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Food deserts are regions where people have limited access to healthful and affordable food due to income, location, or transportation issues. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

By Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock …

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders says the Arkansas State Guard could be called in to help with cleanup if necessary. (jetcityimage/Adobe stock)

Arkansans continue to clean up after deadly tornadoes

The National Weather Service continues to survey damage across northern Arkansas after tornadoes ripped through the state over the weekend. Crews …

The newest data for Arkansas Food Bank's 33-county service area highlights disparities and reveals the need for community action. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity continues to rise in Arkansas

The Arkansas Food Bank said it's prepared for an increase in food demand as we go into the summer months. The latest "Map the Meal Gap" report from …

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 …

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 …

According to Feeding America, one in seven people in Arkansas faces hunger. Local food banks are always in need of volunteers to help. (Adobe Stock)

Arkansans Encouraged to Roll Up Their Sleeves and Volunteer

National Volunteer Month, and AARP Arkansas is encouraging people to dedicate a little more time and energy to the communities and causes important …

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation launched the

National Day of Racial Healing Means Weeklong Events for AR

Today is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s holiday, and tomorrow is the seventh annual National Day of Racial Healing. It's a call to action for racial …

People facing hunger in Arkansas would need additional income of more than $200 million in order to actually meet their food needs, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. (Syda Productions/Adobe Stock)

AR Group Reduces Food Waste to Provide Hunger Relief

September is National Hunger Action Month, and groups across Arkansas are part of a nationwide push to get more people involved with reducing food …

In Arkansas, nearly 500,000 people face food insecurity, with almost 150,000 of them children, according to Feeding America. (Adobe Stock)

Ark. Grants to Help Address Food Insecurity in Pulaski County

A new initiative in Arkansas' most populous county focuses on increasing healthy options at food pantries to help families experiencing challenges as …

At least four confirmed tornadoes touched down in Arkansas during the winter storm this past weekend that struck three other states. (NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, via Twitter)

Relief Groups in AR after Deadly Tornadoes: 'A Devastating Thing to See'

JONESBORO, Ark. - Disaster relief responders are assessing the damage from the tornadoes that took two lives in northeast Arkansas and caused major …

On Friday, an Arkansas judge temporarily blocked the state from enforcing its mask-mandate ban, after state lawmakers failed to lift the prohibition in last week's Extraordinary Session. (Adobe Stock)

COVID Vaccinations Up in AR as Delta Variant Spreads

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Arkansans are well aware the state is seeing one of the nation's worst outbreaks of the delta COVID variant - but it's also …

Arkansas is one of a few states that have not implemented a stay-at-home order to curb the spread of COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

AR Creates Economic Recovery Task Force as Virus Spread Remains Uncertain

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Gov. Asa Hutchinson has announced a new Economic Recovery Task Force to help Arkansas communities bounce back from the COVID-19 …

Sleeping bag set up at Old Alabama Town, a historical village in Montgomery, Alabama. (Joe McGill)

Sleepover at Historic AR Museum Focuses on Lives of Enslaved People

By Ruth Terry Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan Reporting for the YES! Magazine-Arkansas News Service Collaboration LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- By 1860…

Income tax returns, medical bills and educational records are full of personal information thieves could use to steal someone's identity. (Elenathewise/AdobeStock)

Fraud Prevention: Don't Forget the Paper Trail

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Cyber crimes continue to increase and evolve, but some fraudsters still follow paper trails to steal personal information…

Main Street Batesville has received a $5,000 grant to connect the Maxfield Park development park, seen here, to the downtown district with a sidewalk. (MainStreetBatesville)<br /><br /><br />

Three Arkansas Towns Awarded AARP Community Challenge Grants

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Three Arkansas towns are among the recipients of AARP Community Challenge grants for 2019. The program awards more than $1…

Hundreds of homes and other structure are partially or fully submerged in record floodwaters over the past few weeks. (FEMA)

Advocates Warn Arkansans to Avoid Flood-Insurance Scams

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Consumer advocates are warning Arkansans affected by rising waters in parts of the state to beware of scammers selling fake …

A new project in Conway will create a safe space for bicyclists to park while they enjoy the downtown area. (Pixabay)

