Bipartisan resolution introduced declaring April as Second Chance Month

U.S. Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Barry Moore (R-AL), Carol Miller (R-WV), and LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) alongside U.S Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) reintroduced the bicameral Second Chance Month Resolution. The members released the following statements:

“Recognizing April as Second Chance Month is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of creating pathways for the millions of Americans previously and currently incarcerated, who have paid their debt to society, and experience the innumerable barriers to re-entering their communities,” said Rep. Westerman. “Each of these Americans have an intrinsic value and are worthy of the dignity that comes with establishing hard-earned jobs and gaining sought-after respect. Everyone deserves a second chance, and Congress must work to break down the stigmas attached to incarceration and reducing recidivism rates. I’m honored to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this resolution to restore the dignity of these reformed individuals.”

“Hard-working Americans should be compensated fairly for the work they do,” said Rep. McBath. “Declaring April as Second Chance Month highlights the importance of opening opportunities to formerly incarcerated workers and reducing obstacles to gainful employment so that we all have safer communities and our country is made stronger by a thriving workforce."

“Second Chance Month is a representation to all of us about the power of forgiveness and the Second Chance programs are key in that,” said Rep. Bacon. “They have helped reintegrate people back into society, heal families, and give much-needed mental health services. With the help of these support systems, individuals can become productive members of society, restoring dignity and respect to those who have served their time and want to contribute back to their communities and families.”

“There are millions of individuals in our country who have civil and criminal records that serve as barriers to obtaining education, technical skills, training, jobs, and government benefits,” said Rep. Davis. “Second chances - and especially the Second Chance Act – help to reduce and remove these barriers.  Therefore, I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing Second Chance Month.  Second Chance Month honors the work of non-profit organizations, faith-based entities, communities, governments, employers, and individuals that help those with records gain the skills, education, and employment needed to thrive, thereby strengthening individuals, rebuilding families, and growing our economy.”

“In Alabama, I have seen firsthand how giving someone who is incarcerated hope by training them with a new skill can significantly impact the recidivism rates,” said Rep. Moore. “The Lord shows us grace daily, and we should extend that same grace to individuals who have proven they are committed to rectifying their mistakes. This bipartisan resolution highlights the barriers that still exist for those with criminal records trying to reintegrate into their communities.”

“In West Virginia, we know how important it is to provide everyone with opportunities to succeed. Recognizing April as Second Chance Month gives hope to those who are reentering the workforce after serving their time incarcerated. When we invest in our communities and put in place resources and support for people released from prisons and jails, we build stronger and safer communities,” said Rep. Miller. “This resolution will bring more visibility to Second Chance programs that are instrumental in helping people across the nation get back on the right path as they reenter their communities.”

“This country was founded on the promise of a new beginning,” said Rep. McIver. “This bipartisan resolution to recognize April as ‘Second Chance Month’ will raise awareness for the barriers faced by previously incarcerated people and promote opportunities for them to create a new beginning for themselves.”

“America is a nation of second chances,” said Senator Cramer. “Yet too often our criminal justice system focuses on punishment over redemption. I joined Senator Klobuchar in introducing a bipartisan resolution to designate April as Second Chance Month, recognizing those who have paid their debt to society and have earned a second chance to rebuild their lives, reclaim their futures, and positively contribute to their community.”

“As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing those who have been formerly incarcerated,” said Senator Klobuchar. “People are capable of change and many deserve a second chance. This bipartisan resolution to recognize ‘Second Chance Month’ will bring awareness to these barriers and promote opportunities for those who have served their time to access stable jobs, continue their education, and become productive members of society again.”

Background

Millions of American adults with a criminal record face enormous obstacles to successfully re-enter society upon release. When legal and social barriers prohibit a formerly incarcerated person from finding well-paying jobs, this not only negatively impacts them, but also has lasting negative effects for their families. Beyond that, securing gainful employment and being accepted in society has been proven to reduce the likelihood of these individuals returning to prison in the future, ultimately decreasing crime and improving public safety.

This resolution was endorsed by Prison Fellowship.

“Since Prison Fellowship launched Second Chance Month in 2017, we are honored to lead this growing national movement that includes more than 1,000 partners committed to unlocking second chances for the 1 in 3 Americans with a criminal record who face nearly 44,000 barriers to building a productive future,” said Heather Rice-Minus, CEO and president of Prison Fellowship.

