The CARES Act Steering Committee, created by Governor Asa Hutchinson to recommend the best use of federal COVID-19 aid, meets virtually at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2020.
Lawsuit Between Tyson Foods and Former Keystone Owner Heads to Arbitration
A lawsuit between Tyson Foods the former owner of Keystone Foods over the acquisition of Keystone Foods will now be heard in arbitration, according to a federal judge’s ruling on Wednesday, (Sept. 30).
Tyson Foods acquired certain assets of Keystone Foods for $2.16 billion from Marfrig Global in November 2018. Within a few months, Keystone, now known as Beef Holdings, sued Tyson Foods in April 2019 claiming the actual purchase price was slashed from $2.5 billion, calling it a breach of contract.
Lawsuit between Tyson Foods and former Keystone owner heads to arbitration - Talk Business & Politics
A lawsuit between Tyson Foods the former owner of Keystone Foods over the acquisition of Keystone Foods will now be heard in arbitration, according to a federal judge's ruling on Wednesday, (Sept. 30). Tyson Foods acquired certain assets of Keystone Foods for $2.16 billion from Marfrig Global in November 2018.
U.S. Supreme Court To Hear Arkansas Appeal On Pharmacy Benefit Managers Tuesday
Arkansas Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni will defend before the U.S. Supreme Court the constitutionality of a state law regulating pharmacy benefit managers next Tuesday.
Passed in 2015, Act 900 seeks to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which act as middlemen between pharmacists and insurance providers. Their reimbursement rates theoretically incentivize pharmacies to find lower wholesale drug prices.
U.S. Supreme Court To Hear Arkansas Appeal On Pharmacy Benefit Managers Tuesday
Arkansas Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni will defend before the U.S. Supreme Court the constitutionality of a state law regulating pharmacy benefit managers next Tuesday. Passed in 2015, Act 900 seeks to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which act as middlemen between pharmacists and insurance providers.
Arkansas’ ‘Remarkable’ Tax Revenue Up Almost 18% In The First Fiscal Quarter
Arkansas tax revenue continues to beat prior-year levels and forecasts despite an economy weighed down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tax collections during the first quarter (July-September) of the fiscal year provided $158.8 million more in available revenue than expected.
The gross general revenue was $1.993 billion, up 17.7% compared to the same period in 2019, and up 11.6% above the budget forecast, according to Friday’s (Sept. 2) report from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-remarkable-tax-revenue-almost-18-first-fiscal-quarter
Arkansas' 'Remarkable' Tax Revenue Up Almost 18% In The First Fiscal Quarter
Arkansas tax revenue continues to beat prior-year levels and forecasts despite an economy weighed down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tax collections during the first quarter (July-September) of the fiscal year provided $158.8 million more in available revenue than expected.
Jobless Numbers in Arkansas Both Better and Worse
Arkansas's jobless numbers for August 2020 are better than earlier this year, but they're worse than this time last year. Michael Tilley with Talk Business and Politics explains and discusses several other items making news in the River Valley.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/jobless-numbers-arkansas-both-better-and-worse
Jobless Numbers in Arkansas Both Better and Worse
Arkansas's jobless numbers for August 2020 are better than earlier this year, but they're worse than this time last year. Michael Tilley with Talk Business and Politics explains and discusses several other items making news in the River Valley.
Keisha McKinney Included in Inaugural VIPinks Arkansas Campaign/Local leaders Will Raise Awareness and Funds in the Fight to End Breast Cancer
Little Rock, AR – In its inaugural year in Arkansas, 10 leading women will unite to fight breast cancer with the American Cancer Society through participation in the VIPinks campaign. Keisha McKinney, of De Queen, is a member of this elite group. Throughout October, VIPinks will encourage community members to take action in the fight against breast cancer.
“In addition to wearing pink and raising awareness about breast cancer, these women will be raising funds to help the American Cancer Society attack cancer from every angle and save more lives from breast cancer,” said DeAnna Korte, Senior Manager for Community Development for the American Cancer Society. “Funds raised help us save lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research, and patient support.”
Each VIPink participant accepts a fundraising challenge and will compete to be the top fundraiser among her peers by the end of the campaign.
“I am forever indebted to the American Cancer Society. I’m a 12-year cancer survivor and the protocol that sent my cancer into remission was developed by an American Cancer Society funded research team,” stated McKinney. “But fighting this disease is bigger for us. My mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago and continues to fight her battle each day. This month she will travel to MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX to seek need treatments and potentially enroll in a clinical trial. I know these are treatment options that were not available 10 years ago when she was diagnosed and that is because of generous donors, talented research teams, and the commitment of the American Cancer Society.”
