The Resilience of Our Communities Last Friday, violent tornadoes tore through five states including Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois, and Kentucky. In our own state, communities like Monette, Trumann, and Leachville took a direct hit. There are 88 confirmed fatalities, and we are grieving the loss of two Arkansans from Monette. Thousands more have lost their homes or are without power. I would like to thank the excellent work of the local radio and news stations in the First District. Their expertise allowed them to be a steady but stern voice as they clearly communicated the impending danger to the residents of Northeast Arkansas. We applaud them for their swift response and dedication to our community. I would also like to thank the countless first responders who answered the call to action and electrical companies who are working diligently to restore power to our communities. I am greatly encouraged by the number of churches, local businesses, and individuals who have donated time, energy, and resources to help their neighbors during their time of need. As our communities face the daunting task of cleaning up and putting things back together again, I know the giving hearts and hard work of the people of this great country and state will leave us stronger than ever before.

S.J. Res 33 - $2.5 Trillion Debt Limit Increase - NO  H. Res 851 - "Recommending that the House of Representatives find Mark Meadows in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with a subpoena duly issued by the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.” - NO

A team from Cross County High School is the winner of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge. High School seniors Jerry Burton, Emily Byrd, Joseph Harvey, and Justin Coats created the winning application for this year’s competition under the instruction of Jason Blake. Team members said this year’s app, “Terry T-Bird to Infinity,” is an interactive, educational platforming game that teaches children in fifth through seventh grade basic math skills such as algebra and solving multi-step equations. The team’s goal is to expand the app to cover more challenging math concepts and perhaps even other subjects, such as History and English. For the past 9 years, the Congressional App Challenge has helped inspire students to explore STEM, coding, and computer science. I was impressed to see this team recognize a need in our community and create a solution using technology. Congratulations to this year’s winners and the educators who have played a role in their success! Top Photo: Left to Right - Congressman Rick Crawford, Justin Coats, Joseph Harvey, Jerry Burton, Emily Byrd, Jason Blake, Instructor.   Bottom Photo: Students demonstrate "Terry T-Bird to Infinity" app.

Fox News WATCH: Rep. Crawford Joins Fox Report to Talk Tornado Damage KATV Arkansas nursing home residents dead after tornado, damage remains “I talked to some residents there that are literally standing in the rubble of their home and their frame of mind was ‘Well we’re still alive. We can build another house. We’ve got our family with us and we’re alive and so they’re happy and it just speaks to the great resilience of our communities,” Crawford said.

From The Washington Post - Hit by tornado, Arkansas nursing home aides shielded residents from falling debris with their bodies From KAIT8, a native son of the First District hits one of the biggest shots of his life: Austin Reaves hits buzzer beater, Lakers defeat Mavericks