“We encourage Congress to pass this Second Chance Month resolution quickly because supporting second chances recognizes the God-given dignity and potential of every person and reinforces our nation’s commitment to creating pathways for new beginnings, healthy communities, and increased public safety,” said Kate Trammell, Prison Fellowship senior vice president of advocacy and legal.

This resolution is also supported by Brennan Center for Justice, Right on Crime, CPAC, Niskanen Center, FAMM, and National District Attorneys Association.

Issues:Education and Opportunity

Womack Reintroduces Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act

Congressman Womack recently met with the Hacala family to discuss reintroduction.

Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), along with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), French Hill (AR-2) and Bruce Westerman (AR-4), and Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Boozman (R-AR), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), reintroduced the Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act. The legislation would prohibit the sale of poppy seeds that contain a harmful level of opiates and require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue regulations that establish a maximum level of contamination.

Congressman Womack said, “The Hacala family of Rogers tragically lost their son, Stephen, because lethal substances find their way into our food supply through contaminated poppy seeds. In Stephen’s memory, my colleagues and I have created a solution to close an FDA loophole and ensure that only safe products are available for consumption. This bill can save lives and prevent another family from experiencing an unimaginable loss like the Hacalas.”

Congresswoman DeLauro said, “We need stronger safeguards against contaminated poppy seeds. No family should lose a loved one to an unregulated product that we know has the potential to be contaminated with a lethal amount of opiates as a result of how it’s harvested. A lethal and adulterated product has no place in our food supply. This bipartisan legislation is a critical step in closing dangerous gaps in our food safety laws, that allow unsafe poppy seeds to slip though, and ensuring the FDA takes action to protect the health of Americans.”

Senator Cotton said, “Stephen Hacala, Jr. died from an opioid overdose because of a dangerous gap in our nation's drug laws. Despite government warnings, unwashed poppy seeds, which can contain lethal doses of morphine, are still entering our food supply. It's time for the FDA to act so that no other families experience the pain the Hacala family has endured.”

Senator Boozman said, “The sale of unwashed poppy seeds is a threat to the safety of Arkansans and all Americans. This legislation honors Stephen Hacala Jr.’s memory by protecting other consumers from falling victim to dangerous, toxin-laced poppy seeds sold online and families from experiencing the loss of a loved one from similar circumstances.”

Senator Blumenthal said, “This measure would close loopholes that have allowed dangerous and deadly opiates to be sold online. Unwashed poppy seeds available for sale online can contain deadly levels of morphine and have killed tens of Americans. Our bill would ensure stricter FDA regulations and prohibit unwashed poppy seeds from being sold to unwitting consumers.”

Congressman Crawford said, “I am proud to join my Arkansas colleagues in supporting this legislation and I hope it makes the changes necessary to protect individuals in the future from harm.”

Congressman Westerman said, “Because of negligent practices among poppy seed distributors, the Hacala family now grieves the loss of a loved one. Congress must act to ensure that the Food and Drug Administration issues the appropriate regulations to correctly warn the public on the level of opiates that could be consumed through contaminated poppy seeds. I’m proud to support this legislation alongside my fellow Arkansans and House Republicans to prevent other families from enduring the same loss the Hacala family is unfortunately all too familiar with.” 

Background:

Poppy Seed Heads - Wikimedia Image

• While most poppy seeds are harmless, some manufacturers sell seeds laced with morphine at a cost far higher than normal seeds. These seeds can contain more than 20 times the therapeutic dosage of morphine.

• On April 3, 2016, Stephen Hacala of Fayetteville, Arkansas, died from morphine intoxication caused by morphine-laced poppy seeds purchased online. As many as 20 other Americans reportedly have died from overdoses caused by morphine-laced poppy seeds sold directly to consumers.

• A research team led by Dr. Madeleine Swortwood, assistant professor of forensic science at Sam Houston State University, studied the morphine content in different bags of poppy seeds. The researchers found that some bags of poppy seeds contained morphine levels many times higher than a fatal dose.

• In February 2023, the Department of Defense warned service members to avoid poppy seed products due to contamination and the risk of failing drug tests.

