Arkansas News & Current Events | Public News Service

Arkansas farmers produce more than 9 billion pounds of rice each year. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 24, 2021

UArk Studies Profit Potential of Farming Organic Rice

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas produces more rice than any other state, and a new grant will help farmers explore ways to transition the industry to …

Arkansas' rental-assistance program has distributed funds to more than 3,200 households in the state. (Adobe Stock)

AR Makes Policy Changes to Get Rental Assistance to Residents More Quickly

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas has made some changes to its state rent relief program to make it easier to distribute assistance to residents…

As the federal eviction moratorium ended this month, organizations including Arkansans for Stronger Communities have written to Gov. Asa Hutchinson, calling for the state to do a better job at getting the $173 million it received from the federal government in rental assistance to communities in need. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Lawsuit Challenges AR 'Failure to Vacate' Statute Against Renters

MALVERN, Ark. -- Arkansas is the only state in the country with what's known as a "failure to vacate" statute, which criminalizes the failure to pay …

Arkansas's Board of Apportionment, which draws state House and Senate lines, consists of the governor, secretary of state and attorney general. (Adobe Stock)

AR Advocates Want to Ensure Community Voice Heard During Redistricting

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas has less than a month until it receives user-friendly census data to help draw state and congressional district maps…

Researchers at Consumer Reports are particularly interested in hearing from rural households of color in a survey on internet speed, reliability and cost. (Prosstock/Adobe Stock)

Consumer Reports Asks Americans to Upload Internet Bills

By Adilia Watson. Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter. Reporting for the Daily Yonder-Arkansas News Service Collaboration Consumer Reports, in …

The grant from the U.S. Department of Education for Arkansas' workforce training program also covers support services for students, such as day care, transportation and internet access. (Adobe Stock)

AR Offers Career Training for Job Seekers Affected by COVID-19

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A training program in Arkansas is helping people jumpstart new careers after feeling the economic impacts of COVID-19. The …

Last school year, 68 out of the 262 public school districts in Arkansas reported not having a single teacher of color on their staffs. (Adobe Stock)

"Teach Plus" AR Fellowship Aims to Increase Educator Diversity

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Twenty educators from across Arkansas will meet throughout the next year to learn how to advocate for education policy changes…

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' forecast predicts the highest growth in COVID cases in the next month will be in children under 17. (Adobe Stock)

As COVID ICU Beds Fill, AR Health Pros Encourage Vaccinations

BENTON, Ark. -- Gov. Asa Hutchinson said COVID ICU beds in Arkansas are full as the Delta variant continues to surge in the state. Arkansas health …

Tyson Foods brings in more than $42 billion in annual revenue. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Tyson Foods' Control Over Poultry Industry Hurts Workers, Farmers

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Tyson Foods is one of the largest poultry producers in the country, and a new report showed the Arkansas-based company's …

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 True Grass's proposed amendment would have the state's Agriculture Department regulate the recreational marijuana industry. (Adobe Stock)

AR Group Gathers Signatures to Get Recreational Marijuana on Ballot

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas marijuana activists are pushing to get a recreational-cannabis amendment on the 2022 ballot. Arkansas True Grass …

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families is also asking the Arkansas Legislature to reconsider Act 977, which bans state and local officials from mandating COVID-19 vaccinations. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Ask AR Lawmakers to Lift Mask-Mandate Ban in Schools

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- COVID-19 has given a whole new meaning to the term "Extraordinary Session," as state lawmakers are in Little Rock again today to …

In a survey of young people who have experienced foster care, nearly 20% reported they ran out of food. (Maya Kruchancova/Adobe Stock)

AR Youth in Foster Care Eligible for Pandemic Relief Payments

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Arkansans ages 16 to 26 who are or have been in the foster-care system now are eligible for one-time payments of at least $750…

2020 Census Bureau apportionment data shows Arkansas is set to maintain four representatives in Congress. (mrlover/Adobe Stock)

Groups Amplify Calls for Public Input on Arkansas Redistricting

MONTICELLO, Ark. -- Arkansas' public redistricting hearings start next Thursday in Monticello, and groups advocating for fair voting-district maps …

Health officials in Arkansas are working hard to address vaccine hesitancy. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

AR Health Officials Work to Clear Up Vaccine Misinformation, Misconceptions

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Health officials in Arkansas are urging residents who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine yet to change that as soon as …

Data from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy show President Joe Biden's proposed tax changes would affect fewer than 1% of taxpayers nationwide. (stanciuc/Adobe Stock)

Most Rural Voters Want to See Tax Hikes for Wealthy, Corporations

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The latest poll by Americans for Tax Fairness finds rural voters overwhelmingly support the idea of corporations and the wealthy …

