Today and Tonight...
Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will continue to
spread east northeast across much of the region this morning,
before diminishing from west to east late this morning through the
afternoon. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms will be
possible this morning, with large hail the primary threat.
Additional scattered to numerous showers and a few thunderstorms
will move back into the region tonight, but no additional
hazardous weather is expected.
Thursday through Tuesday...
Showers and a few embedded thunderstorms will move back into the
region Thursday night, and persist through much of Friday, before
diminishing from west to east Friday night with the passage of a
cold front. However, no hazardous weather is expected. Cooler and
drier conditions are expected for the upcoming weekend into the
start of the new work week.De Queen FFA Show Team at District Livestock Show
Press Release: 4/12/21
De Queen FFA Show Team does well at the District Livestock Show. On Saturday, April 10, three members of the De Queen FFA showt team exhibited their livestock projects at the Southwest District Spring Livestock Show held at Hope Ar. The members in attendance were Tristan Whisenhunt, Olivia Cooley, and Katie Cooley.
Whisenhunt exhibited a Chianina bull and won Grand Champion honors. He also had a steer who placed second in his class. Katie Cooley presented her Hereford heifer and brought home a Reserve Grand Champion placing for the team. Olivia Cooley showed a Simmental heifer and placed first in her class.
Congratulations to these De Queen FFA students who did a great job with their cattle exhibits. They have plans to exhibit at more shows later this spring.
$10.8 Million NIH Grant to Establish Metabolic Research Center
A $10.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will enable an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the U of A and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to address the role of cell and tissue metabolism in rare and common diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity and mitochondrial disorders.
The five-year award, funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, establishes the Arkansas Integrative Metabolic Research Center as an NIH-designated Center of Biomedical Research Excellence. The award recognizes the university’s unique combination of expertise in advanced imaging techniques, bioenergetics and data science.
“Our center will support important scientific contributions not only in specific biomedical fields associated with metabolic diseases, but also broader contemporary research on metabolism, exploring issues such as the sensitivity of mitochondrial biomarkers to explain the onset and progression of rare and common diseases,” said Kyle Quinn, associate professor of biomedical engineering. “Ultimately, the center will help cultivate a critical mass of researchers determined to solve multiple human health problems with metabolic underpinnings that have been particularly devastating in Arkansas and the southeastern United States, such as cancer, diabetes and obesity.”
Top row, from left: Kyle Quinn, director of Arkansas Integrative Metabolic Research Center and associate professor of biomedical engineering; Chenguang Fan, assistant professor of biochemistry; Shilpa Iyer, assistant professor of biological sciences; and Isabelle Racine Miousse, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Bottom row: Adam Paré, assistant professor of biological sciences; Narasimhan Rajaram, associate professor of biomedical engineering; Young Hye Song, assistant professor of biomedical engineering; and Justin Zhan, professor of computer science and computer engineering.
New VA Initiative Expands COVID-19 Vaccinations to All U.S. Veterans
Many millions more U.S. veterans, including those not presently enrolled in VA health benefits, will be able to access no-cost COVID-19 vaccinations administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, under the new Strengthening and Amplifying Vaccination Efforts to Locally Immunize all Veterans and Every Spouse Act, or SAVE LIVES Act. Kelvin Parks, medical director of the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, explains how the new law will work.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/new-va-initiative-expands-covid-19-vaccinations-all-us-veterans
American flags flutter in front of VHSO Medical Center in Fayetteville.
COURTESY / FACEBOOK/VHSO
UAMS Breaks Ground on New $85 Million Surgical Hospital
by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences broke ground Monday (April 12) in Little Rock on construction of an $85 million surgical hospital, which is expected to be complete by spring 2023.
The project is being paid for by a bond issue approved this year by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees.
With four floors providing more than 158,000 square feet in space, the hospital will be an extension of the UAMS Medical Center. It will contain:
· 24 private patient rooms for overnight observation and inpatient stays.
· 12 examination rooms for Orthopaedic Trauma, Orthopaedic Oncology, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
· 12 operating rooms in its surgical center.
· Eight examination rooms and two procedure suites for use by the Pain Management team.
· Faculty and administrative offices for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
· Department of Orthopaedic Surgery resident educational space.
https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/uams-breaks-ground-on-new-85-million-surgical-hospital/
Arkansas Lawmakers Pass 'Hate Crimes Bill' That Some Say Doesn't Go Far Enough
A bill that increases sentences for those who knowingly commit certain crimes against "recognizable groups" in Arkansas is on its way to the governor’s desk. The Arkansas House gave final approval Monday to Senate Bill 622.
