As teachers dust off desks, parents buy new school supplies and students prepare to head back to the classroom, the signs that a new school year is upon us are unmistakable. Yet I can attest that some young Arkansans were still learning over the summer break, developing new skills and gaining vital experience to help shape their future through congressional internships.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson last week signed two bills into law “bringing the state income tax to a historic low” and creating a School Safety Grant program, his office reported.
The Huntsville School Board recently took one large step forward in moving on from its Title IX fiascos, but its administrators took it two steps back. We’re starting to think that …
The American Farm Bureau Federation recently recognized me with the Golden Plow, the highest honor it awards sitting members of Congress. The success I’ve had in shaping ag policy is thanks, in large part, to the Farm Bureau – and especially its Arkansas branch – serving as a vital resource in supporting Natural State farmers, ranchers and foresters.
When details emerged early last week of the deadly fire near Nob Hill, it took me back many decades to another fire that claimed family members in my hometown in Missouri.
There is a new way to get help for folks experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis and it’s as easy as dialing 988. In July, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline launched, ushering in a link to crisis centers nationwide through a toll-free number connecting callers to trained counselors for free and confidential care.
This record-breaking heat we’ve been having lately has had me thinking about the folks who have to work out in the elements. Hopefully by the time you read this, the cooler weather with some rain has made its way here.
It’s been more than 30 years since the United States and coalition forces helped liberate Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion. Now, the men and women who served in uniform during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield will soon be recognized with a national memorial honoring their selfless service and sacrifice.
The advisory committee looking for possible building sites for a Madison County jail met last week. There are many issues still to be resolved before the county voters will be asked to help fund the construction of a jail, and the continued maintenance and operation of a facility.
Summer always brings back memories of my family’s road trips to Petit Jean State Park and other adventures around Arkansas. Whether I was in the back seat as a kid or driving my own daughters, there was always a lot to see and do as we explored the state.
A recent caller said she noticed something in her yard. Or something that wasn’t in her yard: bees. I was told that in spite of numerous flowers in bloom, there wasn’t one bee to be seen. She blamed it directly on spraying to kill weeds and grasses along the roads in Madison County.
A week ago I was brought in from the bullpen to help get out the latest edition of The Record. As a relief carrier, I took Route A, which didn’t have many stops, but it did offer me a chance to drive some of the prettiest parts of Madison County.
The University of Arkansas Razorbacks’ baseball team finished the season last week as one of the top three teams in country, falling to Ole Miss 2-0 in the Bracket 2 final of the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. A win last Thursday would have put Arkansas in the CWS finals against Oklahoma.
Folks who use Highway 127 around Aurora and Witter are ready for their new bridge. It’s been more than five years since flood waters washed out the old bridge.
I’ve been honored to serve on the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees to help craft policies fulfilling the promise we made to men and women who served in our nation’s uniform by expanding access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care, benefits and services.
QUESTION: I really love my flower gardens, but the heat and intensity of the sun this year are making them harder and harder to maintain. To get more color from my plants, I have always tried to minimize the shade in my backyard by trimming up trees, pruning hedges and using low fences. Now I am wondering if I should change how I approach gardening. What do you think?
The American flag has featured 50 stars since 1959, when Alaska and Hawaii joined the Union. That means over six decades have passed since the United States last expanded, which was well after Arkansas was admitted as the 25th state.
I’ve never had any doubt that former President Donald J. Trump was responsible, in part, for the Jan. 6, 2021, riots that happened at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Last week the U.S. House select committee investigating the Capitol attack held its first public hearing, which detailed the findings of the panel’s investigation.
In 1722, when French explorer Jean-Baptiste Bernard de La Harpe and his crew were exploring by way of the Arkansas River, they came upon what they called “La Petite Roche” or “The Little Rock” on the south bank of the river. This “little rock” became a landmark for travelers and gave The Natural State the name for its future capital city.