It's estimated there are around one million LGBTQ veterans who served in the various branches of the U.S. military. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — It's estimated there are around one million LGBTQ veterans who served in the various branches of the U.S. military. (Adobe Stock)

Program Aims to Empower LGBTQ Veterans to Seek Healthcare

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A ten-week education program that focuses on sexual orientation and gender identity aims to reduce health disparities among …

The newest edition of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book explores how America's child population fared during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Lack of Health Insurance Continues to Increase Among Arkansas Kids

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - New survey data offers a clear picture of how Arkansas kids and families are faring. The state ranks 39th in the nation when it …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know "a little bit" or "nothing at all" about Juneteenth, the date that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. (DoDEA.edu)

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by …

Total student-loan debt across the United States is about $1.71 trillion, including federal student loans. (Adobe Stock)

Arkansas AG Warns of Potential Fraud, Financial Stress from Student Loans

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Among Arkansans who graduated in 2018, 53% have student-loan debt. State officials say it's important to read the fine print…

Between 2011 and 2019, states across the nation enacted 483 new abortion restrictions, according to the Guttmacher Institute. (Adobe Stock)

State Restrictions Increasing Demand for Abortion Medication

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas enacted twenty restrictions on abortion during this year's legislative session, more than any other state, and a recent …

According to the Federal Communications Commission, at least 18 million Americans lack fast and reliable internet service. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — According to the Federal Communications Commission, at least 18 million Americans lack fast and reliable internet service. (Adobe Stock)

Temporary Federal Program Aims to Help Folks Afford Internet

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Federal Communications Commission said it will provide $50-a-month direct payments toward internet bills to people who sign …

Arkansas has the 14th highest rate of reported falls in the United States in adults age 65 and older, at 29.5%, higher than the national average of 28%, according to CDC data. (Adobe Stock)

CDC Report: Arkansas has 14th Highest Rate of Older-Adult Falls

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Falls are the leading cause of death among individuals age 65 and older, and new data from the Centers for Disease Control and …

The Hernando de Soto Bridge, which crosses the Mississippi River between Arkansas and Tennessee, is now closed indefinitely. (Adobe Stock)

I-40 Bridge Crack Puts Spotlight on Nation’s Infrastructure

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Lawmakers are expected to make headway on President Joe Biden's $2.3 trillion dollar infrastructure proposal this week, as …

Among working families with children younger than age 5 that pay for child care, average child-care spending amounts to nearly 10% of the average family income, or 40% higher than the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' definition of affordability. (Adobe Stock)

Child-Care Wages Called Key to Boosting Early-Education Access

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Early-childhood educators in the state say they support President Joe Biden's American Families Plan, which would include an …

A 2012 investigation by ProPublica found some tax-exempt groups underreported their political activities to the Internal Revenue Service. (Wikimedia Commons)

AR Bill Tightens Rules on Nonprofits' Donor Disclosure

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A new bill signed into law in Arkansas strengthens privacy rules for people who donate to charitable causes. Critics of so-…

The Recovering America's Wildlife Act proposes allocating nearly $1.4 billion across all 50 states, and another 97 million a year for tribal nations.(Adobe Stock)

As More Venture Out in AR, Groups Work to Protect Habitat, Wildlife

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansans are turning to nature in record numbers during the pandemic, and supporters of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act (…

Arkansas has the nation's highest teen pregnancy rate, and one of the country's highest unintended pregnancy rates among women of all ages, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Biden Admin to Reverse Birth-Control Access Restrictions

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Biden administration has taken the first steps in the regulatory process to eliminate the domestic gag rule, which forced …

The CARES Act made it easier for people to withdraw up to $100,000 from their retirement accounts if their jobs and income took a hit from the coronavirus pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Financial Health During Pandemic-Year Tax Season

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The IRS has extended the income-tax filing deadline by an extra month, and experts say while the pandemic has shaken retirement …

This year lawmakers in Arkansas and 15 other states have introduced legislation intended to cut off access to abortion early in pregnancy. (Adobe Stock)

AR’s Near-Total Abortion Ban Could Worsen Women’s Access to Health Care

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Women have faced greater barriers to accessing health-care services during the pandemic, especially Black and Brown women and …

Most American students will take, on average, 112 standardized tests from kindergarten to 12th grade. (Adobe Stock)

Should Schools Hit Pause on Standardized Testing?

