By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas families planning for back-to-school shopping can take advantage of the 2026 Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday, which runs Aug. 1-2. This year’s sales tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2. All…
By John LovettUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food recently opened applications for its 2027 class of Farm School, a nine-month program that provides foundational knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to aspiring specialty crop farmers. The Farm School is designed for beginning farmers of fruits, vegetables, flowers…
By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — For families with teenagers starting high school this fall, the transition to new social pressures and academic responsibilities can feel intimidating for both parents and children. Brittney Schrick, extension associate professor and family life specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said…
By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — When it comes to adding healthy sources of protein to your diet, an expert with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture said consumers need to first understand the science behind protein and how it affects our bodies. “When we think about ‘What is…
By Sarah Cato University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — The Cyclosporiasis outbreaks happening across the U.S. may sound scary, but there are simple steps families can take to minimize risk of infection. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. As of July 13, 2026, CDC had received reports of…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – As summer temperatures continue to climb, Entergy Arkansas is expanding in-person customer care events across the state, including an additional event in Little Rock at the Watershed Family Resource Center where a limited number of free fans will be available to help customers stay cool during the hottest months of the…
By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas families planning for back-to-school shopping can take advantage of the 2026 Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday, which runs Aug. 1-2. This year’s sales tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2. All…
By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — As kids prepare to return to school, parents should talk to their children’s doctors about routine vaccinations, which can help keep children healthy and safe throughout the school year. “Back-to-school preparation is about more than buying supplies,” said Heather Wingo, extension immunization educator for…
By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — Though it can be tempting to buy inexpensive clothes from fast fashion retailers during the back-to-school shopping season, an extension expert suggests visiting thrift stores and preserving your existing wardrobe instead. “Fast fashion is a business model where clothing brands quickly mass-produce inexpensive, trendy…
Today, the United States turns 250 years old. That is a birthday worth celebrating. It is worth celebrating with flags on porches, red, white and blue shirts, fireworks after dark, families gathered in backyards and somebody standing over a grill acting like the fate of the republic depends on getting the burgers right. It is…
LITTLE ROCK — Though diet alone cannot prevent the onset of dementia, choosing heart-healthy foods — such as leafy greens, beans, whole grains and healthy fats — also supports the brain, affecting cognitive function over time. “Nutrition is one important, modifiable lifestyle factor that may help support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive…
LITTLE ROCK — To help parents determine if their child is ready to stay at home alone, an extension family life expert says it is critical to focus on maturity, emergency preparedness and teaching children age-appropriate independence. Brittney Schrick, extension associate professor and family life specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said…
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Mid-America Science Museum will host Tesla Fest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 11. The annual event celebrates the life and scientific legacy of Nikola Tesla, whose innovations in electricity and engineering continue to influence modern technology. Tesla Fest is held on the Saturday closest to Tesla’s birthday, July…
EL DORADO, Ark. — The Red Bull Skydiving Team is scheduled to make an appearance in El Dorado on Thursday, July 2, as part of the city’s 250-themed celebration. According to a promotional graphic for the event, the skydiving team will perform at 8:45 p.m. at MAD AMP in El Dorado. The event is expected…
LITTLE ROCK — Fresh produce is highly perishable, but proper washing and storage can help make it last longer, saving money and reducing waste. Quad Whitson, extension culinary nutrition and food safety program associate for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said that according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, about 30 to 40…
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas State Parks announced a new partnership with Apple Seeds, a nonprofit nutrition education organization, to establish a Central Arkansas Teaching Farm at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The project, in partnership with the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, is made possible through a new Concessionaire Lease Agreement approved May 1, 2026. The…
LITTLE ROCK — For Arkansans interested in preserving fresh produce, extension experts encourage home canners to follow research-based guidelines to ensure the results are safe. Quad Whitson, extension culinary nutrition and food safety program associate for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said that for home food preservation, “canning” is an umbrella term that…
EL DORADO, Ark. — The Red Bull Skydiving Team is scheduled to make an appearance in El Dorado on Thursday, July 2, as part of the city’s 250-themed celebration. According to a promotional graphic for the event, the skydiving team will perform at 8:45 p.m. at MAD AMP in El Dorado. The event is expected…
By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — For Arkansans interested in preserving fresh produce, extension experts encourage home canners to follow research-based guidelines to ensure the results are safe. Quad Whitson, extension culinary nutrition and food safety program associate for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said that for home…
Shares easy ideas for boosting efficiency and lowering electric bills LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – As the official first day of summer approaches and temperatures continue to rise, air conditioners will start running full blast and lead to an increase in electricity usage. However, staying cool and comfortable does not have to come at the cost…