansas public employees’ retirement system; and for other purposes.

HB1327 – An act to amend the law concerning the eligibility of certain retired employees under the state and public school life and health insurance program; and for other purposes. 

HB1509 – An act to create the second amendment financial privacy act; to prohibit financial institutions from using certain discriminatory practices; and for other purposes.

HB1574 – An act to amend the law concerning paid canvassers; to require domicile in Arkansas; and for other purposes. 

HB1590 – An act to combine the offices of treasurer and tax collector in Woodruff county; and for other purposes. 

HB1591 – An act to combine the offices of treasurer and tax collector in Arkansas county; and for other purposes.
 
HB1597 – An act to amend the law concerning the administration of the oath of office; and for other purposes.  

HB1637 – An act concerning the development and presentation of fiscal impact statements concerning the fiscal impact of statewide initiative and referendum measures and legislatively referred constitutional amendments; and for other purposes.   

HB1693 – An act to amend the law concerning damaged or defective ballots; to allow the state board of election commissioners to promulgate rules regarding the duplication of damaged or defective ballots; and for other purposes. 

SB91 – An act to provide that local governmental units shall have no authority to regulate or control the amount charged for a rental application fee or rental deposit for private residential of commercial property; and for other purposes. 

SB271 – An act to amend the law concerning a county clerk’s certification of school board candidates to the county board of election commissioners; and for other purposes. 

SB319 – An act to amend the uniform liability company act; to clarify charging orders under the uniform limited liability company act; and for other purposes. 

SB370 – An act to transfer the Arkansas wine producers council from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

SB414 – An act to amend the election laws of the state of Arkansas; to amend the Arkansas law concerning notices related to the election process and for other purposes.

SB379 – An act to amend the law concerning certain reports of the tax advisory council; to repeal the law requiring the tax advisory council to submit a report; and for other purposes. 

SB381 – An act to amend the law concerning certain reports of the Department of Finance and Administration; to repeal the law requiring the Department of Finance and Administration to submit a report concerning the activities of the multi state tax commission and Arkansas’s participation in the activities of the commission; and for other purposes. 

SB382 – An act to repeal the requirement that the Arkansas development finance authority submit a report concerning the capital access fund; and for other purposes. 

SB383 – An act to repeal the annual report required under the venture capital investment act of 2001; and for other purposes. 

SB384 – An act to repeal the requirement that the Arkansas development finance authority submit a program fact sheet to the legislative council and Arkansas legislative audit for each new bond issue; and for other purposes. 

SB385 – An act to repeal the requirement that the rural services division of the Arkansas economic development commission submit a biennial report concerning the activities of the division; and for other purposes. 

SB387 – An act to amend the law concerning certain reports of occupational licensing entities; to repeal the law requiring occupational licensing entities to submit a report concerning the number of individuals granted automatic occupational licensure and expedited occupational licensure; and for other purposes. 

SB389 – An act to amend the law concerning certain reports of the secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration; to repeal the law requiring the secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration to submit a report concerning alcoholic beverages; and for other purposes. 

ARHOME work requirements bill passes Senate panel

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

A bill amending the work requirements for participants in Arkansas’ ARHOME Medicaid expansion program passed the Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee Thursday (April 3).

Senate Bill 527 by Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, changes the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me (ARHOME) program created in 2011.

It passed on a voice vote with no audible dissenters. No one spoke for or against it.

Senate Bill 527 modifies existing state law, which already allows the governor to request a work requirement waiver as a condition for recipients continuing to receive coverage under ARHOME.

ARHOME work requirements bill passes Senate panel