Arkansas Poll Finds Healthcare, Economy Biggest Concerns for Voters

The 22nd annual Arkansas Poll reports voters are most concerned about healthcare and the economy amid the pandemic. Politics was a top issue for more than 20 percent of respondents for the first time in the history of the poll.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-poll-finds-healthcare-economy-biggest-concerns-voters

Arkansas Poll Finds Healthcare, Economy Biggest Concerns for Voters

The 22nd annual Arkansas Poll reports voters are most concerned about healthcare and the economy amid the pandemic. Politics was a top issue for more than 20 percent of respondents for the first time in the history of the poll.

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,417
Confirmed Cases: 1,274
Probable Cases: 143
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 41

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 625
Confirmed Cases: 558
Probable Cases: 67
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 490
Confirmed Cases: 441
Probable Cases: 49
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 378
Confirmed Cases: 365
Probable Cases: 13
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 277
Confirmed Cases: 264
Probable Cases: 13
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 3

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 584 new cases; 10,135 active cases; 688 hospitalized, which is up 33 from Sunday; 119 on ventilators, which is up 12 from Sunday; deaths added today, 27, for a total of 1,985; a total of 113,641 cases; 94,664 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,866; antigen tests, 578.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 48; Washington, 37; Craighead, 33; Sebastian, 31; and White, 28.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"There is a slight decrease in new cases compared to last Monday with an increase in testing. While this is some good news, we are still seeing high numbers of deaths and hospitalizations. During tomorrow's weekly update, I'll discuss the state's winter strategy, and we'll receive an update about Arkansas schools and hospitals."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Arkansas Educators Hit Hard By COVID-19, New Figures Show

Since Aug. 24, approximately 2,060 Arkansas public school teachers and staff have tested positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. At least 60 have been hospitalized, 14 have landed in an intensive care unit and seven have been placed on ventilators. Six have died, according to health department data and news reports.

The numbers, which the health department provided to the Arkansas Nonprofit News Network on Oct. 21, shed new light on the toll that COVID-19 has taken on Arkansas educators since the school year began. The health department has not previously published statewide totals for public school employees over this period. The department does publish a biweekly report of school employee and student case numbers in school districts with five or more “active” cases, along with cumulative cases since June 15.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-educators-hit-hard-covid-19-new-figures-show

Arkansas Educators Hit Hard By COVID-19, New Figures Show

Since Aug. 24, approximately 2,060 Arkansas public school teachers and staff have tested positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. At least 60 have been hospitalized, 14 have landed in an intensive care unit and seven have been placed on ventilators.

Arkansas Poll Finds Healthcare, Economy Biggest Concerns for Voters

The 22nd annual Arkansas Poll reports voters are most concerned about healthcare and the economy amid the pandemic. Politics was a top issue for more than 20 percent of respondents for the first time in the history of the poll.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-poll-finds-healthcare-economy-biggest-concerns-voters

Arkansas Poll Finds Healthcare, Economy Biggest Concerns for Voters

The 22nd annual Arkansas Poll reports voters are most concerned about healthcare and the economy amid the pandemic. Politics was a top issue for more than 20 percent of respondents for the first time in the history of the poll.

Arkansas's Existing Medical Marijuana Cultivators Sue to Stop Industry Expansion

Medical marijuana sales in Arkansas rose after a COVID-19 pandemic was declared last March, resulting in marijuana flower shortages. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission, which regulates the industry, has recently licensed several more medical marijuana cultivation facilities to open by next year. Existing Arkansas cultivators have filed suit to block industry expansion, claiming there is adequate supply.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansass-existing-medical-marijuana-cultivators-sue-stop-industry-expansion

Arkansas's Existing Medical Marijuana Cultivators Sue to Stop Industry Expansion

Medical marijuana sales in Arkansas rose after a COVID-19 pandemic was declared last March, resulting in marijuana flower shortages. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission, which regulates the industry, has recently licensed several more medical marijuana cultivation facilities to open by next year. Existing Arkansas cultivators have filed suit to block industry expansion, claiming there is adequate supply.

Sunday's COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,394
Confirmed Cases: 1,265
Probable Cases: 129
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 38

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 617
Confirmed Cases: 553
Probable Cases: 64
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 478
Confirmed Cases: 431
Probable Cases: 47
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 370
Confirmed Cases: 359
Probable Cases: 11
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 274
Confirmed Cases: 261
Probable Cases: 13
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 3

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Fall Adventures in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK – The blazing foliage of fall is reason enough to travel the Natural State this weekend, but there’s more to autumn in Arkansas than the brightly colored leaves. Today I’d like to mention a few spots worth a visit this time of year in addition to the trails of leaves.