The bill is defined by some as hate crimes legislation, while others say it is not specific enough to be considered as a hate crimes bill.
Under the bill, Arkansans convicted of certain violent offenses against members of a "recognizable and identifiable group" would have to serve at least 80% of their sentences. The bill defines these groups as sharing "mental, physical, biological, cultural, political, or religious beliefs or characteristics."
House Speaker Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, presents Senate Bill 622 to the House
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Arkansas Governor Signs Teacher Salary Increase Into Law
By STEVE BRAWNER / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS
Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed a pair of identical bills Monday that will raise the state’s median teacher salaries by $2,000 and create a fund to help lower-paying districts reach that amount.
Senate Bill 504 by Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, and House Bill 1614 by Rep. Bruce Cozart, the chairs of the Senate and House Education Committees respectively, will raise the target median teacher salary to $51,822 for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. The House and Senate Committees afterwards would jointly set the statewide target median salary.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-governor-signs-teacher-salary-increase-law
Gov. Asa Hutchinson, surrounded by Arkansas lawmakers and educators, signs the two bills into law Monday during a ceremony at the state Capitol.
CREDIT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE / YOUTUBE
UAMS Researchers Continue COVID-19 Investigations
When a global pandemic was declared, many researchers based at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock immediately pivoted to investigating ways to detect and treat COVID-19. UAMS Vice Chancellor for Research, Shuk-Mei Ho, Ph.D., who leads the Division of Research and Innovation, highlights key research.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/uams-researchers-continue-covid-19-investigations
UAMS Vice Chancellor for Research, Shuk-Mei Ho, Ph.D., leads the Division of Research and Innovation.
COURTESY / UAMS
Diagnostic Breast Cancer Exams Covered Under New Law
A new law will require Arkansas insurance companies to cover diagnostic breast cancer exams just like they cover screening mammograms. Advocates say many women skip important follow-up exams because they cannot afford them.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/diagnostic-breast-cancer-exams-covered-under-new-law
LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides Weekly COVID-19 Update Tuesday (04.13.21) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide the weekly COVID-19 update to media at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 69 new cases; 1,640 active cases; 156 hospitalized, which is down 7 from Sunday; 17 on ventilators, which is unchanged from Sunday; deaths added today, 4, for a total of 5,665; a total of 332,222 cases; PCR tests, 1,494; antigen tests, 93.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 18; Washington, 11; and Pulaski, 10.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“Our number of active cases and hospitalizations declined again yesterday. Our vaccine numbers are increasing, but we must do more. If you are 16 and older then you are eligible for the vaccine. It is important that our eligible high school students get a dose. Get your vaccine as soon as you can.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0
LIVE VIDEO: Governor Asa Hutchinson Holds News Conference on Teacher Salary Bills (04.12.21)
Governor Asa Hutchinson will hold a news conference on Teacher Salary Bills on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 1:30 p.m..
Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccines
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0
AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Striving for Positive Outcomes for Children of Abuse
LITTLE ROCK – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. We all understand that the best way to prevent the abuse of children is to strengthen families. Today I’d like to share the story of state employees whose intervention stabilized a family and allowed a mother to keep her children.
Too often, help for abused children arrives too late. In Mountain Home, a call from police set the system in motion, and DHS caseworkers from the Division of Children and Family Services came to a family’s aid before the family spiraled out of control.
When police arrested a woman for driving under the influence for a second straight night, they contacted DHS staff to alert them that the woman’s children were not safe with her. The staff reacted quickly and found foster care for the children. With the support of the DHS caseworkers, the mother successfully completed substance-abuse treatment. Three months later, the DHS employees reunited the mother with her children. With the help of the caseworkers at DHS, the mother had established a support system and changed the future for her family. The case has now been closed.
The happy ending to this story was possible because our DHS employees are well trained and compassionate. But many stories don’t end well, as the First Lady has seen firsthand. What she saw “captured her heart,” as she says, which is why she supports the Children Advocacy Centers of Arkansas.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve heard much about the frontline workers. In family issues, school teachers and pastors are among the frontline workers because they interact with children on a regular basis.
Since I declared a health emergency more than a year ago, the child abuse hotline has received over 3,100 calls. That is almost fifty percent fewer than the number of reports the previous year. But that’s not because there is less abuse of children.
