Arkansas News & Current Events | Public News Service

Some 40% of fourth grade public school students in Arkansas reported confidence in their math knowledge and skills. (AdobevStock)

Monday, February 3, 2025

Nation's Report Card: Student test scores not budging in Arkansas

Arkansas kids are still feeling the negative educational impacts of the pandemic, even though it was declared over a year-and-a-half ago. New data …

Rural communities, low-income people and BIPOC people have the least access to health care in Arkansas. (onephoto/Adobe Stock)

Work requirements could be coming for AR Medicaid recipients

Changes could be coming for Arkansans who are on Medicaid. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is proposing to add work requirements for some Medicaid …

Women's Foundation of the South aims to address policies and programs that disenfranchise women of color and are barriers to opportunities. It funds organizations with multi-year general operating support and leadership development grants.

Southern charity funds AR nonprofits led by women of color

As many nonprofit organizations see a decrease in funding and donations, one charity is stepping up to ensure organizations run by women of color …

Among adults younger than 65, about 18% of those in small towns and rural America get their coverage through Medicaid, compared with about 16% in metro areas. (AndriiKoval/Adobe Stock)

Possible cuts to Medicaid would hurt many AR families

A study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families shows most people who live in small towns and rural areas use Medicaid for healt…

The Arkansas legislators serving in this session took office following the 2024 elections. Republicans won a 29-6 majority in the Senate and an 81-19 majority in the House. (Adobe Stock)

AR's 95th legislative session begins today

Arkansas lawmakers are at the Capitol today for the start of the 95th Legislative session. Over the next 88 days, legislators will discuss more than 2…

According to the Arkansas Department of Finance, the short-term outlook for the Arkansas economy indicates stable and moderate growth for total personal income from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2025. (diy13/Adobe Stock)

Economists cautiously optimistic about 2025 AR economy

Economists are optimistic about the Arkansas economy in 2025. According to the Arkansas Economic Development Institute, the state has outperformed …

The childhood mental health crisis has been on the rise for years. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the crisis among children in Arkansas and throughout the country. (Viacheslav Yakobchuk/Adobe Stock)

National task force addresses mental health issues for AR youth

A new report from the Bipartisan Policy Center addresses reforms to address mental health issues for youth in Arkansas and nationwide. The group's …

It typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes to donate blood. (thomsond/Adobe Stock)

Arkansans encouraged to make life-saving blood donations

Blood banks nationwide and in Arkansas are encouraging people to make a blood donation this time of year and possibly save a life. Blood donations …

In 2022, of the more than 1.2 million households in Arkansas, 47% of them were below the ALICE threshold, according to United for ALICE. (Adobe Stock)

Arkansans who are just above the federal poverty line struggle to get by

Many households across Arkansas are just above the federal poverty line, but earn less than they need to cover their basic needs. These people…

Beef tallow is made from parts of the cow that are not sold as meat and are transported instead to rendering plants. (Adobe Stock)

Skin benefits of beef tallow are lathered on thick

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collab…

The USPS says texts with questionable tracking information and clickable links should be avoided in order to prevent scammers from gaining personal information. (Rokas/Adobe Stock)

USPS warns AR residents to be aware of 'smishing' scams

Many folks are still expecting holiday packages this week, and the United States Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for what are known …

The Doula Alliance of Arkansas (DAR) was formed with help from a $250,000 grant from Ingeborg Initiatives, a group seeking to improve maternal health. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Doula Alliance of AR works to improve maternal health

Birth doulas across Arkansas have formed a new organization to improve maternal health care across the state and help pass legislation they hope will …

The total number of children in foster care has decreased annually since 2017. (ibreakstock/Adobe Stock)

Support available for AR kids aging out of foster care

Nonprofits working with foster care children want them to know services are available to help them navigate life once they are out of the system…

With the increased use of AI, more technical positions are available with no requirement of a 4-year degree. (Jadon Bester/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

AR community colleges create new pathways to employment

Students at eight Arkansas community colleges can benefit from new micro-courses to prepare for the workforce. The schools are collaborating with …

ALICE families say while wages have increased, it hasn't been enough to keep up with inflation and is sometimes hard to put food on the table. (Konstantin Yuganov/Adobe Stock)

'ALICE at Work' on paycheck-to-paycheck struggle

By Wesley Brown for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-Wi…

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the wastewater viral activity level for COVID-19 is currently high in Arkansas. (Adobe Stock)

New relief for Arkansans suffering from long COVID

The aftermath of COVID-19 infections has left many with unexplainable fatigue or memory loss. A new study revealed a prescription drug used for …

One Arkansas teacher said he does not think about the future because of the constraints of the cost of living. (NanSan/Adobe Stock)

Northwest AR development leads to housing crisis for educators

By Jordan P. Hickey for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop …

The ACLU of Arkansas says immigrant workers are an integral part of the Arkansas economy. (F Armstrong Photo/Adobe Stock)

ACLU: Mass deportations would be setback for AR economy

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas predicts if President-elect Donald Trump follows through with his campaign promise of mass deportations…

