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SANY Nutrition Group Invests $30 Million in New Jonesboro Protein Snack Manufacturing Plant, Creating Over 150 Jobs

SANY Nutrition Group Invests $30 Million in New Jonesboro Protein Snack Manufacturing Plant, Creating Over 150 Jobs

SANY Nutrition Group Invests $30 Million in New Jonesboro Protein Snack Manufacturing Plant, Creating Over 150 Jobs
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Arkansas Legislators Briefed on Economic Development Districts Ballot Measure for November Election

Arkansas Legislators Briefed on Economic Development Districts Ballot Measure for November Election

Arkansas legislators were recently briefed on a proposed constitutional amendment, Issue 3, which will appear on the November ballot. This measure aims to allow local governments to establish economic development districts that can issue bonds to finance private development projects. The bonds would be repaid using new sales or property tax revenue generated by the development, exceeding the existing tax levels at the time the agreement is made. Republican state Senator Jonathan Dismang of Searcy, the lead sponsor, and others presented the details to a joint session of the House and Senate Committees on City, County and Local Affairs. Supporters argue that Arkansas currently lacks an effective economic development tool of this nature, leading to developers choosing neighboring states. If approved, enabling legislation would be required in early 2027 to formalize the district's operational details, potentially allowing local governments to create districts by next summer.
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UALR and NYITCOM at A-State Launch Accelerated 7-Year Medical Degree Pathway

UALR and NYITCOM at A-State Launch Accelerated 7-Year Medical Degree Pathway

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) has partnered with the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University (NYITCOM at A-State) to create an accelerated seven-year medical degree pathway. This program will allow students to earn a bachelor's degree from UALR and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from NYITCOM in a condensed timeframe. Up to 10 students annually will be admitted through a joint admissions process, primarily targeting students in UALR's Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, particularly those studying biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Current UALR freshmen and sophomores are eligible to apply, with juniors considered on a case-by-case basis. A significant aspect of this pathway is the potential for conditional admission without requiring the traditional Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), placing greater emphasis on sustained academic performance in rigorous science coursework. The fi...
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Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton Advance F-35 Pilot Training Expansion in Arkansas

Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton Advance F-35 Pilot Training Expansion in Arkansas

Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton are actively working to expand F-35 pilot training infrastructure at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Senator Cotton highlighted their ongoing collaboration, stating that the base is crucial for training F-35 pilots and that they have secured investments, including from BL Harbert, to expand the training center. Construction for a new F-35 pilot training center at the base reportedly began in May 2026. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance defense capabilities and bring more jobs to Fort Smith, reflecting a focus on defense investment and regional economic development.
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Arkansas Withholds $126,000 in State Aid from Three Towns Over Delinquent Water and Sewer Audits

Arkansas Withholds $126,000 in State Aid from Three Towns Over Delinquent Water and Sewer Audits

The state of Arkansas has withheld a combined $126,000 in state aid from three small towns—Fouke, Ulm, and Biggers—due to their failure to complete mandatory audits of their water and sewer systems by an August 6 deadline. This marks the first instance the state has taken such action over delinquent audits. Fouke, located in Miller County, has a population of just over 800; Ulm in Prairie County has fewer than 200 residents; and Biggers in Randolph County has over 300 residents. The withheld funds are part of 'turnback funds,' which are state aid distributed to municipalities. State Senator Kim Hammer, a member of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, stated that the requirement for these audits and the expectations surrounding them have been in place for a considerable period. Warnings were issued last year to numerous Arkansas cities and towns that had not completed their required water and sewer audits, with some being overdue by as much as three years.
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Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas Offers Back-to-School Assistance Amid Financial Strain

Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas Offers Back-to-School Assistance Amid Financial Strain

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas is providing assistance to families as the new school year begins, recognizing the financial burden that back-to-school shopping can place on household budgets. For many parents, the cost of school supplies and clothing can reduce funds available for groceries. Rebecca Hendricks, Chief Development Officer for the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, stated that the organization is prepared to help families struggling to afford food. She also noted that families can inquire with their child's school about the availability of school pantries. Hendricks highlighted the benefit of Arkansas's universal free breakfast program and mentioned that school pantry programs allow families to take food home, benefiting the entire household, not just the students. The Food Bank's website offers information on pantry locations and operating hours, as well as a SNAP screener to help families determine their eligibility for benefits.
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Arkansas Scenic Byway Offers Road Trip Through Mountains and Small Towns

Arkansas Scenic Byway Offers Road Trip Through Mountains and Small Towns

Arkansas Scenic Byway Offers Road Trip Through Mountains and Small Towns
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Pennsylvania College Faculty Receive AWS Fiber Optics Training to Enhance Skilled Trades Education

Pennsylvania College Faculty Receive AWS Fiber Optics Training to Enhance Skilled Trades Education

Faculty members from four Pennsylvania community colleges, including Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), and several career-and-technical-education (CTE) teachers have completed specialized fiber optics training. This 'train-the-trainers certification' program was provided by Light Brigade, a national fiber-optics program, with support from Amazon Web Services (AWS). The training, which took place at Lehigh Carbon Community College from August 3 to August 6, aimed to equip educators with practical, industry-based knowledge in the latest fiber optics technology and practices. Edward Kuehner, LCCC Applied Technology Department chair, and John Weaver, an LCCC HVAC Instructor, were among the thirteen faculty members who participated. They emphasized that this experience will allow them to strengthen their curriculum and better prepare students for the growing demand for fiber optic skills in the workforce. Nicholas Lee-Romagnolo, an AWS workforce development representative, highlighted the increasing dema...
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UW System Proposes Two-Year Tuition Freeze Contingent on $190 Million State Investment

UW System Proposes Two-Year Tuition Freeze Contingent on $190 Million State Investment

The University of Wisconsin (UW) System has announced a proposal to freeze tuition for two years, covering the 2027-29 biennium, provided the state Legislature approves a $190 million investment in the Universities of Wisconsin. This initiative, termed the 4-Year Tuition Pledge, was unveiled by Board of Regents President Kyle Weatherly and UW System Interim President Renée Wachter. Under this plan, UW campuses would also commit to capping tuition increases at the rate of inflation for two years following the proposed freeze. However, system officials have emphasized that the pledge's implementation is contingent upon securing the requested state funding. Weatherly indicated that without the $190 million investment from the Legislature and the next governor during fall budget negotiations, it would be challenging to avoid tuition increases in 2027, citing inflationary pressures and the need to fund state-mandated payroll increases. This follows a 2% in-state undergraduate tuition increase and a 3.5% average...
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Michigan players embrace a brutal schedule

Michigan players embrace a brutal schedule

Michigan football players are embracing a difficult schedule that includes six preseason top 25 opponents this year.
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Nic Moore has 'great natural leverage' at center for Tennessee

Nic Moore has 'great natural leverage' at center for Tennessee

Tennessee sophomore center Nic Moore has great natural leverage.
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South to Face Days of Dangerous Heat and Humidity

South to Face Days of Dangerous Heat and Humidity

A powerful heat dome will keep the southern U.S. dangerously hot through Monday, Aug. 17, with little relief overnight. RealFeel® temperatures could climb toward 115°F, while high humidity increases the risk of heat-related illness. Little Rock, Arkansas, could see highs above 100°F through midweek, with nighttime temperatures potentially staying near 85°F in urban areas. Spotty storms may offer brief relief across the Southeast. By midweek, the heat dome could weaken from Missouri to Virginia, but dangerous heat will persist along the Gulf Coast.