During times when children spend more time at home, whether it’s during a rare health crisis or every summer when they are out of school, abuse goes undetected, says Elizabeth Pulley, director of Children Advocacy Centers of Arkansas. That’s because professionals such as teachers and pastors who are required to report suspected abuse aren’t interacting with the children. That means the rest of us must remain more vigilant in observing the young people we encounter.
The welfare of children is a high priority for the First Lady and me, both personally and in my role as governor. My office has a liaison who is in daily communication with the various agencies and organizations that oversee the protection of our children. We have a great partnership with the Department of Human Services and Division of Children and Family Services. We want to prevent abuse rather than react to it, as DHS staff was able to do in Mountain Home. Our hope and goal is that all the stories can have a happy ending.
UA Cossatot Students Visit to the State Capitol
The UA Cossatot Student Leadership Institute, lead by Erika Buenrrostro, visited the Capitol today and met with representatives from all over the state including our very own, DeAnn Vaught! Students were able to tour the capitol, sit in committee meetings and also see advocates in action.
‘Class Protection’ Bill Passes House Judiciary committee After Chairwoman Quickly Adjourns Meeting
by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)
An alternative hate crimes bill led by House Speaker Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, and Senate President Jimmy Hickey, Jr., R-Texarkana, passed in House Judiciary committee Thursday (April 8) on a voice vote, but not without a closing controversy.
Committee chairwoman Rep. Carol Dalby, R-Texarkana, ruled the “aye” votes approved the measure and in the same sentence declared the meeting adjourned. The quick move did not allow for a roll call vote to be called to determine if 11 or more votes supported the bill.
SB 622, which is touted as a class protection bill, will create an “aggravating circumstance” provision that would require a criminal defendant to serve at least 80% of his or her sentence if certain motivations led to the crime.
House Revenue & Tax Panel Advances Tax Cuts, Discusses Future Financial Condition for State
by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)
Arkansas lawmakers on Thursday (April 8) approved tax cut measures in the House Revenue & Tax committee, including a larger exemption for used car taxes and a repeal of the soft drink tax.
For the first 88 days of the 93rd Arkansas General Assembly, legislative leaders have been holding off major tax cuts, despite a nearly $500 million surplus, as they stitch together the $5.86 billion state budget.
Now that Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA) talks have formally commenced between the executive and legislative branches, a clearer consensus of revenue and spending has emerged.
Arkansas Health Secretary To Remain In Position After Fierce Legislative Debate
The Arkansas Senate narrowly voted Thursday to keep state Health Secretary Dr. José Romero in his position, despite criticism from some senators over his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The debate also included an ongoing theme of some senators accusing the executive branch of wielding too much power during the health emergency. Romero was appointed to the position by Gov. Asa Hutchinson last May, and continues to have the governor’s support.
Arkansas Health Secretary José Romero speaking at a press conference on Jan. 18 shortly before being vaccinated for COVID-19.
CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS
U.S. Rep. Hill Introducing PPP Change For Calculating Pandemic Revenue Losses
By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS
U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, announced plans on Thursday to introduce a change to the Paycheck Protection Program that he touted would help small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hill, R-Little Rock, said he was introducing the PPP Revenue Adjustment Calculation to Increase Capital Accessibility Long-Term, or the PRACTICAL Act, next week in Congress. In Arkansas, more than 14,000 businesses have received $4.6 billion through PPP funding over the course of the pandemic. Hill said it has helped save more than 375,000 Arkansas jobs.
U.S. Rep. French Hill announced plans Thursday to introduce the PPP Revenue Adjustment Calculation to Increase Capital Accessibility Long-Term, or the PRACTICAL Act, next week in Congress.
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Arkansas Lawmakers Advance Bill Dissolving State Medical Board
By STEVE BRAWNER / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS
The Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee advanced a bill Wednesday that would dissolve the State Medical Board at the end of this year and let House and Senate leaders each appoint one-third of its members.
Senate Bill 570 by Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro, would end the terms of each of the members of the Arkansas State Medical Board by Dec. 31. They would be replaced or reappointed by that date.
The governor, Senate president pro tempore, and speaker of the House each would appoint five members. The governor currently appoints all the members of the panel that oversees the state’s medical community and licensing.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-lawmakers-advance-bill-dissolving-state-medical-board
CREDIT PIXABAY / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS