Photograph: Al Drago/Bloomberg by way of Getty Pictures
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders stated in an open letter Wednesday she will not help a pay improve plan for state authorities staff valued at $80 million.
What occurred: Within the communication, addressed to Secretary of Transformation and Shared Companies Joseph Wooden, she directed the division to “overview and rework the present classification and compensation construction of the state.”
What they’re saying: Authorities staff needs to be paid on “advantage and accomplishment,” not simply years of service, Sanders stated within the letter.
Flashback: Arkansas’ new secretary of commerce, Hugh McDonald, instructed Axios in February there’ll seemingly be fewer state jobs within the Sanders administration.
In the meantime, lawmakers on the state Capitol continued to push and pull varied payments that stalled through the earlier two weeks because the training reform package deal LEARNS took heart stage.
Zoom in: Payments despatched to Sanders’ desk this week embody:
The standing of some different payments the Legislature thought-about this week:
What’s subsequent: Lawmakers are recessed till March 27 for spring break.
Today at 2:16 a.m.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Arkansas State University named Latika Johnson as the new director of its Multicultural Center, officials announced Thursday.
The Multicultural Center, housed in the Carl R. Reng Student Union, provides “social, cultural, educational and leadership opportunities with specific attention to the needs of underrepresented and marginalized students,” according to the university’s website.
“Our…
Today at 3:00 p.m.
AL TOPICH SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
(Special to the Democrat-Gazette/Al Topich)
Even though the film festival season in Arkansas is over until next year, there are still plenty of film-related events. Last week, there were two such events, one in Northwest Arkansas at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the other taking place outdoors at a flower farm outside…
After three weeks standing on the verge of bowl eligibility, Arkansas football has its best opportunity to secure a spot in college football’s postseason this weekend against Louisiana Tech.
The Razorbacks (5-5) will host the Bulldogs (4-6) on Saturday (3 p.m., SECN+). Twenty players are projected to take part in Senior Day festivities as Arkansas closes out its home schedule in 2024.
The Hogs are coming off back-to-back losses inside Reynolds Razorback Stadium, most recently falling to Texas 20-10. Arkansas’ offense couldn’t muster enough production across the first two quarters as a comeback bid fell short against the Longhorns.
Louisiana Tech, meanwhile, is coming off its biggest win of the season. The Bulldogs beat conference rival Western Kentucky 12-7, knocking the Hilltoppers out of first place in Conference USA.
Here are four things to watch and a score prediction for Saturday’s contest between Arkansas and Louisiana Tech.
The best way to prevent an upset is to eliminate any hope. Arkansas didn’t do that against UAB in September, and the Razorbacks came out of the gates slow last year in this same spot against FIU. They eventually won both games, but the final scores were closer than desired.
“We’re trying to live up to the Arkansas standard, and that results in executing on the field. And if we don’t live up to that, then we’re going to see a similar slow start,” Arkansas offensive lineman Josh Braun said. “So that’s what we’re focused on this week, just starting fast and playing our brand of football.”
This is arguably the biggest key for Arkansas every weekend. The Razorbacks are 0-5 when they lose the turnover battle this season, and two costly giveaways spoiled any chance at an upset last week against Texas.
Fortunately for Arkansas, Louisiana Tech ranks 111th in the country in turnover margin. The Bulldogs are averaging nearly two turnovers a game, so this might be an opportune matchup for the Hogs’ defense.
The Bulldogs have struggled on the ground all season, and they’ve won both games in which they rushed for more than 150 yards. By contrast, they are 2-6 when held under that mark.
Arkansas’ running defense has been strong throughout the year. Only two opponents have averaged more than 4 yards per carry, and the Razorbacks should be able to keep Louisiana Tech running backs Omiri Wiggins and Amani Givens in check.
On the flip side, Arkansas needs to commit to running the football early and stay vigilant with Ja’Quinden Jackson. Relying on the pass too heavily proved a mistake in the first half against Texas, and look for Bobby Petrino to adjust.
Edwards, a senior wide receiver, is by far Louisiana Tech’s most dangerous weapon. He has four games this season with more than 100 yards receiving and leads the team with six touchdowns.
He’s a big-play threat who will require the full focus of the Arkansas defense. The Razorbacks’ secondary will try to maintain its momentum after holding Quinn Ewers and Isaiah Bond in check last week.
Louisiana Tech is better than its record indicates, but there is still a gulf in talent between the two rosters. If Arkansas handles its own business and avoids sloppy turnovers, it should have no problem securing bowl eligibility Saturday. An upset loss would be unacceptable. Arkansas 38, Louisiana Tech 13.
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