Arkansas
Landon Jackson raises draft stock at NFL Combine
Arkansas defensive end Landon Jackson made the most of his NFL Scouting Combine invite over the weekend in an effort to get his draft stock even higher for the NFL Draft in April.
The Razorbacks’ star pass rusher tested well in virtually every workout he participated in, especially his 40 1/2 inch vertical jump, which ESPN reported sent “a notable buzz” through Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
“Doing that at 6-foot-6 and 264 pounds was one of the most impressive feats from Day 1,” ESPN’s Matt Miller wrote Sunday. “Jackson followed that up with a 10-foot-9 broad jump before running a smooth 4.69 in the 40. Jackson is a power player on tape, so showing this type of explosive ability and flexibility was key for his draft stock. He’s a solid Round 2 player on my board, but Jackson’s performance this week could get him picked inside the top 40.”
Jackson tallied a career-best 49 total tackles as a senior in 2024. He added 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks on the year to push his career totals to 26.5 and 16, respectively.
The former LSU transfer is currently listed as the No. 41 best available player in this year’s draft by Pro Football Focus. According to FrontOfficeNFL on X, Jackson is one of just four players since 2003 to weigh more than 260 pounds and jump higher than 40 inches in the vertical. The other three were Mario Williams in 2006, Myles Garrett in 2017 and Shamar Stewart from Texas A&M this year as well.
Arkansas has had just three players drafted in the top-40 picks of the NFL Draft since 2008. Treylon Burks went 18th overall in 2022, Frank Ragnow was drafted 20th overall in 2018 and Hunter Henry went 35th in the 2016 draft.
The Razorbacks haven’t had a defensive end drafted since both Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jeremiah Ledbetter were selected in 2017. Jamaal Anderson was the last Arkansas defensive end to be drafted in the top-two rounds (8th overall to Falcons in 2007).
The first round of the NFL Draft will be held Thursday, April 24, at 7 p.m. CT. Rounds two and three will begin at 6 p.m. CT Friday, April 25.
Arkansas
Texas bee swarm hospitalizes 3; Arkansas doctors explain warning signs of severe reactions
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — A bee swarm attack in Texas sent three people, including a firefighter, to the hospital this week, while Arkansas medical experts said most bee stings are not dangerous but can become life-threatening in certain cases.
Authorities in San Antonio said the three victims were hospitalized after being swarmed and stung by aggressive bees. Officials have not released details on what triggered the attack or the species involved.
Doctors in Arkansas said the biggest risk from a bee sting is not the sting itself, but a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
“The concern when you have a bee sting is if you develop a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis,” said Dr. Garrett Lewis, chief medical officer at St. Vincent Infirmary.
Lewis said warning signs include throat swelling, difficulty breathing and feeling faint, which require immediate medical attention.
“If you’re experiencing any throat swelling or severe shortness of breath, you need to seek medical care immediately,” Lewis said.
He added that people who are stung multiple times may also be at risk even without a known allergy, because each sting introduces additional venom into the body.
In the event of a swarm, Lewis said the priority should be escaping the area as quickly as possible and removing any stingers once safe.
“Seek water, seek indoor,” Lewis said. “Once you’re away from the swarm, you want to make sure that you are removing any stingers that might still be in your skin.”
Lewis also said symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and widespread hives can indicate a serious reaction.
While the Texas incident resulted in hospitalizations, a recent swarm outside a Little Rock business ended without injuries after bees briefly gathered on a tree limb before being safely removed by a beekeeper.
Lewis said the best prevention is awareness of surroundings and understanding when medical care is needed after a sting.
Arkansas
Arkansas DFA Agents seize illegal products in Corning
CORNING, Ark. (KATV) — Regulatory Enforcement Agents with the Department of Finance and Administration, along with local police, seized a significant amount of illegal THC products from Pacific Green in Corning on Tuesday.
According to the DFA, more than a dozen agents joined the City of Corning Police in the day-long operation that resulted in two arrests.
DFA agents seized more than 25 pounds of illegal products consisting of flower, vapes, and edibles.
Owner Ben Bennett and employee Sharia Shipman were arrested and both charged with the following:
- Delivery of a Schedule VI controlled substance (Class D Felony)
- Possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with the purpose to deliver (Class B Felony)
- Controlled substances – Offenses relating to records, maintaining premises (Class C Felony)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class D Felony)
- Unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate certain crimes (Class C Felony)
Bennett’s bond was set at $150,000, while Shipman’s bond was set at $100,000.
“In addition to selling illegal products, investigators confirmed violations involving underage access at this location,” said David Potter, Director of the Regulatory Enforcement Division. “This retailer, which was located within 1,000 feet of a school, presented significant public health and safety concerns. We are proud to partner with the Corning Police Department in addressing these violations. We seized a substantial quantity of illegal products, including flower, vapes, edibles, and other items, during the operation. We appreciate the cooperation of local law enforcement and information received from the community that led to yesterday’s operation and stopped this blatant disregard of the law.”
Note: All suspects accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
Arkansas
Arkansas driver’s licenses and state IDs now available in Apple Wallet
The Department of Finance and Administration said Arkansans can use Apple Wallet to present their license or ID in person, online and in apps at select organizations, including at more than 250 Transportation Security
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