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Critics of standardized testing say the federal government should reduce or pause these tests, since the pandemic has upended so …

According to the CDC, chronic diseases cost the U.S. health-care system an estimated $214 billion per year and $138 billion in lost job productivity. (Adobe Stock)

Racial Disparities in Chronic Disease Persist in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Black and Brown Arkansans continue to have higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension…

Nationwide, more kids tell researchers they are struggling with loneliness and isolation one year into the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Nationwide, more kids tell researchers they are struggling with loneliness and isolation one year into the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

One Year After COVID Hits, Poverty On Rise in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas families are facing greater levels of food insecurity and economic instability one year into the coronavirus pandemic…

More than 355,000 Arkansas residents rely on SNAP benefits to purchase food. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — More than 355,000 Arkansas residents rely on SNAP benefits to purchase food. (Adobe Stock)

AR Bill Could Nix Discretionary Exemptions for SNAP

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A bill that would impose even stricter work requirements for Arkansans receiving SNAP benefits has advanced to the state Senate …

Arkansas consistently ranks low as a place to live in the United States, because of its lack of renter protections. (Adobe Stock)

AR Lawmakers Consider Rental Housing Standards Bill

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- State lawmakers are considering legislation that would require landlords to provide and maintain safe, habitable housing…

More than 300 meatpacking and processing workers in the United States have died of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. (Adobe Stock)

One Year Later, Many Poultry Workers Haven’t Seen COVID Protections

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Workers say Tyson Foods and other poultry-processing plants haven't done enough to prevent Arkansas workers from getting sick as …

According to the American Veterinary Association, animal health authorities are finding Chronic Wasting Disease in more counties each year. (Adobe Stock)

As Chronic Wasting Disease Spreads, Stricter Management Proposed

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A disease in the same family as Mad Cow Disease is spreading among deer, and this week state officials will decide on new rules …

There are more than 5,000 types of PFAS chemicals, a portion of which are found in fast-food packaging. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Urge Food Industry to Follow McDonald’s on PFAS Packaging

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- After McDonald's recent announcement it will stop using toxic chemicals called PFAS in its food packaging, health advocates are …

Student Shane White interviews Chris Balos, climate ambassador for the Marshallese Educational Initiative. (Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas)

Northwest AR’s Pacific Islander Community Hard-Hit by Pandemic

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Half of Arkansas' coronavirus deaths have been members of the Marshallese Pacific Islander community. A new podcast explores …

Food insecurity and child hunger both have skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic across the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Child Hunger Climbs in Rural AR, as Groups Work to Deliver Food Boxes

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Child hunger is on the rise across Arkansas, and advocates warn families are struggling to access resources in communities far …

Caregivers for veterans soon may be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the<br />veteran they care for. (Adobe Stock) — Caregivers for veterans soon may be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the
veteran they care for. (Adobe Stock)

Veteran Caregivers Eligible for COVID Vaccine Through VA

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Veteran caregivers enrolled in the Veterans Administration's (VA) caregiver program will likely be able to receive COVID-19 …

Last fall the Arkansas Legislature approved $10 million in CARES money for rent assistance, but demand continues to skyrocket. (Adobe Stock)

Record Number of AR Evictions Expected If Moratorium Isn’t Extended

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Under the latest stimulus package passed by Congress, renters in Arkansas are protected from eviction until January 31. However…

In just four years of use, dicamba has damaged at least five million acres of soybeans, decimated fruit orchards and vegetable farms, and damaged trees, backyard gardens and natural areas throughout much of rural America. (Adobe Stock)

Public Interest Groups Sue EPA for Reapproving Controversial Herbicide

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Public-interest groups are suing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the agency's re-approval of products containing …

Telehealth is booming as the pandemic prompts more patients to skip the waiting room. (Adobe Stock)

Some Insurers Balk at Covering TeleHealth Visits

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Telehealth visits have jumped nationwide since the onset of the pandemic. Between mid-March and mid-June, an estimated 9 million …

Consumers lost more than $150 million in the first nine months of 2020 from income scams alone. (Adobe Stock)

As Layoffs Continue, Work-from-Home Income Scams on the Rise

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seeing a spike in income scams, preying on people feeling financial pressure and looking …

Nearly a quarter of Arkansas families with children have reported feeling "down, depressed or hopeless" in recent months. (Adobe Stock)

More Arkansas Families at Risk of Homelessness

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas is falling short in housing security during the COVID-19 crisis, according to a new report based on the latest Census …

COVID-19 hospitalizations are on the rise in every county in Arkansas. (Adobe Stock)

Planning Ahead: States Need Greater Pandemic Preparedness

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Arkansas and other rural states, and experts say the consequences of being unprepared for an …

Experts say storage and retention of election materials are important aspects of an audit. (Adobe Stock)

AR Begins 2020 Election-Audit Pilot Program

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- As President Donald Trump continues to insist the presidential election was marred by what he has called "massive voter fraud" …

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