Arkansas News & Current Events | Public News Service

Americans of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity report the highest average weekly spending on groceries, at $325.67 per week. (JackF/AdobeStock)

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Feds: Grocery chains achieve record profits before and after pandemic

Consumer groups are claiming big grocery retailers such as Kroger and Walmart have been unfairly raising prices, both during the pandemic and now…

Several isolated populations have a low number of mudalia snails, which creates a risk of genetic problems and population loss. (Paul Johnson-Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)

Lawsuit seeks protection for imperiled Arkansas mudalia snails

An environmental group is suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Arkansas mudalia snail under the Endangered Species Act. In …

The 2023 Annie E. Casey Foundation Data Book ranked Arkansas 37th in the nation for education, and said 56% of young children were not in preschool programs to help get them ready for school. (Adobe Stock)

Program gives AR early education workers 'Career Pathways'

The need for child care and early learning is critical, especially in rural Arkansas. One nonprofit is working to fill those gaps by giving providers …

Women ages 35 and older in Arkansas have the highest mortality rate, which was 3.9 times the rate of women younger than 25. (Andrey Popov)

Arkansas group raising awareness during Black Maternal Health Week

Arkansas is taking critical steps to address its high maternal mortality rate, especially among women of color. In the Natural State, Black women …

More than 400,000 people live in poverty in Arkansas, according to the Center for American Progress. (W.Scott McGill/AdobeStock)<br />

'Day on the Hill' in Arkansas calls for investment in families

Family advocates are at the State Capital for a "Day on the Hill" rally today, to voice their concerns to lawmakers about issues affecting Arkansans' …

Researcher Michael Zeiler with GreatAmericanEclipse.com estimated between 84,000 and 337,000 people will visit the Natural State to view the solar eclipse. (Adil/AdobesStock)

Arkansans encouraged to observe birds, wildlife behavior during solar eclipse

On Monday, Arkansans will have the opportunity to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event, a total solar eclipse. It will be visible along a narrow track …

In Arkansas, more than 133,000 people 35-49 years old owe more than $43,000, totaling $5.77 billion. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi)

Student loan debt relief on way in Arkansas

Student-loan borrowers in Arkansas and nationwide could have their debt reduced or eliminated through a new one-time adjustment by the U.S. …

Native plantings and green spaces in urban and suburban areas promote bird diversity, abundance, breeding success and survivorship. (Samuel/AdobeStock)

Migratory bird species will soon flock to the Natural State

Spring marks the season for annual migrations for numerous bird species, with Arkansas hosting a total of 428 avian varieties. Experts said …

Hot Springs received more than $6.5 million from the $2.6 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funds given to Arkansas to combat COVID-19 impacts, cover budget gaps and assist hardest-hit communities.<br />(Brandon/AdobeStock)

AR city director speaks with national leaders about housing for rural areas

An Arkansas city director is back home after joining other leaders from across the country for the National League of Cities Congressional City Confer…

When part-time and part-year workers are included in the comparison, Latinas were typically paid only 52 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men in 2022. (Sanele Gobinduku/peopleimages.com)

Equal Pay Day sheds light on AR women's wage disparities

Today is Equal Pay Day, which calls attention to the wage gap between women and men - a disparity that's even more pronounced in the Natural State…

The goal of the biomanufacturing workforce training program is to certify more than 100 workers during the 24-month grant period and place them with biomanufacturing companies in Arkansas. (Gorodenkoff/AdobeStock)

Arkansas program preps workers for biomanufacturing jobs

By Victoria Lim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Arkansas News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Service Co…

Women, Black, Hispanic and Latino people are less likely to receive bystander CPR. (Asier/AdobeStock)

Black Arkansans urged to prioritize heart health

During Black History Month, the American Heart Association is emphasizing the significance of heart health education and establishing a heritage of …

More than 2,900 students who have earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Arkansas are currently employed, with an average salary of more than $90,000. (Gift Culture Media/KOTO)<br />

University of Arkansas tackles affordable housing crisis with prototype home

By Matthew Moore for KUAF-FM.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Arkansas News Service reporting for the KUAF/Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation-Publ…

Since the most recent avian influenza outbreak began, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates almost 82 million birds have been affected in 47 states. (Anton Dios/Adobe Stock)

Avian flu outbreak highlights need for improved wildlife disease tracking

In the wake of the latest, highly contagious bird flu outbreak in Arkansas and across the country, Congress is considering a bill to improve the …

Asian or Pacific Islander adults are the fastest-growing group in Arkansas, and in 2022 had a degree attainment rate of 52.3%. (Xavier Lorenzo/AdobeStock)

Report: AR near bottom in number of adults with post-high school credentials

New data show how many people pursue degrees or other credentials after high school, and the numbers show Arkansas has some work to do to improve…

In Arkansas, an estimated 467,550 people do not always have enough nutritious food for regular meals. Almost 135,000 of them are children. (Allistair F/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas expands summer food access to combat childhood hunger

Arkansas wants to tackle childhood hunger this summer, by opting into a summer food program for kids. One in five children in the Natural State …

Arkansas ranked low in such measures as the percentage of rural, school-aged children who lack health insurance, which was nearly 6.5%. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)<br />

Rural Arkansas schools see challenges in education compared with nation

The National Rural Education Association's latest report, "Why Rural Matters 2023," finds Arkansas is a critical state - due mostly to funding for …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data tracker in the most recent week this month, more than 32,000 people have been hospitalized for COVID-19. (Cherryandbees/Adobe Stock)

Health misinformation vs. science: Can you tell the difference?

In Arkansas and across the country, public health experts say the rapid spread of health misinformation online is contributing to a dangerous decline …

Our Blood Institute provides blood products to more than 244 hospitals across Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. (Aidman/AdobeStock)

Arkansans urged to donate blood amid critical shortage

Blood donations are important year-round, and January, which is National Blood Donor Month, presents a unique challenge because of the most recent …

Black children in immigrant families are more than twice as likely to live in two-parent families <br />than Black children in U.S.-born families (69% vs. 33%, respectively). (Adobe Stock)

Report: Black births more likely to be premature in AR

Arkansas ranks near the bottom among states in the latest Annie E. Casey Foundation report on children's well-being. "Race for Results" focuses on …

Report: 72% of jobs will require postsecondary education in 2031

In Arkansas and across the country, getting a college degree will become increasingly important in the job market of the future. A report from …

Last month, the U.S. Economic Development Administration committed a $1.2 million grant, matched by $1 million from Arkansas, to expand the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program across four Opportunity Zones. (Nicholas & Geraldine/Adobe Stock)<br />

Arkansas Initiative aims to expand outdoor recreation, boost economy

The Natural State Initiative latest report recommends increasing access to outdoor recreation, which will help grow the state's economy. The …

A shared community activity building would provide educational services for Bentonville residents, students and members of the school district. (Allison/Adobe Stock)

Bentonville Schools tackle affordable housing for teachers, staff

The Bentonville School Board has taken a significant step to address Northwest Arkansas' pressing issue of affordable housing for teachers and staff m…

The last United States Christmas Bird Counts reported 671 species, 70 infraspecific forms and 35 exotic species. (Bonniemarie/Adobe Stock)

’Tis the season for Christmas bird count in Arkansas

If you want to contribute to more than a century of science about the feathered friends in your community, the National Audubon Society's 124th …

Arkansas' income tax rate drops from 4.7% to 4.4% on Jan. 1, 2024, and there are efforts to eliminate it completely. (Eyegelb/Adobe Stock)

Report outlines options to eliminate Arkansas' state income tax

Arkansas is set to reduce income tax rates for individuals and corporations starting next year. Opportunity Arkansas is advocating for the …

Prior to the start of this 2024 open enrollment period, about 1.5 million more people enrolled in marketplace coverage nationwide from March to Sept. 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.<br />(STOATPHOTO/Adobe Stock)

Arkansans still have time to sign up before ACA enrollment deadline

In Arkansas and across the nation, open enrollment for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act ends on December 15 at midnight. The …

Duck hunting season is already underway in Arkansas and the Natural State is home to five major classes of wetlands based on water source, geology and landscape position. (Ajamils/AdobeStock)

Duck hunting faces environmental crossroads after spring SCOTUS ruling

Arkansas and other states are dealing with the fallout from a Supreme Court decision in May, which effectively removed federal protections for more …

Food insecurity was higher than the national average in Arkansas and six other states and lower than the national average in 17 states, according to the latest USDA report. (Syda Productions/AdobeStock)

Report: Arkansas leads nation in food insecurity; urgent action urged

The number of families in Arkansas and across the nation that are struggling to put food on the table rose dramatically last year, according to the …

In The Arkansas Poll, 41% of respondents think that during their lifetime, climate change or global warming will be a

Poll: For Arkansas voters, economy is top issue

Ahead of some municipal elections next Tuesday, the University of Arkansas' "Arkansas Poll" shows voters are most concerned about the economy…

The American Library Association says challenges to books in public libraries accounted for 49% of cases documented by its Office for Intellectual Freedom from Jan.-Aug. 2023, compared to 16% in the same time period last year. (Photo courtesy Patty Hector)

Arkansas librarian out of a job for not 'banning books'

In Arkansas and across the nation, book bans are becoming more common. The American Library Association says there were almost 700 attempts to censor …

When it comes to physical health, the United Health Foundation says a number of factors drag down Arkansas' ranking, including frequent physical distress and high blood pressure. (Adobe Stock)

Rankings show continued health struggles for AR women, children

Arkansas again ranks near last in the country for the overall health of women and children. But policy experts are hopeful that can change. The …

University of Central Arkansas President Houston Davis announced the launch of the UCA Commitment. Incoming Freshman students will start fall 2024. (University of Central Arkansas)

One Arkansas school offers ‘debt-free pathway’ to graduation

By Olivia Sanchez for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public New…

According to the BirdCast Migration Dashboard, more than 100,000 birds migrated through Arkansas skies this week. (Robert McAlpine/Adobe Stock)<br />

AR tower has unique mission: tracking birds as they migrate

Arkansas is part of an international collaboration that uses automated radio signals to track the migration of birds, bats and insects. It's called …

Arkansas universities offer cybersecurity programs to train students in software applications, firewall protection, security breach prevention and data decoding. (Jayadiudara/Adobe Stock)

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Tips to stay safe online

In a digital world where people are always online, cyberattacks are on the rise, and a blogger who specializes in tech topics said anyone using …

In 2022, more than 1.7 million Arkansas citizens reported being registered to vote, according to the Arkansas Secretary of State website. (Krakenimages.com/AdobeStock)

Arkansans voters younger than 45 may change Natural State's politics

The youngest Arkansas voters could end up shifting the political landscape of the state and in the not-too-distant future. New data from the …

In the latest annual survey on the website BroadbandNow, Arkansas ranks 49th among states for internet coverage, speed and availability. (Maria/Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

Improving telehealth access in rural Arkansas

In rural Arkansas, access to healthcare can be a distant dream - literally - as almost 60 counties in the state do not have enough providers to serve …

In Arkansas, early voting starts Feb. 19 for the March 5 primary election. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)

Arkansans Reminded to Register on National Voter Registration Day

It is National Voter Registration Day. Ahead of the municipal election on November 14th, there is an urgent push for voter registration in the …

In the Natural State, 33% of children from birth to age 6 are eligible for a Child Care & Development Block Grant subsidy under federal rules, on average, each month. (Bernardbodo/Adobe Stock)<br />

AR Adds 260 Child Care Providers, But Funding Crisis Looms

Across the country and in Arkansas, some day care providers face the threat of closure when federal government aid initiated during the pandemic …

One of every five households in Arkansas is considered food insecure, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. (Adobe Stock)

Nutrition Program Would Expand Access to Healthy Foods in Rural Arkansas

September is Hunger Action Month, and an advocacy group is working to get legislation expanded to provide more healthy foods to people in rural …

The National Audubon Society report states that if meaningful action is taken now to stabilize the <br />climate, 76% of climate-vulnerable bird species will experience less range loss. (Kevin/AdobeStock)

Report: Audubon Call to Action for Renewable Energy, Bird Protection

A new report highlights the need for more electric transmission, while showing how it can be implemented without hurting our feathered friends…

Arkansas is the 32nd largest school system in the U.S., serving more than a half million students between public and private schools. (Nina/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Navigating Back-to-School Challenges in Rural Arkansas

More than a half million Arkansas kids are back at school for the fall, and districts across the state face different challenges. For some in rural …

In Arkansas, sale and distribution of vapor products, e-liquids or any component thereof are prohibited to be sold to persons younger than age 21, unless the person is an active-duty member of the military. (And.one/AdobeStock)

Report Calls for Ending Disposable Vape Sales in Arkansas

In Arkansas and across the country, disposable vapes are posing a growing environmental threat, according to a recent report. The U.S. Public …

In an average year, 549 people die by guns in Arkansas. With a rate of 18.1 deaths per 100,000 people. (AndriiKoval/AdobeStock)

Survey: Young Arkansans Want Stricter Gun Laws

In Arkansas and across the country, 74% of young people in the U.S. believe gun violence is a problem, and 60% want to see stricter gun laws…

Arkansas is a major exporter of rice, soybeans, cotton, poultry and feed grains. Of the 49,346 farms statewide, 97% are family-owned. (Branex/AdobeStock)

Bill Aims to Foster Farmer-led Education Networks in Arkansas

New federal legislation aims to help farmers in Arkansas and elsewhere share their knowledge of conservation practices as they face an increasing numb…

Only about 20% of the water a person needs to survive comes from the foods they eat; they get the rest from the fluids they drink. (Goodluz/Adobe Stock)

Prioritizing Mental, Physical Health in AR Summer Heat

It seems the summer heat wave has made news headlines for weeks, and Arkansas is no exception. When temperatures soar, the heat can affect not only …

In Arkansas, a family of four can expect to spend an average of $8,838 per year on groceries, the fifth-lowest amount among states, according to the Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator. (Prostock-studio/AdobeStock)

Arkansas Joins USDA to Probe Grocery Price Gouging

Attorneys general from more than 30 states including Arkansas recently announced a bipartisan effort to bring down costs and create more choices at th…

A person who is blind or has a qualifying disability who applies for SSI may get special services to help them work. These services may include counseling, job training, and help in finding work.<br />(Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

SSA Expands Outreach for SSI Benefits to Rural Communities

The Social Security Administration has taken a proactive step to bridge the gap between critical financial assistance and the people who may be eligib…

The SAVE plan would forgive loan balances after 10 years of payments, instead of 20 years, for borrowers with original loan balances of $12,000 or less. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

SAVE Plan Could Mean Lower Payments for Student Borrowers

A new student-loan forgiveness plan could lower monthly bills and reduce the amount these borrowers have to pay back over the lifetime of their loans…

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