States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Governor Abbott Statement On Iranian Action
AUSTIN, Texas, March 1 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Governor Abbott Statement On Iranian Action
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AUSTIN -Governor Greg Abbott released the following statement on President Trump's decisive action against the Iranian regime:
"Texas stands with President Trump in sending a clear message to Iran: its aggression toward America and the West will no longer be tolerated.
These joint operations with our allies in the Middle East are a clear demonstration of American resolve to neutralize threats from rogue regimes that endanger our troops, our allies,
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, March 1 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Governor Abbott Statement On Iranian Action
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AUSTIN -Governor Greg Abbott released the following statement on President Trump's decisive action against the Iranian regime:
"Texas stands with President Trump in sending a clear message to Iran: its aggression toward America and the West will no longer be tolerated.
These joint operations with our allies in the Middle East are a clear demonstration of American resolve to neutralize threats from rogue regimes that endanger our troops, our allies,and global stability.
The Iranian people deserve to be free from the radical dictatorship that has held them captive for too long.
I have directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard to ramp up surveillance and patrols at key sites-including our vital energy facilities, ports, and southern border. Texas is working closely with our federal partners to protect Texans and our critical assets from potential threats of retaliation.
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Original text here: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-statement-on-iranian-action
B-roll, Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Marches in Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
ALBANY, New York, March 1 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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B-roll, Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Marches in Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
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Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul marched in the annual Chinatown Lunar New Year parade in New York City.
B-ROLL of the Governor marching in the parade is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
VIDEO : The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO: The Governor's
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, March 1 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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B-roll, Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Marches in Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
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Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul marched in the annual Chinatown Lunar New Year parade in New York City.
B-ROLL of the Governor marching in the parade is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
VIDEO : The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO: The Governor'sremarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS: The Governor's Flickr page will post photos of the event here.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
Xin nian kuai le! I got it right, didn't I? I could not be proud to be standing right here, right now in the heart of the Asian community -Chinatown USA. To all of our visitors who came around the world to celebrate this, we welcome all of you. But to those who call this place your home and are feeling under attack right now and worried about immigration enforcement, know that we are on your side. We are going to do everything we can to protect you and try to shut that down because this is your home. You have helped us make this such an enriched, diverse, fascinating place and we don't want to lose one fiber of that.
And yes, I was so proud to bring out my pen and sign the bill presented by Grace Lee and Brian Kavanaugh to make Lunar New Year, the first place in the country to celebrate and give the children a day off school. Snow day or not, no school, Mr. Mayor. So to our mayor, to all of our elected leaders, I want to join all of you and celebrate. Let's get this parade started.
Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact us by phone:
Albany: (518) 474-8418
New York City: (212) 681-4640
Contact us by email:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov
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Original text here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/b-roll-video-audio-photos-rush-transcript-governor-hochul-marches-annual-chinatown-lunar-new
N.Y. Comptroller DiNapoli Report Examines Post-COVID Trends in New York's Aging Prison Population
ALBANY, New York, Feb. 28 (TNSbrep) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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DiNapoli Report Examines Post-COVID Trends in New York's Aging Prison Population
The long-term decline in the number of individuals in state prisons has led to a demographic shift towards an older incarcerated population, and necessitates increased attention to policies and costs associated with this population, according to a report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today that examines post-COVID trends in the state's aging prison population.
"The
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Feb. 28 (TNSbrep) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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DiNapoli Report Examines Post-COVID Trends in New York's Aging Prison Population
The long-term decline in the number of individuals in state prisons has led to a demographic shift towards an older incarcerated population, and necessitates increased attention to policies and costs associated with this population, according to a report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today that examines post-COVID trends in the state's aging prison population.
"Theshare of older people in New York's prisons has grown over time," DiNapoli said. "We need careful evaluation of policies related to sentencing, parole, compassionate release, geriatric and health costs, and reentry support for this older population to determine an approach that ensures public safety and protects taxpayers, while reducing incarceration where warranted."
DiNapoli's 2022 report on the prison population revealed that demographic changes in the state's prison population over the last two decades led to an increasing share of older incarcerated individuals (aged 50 and over). The decline in the overall prison population accelerated with a drop of 26% (10,861 individuals) between March 2020 and March 2021, which included a decrease of 1,603 individuals aged 50 or over (17%). The share of older incarcerated individuals peaked at 24.3% in 2021.