It is noted that nearly 300,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. The American Cancer Society is committed to continue to be the largest funder of cancer research outside of the US government. Each day new therapies, treatment protocols, screening guidelines, and survivorship patterns are being developed through the $64 million invested in cancer research.
During the pandemic, the American Cancer Society has been hit like most non-profits and this year’s VIPinks and Real Men Wear Pink candidates are challenged to continue to raise funds and bring awareness. Locally, McKinney is hosting a freezer meal fundraiser, partnering with local restaurants for a give back night, auctioning drawings by her toddler son, selling tshirts, and receiving online donations at tiny.cc/vipinkkeisha.
Join me at VIPink Arkansas
Why would I not! The American Cancer Society was the organization that developed the treatment and protocol that put my cancer into remission 12 years ago. I'll forever be grateful for this organization. And, now they need us more than ever to continue to offer services for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer.
Our community can make a huge impact in the breast cancer cause,” said McKinney. “I am as committed now as I have ever been to raising funds and bringing awareness for this esteemed organization. I often get asked how the dollars help locally and I smile and say look at my face. I am here because of pennies, quarters, and dollars donated one at a time. When someone gets diagnosed with cancer, it doesn’t matter where they live, they have full access to the resources and treatments developed in the labs where the investment would make the greatest impact. That is always a local impact.”
In addition to funding cancer research, the American Cancer Society provides transportation grants, hotel partnerships, a patient hotline that is available 24/7 at 800-227-2345 and trusted information anytime at cancer.org.
American Cancer Society | Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin
We know a cancer diagnosis can be scary - and overwhelming. Whether you need emotional support, the latest cancer information, a ride to chemo, or a place to stay when treatment is far away, we're here to help - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For more information about breast cancer or the VIPinks campaign in Arkansas, call 1-800-227-2345.
In Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month
Jocelin Tani Galvez
The Center for Student Success would like to continue to recognize some of our UA Cossatot Hispanic employees that are making an impact on our students throughout the month of October!
Jocelin began her journey as a college student who always stood out and excelled in anything she did. She obtained her Associates of Science degree in Medical Sciences in 2015, is an employee of the college since August 2017 and plans on graduating with a Master’s in Higher Education degree.
Jocelin helps assist students in our Student Services department at UA Cossatot as an Admissions and Recruitment Advisor. Jocelin’s father is from Zacatecas and her mother from Morelos Mexico. She helps lead and sponsors a student group on campus called Student Diversity Association which focuses on fundraising efforts benefiting those students who are not eligible to receive Federal Pell Grant.
Jocelin states “I am a second-generation Mexican American, and I am the oldest daughter of Claudio and Leticia Galvez. To me, being Hispanic is family, fiesta, faith, and food. Coming from a big family or "familia grande" means more than just parents and siblings; it means a strong relationship that instills in people the importance of honor, good manners, and respect. Fiestas are defined by celebration, and to many are regarded as the best way to become immersed in the culture of the Hispanic community. My family and myself are Catholic. I consider my faith to be a key part of who I am. The food and flavors of Hispanic culture is something I am also proud of, it's a part of my family history. Knowing what my parents sacrificed and stories of them moving to the U.S. for a chance at a better life, is something I will never take for granted. It's important to teach people about your history, sharing your culture and never forgetting where you come from, regardless of your ethnicity. Everyone should able to experience everyone’s culture!"
We are proud to have Jocelin Galvez as part of our campus community!
If you are someone who has questions in regards to admission requirements, you can call and ask for Jocelin Galvez at: 870-584-4471 Ext 1163.
State Representative Bags Boar and Deer Same Day
State Representative DeAnn Vaught got her first boar hog with a bow and soon after a nice buck came up the trail.
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,213
Confirmed Cases: 1,197
Probable Cases: 16
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 503
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 371
Confirmed Cases: 352
Probable Cases: 19
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 279
Confirmed Cases: 277
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 237
Confirmed Cases: 233
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 2
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address Big News for Computer Science Education in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK – In the six years since I signed the Computer Science Initiative legislation, the success of it has far exceeded my expectations, and today I’d like to talk about a new report that offers some bold recommendations for the future of computer science education in Arkansas.
The report is the work of the Arkansas Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force, which I established in December 2019. The team, which included representatives from education, business, industry, and technology, and philanthropic organizations, formally submitted its report to me this week, which I released at a news conference on Thursday.