Veterans Affairs Congressional Oversight Leaders request cost estimate for Electronic Health Record Program

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, and his colleagues with direct oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs have requested the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) submit an updated schedule and cost estimate to Congress for the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program.

Boozman joined Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL-12) and Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Ranking Member Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Chairman John Carter (R-TX-31) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) in asking VA Secretary Doug Collins to provide necessary details to help Congress fully assess the EHRM program.

VA recently announced an accelerated EHRM deployment that includes nine additional VA medical centers in 2026 as part of its effort to restart the stalled modernization program. The members’ request follows a Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommendation to produce an updated cost estimate for EHRM before moving forward with the accelerated deployment schedule.

ACMSO Image

“The need for a cost estimate is further underscored by practical necessity,” wrote the members. “Without a reliable cost estimate, VA risks budget overruns, schedule delays, and diminished congressional trust. Compliance with these laws, directives, and GAO recommendations is a critical step to ensuring EHRM’s success and accountability.”

In 2019, the program was initially estimated to cost $16.1 billion over a decade. An independent cost estimate conducted by the Institute for Defense Analysis in October 2021 estimated the project to cost up to $50 billion. After lifting a pause that was put in place on the program in April 2023, VA has not yet provided Congress with an updated cost estimate for EHRM as anticipated by a framework of federal laws and Office of Management and Budget directives governing major acquisition programs. 

The full letter can be foundhere.

Updated forage herbicide quick reference guide now available for download

LITTLE ROCK — The handy Forage Herbicide Quick Reference Guide from the Cooperative Extension Service has been updated and is available for download.

In just two pages, the guide, MP557, provides application rates, cost per acre, hay or grazing restrictions and comments and precautions for more than a dozen commonly used herbicides.

“We added new herbicides, updated the costs per acre and made the hay or grazing restrictions easier to find,” said Hannah Wright-Smith, extension weed specialist - turfgrass, vegetation management, and specialty crops. “The comments and precautions were also updated to reflect current recommendations.”

The publication reflects Arkansas research conducted in the past years by Wright-Smith.

The guide’s authors are Wright-Smith; David Nistler, horticulture weed management program associate and Jonathan Kubesch, assistant professor and extension forage specialist.

The Cooperative Extension Service, which conducts outreach for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has thousands of publications available online on a range of topics.

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.

Quick reference guide — The two-page MP557 has seen updates in the herbicides lists, costs to apply and other items. (U of A System Division of Agriculture image)

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Mark O. Hardin, M.D., Joins UAMS

By Linda Satter

LITTLE ROCK — Mark O. Hardin, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon with a focus on adult cardiac surgery, has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine Department of Surgery.

Hardin received his medical degree from UAMS in 2007 and has returned after spending several years as a general surgeon in the U.S. Army and three years as a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at the Arkansas Heart Hospital.

“We are so pleased to have Dr. Hardin join the Department of Surgery,” said Ronald Robertson, M.D., chair of the department. “He brings an exceptional skill set in cardiovascular surgery. We look forward to growth in cardiovascular surgery under the leadership of Dr. Hardin and Dr. Streitman.”

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Mark O. Hardin, M.D., Joins UAMS

Mark O. Hardin, M.D.

Severe weather (4/4) and continued heavy rainfall expected for much of Arkansas Friday - NWS/NOAA

The threat for severe weather continues for this Friday into Friday night. All modes of severe weather will be possible including very large hail, damaging winds and even a few tornadoes.

Specifics About Hazards (If Any): A warm front will lift northward into Arkansas today, eventually stalling out once again across the north-central and west-central sections of the state. Conditions along and south of the front will become very unstable by this afternoon as temperatures warm into the 80s. All modes of severe weather will be possible, including damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes. A few long- track tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

There is a high risk for excessive rainfall today into tonight for a large portion of the state. Several inches of rainfall are possible, which may lead to flash and river flooding.

Thunderstorms will remain likely on Saturday into Saturday night, with strong to severe weather potential remaining. All modes of severe weather will be possible Saturday afternoon and evening, including large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. The highest threat for severe weather on Saturday will be across the southeastern two-thirds of the area.

Areas of heavy rainfall will continue on Saturday into Saturday night as well, with the threat for flash and river flooding continuing to remain a very significant hazard.

Expect the threat for heavy rainfall and severe weather to exit the region by Sunday afternoon. Some areas could see temperatures dropping into the low and mid 30s Sunday and Monday mornings. This may result in some frost or freeze conditions for some areas over northwestern portions of the state. Otherwise, the threat for hazardous weather will become low into the middle of next week.

Several inches of additional rainfall are expected through Sunday morning. Most areas could see an additional 4 to 6 inches, with some areas seeing potentially over 8 inches.

Spotter Activation (Day 1 - Friday/Friday Night): (More Widespread Severe Weather). Scattered to numerous severe storms are expected. The focus area includes much of Arkansas. You can help by monitoring and forwarding severe weather information. If there are strong to severe storms (i.e. wind damage, quarter size hail or larger, etc.) at your location, please consider submitting a report via an online form found here. Thank you for your assistance!

Forecast with massive rain may mean planting do-overs for Arkansas farmers

By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
April 2, 2025

LITTLE ROCK — As forecasts call for up to 10 inches of rain through Sunday, the immediate future for Arkansas farmers will probably involve clearing ditches, with a good likelihood next week will be taken up with replanting and reworking fields, extension specialists said.

Planting of the state’s commodities has begun, with Monday’s Crop Progress report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showing 22 percent of the state’s corn crop planting and 3 percent already emerged.  Rice was 8 percent planted and 1 percent emerged. Soybeans were 5 percent planted. Winter wheat, usually harvested in summer, was 11 percent headed.

While rain is usually a welcome event, the expected deluge can wash away plant beds and any newly emerged seedlings.

PICRYL Image

“I’ve been telling guys to hold off,” said Jeremy Ross, extension soybean agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.  “We’ll probably need to repull beds that have been freshly pulled.”

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of the state through April 6.

“There’s not much you can do with that much rain in a short amount of time,” said Scott Stiles, extension economics program associate for the Division of Agriculture. “You want to have all the ditches and pipes open.”

In northeastern Arkansas, “everybody around here has water furrows run — a good effort on drainage,” Stiles said.

“Backing up of the rivers, streams and bayous will be the story,” said Jarrod Hardke, rice extension agronomist for the Division of Agriculture. “Low ground that’s already planted may be wiped out regardless of the crop planted there.”

Hardke said “rice will survive the best, but levees will be the issue. They’ll get washed out and blown and have to be repulled and reseeded.

“Recently planted corn and soybean are in for a wild ride for survival,” he said. “Cool temperatures may help buy them some time but staying flooded or saturated for four-plus days is a bad recipe for emerged seedlings and fresh planted seed.”

The cotton and peanut growers, with their later planting dates, might dodge a bullet.

“We haven’t begun to plant yet,” said Zachary Treadway, extension cotton and peanut agronomist for the Division of Agriculture. “If we end up getting all the rain they’re calling for, we could see delays, either from extremely wet ground that takes a long time to dry, and/or replants taking priority.

Crop insurance considerations

Stiles said that for crop insurance purposes April 1 is the earliest planting date for rice, with April 15 being the earliest planting date for soybeans.

“Rice or soybeans that have already been planted are not eligible for replant payments from crop insurance,” he said.

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.

Bill to abolish Arkansas State Library and its board advances despite librarians’ opposition

KUAR | By Tess Vrbin / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

After more than two hours of debate, an Arkansas Senate committee advanced a proposal on Tuesday to abolish the Arkansas State Library and its board, which disburses state funding to local public libraries.

Senate Bill 536 would transfer the agency’s and board’s powers, authorities, funds, contracts and employees to the Arkansas Department of Education. The State Library is already under the department’s umbrella but operates independently.

The bill would delete all mentions of the State Library from existing state statute and make “prohibit[ing] access to age-inappropriate materials to a person who is sixteen (16) years old or younger” a condition for public libraries to receive state funds from the education department.

Bill to abolish Arkansas State Library and its board advances despite librarians’ opposition

Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate

Five Arkansans spoke against Senate Bill 536 before the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. From left: Misty Hawkins, regional director of the Arkansas River Valley Regional Library System; Allie Gosselink, director of the Calhoun County Library; Debbie Hall, grants manager for the Arkansas State Library; John McGraw,executive director of the Faulkner-Van Buren Regional Library; and Clare Graham, Mid-Arkansas Regional Library System director.