Since 2008, the average age of New York's incarcerated population has risen by four years (40.2 years). One contributing factor is that a greater number of older incarcerated individuals are meeting their conditional release date in prison instead of being granted parole.
Pre- and Post-COVID Shifts in Age Groups
In 2022, there was another slight decline in the state's prison population, but the three most recent data years (2023-2025) show a rise of 1,957 individuals in state prisons. The older prison population has remained relatively steady since 2022.
As the overall prison population declined, the percentage of incarcerated individuals who are 50 and older increased. In 2019, this older population made up 21% of those incarcerated in New York, up from 12% in 2008. Between 2022 and 2025, as the size of the overall prison population increased, the share of older incarcerated individuals dropped from its 2021 peak to 22.3%. This is still 1.3 percentage points higher than it was in 2019.
Since at least 2008, incarcerated individuals under the age of 50 account for more than 75% of the state's prison population and more than 90% of its overall decline.
The number of incarcerated people between the ages of 50 to 59 grew by 10% between 2008 and 2020, but declined 32% between 2020 to 2025. In contrast, those ages 60 to 69 years old and 70 years old and over have grown in number and as a share of the total population. Together, they were nearly 9% of the overall prison population in 2025.
Prison Release and Recidivism for Older Incarcerated People
As the prison population has declined, so has the overall number of releases per year. In 2024, older incarcerated individuals were released from prison at a lower rate (23.1%) than the total population (28.5%).
Between 2019 and 2024, the share of conditional releases grew by 14 percentage points for the older incarcerated population to 48.6% of all releases. The share of releases for those aged 50 and over based on a discretionary Board of Parole decision has declined from 57.2% in 2019 to 48.9% in 2024.
When older individuals are released into the community, data published by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) show they present lower rates of recidivism. For releases that occurred between 2008 and 2021, the rate of recidivism within three years for a new felony offense is 3.3% for those ages 60 to 69 and 1.7% for those age 70 and over.
Costs for Older Incarcerated Individuals
As healthcare costs have risen and New York's incarcerated population has shrunk, the per person cost of health services spent by DOCCS has risen from $5,850 per person in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2013 to $13,923 in SFY 2025, a 138% increase. More granular data that would allow for analysis of health care expenses for the older incarcerated population is not publicly available. As of SFY 2025, overall DOCCS' healthcare spending has risen to $450.6 million, $53.9 million higher than the previous peak in SFY 2017.
Recent Policy Changes
Since 2017, New York has enacted and implemented a series of criminal justice changes, such as Raise the Age, limits on pre-trial detention, limits on parole revocations, and the legalization of cannabis. These changes may not have had as much of an impact on older incarcerated individuals as they did on younger individuals.
Medical Parole and Compassionate Release are also available for people in prison who have serious medical conditions and pose no reasonable danger to society. DOCCS' most recent annual report on Medical Parole indicated that, of the 138 medical parole applications submitted to the Board of Parole from 2018 to 2022, 84% (116) were for individuals aged 50 or older. Compassionate Release provides the board discretion to release an incarcerated individual who has already served the minimum period of their indeterminate sentence, has previously appeared before the board and been denied, and later is medically certified as so debilitated (terminal or significantly incapacitated) that they pose no reasonable danger to society.
Other initiatives have been introduced in the state legislature that would allow some people aged 55 or older to be considered for parole, would expand merit time for earlier release of incarcerated individuals, or would provide a second look at long sentences.