In 2015, the first bill I signed as governor required every public school in the state to offer at least one computer-science course. Arkansas was the first state to do that.
National publications and technology organizations such as Wired magazine and Code.org have noted our success. The executive director of Computer Science Teachers Association told Education Week that no other state “has done more than Arkansas. They have a really strong, multifaceted plan that is well thought out. … The state is far better off than anyone else.”
But we can’t rest on our success. In the spirit of our past initiatives, the task force recommends two dramatic changes. The first is that Arkansas require students to have at least one computer-science credit to graduate. The second is that every school in Arkansas employ at least one certified computer science teacher. I am fully committed to these recommendations.
I also shared news about other initiatives that will give even more students access to high-speed internet. As part of its Project 10Million, T-Mobile is donating 18,000 internet access devices to Arkansas students. The company also is donating 100 gigabytes of data also at no cost to eligible households. Combined with the 20,000 devices the state is providing through CARES Act funding, more than 38,000 will be distributed around the state.
I also announced that we will increase high-speed broadband capacity to K-12 school districts, charter schools, and education cooperatives from the current 200 kilobits per second per user to at least 1 megabit per second. That is five times faster than current speeds. Arkansas will be one of the first states in the nation to meet the new standard of 1 megabit per second per user. The upgrade to the network should be completed by July 1 of next year.
This has been an important week for Computer Science Education in Arkansas. We have developed a national reputation for our computer science initiatives, which is nice. But our motivation and the payoff is the high-quality opportunities we are creating for our young people.
VIDEO: Daniel Martinez Visits with Ed88 About Statewide Community Survey
Daniel Martinez visited our De Queen studio this week to talk about a statewide community policing survey that every citizen in Arkansas is encouraged to take part in. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and can be found at:
Tell Us Your Views on Community Policing
1. This survey is designed to measure your views of community policing in YOUR community. Your participation will help improve the Governor's Task Force to Advance the State of Law Enforcement in Arkansas's understanding of the community needs and attitudes toward Law Enforcement. 2.
Fit 4 Life with Dr Andi Reeves
Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,208
Confirmed Cases: 1,193
Probable Cases: 15
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 2
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 493
Confirmed Cases: 468
Probable Cases: 25
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 10
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 366
Confirmed Cases: 347
Probable Cases: 19
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 272
Confirmed Cases: 270
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 234
Confirmed Cases: 231
Probable Cases: 3
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 1
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 958 new cases; 7,330 active cases; 475 hospitalized, which is down 10 from Thursday; 89 on ventilators, which is down 3 from Thursday; deaths added today, 7, for a total of 1,391; a total of 85,779 cases; 74,473 recoveries; PCR tests, 12,316; antigen tests, 757.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Craighead, 46; Pulaski, 39; Faulkner, 34; Sebastian, 33; and Pope, 27.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“We’ve received our first shipment of over 59,000 of the Abbott BinaxNOW rapid tests from the federal government. Today was another record breaking day of testing. This is welcome news as we continue to increase our testing efforts. This weekend, let’s all do our part to protect ourselves and others.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Governor Hutchinson’s CS Task Force Recommends Computer Science Requirement to Graduate
Governor Also Announces T-Mobile to Donate 100 GB of Data,
18,000 Internet Access Devices, to Eligible Households
LITTLE ROCK – In its report submitted to Governor Asa Hutchinson today, the Arkansas Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force recommends that Arkansas add a requirement for a computer-science credit in order to graduate from high school.
The task force also recommends that every public high school have at least one computer science teacher.
“From the day in 2015 when I signed Act 187 and Arkansas became the first state to require every high school to offer computer science, we have led the way nationally,” Governor Hutchinson said today. “But we can’t rest on our success. We owe it to our students to provide access to cutting-edge computer science education, and the task force’s recommendations will achieve that. As more students study computer science, we will strengthen our workforce and attract even more businesses that will bring high-paying, satisfying jobs.
“The members of the task force have produced a far-reaching blueprint that will assure Arkansas’s place as a national leader in computer-science education.”
Governor Hutchinson formally accepted the 52-page report today during a news conference in the Governor’s Conference room. The Governor established the panel in December 2019 to review the Arkansas Computer Science Initiative and to recommend ways to build on the initiative and maintain Arkansas’s national leadership on computer science education.
The Governor also announced that T-Mobile will donate 100 gigabytes of data to eligible households and 18,000 internet access devices to Arkansas students as part of its Project 10Million, a nationwide program to increase access to the internet in rural areas.