Western Arkansas targeted for Severe Weather Friday

...THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THE ARKLATEX INTO WESTERN ARKANSAS...

...SUMMARY...

Several clusters of strong to severe storms are possible from central Texas across the ArkLaTex and into the lower Ohio Valley Friday and Friday night. The greatest threat for tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds will be from the ArkLaTex across western Arkansas, including potential for strong to potentially intense tornadoes.

...Synopsis...

A mid-level trough, centered across the Southwest and northern New Mexico, will start to shift east on Friday. As this occurs a broad, strong low-level jet will develop across eastern Texas and into Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. This strengthening lower tropospheric flow will aid in the northward advancement of a warm front, located from central Texas to the Mid-Mississippi Valley at the beginning of the period, to eastern Oklahoma an near the MO/AR border by 00Z Sat. This reorientation of the frontal boundary should be favorable for supercells with the potential for large hail (some 2+ inch), damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes (some potentially EF3+).

...ArkLatex to Western Arkansas...

As a warm front lifts north across Arkansas through the day, a very unstable environment (2500-4000 J/kg MLCAPE) will develop from the ArkLaTex into western Arkansas as temperatures warm into the mid 80s with dewpoints in the low 70s. Some weak convection may maintain along the frontal zone in eastern Oklahoma during the morning and early afternoon. However, more robust convective development is not anticipated until mid-afternoon when height falls start to overspread the region, and the influence of the entrance region of the upper-level jet increases ascent. In addition, most high resolution guidance indicates a local area of low pressure may traverse the frontal zone to near northwest Arkansas by 21Z. The combination of these factors, which have decent agreement among 12Z guidance, points toward multiple supercells along the frontal zone during the mid to late afternoon and into the evening. These supercells, in an environment featuring 2500-3500 J/kg MLCAPE and 0-1km SRH ~400 m2/s2, will support the potential for strong to intense tornadoes. Messy storm mode could limit the longevity of any of these supercells/tornadoes, but even with limited duration, the environment supports a tornado threat. A more conditional long-track tornado threat, which would also bring greater opportunity for EF3+ tornadoes, exists east of the frontal boundary. Synoptic forcing ahead of the boundary is relatively weak, but very strong instability (3000-4000 J/kg MLCAPE) is forecast with minimal inhibition across the warm sector. Therefore, more discrete, open warm-sector supercell development is possible, but will be more dependent on mesoscale details which will become more clear in the Day 1 timeframe.

Bill limiting complexity of ballot titles advances in Arkansas Legislature

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

Arkansas Lawmakers have advanced another bill changing the state’s direct democracy process.

Members of a Senate committee on Thursday advanced House Bill 1713, which requires all titles of citizen-led ballot initiatives and constitutional amendments to be written at or below an eighth-grade reading level. The bill’s Senate co-sponsor, Sen. Mark Johnson, R-Little Rock, said it’s an effort to make the process more accessible to voters.

“People have points to argue, but if they’re clear that if you believe this way you’re for it and if you believe the opposite then you’re against it, that’s the way the process is supposed to work. We’re not trying to confuse people,” he said.

Bill limiting complexity of ballot titles advances in Arkansas Legislature

House panel approves ‘Citizens Only’ voting amendment; Senate defeats prison funding bill again

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

After a grueling day of debate at the State Capitol that lasted until nearly 8 p.m., lawmakers on the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee recommended one proposed constitutional amendment for voters to consider in the 2026 general election.

HJR 1018 by Rep. David Ray, R-Maumelle, the Citizens Only Voting Amendment, was the top-ranked choice of the committee. The measure states that “only a citizen of the United States meeting the qualifications of an elector under this section may vote in an election in this state.” Supporters argue there are not enough protections in the Arkansas Constitution or state law to prevent non-citizens from voting.

HJR 1018 must now be approved by the full House of Representatives and the Senate before it will be considered as a referral to voters in the next general election.

House panel approves ‘Citizens Only’ voting amendment; Senate defeats prison funding bill again

Walmart investing $6 billion in Mexico expansion by 2030

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

Walmart has announced plans to expand its business in Mexico over the next five years with a $6 billion investment to add 1,500 new stores. This will add to the 3,200 stores Walmex now operates in Mexico.