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Report
Post-COVID Trends in New York's Aging Prison Population (https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/reports/pdf/post-covid-trends-in-new-yorks-aging-prison-population.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2026/02/dinapoli-report-examines-post-covid-trends-new-yorks-aging-prison-population
Minn. Governor's Office Announces Appointments
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Feb. 28 -- The Minnesota Office of the Governor issued the following news release:
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Governor's Office Announces Appointments
The Office of the Governor today announced the following appointments to the African American Health State Advisory Council, Board of Accountancy, Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design, Board of Barber Examiners, Board of Optometry, Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, Board of Podiatric Medicine, Board of School Administrators, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Minnesota
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Feb. 28 -- The Minnesota Office of the Governor issued the following news release:
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Governor's Office Announces Appointments
The Office of the Governor today announced the following appointments to the African American Health State Advisory Council, Board of Accountancy, Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design, Board of Barber Examiners, Board of Optometry, Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, Board of Podiatric Medicine, Board of School Administrators, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MinnesotaForest Resources Council, and the MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Demitrea Kelley - Minneapolis, MN
African American Health State Advisory Council
Member
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
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About the African American Health State Advisory Council:
The African American Health State Advisory Council advises the commissioner of health on issues to develop specific, targeted policy solutions to improve the health of African American Minnesotans, with a focus on United States-born African Americans.
Additional information on the African American Health State Advisory Council can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Jason Amberg - Eden Prairie, MN
Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design
Licensed Landscape Architect #1
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
Stacee Demmer - Minneapolis, MN
Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design
Licensed Architect #1
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
Carolee Lindsey - Saint Anthony, MN
Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design
Public Member #4
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
Alan Johnson - Mountain Iron, MN
Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design
Licensed Engineer #5
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
Travis Thul - Mankato, MN
Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design
Licensed Engineer #3
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Board of Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design:
The Board licenses and regulates architects, engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, geologists, and soil scientists, and certifies interior designers.
Additional information about the Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Rod Axtell - Bloomington, MN
Board of Accountancy
Certified Public Accountant #7
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Board of Accountancy:
The Board of Accountancy examines, licenses and regulates certified public accountants and registered accounting practitioners.
Additional information on the Board of Accountancy can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Josh Kirkpatrick - Waconia, MN
Board of Barber Examiners
Barber #1 Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Board of Barber Examiners:
The Board of Barber Examiners oversees the administration, enforcement, regulation, and adoption of rules regulating the barber profession; make rule changes; when applicable approve variances; and enter contracts to protect the public through the regulation of all license types issued to practice or participate in barbering in Minnesota.
Additional information on the Board of Barber Examiners can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Leah Colby - Rogers, MN
Board of Optometry
Optometrist #4
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Board of Optometry:
The board licenses optometrists, adopts rules and investigates complaints.
Additional information on the Board of Optometry can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Scott Kent - Alexandria, MN
Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training
Police Chief #1
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training:
The Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training licenses peace officers and part-time peace officers; establishes minimum qualifications and standards of conduct; and regulates professional peace officer education and continuing education for peace officers.
Additional information on the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Naomi Schmid - Baxter, MN
Board of Podiatric Medicine
Doctor #4
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
Mitzi Shimanksi - Silver Lake, MN
Board of Podiatric Medicine
Public Member #2
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Board of Podiatric Medicine:
The Board of Podiatric Medicine licenses doctors of podiatric medicine, disciplines licensees, and registers corporations.
Additional information on the Board of Podiatric Medicine can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Michael Boguszewski - Roseville, MN
Board of School Administrators
Public Member (School Board Member)
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
Christine Tucci Osorio - Woodbury, MN
Board of School Administrators
Superintendent
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Board of School Administrators:
The Minnesota Board of School Administrators licenses school administrators in order to establish and maintain high standards for a quality administrator licensing system for Minnesota public schools, and ensures that the highest quality administrators serve the needs of people in Minnesota.
Additional information on the Board of School Administrators can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Stephen Spears - Plymouth, MN
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
Public Member #6
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency:
The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency provides financing for housing low- and moderate-income persons.
Additional information on the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Tom Radovich - Duluth, MN
Minnesota Forest Resources Council
Rep (Forest Products Industry)
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
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About the Minnesota Forest Resources Council:
The Council shall develop recommendations to the governor and to federal, state, county and local governments with respect to forest resources policies and practices. The council also has responsibility for implementing the policies and programs called for.
Additional information on the Minnesota Forest Resources Council can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Heidi Hamilton - Saint Paul, MN
MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
State Agency Representative - Dept of Human Service - Disability Services Division
Effective: March 4, 2026
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
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About the MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities:
The Council carries out the responsibilities in P.L. 106-402 to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the necessary supports/services to achieve increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion in the community.