National Community Challenge Selects 3 Arkansas Projects

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Three Arkansas cities are getting a financial boost for projects that will help improve life in their communities. AARP's …

Many Americans 50 and older are looking at changing careers, and are considering starting their own business. (Pelaez/GettyImages)

Workshop to Teach Older Arkansans to Start a Business

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Older Arkansans who are thinking about owning and operating a small business can learn what it takes to be their own boss at a …

A group of military veterans and their families attend ceremonies at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Somoderville./Getty Images

A Special Contest to Honor Veterans

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – With Veterans Day celebrations set for the coming weekend, there's a unique opportunity to honor the thousands of Arkansans …

By this fall, a new suicide prevention hotline will be based in Arkansas so callers can be referred to local resources. (flairimages/iStockphoto)

As Suicide Rates Rise, Arkansas to Open Prevention Hotline

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – After a jump in the number of suicides in recent years, state lawmakers have approved a bill (HB 1775) to create and fund …

New guidelines say parents should put infants to sleep on their backs in an uncluttered crib. (artfoliophoto/iStockphoto)

Arkansas Program Teaches Parents Safe Sleep for Infants

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Public health officials in Arkansas are making sure parents and caretakers know how to safely put infants to sleep so they …

Free workshops are being offered in Arkansas next month to help people learn the ins and outs of smartphones, tablets and computers. (AARP)

Workshops: Keeping Up with Technology

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - We live in a digital world, but there still are many who haven't mastered all of the new devices that are available. AARP is …

Summer is when fewer people take time to donate blood and this year there's a critical shortage. (US State Department)

Arkansas: Red Cross Needs Your Help

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansans are being asked to roll up their sleeves and donate blood because there's a critical shortage of it across the …

Mobile apps for people with asthma are especially helpful for kids and parents, but doctors say they aren't all as accurate as they could be. (Virginia Carter)

Doctors say Asthma Apps for Children Can Save Lives

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A team of doctors has developed the first mobile 'app' designed to help children and teens with asthma that is supported by a …

Arkansas approved Medicaid expansion in 2014 and has seen the number of unisured patients in emergency rooms drop by about 10 percent. (Catherine Hope)

Arkansas Seeing Benefits of Medicaid Expansion

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A health care system in Arkansas and Missouri is an example of the difference between states that have expanded Medicaid and …

Nursing students teach proper foot care to patients in homeless shelters in Fayetteville. (Eleanor Mann School of Nursing)

Nurses Take Health Care to the Homeless

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – An innovative community nursing program in Fayetteville is being called such a success that it may be expanded to other …

Arkansas' death rate from stroke is the highest in the U.S., and doctors say getting blood pressure under control will reduce those numbers. (Virginia Carter)

Stroke Death Rate Highest in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Arkansas Department of Health calls it "a state tragedy" as more people die from strokes in Arkansas than any other state…

Experts say kids need to spend less time in front of a screen, and warn too much of it could hurt their communication skills. (Victoria Jordan)

Less Screen Time, More Conversation for Kids

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Smartphones and tablets make communicating easy in some ways and yet, experts warn there may be consequences for youngsters…

Washing your vehicle at home uses more than 100 gallons of water on average. (Virginia Carter)

Clean Car, Clean Conscience

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - How many times have you driven through your neighborhood and noticed people out washing their cars in the driveway? The …

Civil rights and environmental groups want to encourage more visits to state parks by minorities. (Virginia Carter)

Involving a More Diverse Community in Arkansas National Parks

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - As the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service nears, a coalition of civil rights and conservation groups is calling for …

The idea behind Screen-Free Week is to get kids to play without using electronic devices. (Christine Fletcher)

Put Down the Electronics, It's Screen-Free Week

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - With all the smartphones, tablets, computers and video games around, it's easy to forget there is life beyond a screen. It's …

Americans Need to Drink More Water

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has followed up on a study that was done about a decade ago that looks at whether …

About 61,000 children in Arkansas have or have had a parent behind bars, and a new report highlights the impact that is having on their well being. (Montian Noowong)

Parent Incarcerated: Children Feel the Pain

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - About 61,000 Arkansas children currently have or have had a parent in jail or prison. A new report by the Annie E. Casey …

Arkansas' skin cancer rate is relatively high, but new research may mean better sunscreens are on the way. (Veronica Carter)

Better Sunscreens on the Way?