Arkansas State Parks is a big part of our tourism economy, and tourism is Arkansas’s second-largest industry. More than 8 million tourists visit our state and its parks every year, which brings in a billion dollars annually.

We have fifty-two state parks in forty-eight counties. The parks system encompasses nearly 55,000 beautiful acres all over the state, including over 400 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.

The leaves demand the most attention, of course. Kirk Jordan, a photographer who travels the state for Arkansas State Parks, spent Thursday on the road and said this weekend is a prime time for viewing in the Ouachitas and Ozarks. Farther north, and at higher elevations, the leaves have peaked, and in southern Arkansas, Kirk says you have a couple of weeks still. He said that this year’s colors are even brighter than last year.

Kirk contributes to Arkansas Tourism’s weekly Fall Color Update at Arkansas.com, where you also can read about our scenic roadways, such as the Talimena National Scenic Byway. In eastern Arkansas, Crowley’s Ridge Parkway and the Great River Road National Scenic Byways cut through the hardwoods of the St. Francis National Forest. The Pig Trail is one of five U.S. Forest Service Scenic Byways in the Ozark National Forest. Another is the Sylamore Byway, which runs between Calico Rock and Allison.

One of the great things about Arkansas is that you don’t have to stay in your car to enjoy the leaves. Five years ago, I was one of the first cyclists to ride on a section of the Delta Heritage Trail State Park near Helena-West Helena just as the leaves were starting to turn. That trail cuts through some of the prettiest landscape in the state. Since then, through various public and private-sector partnerships, our state has added miles and miles.

You can enjoy autumn from a canoe or kayak at Lake Monticello or Bayou Bartholomew, the longest bayou in the world and the second-most diverse stream in the nation with more than a hundred aquatic species. At Lake Chicot State Park, bird watchers on foot find this is a good time of year to add new sightings to their list.

The choices for autumn adventure are many. I hope you can find a moment to enjoy Arkansas. That’s a good way to clear your mind as you prepare to vote on Tuesday.

The Cosmo Ghouls at UA Cossatot

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Sevier County's New Hospital to Take Place November 6th

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sevier County Medical Center (SCMC) will be held November 6th, 2020, at 11:00 A.M. in De Queen, Arkansas. The ceremony is open to the public and will include speakers from the SCMC board of governors, the SCMC foundation board, plus state and local leaders.

The event will take place at the site of the new hospital at the corner of Hwy 71 and Lee Lane, 3.8 miles north of De Queen. "Coming Soon" signs will be displayed at the site location. Everyone is invited to join the celebration on November 6th as the official start of construction begins.

All press, local radio, and media are invited to the groundbreaking ceremony. Handout programs will be available at the ceremony as well.

Dr. Steve Cole, Chair of the SCMC Board of Governors, said, "This had been a long time in the making, but a new day in health care for Sevier County comes on November 6th. Every single resident of Sevier County that helped vote in the sales tax to make this dream come true gets credit for making this a reality. Sevier County deserves the very best in hospital services and the Board of Governors is dedicated to ensure this happens. SCMC will create over 100 local high-paying jobs and we all have a hospital just minutes away, truly a great time to live in Sevier County."

The Sevier County Medical Center is scheduled to open in spring of 2022. For more information about the groundbreaking ceremony, please contact Sevier County Economic Development Director Tiffany Maurer at 870-584-1184 or tmaurer@cccua.edu.

$194.7 Million Grant Transforms U of A Research Engine, Creates Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I3R)

Grant Funding Breakdown

One of the largest single private grants ever given to a university for advancing research and economic development will allow the new research institute (I3R) to be become a reality. The $194.7 million grant from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation funds multiple projects to grow the university’s cross-disciplinary research capability, expand the scope of discoveries made by University of Arkansas researchers and increase the velocity in which discoveries are transferred to the marketplace where they can improve or save lives.

I3R is envisioned as a unique approach to research that will distinguish the University of Arkansas by creating a flexible, state-of-the-art collaborative framework designed to facilitate the integration of research across five overlapping clusters of innovation.