Additional information on the MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities can be found on the Secretary of State's website (https://commissionsandappointments.sos.mn.gov/Agency/Details/109).
The Governor's Office are seeking qualified and diverse individuals who are passionate about using their knowledge, skills, and lived experiences to serve the state of Minnesota. A list of boards and commissions, including open positions, can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website (https://commissionsandappointments.sos.state.mn.us/Position).
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/728189
Hawaii Health Dept. Authorizes Reopening of U-Choice in on Kaheka St.
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Feb. 28 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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DOH AUTHORIZES REOPENING OF U-CHOICE IN ON KAHEKA ST.
The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch authorized the reopening of U-Choice In after a follow-up inspection found that it had resolved the water backup issues in their kitchen.
U-Choice In received a red placard on Feb. 26 and was immediately closed. The food establishment, located at 801 Kaheka St., is operated by Sino Mart Enterprise, Inc. A DOH inspector conducted a follow-up inspection on Feb. 27 and
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Feb. 28 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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DOH AUTHORIZES REOPENING OF U-CHOICE IN ON KAHEKA ST.
The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch authorized the reopening of U-Choice In after a follow-up inspection found that it had resolved the water backup issues in their kitchen.
U-Choice In received a red placard on Feb. 26 and was immediately closed. The food establishment, located at 801 Kaheka St., is operated by Sino Mart Enterprise, Inc. A DOH inspector conducted a follow-up inspection on Feb. 27 andobserved that the water backup issues were resolved. Also, the inspector confirmed with the person in charge that the entire floor of the establishment had been cleaned and sanitized.
The food establishment was advised to continue to monitor and maintain proper drainage of all floor drains.
The DOH Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawai'i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed, or sold.
For more information on the department's placarding program, go to https://health.hawaii.gov/san/.
To view restaurant inspection reports, go to https://inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/soh.
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Original text here: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-authorizes-reopening-of-u-choice-in-on-kaheka-st/
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom Launches California Love, California Strong to Fight Loneliness Across the State
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 28 -- First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom launches California Love, California Strong to fight loneliness across the state
What you need to know: First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom is launching a statewide initiative, California Love, California Strong, to combat loneliness and strengthen social connection across the state.
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FREMONT - First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today joined students, educators, librarians, state partners, and local residents at the Fremont
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 28 -- First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom launches California Love, California Strong to fight loneliness across the state
What you need to know: First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom is launching a statewide initiative, California Love, California Strong, to combat loneliness and strengthen social connection across the state.
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FREMONT - First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today joined students, educators, librarians, state partners, and local residents at the FremontMain Library to officially launch California Love, California Strong, a statewide initiative focused on strengthening belonging, social connection, and self-care across California.
More than 400 attendees participated in the launch, including middle and high school students from Alameda County, young learners and families, educators, and librarians from across the Bay Area. The event celebrated the essential role libraries play as trusted community "third places" that provide safe, welcoming hubs for Californians of all backgrounds to gather, learn, access resources, and build meaningful connections.
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"I've seen firsthand that when Californians show up for each other, our communities thrive. In a world where too many people are feeling isolated, real connection and community are essential to our health, happiness, and resilience. That's why I'm proud to launch California Love, California Strong so we can build healthier, more connected communities where everyone feels seen, valued, and like they truly belong."
- First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom
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The event celebrated libraries and librarians as stewards of our shared stories and essential spaces for belonging. During Black History Month, the event also recognized the important role libraries play in preserving and uplifting stories too often left unheard. Children and families listened as First Partner Siebel Newsom and Governor Gavin Newsom read Mychal Threets' book I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy, joined a Congolese drumming and dance tutorial, and worked alongside community members on service projects that brought people together.
The event also included a Q&A panel with Kim Snyder, director of the documentary The Librarians, which explores how librarians across the nation have become strong defenders of intellectual freedom amidst book bans and other threats to public libraries.
Inspired by the World Health Organization Commission on Social Connection Report, "From Loneliness to Social Connection: Charting a Path to Healthier Societies", California Love, California Strong champions self-care, social connection, and service through volunteerism and culturally relevant engagements that strengthen belonging and resilience across California's communities.
