Arkansas News

Jonesboro, Arkansas - In a recent study, Arkansas emerged as the second state in the U.S. that allocates the least towards home improvement expenditures, preceded only by Mississippi. The study undertook a comparison of each state's median income against its respective expenditure on various fronts. This comprehensive analysis, carried out by the Contractor Growth Network, utilized data acquired from the Consensus Business Builder spanning the timeframe of December 2021 to December 2022. With a population of approximately 3 million, the median household earnings in Arkansas stand at $52,123. Residents, on average, devote about $2,705 annually to home enhancement endeavors. A representative from Contractor Growth...

Arkansas - As the school year commences, the need for school supplies for children becomes paramount. Recognizing this, the Martin Luther King Commission has launched its 2023 Back to School Supply Giveaway Tour. The commission has arranged for teams to be present at various strategic locations across the state to facilitate this initiative. On August 9, distribution centers will be operational from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at three sites in Little Rock, two in North Little Rock, and singular venues in Hot Springs, Stuttgart, and Lowell. Subsequently, on August 10, there will be evening distribution points established in Smackover and Norphlet. The...

Little Rock, Arkansas - Arkansas has bolstered its legal framework to curtail high-speed police pursuits. The state has ratified Act 734, which imposes penalties on individuals attempting to elude law enforcement. Notably, any high-speed pursuit exceeding the stipulated speed limit now falls under a Class D felony. State Police Director Mike Hagar has underscored the inherent risks such pursuits pose to suspects, law enforcement officers, and the general public. Act 734 aims to dissuade potential offenders from initiating perilous high-speed chases, thereby enhancing public safety. Hagar emphasized the broader implications, noting that these chases jeopardize everyone, from those involved to unsuspecting citizens on...

Arkansas - The state of Arkansas has introduced legislation facilitating employment for individuals under the age of 16. As of August 1, 2023, ACT 195, otherwise known as the Youth Hiring Act of 2023, amends existing labor laws, creating opportunities for young individuals to enter the workforce without requiring an employment certificate. This progressive law also eliminates the obligation for minors to validate their age or procure a written endorsement from a parent or legal guardian as a prerequisite for employment. However, the response from local business owners to these changes has been varied. Shelly Duty, proprietor of the Ridge Coffee in...

Fort Smith, Arkansas - In a proactive response to the opioid crisis, a new legislation, known as Act 811, is slated to take effect in Arkansas. This law mandates the distribution of opioid drug overdose kits in every high school throughout the state. The requirements laid out by Act 811 apply to both public high schools and state-supported universities. School officials have stated that the placement of these kits will directly address the opioid crisis and significantly bolster the safety measures for young individuals across the state. Dr. Hugh Jackson, an emergency medical physician at Mercy Hospital, shared, "Unfortunately, we’re seeing quite...

Arkansas - Arkansas is set to undergo a significant shift concerning temporary vehicle tags. The forthcoming change is anticipated to greatly impact both the utility of these tags and the accompanying responsibilities. In a progressive move designed to benefit the residents, the state of Arkansas is set to extend the duration for vehicle registration. Commencing from the 1st of August, vehicle buyers in the state will have an extended period during which they can use their temporary tags. This administrative alteration is expected to bring relief to drivers, possibly reducing the incidence of expired paper tags on the state's roads. "We are...

Little Rock, Arkansas - During the routinely conducted commission meeting last week, Austin Booth, Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), disclosed the initiation of a novel division within the AGFC. This division is designed to center on recreational shooting, facilitating the growth of shooting ranges and corresponding programs throughout the state. Booth underscored the enduring link between conservation and shooting, tracing back to the era of the Pittman-Robertson Act, a testament to the fact that hunters and recreational shooters often emerge as the most fervent and effective conservationists in the nation. Booth further highlighted that a prominent request...

Hot Springs, Arkansas - Magic Springs Theme & Water Park, prominently located in Hot Springs, holds the distinction of being the only amusement and water park in Arkansas. This unique attraction offers a blend of amusement and water-based adventures that span the warmer months, beginning in May and lasting through October. Equipped with an array of over 30 rides, the park offers entertainment that caters to a wide range of age groups and thrill levels. From high-speed roller coasters that promise a shot of adrenaline, to beginner-level coasters and enjoyable family rides, the options are diverse. Among the thrilling rides for...

Little Rock, Arkansas - The State of Arkansas has recently become part of an alliance comprised of four states and the Department of Homeland Security, intending to combat organized retail crime. The alliance, as outlined by the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations office in New Orleans, unites law enforcement agencies from federal, state, and local levels, along with partners from the retail and financial sectors in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas. The primary focus of this collaboration is to confront domestic and transnational criminal organizations that profit from systematic retail crime. According to officials, retail crime syndicates typically secure goods unlawfully through theft...

Conway, Arkansas - A major development project valued at nearly $280 million is soon to be underway across several counties, introducing a bike trail that will span 200 miles, linking the counties of Faulkner, Lonoke, Pulaski, and Saline. This extensive initiative is known as The Central Arkansas Greenways Plan, as named by Metroplan. Bobby Kelly III, a representative from the city of Conway, shared their concurrent plan to augment their own bicycle trail infrastructure, albeit at a more localized scale. Their initiative is titled Connect Conway. It has received financial support from the US Department of Transportation to the tune...