In addition to establishing I3R, the grant provides funding for the I3R Research Facility, entrepreneurship education and an expansion of the university’s presence in the region.

https://www.uark.edu/research/i3r/index.php

Serving Arkansas and Beyond

Seeking admission to the University of Arkansas? Take time to explore what we offer. We think you'll like what you find. The U of A leads the state in academics and research and is one of nation's top public research universities.

Cattle placements on the rise as the industry enters recovery phase

The cattle industry seems to be shrugging off some of the disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic with cattle placements and marketings on an upward swing as the industry approaches its seasonal peak, according to the cattle on feed report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture released for the month of October.

Feedlot placements typically peak in October. Those placements will be tabulated in the November Cattle on feed report.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/cattle-placements-on-the-rise-as-the-industry-enters-recovery-phase/

Cattle placements on the rise as the industry enters recovery phase - Talk Business & Politics

The cattle industry seems to be shrugging off some of the disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic with cattle placements and marketings on an upward swing as the industry approaches its seasonal peak, according to the cattle on feed report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture released for the month of October.

Court: Sales Tax Can't Fund Highway Project In Central Arkansas

The Arkansas Supreme Court says a half-cent sales tax can't be used to fund a $1 billion project widening an interstate corridor in the heart of downtown Little Rock.

Justices on Thursday ruled the tax approved by voters in 2012 cannot be used for any highways with more than four lanes. The court reversed and remanded a Pulaski County judge's decision to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the Interstate 30 corridor project, which runs through downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/court-sales-tax-cant-fund-highway-project-central-arkansas

Court: Sales Tax Can't Fund Highway Project In Central Arkansas

The Arkansas Supreme Court says a half-cent sales tax can't be used to fund a $1 billion project widening an interstate corridor in the heart of downtown Little Rock. Justices on Thursday ruled the tax approved by voters in 2012 cannot be used for any highways with more than four lanes.

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,371
Confirmed Cases: 1,252
Probable Cases: 119
Total Active Cases: 73
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 39

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 599
Confirmed Cases: 543
Probable Cases: 56
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 465
Confirmed Cases: 423
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 364
Confirmed Cases: 356
Probable Cases: 8
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 270
Confirmed Cases: 258
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 2

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 1,072 new cases; 9,466 active cases; 666 hospitalized, which is up 4 from Wednesday; 100 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 19, for a total of 1,894; a total of 109,712 cases; 92,172 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,906; antigen tests, 1,241.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Garland, 108; Pulaski, 95; Washington, 90; Benton, 76; and Craighead, 52.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"As I typically do, I looked back at last Thursday's cases and compared them to today. We had 1,202 total new cases last Thursday compared to 1,072 today. This decrease was also recorded with an increase in total testing from this time last week. While these numbers may provide some encouragement, we know that we still have a long way to go to beat COVID-19."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

SW Arkansas/Texarkana Area New Arkansas Hot Spot for COVID-19

While Northeast Arkansas has been hit hard in recent weeks with a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Texarkana area in the southwest corner of the state has some of the highest 14-day moving average positivity rates.

Miller County, the home of Texarkana, has the highest 14-day moving average rate of 23.3%, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Rounding out the top five are Sevier County, just north of Miller, at 19.6%; Mississippi County at 19.5%; Lafayette County, just east of Miller County, at 17.2%; and Jackson County at 16.3%.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/covid-19-positivity-rates-highest-in-southwest-and-northeast-corners-of-arkansas/

COVID-19 positivity rates highest in southwest and northeast corners of Arkansas - Talk Business & Politics

While Northeast Arkansas has been hit hard in recent weeks with a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Texarkana area in the southwest corner of the state has some of the highest 14-day moving average positivity rates. Miller County, the home of Texarkana, has the highest 14-day moving average rate of 23.3%, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).

Hospitality Industry Hanging Tough With Partial Help on the Way

Montine McNulty has led the Arkansas Hospitality Association since 1996. The statewide organization represents hotels, restaurants, convention and meeting spaces, and tourism destinations in Arkansas.

For the last decade the tourism and hospitality industry enjoyed unprecedented growth as the state added more attractions and amenities. Employment over the last decade grew by more than 20,000 jobs. Today, employment in the sector stands at 104,200, which is 17,000 fewer jobs than a year ago.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/hospitality-industry-hanging-tough-with-partial-help-on-the-way/

Hospitality industry hanging tough with partial help on the way - Talk Business & Politics

Montine McNulty has led the Arkansas Hospitality Association since 1996. The statewide organization represents hotels, restaurants, convention and meeting spaces, and tourism destinations in Arkansas. For the last decade the tourism and hospitality industry enjoyed unprecedented growth as the state added more attractions and amenities.