“This generous donation, combined with the Arkansas Access Point Project, will further increase the number of students with home access to the internet,” the Governor said. “T-Mobile’s leaders understand that students need reliable access to the internet. This is especially welcome as we search for ways to continue school during the pandemic.”
“T-Mobile has been working closely with schools, state governments and technology partners since the pandemic started to connect those who need it most, including more than 1.6 million students nationwide and nearly 5,000 right here in Arkansas,” said Mike Katz, Executive Vice President, T-Mobile for Business. “Now, with Project 10Million, we are going even bigger to tackle this critical issue head on – connecting thousands more across the state! We believe access to the internet means access to opportunity, and we’re going to give millions of students in the U.S. the connectivity they need and deserve.”
In a third announcement, the Governor said that Arkansas will increase high-speed broadband capacity to K-12 school districts, charter schools, and education cooperatives from 200 kilobits per second per user to at least 1 megabit per second. That is five times faster than current speeds. The upgrade will be completed by July 1, 2021. Arkansas will be one of the first states to meet the new standard of 1 Mbps per user.
VIDEO: Alicia Gonzalez Talks About 2020 Trunk or Treat in De Queen
We recently visited with Alicia Gonzalez about the 2020 Trunk or Treat Event coming to the Sportsplex in De Queen on Halloween.
VIDEO: Sevier County Hospital Board Meeting on Thursday October 1
Thursday's COVID-19 Updated Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,207
Total Active Cases: 8
Total Recovered Cases: 1,181
Total Deaths: 18
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 485
Total Active Cases: 17
Total Recovered Cases: 456
Total Deaths: 12
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 362
Total Active Cases: 11
Total Recovered Cases: 325
Total Deaths: 26
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 268
Total Active Cases: 15
Total Recovered Cases: 249
Total Deaths: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 234
Total Active Cases: 14
Total Recovered Cases: 217
Total Deaths: 3
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,124 new cases; 7,244 active cases; 485 hospitalized, which is down 5 from Wednesday; 92 on ventilators, which is down 1 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 15, for a total of 1,384; a total of 84,821 cases; 73,734 recoveries; PCR tests, 11,244; antigen tests, 1,154.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 79; Washington, 77; Benton, 55; Craighead, 40; and Sebastian, 37.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“I never like the increase in cases, but I am encouraged by fewer hospitalized, the increased testing and the decline of active cases in K-12 and colleges. There were over 12,000 PCR and antigen tests yesterday, which is a record for our daily reporting. This high testing volume is vital to our efforts to slow the spread of this virus. Remember, we all have to be disciplined and serious about COVID-19.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson To Release Computer Science/Cybersecurity Task Force Report Thursday 10AM
Governor Asa Hutchinson held a press conference at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 1, to release the report from the Arkansas Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force Report.
Little Rock Police Chief Sues Officers' Union Claiming Conspiracy
Little Rock's police chief is suing the local police union, two assistant chiefs and several officers, accusing them of a conspiracy aimed at forcing him out of his job.
The federal lawsuit filed Wednesday by Chief Keith Humphrey is the latest round in an escalating public fight within the department centered on his response to the fatal shooting of a Black motorist by a white police officer last year.
Little Rock Police Chief Sues Officers' Union Claiming Conspiracy
Little Rock's police chief is suing the local police union, two assistant chiefs and several officers, accusing them of a conspiracy aimed at forcing him out of his job. The federal lawsuit filed Wednesday by Chief Keith Humphrey is the latest round in an escalating public fight within the department centered on his response to the fatal shooting of a Black motorist by a white police officer last year.
Outfit Targeted Latinos with COVID-19 Scam, AG Lawsuit Claims
FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge sued a Fayetteville organization Wednesday she claims targeted Hispanics with fraudulent covid-19 cures.
Rutledge sued Arkansas Regenerative Medical Center; Dr. Sarah Knife Chief, the firm's medical director; and chiropractor Serge Francois.
https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2020/oct/01/outfit-targeted-latinos-with-covid-scam-ag/
Outfit targeted Latinos with covid scam, AG lawsuit claims
In this file photo Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is shown during a news conference. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Stephen Swofford) FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge sued a Fayetteville organization Wednesday she claims targeted Hispanics with fraudulent covid-19 cures. Rutledge sued Arkansas Regenerative Medical Center; Dr. Sarah Knife Chief, the firm's medical director; and chiropractor Serge Francois.