Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) today introduced bipartisan legislation to cut bureaucratic red tape that is often used to unnecessarily delay energy projects. The Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act would eliminate excessive litigation against fully permitted energy projects. “Endless lawsuits delay vital energy projects, resulting in higher energy prices for Arkansans. My bill will eliminate bureaucratic red tape to streamline energy projects,” said Senator Cotton. “For far too long, energy projects across the country have been slowed by bureaucracy. The bipartisan FREEDOM Act is a critical first step in slashing this unnecessary red tape so we can meet the energy needs of the future and unlock America’s full potential,” said Senator Cortez Masto.

Text of the bill can be found here.

EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District has opened online enrollment for the 2026-27 school year and is encouraging families to complete the registration process as soon as possible.

District officials announced that enrollment is now available for all grade levels, including kindergarten through 12th grade. Parents and guardians can complete the process online through the district’s enrollment portal.

Families with children entering kindergarten this fall are reminded that students must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 1, 2026, to be eligible for enrollment.

The district is also welcoming new students who plan to attend El Dorado schools during the upcoming academic year. New families can complete registration online and access information about required documentation, school assignments, and enrollment procedures through the district website.

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School officials say early enrollment helps campuses prepare for the upcoming year by allowing administrators to plan staffing, classroom assignments, transportation, and student services.

Parents seeking additional information about enrollment requirements or the registration process are encouraged to contact the El Dorado School District or visit the district’s website for details.

The 2026-27 school year will begin later this summer, with district leaders looking forward to welcoming both returning and new students to campuses across El Dorado.

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EL DORADO — Students from communities across South Arkansas were among those recognized for outstanding academic achievement during the spring 2026 semester at South Arkansas College.

The college recently announced its President’s Honor Roll and Dean’s List, recognizing full-time students who demonstrated academic excellence throughout the semester.

To qualify for the President’s Honor Roll, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.75 or higher while maintaining full-time enrollment. Students from El Dorado, Camden, Magnolia, Junction City, Smackover, Strong, Warren, Hamburg, Fordyce, Crossett, Hermitage, Sparkman, Bearden, Banks, Emerson and other South Arkansas communities were among those receiving the distinction.

El Dorado students earning President’s Honor Roll recognition included Kayla Michelle Anderson, Dylan Christopher Avant, Phillip Rhett Boeckmann, Sara Kathryne Cobb, Melissa Nicole Compton, Camryn Grace Cranford, Taylor Jean Darden, Jonah Michael Davis, Tiyanna Semaj Dunn, Chloe Gatewood, Tyler Brock Gorman, Emily Gunderson, Deedra R. Hall, Liam Elliot Harrison, Telviyonta L. Henyard, Anthony Hodges, Claire Elizabeth Hooker, Heidi Elaine Kolb, Jackson Patrick Lewis, Avery Jeaux McGoogan, April Nicole McKinnon, Christine M. McLeland, Tanner Luke McLelland, Emerald Brooke Metcalfe, Eriyunna Miller, Amanda Parker, America Ramos Gaona, Jillian Nicole Ramsey, Juana Guadalupe Ruiz, Russell Allen Schroeder, Simeon Jude Stipp-Bethune, Brady Ryan Thornhill, Jessica Lyn Thurlkill, Lisa Marie Thurmon, Chandler Williamson, Kiki Williamson, Terra Elise Wise and William Daniel Wood.

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Camden students earning President’s Honor Roll recognition were Kirsten Kelley, Rodeshia McGhee, Ashley Danielle Nguyen and Emily Michelle Pickett.

Students from Magnolia, Junction City, Smackover, Warren, Strong, Hamburg, Crossett and numerous other South Arkansas communities were also recognized for their academic accomplishments.

The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who achieve a grade-point average between 3.0 and 3.75. South Arkansas students honored on the Dean’s List represented communities including El Dorado, Camden, Magnolia, Warren, Hermitage, Louann, Norphlet, Strong, Crossett, Fordyce, Hampton, Hamburg and others throughout the region.

El Dorado led the area with more than 30 students earning Dean’s List honors, while Camden, Magnolia, Warren and other Union, Ouachita, Columbia and Bradley County communities were also well represented.

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South Arkansas College officials said the recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and academic success of students throughout the region. The honor rolls highlight the college’s continued commitment to student achievement and educational excellence while serving South Arkansas and neighboring communities.

The complete lists include students from Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas who met the academic requirements during the spring 2026 semester.

EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is giving one of its longtime networking programs a fresh new look and a more convenient schedule.

The Chamber announced that its popular Business After Hours program is being rebranded as The Business Hour, while continuing to provide the same opportunities for networking, relationship-building, and community engagement that members have enjoyed for years.

According to Chamber officials, the concept remains unchanged, offering attendees the chance to connect with fellow business leaders, Chamber members, and community stakeholders in a relaxed setting while enjoying refreshments and conversation. The biggest change is the event’s new time slot.

The Business Hour will now be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., creating a streamlined one-hour event designed to better fit the schedules of today’s business professionals.

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The inaugural Business Hour event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at KTVE Studios, located at 400 W. Main Street in El Dorado.

Guests attending the first event will have the opportunity to network with area business leaders while also enjoying a behind-the-scenes look at local television news operations. Attendees will be able to watch a live broadcast of South Arkansas News during the station’s 4 p.m. newscast.

Chamber officials say they are excited to continue fostering connections within the local business community while making the program more accessible and convenient for participants.

The Chamber encourages members and prospective members to attend and experience the updated format firsthand.

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“Same great networking. Better timing.”

EL DORADO – Residents across South Arkansas should remain alert for the potential of flash flooding on Thursday as another round of tropical moisture moves into the region.

According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, much of South Arkansas, including Union County and the El Dorado area, is under a Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall. Forecasters say tropical downpours combined with an approaching cold front to the north will continue to produce periods of heavy rain across the ArkLaTex region.

While widespread flooding is not expected, localized areas that experience repeated thunderstorms could receive an additional one to two inches of rainfall. Those heavier pockets of rain may quickly overwhelm drainage systems, especially in low-lying areas and locations that have already received significant rainfall this week.

The flash flood risk covers much of eastern South Arkansas, including El Dorado, while areas farther east toward Monroe, Louisiana, face a slightly higher risk level.

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Meteorologists are encouraging residents to stay informed of the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action if Flash Flood Warnings are issued. Drivers are also reminded to never attempt to cross flooded roadways, as water-covered roads can be deeper and more dangerous than they appear.

The National Weather Service’s safety message remains simple: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected through Thursday, with locally heavy rainfall remaining the primary weather concern for South Arkansas.

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