Walmex includes stores in Central America, but the investment will focus on operations in Mexico. Walmex Chief Executive Officer Ignacio Caride said the investment would create 5,500 direct jobs.

The majority of the new stores will be branded Bodega Aurrera. The low-cost grocery format is one of the four retail brands Walmart operates in Mexico, with the others being Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenter and Walmart Express.

Walmart investing $6 billion in Mexico expansion by 2030

Severe Weather Continues Thursday for Arkansas

• WHAT - Widespread Severe Weather and Excessive Rainfall. ○ Severe weather remains possible Thursday through Saturday across the majority of Arkansas. All modes of severe weather remain possible including a few tornadoes. ○ Extreme rainfall, with an additional 8 to 10 inches possible across parts of the state. This amount of rain is in addition to what has already fallen. Dangerous and potentially life threatening flash flooding and river flooding are expected.

• WHEN - Today through Saturday night. ○ Severe weather threat time frames: ■ (1) Thursday afternoon through Thursday night (all but far northwest and far southeast Arkansas) ■ (3) Friday afternoon through Friday night (all but far northwest and far southeast Arkansas) ■ (4) Saturday afternoon through Saturday night (southeast half of Arkansas) ○ Heavy rainfall and flash/river flooding threat Thursday through Saturday.

• WHERE - Most of the state will be at risk for severe weather and heavy rainfall through Saturday.

Attached is the latest weather briefing concerning this multi day severe weather and flooding event. In a nutshell, a large part of central Arkansas will be under an enhanced risk of severe weather Thursday and Friday with the threat area shifting south for Saturday.  All modes of severe weather will be possible.

Waves of heavy rain will impact the state through Saturday as several waves of low pressure interact with a stalled front. Parts of the state could see up to 10 inches of rain in addition to what fell on Wednesday.

Widespread and significant flash and river flooding are expected.

…….National Weather Service in Little Rock

Severe Weather Threat for Arkansas

• WHAT - Severe weather and heavy rainfall. ○ Very large hail, damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes will be possible on Wednesday with additional chances of severe weather Thursday through Saturday. . ○ Extremely heavy rainfall, more than 10 inches possible. Dangerous and potentially life threatening flash flooding and river flooding are expected.

• WHEN - Today through Saturday night. ○ Severe weather threat timeframes: (1) Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night (entire state) (2) Thursday afternoon through Thursday night (all but far northwest Arkansas) (3) Friday afternoon through Friday night (all but far northwest and far southeast Arkansas) (4) Saturday afternoon through Saturday night (southeast half of Arkansas) ○ Heavy rainfall and resulting flash/river flooding threat Wednesday through Saturday.

• WHERE - Most of the state will be at risk for severe weather and heavy rainfall.

UAMS Health Weight Management Clinic Adds Bariatric Surgery to Weight Loss Offerings

By Yavonda Chase

LITTLE ROCK — Effective today, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has added bariatric surgery to the weight loss options offered at the UAMS Health Medical and Surgical Weight Management Clinic.

“We are pleased to be able to offer bariatric surgery to our patients who have been unable to lose weight using other interventions such as medication, exercise or dietary changes,” said Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health. “We know obesity is a disease that affects far too many in our state, and we are committed to helping Arkansans lose weight effectively and safely.”

Arkansas has an adult obesity rate of 40%, the third highest among all states and the District of Columbia, according to a 2024 study by the Trust for America’s Health.

UAMS Health Weight Management Clinic Adds Bariatric Surgery to Weight Loss Offerings

The UAMS Health Medical and Surgical Weight Management Clinic team -- Monica Ferrero, M.D., (top left); Yasthil Vijay Jaganath, M.D., MPH; Martha M. Estrada, M.D.; Lexie H. Vaughn, M.D. (bottom left); Rebekka Amick, APRN; and Kaitlin Shonnard, PA-C.

The latest Severe Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service in Little Rock

• [WHAT] Severe weather and heavy rainfall. ○ Very large hail, damaging wind gusts and tornadoes. ○ Extremely heavy rainfall, more than 10 inches possible. Flash flooding and river flooding likely

• [WHEN] Late Tuesday night through Saturday night. ○ Severe weather threat timeframes: ■ (1) Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (mainly across the far northwest corner) ■ (2) Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night (entire state) ■ (3) Thursday afternoon through Thursday night (all but NW Arkansas) ○ Heavy rainfall and resulting flash/river flooding threat Wednesday through Saturday.