State leaders emphasized that loneliness and social isolation are rising public health concerns. In Alameda County, nearly one in four older adults lives alone, increasing risk for isolation and barriers to support, and young people across California are also reporting increased loneliness following the pandemic.
"California is leading the way in strengthening belonging, building social connection and addressing social isolation. Events like today show the power of service to bring people together. When we serve together, we connect to something bigger than ourselves and build meaningful relationships with our communities and one another," said Josh Fryday, GO-Serve Director and California Chief Service Officer.
"Connection and belonging are foundational to health and well-being. We are committed to building a healthy California for all where every person feels supported and every community feels seen. One of the most important ways to do this is to make connections and foster belonging in our communities," said Kim Johnson, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency.
"This initiative reflects the power of community and why we need to come together to strengthen our sense of connection, expand access to resources and build on the work that organizations across the state do every day to help Californians," said Aubrie Fong, Acting Executive Director of the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications.
Throughout 2026, California Love, California Strong will continue to bring communities together across the state through monthly activations, connecting Californians to service opportunities, resources, and one another.
For more information, visit calovecastrong.com.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/02/27/first-partner-jennifer-siebel-newsom-launches-california-love-california-strong-to-fight-loneliness-across-the-state/
Ark. Agriculture Dept.: Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board Approves $3.08 Million in Funding
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Feb. 28 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board Approves $3.08 Million in Funding
The Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board approved $3,080,000 in funding for 34 research projects at its February 25, 2026 meeting. The approved projects will support the growth and market development of Arkansas's rice industry.
"To improve profitability and long-term sustainability, investments in research are critical to Arkansas's rice industry," said Jim Whitaker, Arkansas Rice
... Show Full Article
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Feb. 28 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board Approves $3.08 Million in Funding
The Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board approved $3,080,000 in funding for 34 research projects at its February 25, 2026 meeting. The approved projects will support the growth and market development of Arkansas's rice industry.
"To improve profitability and long-term sustainability, investments in research are critical to Arkansas's rice industry," said Jim Whitaker, Arkansas RiceResearch and Promotion Board Chair. "Rice assessment collections should be utilized to fund the best research and practical tools available for Arkansas rice farmers. The Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board plays a critical role in assessing research project proposals presented for the benefit of our state's farmers."
The board received 49 total proposals requesting more than $4.2 million in funding. The request for proposals was open from December 5, 2025, to January 9, 2026. On February 4, the board approved $2.86 million in funding for five promotion projects. All funding decisions are made by board members at open public meetings.
Research projects selected for funding include:
* G & H Associates - Rice Milling Quality Studies - $60,000
Evaluates grain yield, grain moisture, and milling quality across multiple harvest dates and production environments, including fungicide, insecticide, and biostimulant treatments.
* USDA ARS - Impact of Water Management and Measurement Technique on Regenerative Metrics - $18,309.15
Compares trace gas measurement methods and evaluates irrigation practices that reduce emissions in rice production.
The board approved $2,893,932.22 in funding for the following research projects from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. This funding is contingent upon assessment collections.
* Optimizing Rice Irrigation Efficiency Using Advanced Field Measurement Technologies
Improves irrigation design and water use efficiency using precision mapping and multiple-inlet rice irrigation systems.
* Puerto Rico Winter Nursery
Supports off season breeding nurseries to accelerate development of improved rice varieties.
* Analysis of Federal Farm Policy Programs and Competitiveness of Arkansas and U.S. Rice
Evaluates policy changes and trade dynamics affecting rice competitiveness using economic modeling.
* Rice Enterprise Budgets and Production Economic Analysis
Develops flexible enterprise budgets reflecting current production practices and input costs.
* Economic Analysis of Arkansas Rice Farms
Assesses profitability, resource constraints, and long term economic viability of representative rice farms.
* Improving Grain Chalkiness and Grain Yield Traits Through Clustered Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)
Uses gene editing to improve heat tolerance traits and reduce chalkiness in elite cultivars.
* Quality Analysis for Rice Breeding and Genetics
Analyzes grain quality traits--including chalkiness, amylose, and milling characteristics--for Arkansas Rice Variety Advancement Trial and Arkansas Rice Performance Trial samples.
* Developing Blast Resistant, Water Smart Rice Varieties
Integrates genomic prediction and marker assisted selection to accelerate development of blast resistant, water efficient cultivars.
* Breeding Superior Rice Varieties for Arkansas
Supports long term breeding efforts to develop high yielding, high quality varieties across grain types.
* A Team Approach to Improved Weed Management in Rice
Conducts statewide weed control trials, herbicide resistance screening, and evaluation of new chemistries.
* Nitrogen Management Tools for Arkansas Rice Producers
Develops decision support tools using tissue sampling, imagery, and yield data to refine nitrogen recommendations.
* Irrigation Technology Delivery for Rice
Tests and promotes irrigation technologies, mobile tools, and hardware to improve water use efficiency.
* Validation of In Season Tissue Sampling for Nutrient Management
Evaluates tissue based fertilizer recommendations for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
* Rice Research Verification Program
Conducts on farm trials to validate research based recommendations and improve producer profitability.
* Nitrogen Recommendations for New Rice Cultivars
Develops cultivar specific nitrogen response curves for Arkansas soils.
* DD50 Thermal Unit Thresholds and Seeding Date Effects
Updates the DD50 program database with new cultivars and planting date research.
* Agronomic Production Practices for Rice
Evaluates seeding rates, stand establishment, crop management, and water management practices.
* Arkansas Rice Variety Advancement Trials
Provides unbiased performance data for advanced experimental lines.
* Arkansas Rice Performance Trials
Evaluates commercial cultivars across diverse environments and production systems.
* Fine Tuning Phosphorus and Potassium Management
Continues long term nutrient management trials for both flood and furrow irrigated systems.
* Rice Breeding & Extension Pathology Technical Support
Supports statewide disease screening and pathology research for breeding programs.
* Incorporating Genetic Tolerance to Reduced Irrigation
Evaluates breeding lines under reduced irrigation to identify traits supporting water limited production.
* Drone Applications in Integrated Pest Management
Tests spray drone applications for fertility, weed, insect, and disease management.
* Improving Management of Furrow Irrigated Rice
Refines seeding rate and nitrogen management recommendations for furrow irrigated systems.
* Development, Evaluation, and Production of Agricultural Biologicals
Develops Arkansas specific microbial biofertilizers and biopesticides.
* Managing Insects in Arkansas Rice
Evaluates management strategies for rice delphacid, stink bug, and water weevil.
* Impact of Specific Agronomic and Postharvest Factors on Rice Quality
Studies how agronomic practices and postharvest handling influence milling quality and fissure resistance.
* Profitability Focused Assessment of Rice Straw Management
Evaluates economic and agronomic outcomes of straw management strategies.
* How Agricultural Practices Shape Rice Quality for Value Added Uses
Examines how nitrogen, harvest moisture, and storage affect aroma, starch properties, and brewing quality.
* Establishing a Long Term Rotational Study (contingent upon approval by Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board)
Implements multi year rotation trials to evaluate yield, soil health, pest dynamics, and economics.
* Revising the Prevalence and Stability of Rice Blast Races in Arkansas - (USDA-ARS)
Identifies pathogen races and evaluates resistance genes to support breeding of blast resistant varieties.
* Determining the Role of Fissure Resistance and Chalkiness in Head Rice Yield - (USDA-ARS)
Determines genetic and environmental factors influencing chalkiness and fissure resistance to improve milling yield.
Board activities are funded through an assessment of 1.35 cents-per-bushel paid by the buyer at the first point of sale on rice grown within the state or at the point the rice enters into the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan program. Producers also pay an assessment of 1.35 cents-per-bushel of rice grown. The assessments paid by buyers must be used for market development and promotion. The assessments paid by producers must be used for rice extension and research.
The board consists of nine Arkansas rice producers appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Four members must be designated representatives of the Arkansas rice merchant and milling industry. Members serve two-year terms.
Learn more about The Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board on the Department's website here (https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/resources/about/boards-commissions/arkansas-rice-research-and-promotion-board/).
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Original text here: https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/news/arkansas-rice-research-and-promotion-board-approves-3-08-million-in-funding/
