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Arkansas, Indiana attack SNAP purchases

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Arkansas, Indiana attack SNAP purchases


The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, continues to be in the crosshairs of state and federal lawmakers.

The Trump administration and the U.S. House of Representatives want to reduce the benefit. On Tuesday, Arkansas and Indiana entered the debate, stating they will seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remove soda and candy from SNAP. The two became the first states to make such a request.

Arkansas wants to restrict the purchase of soda—including no- and low-calorie options—fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, drinks labeled “unhealthy,” and candy, including chocolate and artificially sweetened varieties. SNAP recipients, however, would be allowed to buy ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken, which is currently ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.

Indiana’s plan is less detailed. It simply proposes the exclusion of candy and soft drinks from SNAP. However, Gov. Mike Braun signed executive orders that add work requirements for SNAP recipients and reinstate income and asset verification rules. Indiana will also review improper payments and other administrative errors to ensure SNAP complies with federal standards set by the Trump administration.

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The National Confectioners Association was among several food industry groups that criticized the actions of Arkansas and Indiana. The NCA said SNAP recipients have virtually the same purchasing patterns as non-SNAP recipients.

Legislation would allow hot food purchases with SNAP benefits

“This policy approach is misguided and not needed when it comes to chocolate and candy,” the NCA said in a statement. “SNAP participants and non-SNAP participants both understand that chocolate and candy are treats—not meal replacements.”

Carly Schildhaus, a spokesperson for the NCA, said only about 2% of SNAP purchases are candy—significantly less than categories like soda, prepared desserts, salty and savory snacks, and baked goods.

“This is why these proposed bans are not needed when it comes to candy,” Schildhaus said. “There are other categories that rank far higher than chocolate and candy.”

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U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins joined Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders during Tuesday’s announcement of the state’s plan and praised the direction, encouraging other states to follow suit.

“Gov. Sanders is confronting childhood diseases head-on, and it starts with what families consume,” Rollins said in a statement. “[Tuesday’s] waiver announcement is a welcome one, and I look forward to moving through the approval process swiftly.”

Louisiana is among the states considering similar restrictions. State lawmakers there want to remove soda from the list of SNAP-eligible foods.

SNAP benefits on the chopping block

However, Louisiana is also introducing a new initiative aimed at increasing access to healthy foods. The state Department of Children and Family Services launched a pilot program that gives SNAP recipients a 30-cent bonus for every dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables at select Walmart stores in six parishes. SNAP shoppers can earn up to $25 per month in bonus benefits during the pilot phase.

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Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Idaho are also pursuing initiatives to restrict the purchase of junk food with SNAP. The Healthy SNAP Act, filed by Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., would ban items such as candy and ice cream.

The NCA warned that implementing such restrictions would be nearly impossible.

“If retailers are required to scrutinize individual product eligibility and flag each eligible and non-eligible item at their point of sale, this will substantially increase compliance challenges for retailers and will decrease the number of eligible SNAP retailers,” the group said.

The NCA also argued that definitions of “candy” vary by state. “The same granola bar or trail mix could be banned as a SNAP-eligible purchase in one state, but be eligible across the border in another,” it said.

No city-owned grocery store for Chicago

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In Washington, the House Republicans’ proposed budget aims to cut $2 trillion in mandatory spending over the next decade. About $230 billion of that would come from the USDA, which oversees SNAP.

A report released last year by the House Republican Study Committee recommended a 22% cut to the food security program.





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Arkansas

Arkansas State E-Sports team wins National Championship in Rainbow 6 Siege

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Arkansas State E-Sports team wins National Championship in Rainbow 6 Siege


JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – E-Sports has become a worldwide phenomenon.

But did you know one of the nations best e-sports teams, was right here at Arkansas State?

These aren’t your average gamers.

“I think this week alone, I’ll shoutout Evo, he probably has 50 plus hours of recruiting, scouting and planning for this match,” says Esports director Fielding Belk.

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I know what you are thinking, 50 plus hours playing video games? but for the Arkansas State E-Sports team it’s just another day in the office.

These Red Wolves first started their gaming journey back in 2019 and now the club team is on the verge of winning it’s first national championship.

“I mean setting the stepping stone for other teams to eventually get to that point, especially winning it for TJ, he’s been doing this for a long time,” says Geoffrey Schaefer.

After talking with these guys, you can tell that this is deeper than just video games.

“I think video games looks like changed the entire globe. I think it’s one of the biggest communities out there,” says freshman Tra Guthrie.

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“Meeting all these people and connecting with them is building my connections and having friends you can talk to on and off campus, and keeping those connections,” said Jackson Facello.

The Red Wolves would go on to beat Wright State in a thrilling 3-1 match in Rainbow 6 Siege, bringing a National Championship home to Jonesboro.

Fielding Belk talked about the impact of gaming. “A lot of times when parents see video games, they think it’s a waste of time. In the collegiate competitive realm, there are more opportunities to improve, not only yourself, but the people around you. You come in every day and your work, you’re here to work. You put the work in you go to practice you do video review you communicate with your teammates, and it makes you a better person at the end of the day.

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Arkies in the Beltway | Week of May 11, 2025 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

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Arkies in the Beltway | Week of May 11, 2025 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette


This is “Arkies in the Beltway” for the week of May 11, 2025! I’m Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

[Click here to listen to the podcast.]

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House Republicans continue their work on Capitol Hill to finalize a budget package cutting the deficit and extending the 2017 tax cuts.

The House Natural Resources Committee — led by Arkansan Bruce Westerman — approved its portion of the proposal last week. The committee’s legislation seeks to generate $18.5 billion in savings and new revenue over the next 10 years.

STORY: Westerman, U.S. House committee approves energy-focused legislation aimed at boosting production and reducing deficit

Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., led the House Intelligence Committee on its release of a report assessing the FBI’s investigation into the June 2017 congressional baseball shooting outside of Washington.

Crawford, of Jonesboro, and the committee determined the FBI was incorrect in its assessment of the attack being a “suicide by cop,” noting the agency’s own evidence showing the shooting was an act of domestic terrorism.

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STORY: Crawford, House Intelligence Committee blast FBI for assessment of 2017 baseball shooting

One Arkansas farmer is seeking a chance to challenge Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., in next year’s Senate race.

Hallie Shoffner has helped with managing her family’s farm near Newport since 2016, but following their decision to close the operation amid a tough agricultural economy, she says she wants to help Arkansans like her who feel their voices remain unheard.

STORY: Sixth-generation Arkansas farmer plans to challenge Cotton for U.S. Senate

Thank you for listening to “Arkies in the Beltway!” You can stay up to date with all Arkansas news at ArkansasOnline.com, or follow me on Bluesky for developments from the nation’s capital!

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New burger chain coming to Jonesboro

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New burger chain coming to Jonesboro


JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – A long-awaited burger chain is finally coming to Jonesboro.

Coldwell Banker Village Communities announced the first Whataburger in northeast Arkansas will be built in the Southern Hills development area, off Southwest Drive and south of Interstate 555.

Other businesses being built for the Southern Hills area are:

  • CubeSmart
  • Southern Hills Strip Center
  • O’Reilly Auto Parts
  • Shadrachs Coffee
  • Southern Branch Crossing
  • Kum & Go
  • Lebowski’s Brewing Company
  • McDonald’s
  • Arvest Bank
  • Tommy’s Express Car Wash
  • Plaza Tire

To report a typo or correction, please click here.

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