• [WHERE] Most of the state will be at risk for severe weather and heavy rainfall

Severe weather late Tuesday night for Arkansas; heavy rainfall and flash flooding through the remainder of the week

• [WHAT] Severe weather and heavy rainfall

• [WHEN] Late Tuesday night through Saturday night. ○ Severe weather threat late Tuesday night through Thursday. ○ Heavy rainfall and resulting flash/river flooding threat Wednesday through Saturday.

• [WHERE] Most of the state will be at risk for severe weather as well as the heavy rainfall.

The 10th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program launched

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

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture will partner with Farm Credit for the 10th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program. In 2024, the Department awarded over $11,500 in grants to 21 Arkansas farmers markets through the Farm Credit partnership.

This program supports local farmers markets by increasing awareness and providing funding assistance to help these markets serve their communities as consumer interest in locally grown and made products continues to increase.

“Farmers markets are essential in connecting local producers to consumers and strengthening rural economies,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We have over 111 farmers markets across Arkansas and, according to recent data, 1,436 farms sell directly to consumers, generating $8.5 million in sales. These markets are vital to enhancing local food systems, and we’re proud to partner with Farm Credit to help ensure their continued success.”

The 10th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program launched

Magnet Cove High School doubles up on archery state championships with win in 3D discipline

The Magnet Cove High School Panthers won the AGFC’s Archery in the Schools IBO Challenge Saturday, doubling up on their archery state championships this year. Photo courtesy Pangburn High School.

PANGBURN — Magnet Cove High School’s archers continued their 2025 domination in the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Archery in the Schools Program Saturday by winning the Arkansas State International Bowhunting Organization Challenge at Pangburn High School with a total score of 1,678 of a possible 1,800 points, giving them a sweep of the AIS state championships Magnet Cove also won the AIS’ bull’s-eye state championship held in Hot Springs March 8.

The race for second and third place for the IBO Challenge was tightly contested, with Alpena High School nudging out the host team, Pangburn High School, by only 4 points. Alpena scored 1,608 while Pangburn dropped only an arrow or two behind to claim third with a score of 1,604.

Students participating in the IBO Challenge aim at lifelike 3D targets to replicate real-world archery and bridge the gap between field archery and hunting. Photo courtesy Charleston Archery in the Schools. 

Washington Middle School took first place in the Middle School Division with a score of 1,668. Barton Junior High scored 1,616 to claim second place, and Pangburn High School’s middle school team placed third with a score of 1,589.

Charleston Elementary won the Elementary Division IBO Challenge with a team score of 1,472. Washington Middle School came in second place with a score of 1,448, and Columbia Christian School took third place with a total score of 1,336 points.

Unlike the bull’s-eye competition held March 7-8 at the Hot Springs Convention Center, archers in the AIS IBO Challenge shoot at lifelike 3D targets of popular game animals. Instead of focusing on a central bull’s-eye, the archers try to hit the “sweet spot” on the animal targets, which would ensure an ethical harvest in a real hunting scenario. The bow, arrows and allowed equipment, however, are identical to those used during the field archery competition.

“Instead of shooting six rounds (called ends) at a single round target, the archers will shoot at six different animal-shaped targets,” Aimee Swaim, AGFC Archery in the Schools Program coordinator, said. “If they hit the main body of the target, it’s 7 points, then there are scoring rings inside of the animal’s vital area where a hunter would want to hit in the field with a 10 being an excellent shot on the animal in the real world. Any arrow that misses the target or hits an extremity is counted as a zero.”

This year’s State IBO Challenge more than doubled in size, requiring host Pangburn High School to expand the event into its second gymnasium. Photo courtesy Charleston Archery in the Schools.

This is only the second year for the AGFC’s AIS program to host a statewide IBO Challenge, and its popularity has skyrocketed.

“Last year we had about 360 students participate in the IBO challenge,” Swaim said. “This year we had more than 700 archers register for a 102 percent increase in a single year. We even had to expand our state tournament into Pangburn’s additional gymnasium to house all of the students who needed to shoot.”

