Opinion

Research has shown that 90 percent of a person’s brain develops in the first five years of life. That is why a child’s experiences and relationships during that time are critically important.

If you’re like me, there were few days on the calendar that I looked forward to more than the last day of school when I was young. As a parent, I understand how challenging the summer months are to keeping kids busy. Communities offer specialized programs to engage youth through public library reading programs, sports camps and Boys and Girls Clubs. For young people aiming to challenge themselves and make a difference in the lives of others, there is the Congressional Award.

When people call the state hotline to report suspected child abuse or neglect, about 80 percent are assigned to the Division of Children and Family Services. The other 20 percent are considered more serious, and are assigned to the State Police, which has a Division of Crimes Against Children.

If you are someone you know is caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, you may be interested in a new program launched this week. The Arkansas Legislative Council recently approved the creation and funding for the Dementia Respite Care Pilot Program.

If you are someone you know is caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, you may be interested in a new program launched this week. The Arkansas Legislative Council recently approved the creation and funding for the Dementia Respite Care Pilot Program.

Every five years, Congress sets out to write and pass a new farm bill, the cornerstone of our nation’s agriculture policy. It is a daunting undertaking. However, passing farm bills in this manner offers an opportunity to see what policies are working for our agricultural, nutrition and rural communities, and which ones need updates to better serve their needs.

The Arkansas School Safety Commission has been set up again to update measures to protect students while they are in school. The governor issued an executive order to reinstate the commission in the wake of the mass murder of 19 children and two adults at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24.

The Arkansas School Safety Commission has been set up again to update measures to protect students while they are in school. The governor issued an executive order to reinstate the commission in the wake of the mass murder of 19 children and two adults at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24.

With more than 800,000 visitors a year, the Buffalo National River is one of the leading tourist destinations in Arkansas. This year, the Buffalo National River celebrates its 50th anniversary as a unit of the National Park Service.

I’ve been honored to serve on the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees to help craft policies fulfilling the promise we made to men and women who served in our nation’s uniform by expanding access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care, benefits and services.