UA Arkansas Poll Looks Good For Trump, Cotton, Highway Tax

President Donald Trump leads former Vice President Joe Biden in Arkansas, 65%-32%, Sen. Tom Cotton appears headed to an easy re-election, and ballot measures to continue a sales tax for highways and amend legislative term limits laws had broad support in the annual Arkansas Poll released Oct. 28 by University of Arkansas political science professor Dr. Janine Perry.

Trump leads Biden, 65%-32% with 3% indicating support for “other.” Fifty-eight percent of respondents and 63% of very likely voters approve of Trump’s job performance, while 40% of respondents and 36% of very likely voters disapprove.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/ua-arkansas-poll-looks-good-trump-cotton-highway-tax

UA Arkansas Poll Looks Good For Trump, Cotton, Highway Tax

President Donald Trump leads former Vice President Joe Biden in Arkansas, 65%-32%, Sen. Tom Cotton appears headed to an easy re-election, and ballot measures to continue a sales tax for highways and amend legislative term limits laws had broad support in the annual Arkansas Poll released Oct.

New Trail Network Set To Open In Central Arkansas

A new 28-mile network of walking and biking trails will soon open in central Arkansas thanks to a partnership between state and local parks departments and a philanthropic organization.

State and city officials announced the network of trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park and River Mountain and Two Rivers parks at a news conference Wednesday. Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said the system will serve as an inclusive space for residents to get outdoors.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/new-trail-network-set-open-central-arkansas

New Trail Network Set To Open In Central Arkansas

A new 28-mile network of walking and biking trails will soon open in central Arkansas thanks to a partnership between state and local parks departments and a philanthropic organization. State and city officials announced the network of trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park and River Mountain and Two Rivers parks at a news conference Wednesday.

U of A Reviews Diversity Training to Comply With Presidential Order

The University of Arkansas is reviewing all departmental diversity trainings, workshops and materials in order to comply with the Trump administration's "Executive Order on Race and Sex Stereotyping." The order, which goes into effect Nov. 21, prohibits discussion of "divisive concepts" including systemic racism, white privilege and unconscious bias during workplace trainings.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/u-reviews-diversity-training-comply-presidential-order

U of A Reviews Diversity Training to Comply With Presidential Order

The University of Arkansas is reviewing all departmental diversity trainings, workshops and materials in order to comply with the Trump administration's "Executive Order on Race and Sex Stereotyping." The order, which goes into effect Nov. 21, prohibits discussion of "divisive concepts" including systemic racism, white privilege and unconscious bias during workplace trainings.

ACHI Data Shows Increase in Arkansas School Districts in COVID-19 Red Zone

School district “red zones” where COVID-19 infections are concentrated in local communities — tracked and mapped by the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement — are increasing across the state as the pandemic worsens, the center says. The color-coded school district state map, which is refreshed every Thursday provide superintendents, teachers, staff and parents clear guidance on taking protective measures.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/achi-data-shows-increase-arkansas-school-districts-covid-19-red-zone

ACHI Data Shows Increase in Arkansas School Districts in COVID-19 Red Zone

School district "red zones" where COVID-19 infections are concentrated in local communities - tracked and mapped by the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement - are increasing across the state as the pandemic worsens, the center says. The color-coded school district state map, which is refreshed every Thursday provide superintendents, teachers, staff and parents clear guidance on taking protective measures.

Thursday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,362
Confirmed Cases: 1,247
Probable Cases: 115
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 40

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 590
Confirmed Cases: 534
Probable Cases: 56
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 459
Confirmed Cases: 419
Probable Cases: 40
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 360
Confirmed Cases: 354
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 269
Confirmed Cases: 257
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 3

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 961 new cases; 9,303 active cases; 662 hospitalized, which is down 14 from Tuesday; 99 on ventilators, which is up 5 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 18, for a total of 1,875; a total of 108,640 cases; 91,441 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,105; antigen tests, 1,457.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 79; Pulaski, 66; Washington, 50; Craighead, 44; and Greene, 41.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Today we reached over 300,000 total tests for the month of October. This means that over 10% of the population of Arkansas was tested for COVID-19 in the past 27 days. This could not have been accomplished without the remarkable work from the Arkansas Department of Health and its partners. While our new case numbers today are lower than they were last Wednesday (1,155), we still have to be disciplined, watch out for our neighbors, and follow the public health guidelines.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers: