WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as the next ambassador to Israel, approving the nomination in a 53-46 vote largely along party lines.

Huckabee, a longtime supporter of Israel and an evangelical Christian, has visited the country more than 100 times. He has been a vocal advocate for Israeli settlements in the West Bank, referring to the area by its biblical names, Judea and Samaria.

Shortly after his confirmation, Huckabee told South Arkansas Now’s Grant Merrill that he would be sworn in this afternoon before returning to Washington, DC from Little Rock later today.

Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to join Republicans in supporting the nomination. Most Democrats opposed the confirmation, citing concerns over Huckabee’s partisanship and how it could affect sensitive diplomatic efforts in the region, including ongoing negotiations related to the Gaza conflict.

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During his confirmation hearing, Huckabee pledged to represent the administration’s policies abroad, regardless of his personal beliefs. He aligned himself with President Donald Trump’s strong pro-Israel stance and emphasized the importance of U.S.-Israel relations.

Supporters argued Huckabee brings deep knowledge of Israel and longstanding ties with Israeli leaders. Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called Huckabee a “qualified and committed” candidate and emphasized the need for a strong diplomatic presence in the region.

The confirmation comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts involving Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. The Biden administration recently imposed new tariffs on Israeli goods despite a longstanding free trade agreement, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Washington in hopes of easing trade restrictions. President Trump, however, has made no commitment to reduce the tariffs.

Huckabee’s appointment marks a significant step in shaping the administration’s foreign policy in the region. He is expected to take an active role in addressing both diplomatic and security challenges facing Israel and its allies.

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LAMAR – A 43-year-old Ozark man was killed Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 in Johnson County, according to a preliminary report from the Arkansas State Police.

Zachariah B. Contant was identified as the victim of the crash, which occurred at 4:49 p.m. near the 64-mile marker on the I-40 westbound on-ramp in Lamar.

According to the report, Contant was riding a 2012 Yamaha motorcycle westbound on I-40 when he swerved onto the on-ramp at mile marker 64. The motorcycle then struck the rear of a 2020 Dodge Ram, which was also traveling westbound and already on the ramp.

Contant was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was taken to the Johnson County Coroner’s Office. No other injuries were reported in the crash.

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Weather conditions were clear and the roadway was dry at the time of the incident. Arkansas State Police Cpl. Lonnie Moore is listed as the investigating officer.

The fatality marks the 107th death on Arkansas roads in 2025, according to state police data.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK – A 19-year-old Mabelvale man was killed, and three minors were injured late Saturday night when a vehicle fleeing law enforcement crashed on an Interstate 40 exit ramp in Pulaski County, according to the Arkansas State Police.

The crash occurred at 10:55 p.m. on the westbound exit ramp at the 142-mile marker. Authorities say the driver, identified as John Bruce Martinez, was actively fleeing from law enforcement when he failed to negotiate a curve, veered off the roadway, and struck multiple trees before the vehicle came to a stop.

Martinez, the driver of a 2017 Nissan Altima, was pronounced dead at the scene. Three female minors, who were passengers in the vehicle, sustained injuries and were transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Their conditions were not immediately available.

The crash happened under clear skies and dry road conditions, according to the state police report. The Pulaski County Coroner’s Office took custody of Martinez’s body, and next of kin have been notified.

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Cpl. Ben Ibarra of the Arkansas State Police is leading the investigation. No further details have been released regarding the events leading up to the pursuit.

MONROE – The University of Louisiana System Executive Committee is set to meet at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 28, at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, with a key item on the agenda—presidential transition.

Multiple anonymous sources close to the situation report to Oak Grove’s KWCL Radio that the UL System Executive Board plans to remove University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) President Ron Berry and appoint an interim president during the meeting. Sources also indicate that former ULM President Dr. Nick Bruno is expected to be named interim president.

Dr. Bruno, who previously led ULM through the Jindal-era budget cuts and a challenging period for higher education in Louisiana, could not be reached for comment at press time.

The official agenda for the meeting includes standard procedural matters such as roll call and other business, but the inclusion of “Presidential Transition” has raised speculation about upcoming leadership changes within the UL System.

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RUSSELLVILLE – Testimony concluded Thursday in the federal trial challenging the validity of Amendment 104, which stripped the Arkansas Racing Commission of its authority to issue a casino license in Pope County. The lawsuit, brought by Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB), claims the amendment violates foundational legal rights and interferes with binding contractual agreements.

According to KARV Radio of Russellville, both the state and CNB litigators rested their cases after three days of extensive testimony that included multiple witnesses and an overwhelming amount of evidence. Federal Judge D.P. Marshall Jr. noted the case’s complexity, stating he prefers to rule from the bench but will not do so in this instance.

Judge Marshall has requested post-trial briefings from both sides before issuing a decision. While no firm timeline was set, he indicated a ruling could come within weeks rather than months. Observers familiar with the case estimate a decision could be reached in 60 to 90 days.

The lawsuit stems from voter approval of Amendment 104, which not only revoked the commission’s authority over the Pope County casino license but also imposed a requirement that county approval be a final condition for any future state constitutional amendments involving casinos. CNB argues the measure unfairly disrupts previous legal agreements and contracts.

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