Arkansas News

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...

Batesville, Arkansas - The identity of a man who tragically lost his life to drowning in the White River near Lock and Dam 1 on Friday evening has been disclosed by the authorities. Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens revealed that the deceased individual was Eric Edwards, a 47-year-old resident of Jacksonville. Edwards met his unfortunate end while courageously trying to save his son, who had accidentally fallen into the river from a boat. Another individual present at the scene managed to secure the child, pulling him to safety. However, Edwards did not resurface after his brave attempt. His body was eventually...

Lowell, Arkansas - Costco, the renowned retail conglomerate, has renounced its plan to purchase land for its first store in Northwest Arkansas, specifically in the city of Lowell. This information was confirmed by Hank Kelley, CEO and executive broker of Kelley Commercial Partners, who serves as the representative for Costco in Little Rock. Kelley stated, “I can confirm the contract has been terminated but can’t comment any further based upon our agreement with our client.” The specifics of the termination remain confidential as per the client-agency agreement. Earlier this year, Chris Moore, the Mayor of Lowell, had indicated that Costco, based in...

Little Rock, Arkansas - Arkansas officials have indicated that the state's medical marijuana industry is poised to attain a new record in sales this year. In the first half of the year, spanning January through June, transactions in this sector amounted to $141 million, reflecting the sale of slightly over 29,000 pounds of marijuana. This information was provided by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. In comparison, sales for the same duration in 2022 stood at $134 million, demonstrating a clear increase in the current year. Projections indicate that, if this positive trend persists, sales for 2023 could exceed $280 million....