In its second year, the 3D portion of Arkansas’s Archery in the Schools program already is ranked fourth in the nation in participation.

IBO Vice President Ryan Bass was encouraged by the fast growth of the sport in The Natural State.

“The International Bowhunting Organization was excited to be in Arkansas to assist AGFC with their state-level IBO 3D,” Bass said. “Arkansas [National Archery in the Schools Program] has grown substantially over the last year and it is apparent that the agency can see that 3D archery is a clear step to getting our youth archers into the outdoor lifestyle that we all cherish.”

Maddie Johnson from Charleston High School and Mark Smith from Magnet Cove High School were the top female and male archers in the event, with each earning a $500 scholarship from IBO. Photo courtesy Charleston Archery in the Schools.

Magnet Cove’s Mark Smith led the team in this state championship with an impressive 290 out of a possible 300 points. Smith secured a $500 scholarship from the International Bowhunting Organization for his accomplishment. Fellow Magnet Cove Panther and top overall performer in the bull’s-eye state championship, Cash Hignight, finished in third place, losing the tie-breaker for second with Travis Cook of Lead Hill High School. Both Cook and Hignight scored 288, but Cook prevailed in the tie-breaker.

Maddie Johnson of Charleston High School took the top individual archer spot on the female side of the High School Division. Johnson, who came in second during the state bull’s-eye competition, tied her score of 285 out of a possible 300, which was more than enough to stand alone atop the leaderboard at the end of Saturday’s shoot. Johnson also received a $500 scholarship courtesy of IBO for her effort. Ella Curry of Alpena High School took second place with a total score of 281, and Holly Chandler from Magnet Cove High School held the third-place trophy with a score of 279.

Visit www.agfc.com/AIS for more information on the AGFC’s Archery in the Schools Program.

Cotton, Kustoff introduce cellphone bill to keep cellphones out of jails

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025, legislation which would prevent inmates from using contraband cellphone use in prison facilities by allowing state and federal prisons to use cellphone jamming systems. Congressman David Kustoff (Tennessee-08) is leading companion legislation in the House. 

Senators Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Shelley Capito (R-West Virginia), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), and James Risch (R-Idaho) are cosponsoring the legislation. 

“For far too long, contraband cellphones have been a major security threat in our prisons, allowing criminals to coordinate crimes from behind bars. This legislation is a common-sense step to cut off their ability to threaten witnesses, organize drug trafficking, and endanger law-abiding citizens from within prison walls,” said Senator Cotton.

PICRYL Image

“Criminals are using contraband cellphones to commit crimes while in prison. The extent of coordinated criminal activity carried out by inmates is a serious threat to public safety,” said Congressman Kustoff. “As a former United States Attorney, I have seen first-hand the dangerous effects of contraband cellphone use to both law enforcement officers and our communities. It should be impossible for prisoners to organize gang activity, traffic drugs, and coordinate any other wrongdoing from behind bars. The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act is commonsense legislation that will crack down on cellphones in prisons and protect inmates, guards, and the public at large.” 

Text of the legislation may be found here.  

Background:

• The use of contraband cellphones is widespread in both federal and state prison facilities. Inmates have used contraband cellphones to conduct illegal activities, including ordering hits on individuals outside of the prison walls, running illegal drug operations, conducting illegal business deals, facilitating sex trafficking, and organizing escapes which endanger correctional employees, other inmates, and members of the public.

• Last year, two 13-year-old boys were killed at a birthday party in Atlanta after inmates in a Georgia prison used contraband cellphones to order their murder. In 2024, Georgia authorities confiscated more than 15,500 contraband cellphones and seized more than 8,000 in 2023.

• In December 2024, two California inmates were convicted of murder, racketeering, and other RICO-related crimes for running a heroin and meth trafficking operation from their prison cells. 

• In 2018, a gang fight over territory using cellphones to trade contraband sparked a brawl inside the Lee Correctional Institution near Bishopville, South Carolina, and left seven inmates dead and 20 injured.

• Bureau of Prisons Correctional officer Lt. Osvaldo Albarati was murdered in 2013 for interrupting an illicit contraband cellphone business. His actual assassination was initiated by an inmate using a contraband cellphone to contact the gunman as outlined in the indictment.