Arkansas
7 on 7: The biggest stories from last week you might’ve missed
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Here are the biggest stories you might have missed in the week of June 28-July 4.
1. Arkansas SNAP ban on soda and candy takes effect under Sanders waiver
Gov. Sanders’ waiver that will ban soft drinks and candy from Arkansas’ Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to go into effect on July 1. (PHOTO: KATV)
Gov. Sanders’ waiver that will ban soft drinks and candy from Arkansas’ Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to go into effect on July 1.
Under the waiver, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to soft drinks, including low- and no-calorie sodas, fruit and vegetable drinks containing less than 50% natural juice, candy, and other “unhealthy beverages.”
The Governor’s office claims the SNAP reform plan is the first of its kind in the nation, calling it an attempt to restore food stamps’ focus on nutrition.
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2. Republican Party of Arkansas files FEC complaint against Chris Jones campaign
The Republican Party of Arkansas (RPA) has accused Chris Jones’ congressional campaign of violating federal election law, according to a new complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). (PHOTO: KATV)
The Republican Party of Arkansas (RPA) has accused Chris Jones’ congressional campaign of violating federal election law, according to a new complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
The complaint alleges that yard signs promoting “Chris Jones for Congress” failed to include the disclaimer “Paid for by The Committee to Elect Chris Jones” in the correct format. Under federal election law and FEC regulations, any printed campaign materials are required to have disclaimers inside a printed box away from the other contents of the communication.
The complaint also includes an image of Jones’ online campaign store which sells a yard sign with the correct disclaimer.
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3. Riceland sounds alarm on farm crisis, weighs permanent closure of drying facilities
The farm economy crisis isn’t just taking its toll on Arkansas farmers. Now it’s threatening the state’s agricultural infrastructure itself, and Riceland Foods is sounding the alarm and hoping Washington, D.C., is listening. (PHOTO: KATV)
The farm economy crisis isn’t just taking its toll on Arkansas farmers. Now it’s threatening the state’s agricultural infrastructure itself, and Riceland Foods is sounding the alarm and hoping Washington, D.C., is listening.
Just over a week ago, Riceland announced that it would temporarily close 38 percent of its rice drying facilities because of a nearly 40 percent drop in rice planted this year. Now, the co-op says it’s forced to consider permanent closures and layoffs.
“We’re not in a posture right now where we’re ready to announce the number,” said Ben Noble, Riceland Foods executive vice president and chief operating officer. “As we look real closely at what the signup is and how much rice we’re actually going to get beyond just estimates, of course, we’re going to have to evaluate. Do we have enough supply and demand to match our assets? And we may have to face some tough decisions in the future.”
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4. Dad reportedly forgets he didn’t drop toddler off at daycare, finds him dead in backseat
A man reportedly forgot he didn’t drop his son off at daycare and returned to find him dead in the backseat of a vehicle. (PHOTO: File)
A man reportedly forgot he didn’t drop his son off at daycare and returned to find him dead in the backseat of a vehicle.
According to a statement issued by police on X at 8:40 p.m. on Monday, June 29, a toddler was found dead inside a vehicle Monday outside a Plantation preschool, with police investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Plantation Police and Fire Department and Plantation Fire Department responded at about 5:39 p.m. Monday to A World of Discovery Academy after receiving a report of a deceased child inside a vehicle.
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5. Arkansas SNAP gets hard stop on soda, candy, soft drinks – off the table starting July 1
Starting Wednesday, what ends up in your shopping cart could depend on how you’re paying for it. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Starting Wednesday, what ends up in your shopping cart could depend on how you’re paying for it.
Arkansas is rolling out new restrictions on SNAP purchases, banning the use of food assistance benefits for soda, candy, and certain sugary drinks. That includes both traditional and diet sodas, along with fruit and vegetable drinks that contain less than 50 percent natural juice.
State leaders say the move is aimed at steering families toward healthier choices and reducing access to heavily processed foods through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The change follows a federal waiver approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, setting the policy to take effect July 1, 2026.
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6. Malvern School District mourns death of rising high school senior Kai Reed
The Malvern School District is mourning the loss of rising Malvern High School senior Kai Reed. (PHOTO: Malvern School District Facebook)
The Malvern School District is mourning the loss of rising Malvern High School senior Kai Reed.
In a statement posted to Facebook, district officials says they were heartbroken by the loss of Reed and extended their condolences to his family, friends, classmates, teachers, and loved ones.
“The Malvern School District extends its deepest condolences to Kai’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We ask our community to keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the days ahead,” the post said. “The loss of a young person affects an entire community.”
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7. Hayward Finks selected to serve as North Little Rock police chief
The City of North Little Rock has a new police chief. (PHOTO: City of Little Rock)
The City of North Little Rock has a new police chief.
Officials say that Chief Hayward Finks, who was selected by North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick to serve as the city’s next Chief of Police, will be introduced on Jul. 6.
“We are honored to have Chief Finks serve as Chief of Police for our city. He is a proven, professional leader with uncompromising devotion to customer service and community safety. I believe he is an exemplary choice as our next police chief,” said Hartwick.
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