Arkansas News

Little Rock, Arkansas – Amid the devastating wildfires sweeping through parts of Louisiana, the neighboring state of Arkansas is lending a helping hand. On Tuesday, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders authorized the deployment of six wildland firefighters to Louisiana, demonstrating a collaborative effort in the region to battle the ferocious blazes. These wildfires, which have already consumed 40,000 acres, are intensified by the extreme drought conditions that have affected a third of Louisiana. The urgent need for assistance and resources in firefighting is evident, and Arkansas has heeded the call. The firefighters dispatched to Louisiana are from the Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division....

Little Rock, Arkansas - Recent data released by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates a marginal rise in the unemployment rate in Arkansas. As per the agency's official statement, Arkansas witnessed a one-tenth percentage point increase in unemployment, shifting from 2.6% in the prior month to 2.7% in August. In-depth figures from the data revealed that the state's civilian labor force underwent an expansion, with an increase of 2,556 individuals. This growth unfortunately also resulted in an uptick of 895 newly unemployed Arkansans. On a positive note, when comparing year-over-year data from August 2022, there's been...

Arkansas - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration has allocated $1.3 million in funds to support rural areas across Arkansas. As detailed in a recent press release, the primary use of this allocation is to bolster essential strategies to counteract the overdose threats posed by fentanyl and other opioids. A significant portion of the award, amounting to $1 million, is earmarked to initiate treatment facilities within rural locales, allowing residents to procure medications specifically designed to treat opioid-related disorders. Additionally, an allocation of $300,000 aims to assist rural regions in addressing their "specific and immediate needs,...

Arkansas - In response to the rising temperatures in Arkansas, numerous counties are placed under burn bans to mitigate fire risks. The following counties are currently under burn bans: Ashley County Chicot County Faulkner County Hempstead County Little River County Lonoke County Miller County Nevada County White County Woodruff County The Arkansas Department of Agriculture confirms that it is within the jurisdiction of county judges to issue these burn bans. For further details regarding the burn bans, one may refer to ArkFireInfo.org.

Gurdon, Arkansas - Anthony Timberlands Inc., headquartered in Beirne, Arkansas, with approximately 800 employees statewide, is currently under scrutiny due to recent OSHA violations. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) disclosed that an investigation into the company's practices unveiled four significant violations. Notably, these infractions encompassed an absence of lockout and tagout procedures during machinery maintenance, an inadequate provision of protective barriers in hazardous zones, and missing safety indicators in perilous areas. The investigation was initiated after a tragic incident at the company's Bearden facility, wherein a worker met with a fatal accident after a hoist table collapsed on them. OSHA's...

Arkansas - The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has granted approval for free fishing in the state on August 23. The motive behind this decision stems from modifications to AGFC's licensing system. The vendor responsible for this system, PayIt Outdoors, is in the midst of enhancing its services for the Arkansas hunting and fishing community. Due to these updates, there will be a temporary halt on license acquisitions and renewals for the said date. AGFC Deputy Director, Spencer Griffith, commented, "We saw this as an opportunity to give anglers one more chance to get out and enjoy some free fishing...

Fort Smith, Arkansas - The state of Arkansas has initiated Act 657, which is set to address the escalating lunch debts in public schools, as informed by Scott Hardin from the AR Department of Finance and Administration. This law, endorsed during the 2023 Legislative Session, strategically redirects the tax revenues from medical marijuana sales to address broader issues such as food insecurity and associated health concerns. Elaborating on its implications, Hardin expressed, "What that means is elimination of school lunch debt. And then the legislature, Arkansas Legislative Council, can also expand that to address some other needs across the state. But...

Arkansas - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has formally disclosed appointments to several state boards and commissions: Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board: Blake Hand, from Bryant, has been appointed for a term concluding on October 14, 2025. He succeeds Jeffrey Pritchett. Benjamin Hammond, residing in Sheridan, has been designated for a newly instituted position. His term will conclude on July 28, 2026. Jason Wills, from Jonesboro, also assumes a newly established role, with his term ending on July 28, 2026. Monroe County Quorum Court: Kenneth Warrick, of Roe, will serve as the Justice of the Peace for District 9. His tenure will conclude...

Arkansas - As the school year commences for students and teachers in Arkansas, several legislations implemented on August 1 stand to impact their environment. Outlined below are key laws anticipated to have an effect on educational practices this year: Act 317: Pertaining to School Policies on Overnight Trips - Commonly referred to as the “bathroom bill,” this act stipulates that students may only utilize “multiple occupancy restroom or changing area” which align with the gender designated on their birth certificates. For school-led excursions, students must either be lodged with others of the same birth certificate-listed gender or be allotted single-occupancy accommodations. Additionally,...

Eureka Springs, Arkansas - The Clear Spring School in Eureka Springs, which is among the 83 Arkansas schools partaking in the initial year of the state's education voucher initiative, has commenced its academic session. Jessica FitzPatrick, the school's Head, shed light on the institution's reasons for participating in the state's Educational Freedom Account Program (EFA). "One of our stated goals is social justice and socioeconomic access to independent schools… the EFA program is worthwhile to us because I feel like that’s really important, that socioeconomics not prevent a family from making the choice to send their child here," remarked FitzPatrick. The EFA...