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Warmer weather means more time in the sun for Arkansas residents, and new research underscores the importance of using sunscreen …

Researchers say there's health benefits to getting outdoors, both mentally and physically. (Mike Baca)

Want to be Healthier? Get Outdoors!

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - As the weather warms up, birds chirp and flowers bloom, don't forget to take some time to enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer…

More of us are using our smartphones to buy things, but there's a warning with that: take time to know what information is being shared when making a purchase. (Veronica Carter)

Paying by Smartphone? Be Careful

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Mobile payments for goods and services are becoming increasingly common. The Arkansas Attorney General's office says financial …

Putting the wrong items in your recycle bin can harm the environment. (Virginia Carter)

Lesson on Recycling Needed in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - There's an effort underway in Arkansas to get people to recycle correctly. Lisa Disbrow, regional spokesperson for Waste …

Workers without sick-leave benefits, including families with children, are twice as likely to delay health-care treatment. (Virginia Carter)

Report: Employees without Paid Sick Days May Be a Hazard to All

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - It's a dilemma faced by working families in Arkansas and across the nation – what to do about work when someone is sick …

The Spread the Word to End the Word campaign has been adopted by some Arkansas high school students who hope their peers will learn to be more sensitive about people with intellectual disabilities. (Ron Brown)

Arkansas Students Try to Eliminate the "R Word"

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - There are words in the English language that people have managed to get rid of over time, or replace with better alternatives…

Organic farmers can start applying for a program to help them pay for conservation buffers on their lands. (Veronica Carter)

USDA to Give Organic Farmers New Conservation Tool

Little Rock, AR - Organic farmers in Arkansas and across the nation will soon have a new tool to help their bottom lines while protecting the …

One third of American's don't get at least seven hours of sleep each night, and the CDC says that's an unhealthy habit. (Kiyana Carter)

Study: We're Not Getting Enough Sleep

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - As a nation we are not getting enough sleep. That's the conclusion of a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and …

Over 500,000 Arkansans serve as unpaid caregivers for family or friends. A new report says they often ignore their own health issues. (Virginia Carter)

Report: Unpaid Caregiving Takes Its Toll

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - More than 500,000 Arkansans are unpaid caregivers for friends or family members, and a new study says they are about twice as …

New research says kids who learn new languages will have better job prospects as adults. (U.S. Dept. of Education)

Children Who Speak Two Languages at an Advantage

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A new study of bilingual and monolingual toddlers could be reason for parents to share this story in two languages. Research in …

Walk Across Arkansas is an eight-week program to encourage people to get more exercise. It's sponsored by the University of Arkansas in order to reduce the state's high obesity rate. (Kevin Patrick Allen)

Arkansans "Walk Across the State" for Better Health

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Arkansans are being urged to lace up their shoes for the next eight weeks. Walk Across Arkansas has begun, with the goal of …

One group is demanding that presidential candidates make their positions on preserving Social Security known before the March 1 primary election. (AARP Arkansas)

Candidates Urged to Address Social Security

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Presidential candidates will soon be campaigning in Arkansas prior to the March 1 primary election. AARP Arkansas has launched …

The Iowa caucuses could be a prelude to a pivotal election. (morguefile/jppi)

Are We Facing a Pivotal Election?

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Our neighbors to the north in Iowa will attend partisan precinct caucuses today, the first real step in the presidential …

AARP says voters over 50 aren't the only ones who want to know where the presidential candidates stand on strengthening Social Security. (freedigitalphotos.net)

AARP: Strengthening Social Security is On Minds of Most Voters

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - More than nine of 10 Iowans who say they will attend one of that state's first-in-the-nation presidential precinct caucuses on …

Arkansas' uninsured rate for Hispanic children is comparable to the national average, but double the rate for children overall in the state. (Octavio Lopez/morguefile)

Gap in Health Coverage for Arkansas Hispanic Children

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Arkansas could be doing a better job of reaching out to Latino families to get health insurance for their kids. That's one …

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AR: Community Issues and Volunteering