Changes could be coming to Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act as President-elect Donald Trump builds his administration. (I Viewfinder/Adobe Stock)

2nd Trump term to affect health coverage for Arkansans

Low-income Arkansas families could be in for some big cuts to health care under a second Trump administration, according to health experts. Policy …

After immigrating to the U.S. many immigrants and their families encounter challenges, including low-paying jobs, language barriers and navigating complex systems. (artiom.photo/Adobe Stock)

Immigrant families in northwest AR struggle to make ends meet

By Antoinette Grajeda for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop…

The Buffalo River Watershed Alliance was created to help preserve and protect the scenic beauty and pristine water quality of the Buffalo National River by opposing and preventing the construction and operation of industrial concentrated animal feeding operations within the Buffalo River watershed. (ODell Outside/Adobe Stock)

AR nonprofit works to protect Buffalo National River from contamination

Members of the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance are supporting two moratoriums on concentrated animal feeding operations to be voted on today by the A…

Approximately 560,000 Arkansas households live below the ALICE threshold of financial survival. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

More AR families struggle with food insecurity

By Mary Hennigan for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rock…

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announces a $1 million grant to establish a cybersecurity research and education center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. (Song_about_summer/Adobe Stock)

UA Little Rock wins grant to expand cybersecurity education

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will use a $1 million grant to create a research and education center for cybersecurity. The Cyberspace …

Polls will be open on Election Day from 7:30 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. (Alan/Adobe Stock)

Lower early voting numbers in AR compared to 2020

Election officials in Arkansas say fewer people cast early votes in this year's general election than in 2020. They say more people voted early …

Despite the U.S. economy's ongoing resilience, a Center for Audit Quality survey showed the outlook for the economy over the next year is only neutral, with most audit firms believing a recession is likely on the horizon. (thinglass/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Election outcome will impact AR businesses

A new survey of public company audit firms reveals businesses are concerned the upcoming election could affect their financial performance. The …

According to the United Way, more Americans are seeking assistance for help with everyday needs. (Syda Productions/Adobe Stock)

Antipoverty community: Poverty line is garbage

Advocates in the antipoverty community said lawmakers are not doing enough to help people escape poverty. They said the inaction is increasing the …

The open-enrollment period is here. Experts say now is the time to review and update your health insurance plans. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Arkansans choose insurance benefits during open-enrollment period

The open enrollment period for Medicare and other health care plans is underway and Arkansans are making their selections for insurance coverage for t…

Statistics from the ALICE in Arkansas initiative show a significant increase in the number of ALICE households following COVID. (Zadvornov/Adobe Stock)

AR business owners collaborate to help ALICE residents

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 …

Rural voters will go to the polls with specific needs in mind. Early voting in Arkansas starts Oct. 21. (Adobe Stock/Val's World)

Poll: Rural voters in AR want candidates to put workers first

Rural voters in Arkansas and across the U.S. tend to be swing voters and may decide the outcome of this year's presidential election. According to a …

UA Little Rock students celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month in the Trojan Cafe during the Hispanic/Latin Initiative's Por La Cultura Kickoff event. (Photo Courtesy UA-Little Rock)

UA Little Rock sees growth in Hispanic/Latin Initiative

During this National Hispanic Heritage Month, the University of Arkansas in Little Rock is celebrating an increased enrollment of Hispanic and Latino …

Around 36% of transgender Arkansans who responded to a survey reported being fired, being denied a <br />promotion or experiencing some other form of mistreatment related to their gender identity or expression. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Transgender Arkansans report discrimination at work

According to experts, a diverse workforce is crucial for creativity and social justice and equally good for a company's bottom line but reluctance to …

There are now no consistent renters' rights nationally and some states, like Arkansas, have very few tenants' rights. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

AR renters could benefit from proposed National Tenants Bill of Rights

By Wesley Brown for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-Wi…

All Arkansas employers must display an approved Arkansas minimum-wage poster in a prominent place to inform employees about the minimum wage and their worker's rights under Arkansas labor law. GoodIdeas/Adobe Stock)

Study: Low wage workers in AR could benefit from minimum wage increase

A new study finds minimum-wage increases have little or no impact on job loss. The Economic Policy Institute study comes as federal lawmakers …

Fall enrollment at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock marks the most substantial increase since Fall 2009. (UA-Little Rock) <br />

University of Arkansas-Little Rock sees largest enrollment increase in 15 years

Enrollment continues to increase at The University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This semester, the school is experiencing its largest enrollment …

A Hispanic Access Foundation poll showed Latinos are extremely concerned about pollution in the Mississippi River and view the presence of microplastics, trash, chemical waste and PFAS, or

Latino voters in AR call on Congress to clean up Mississippi River

Some Latinos in Arkansas were among 400 residents across 10 states polled about the health of the Mississippi River. Both registered Republicans and …

Some 36,000 Arkansas Medicare beneficiaries used insulin in 2020. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

AR seniors to benefit from Medicare prescription drug cap

Arkansans who are on Medicare will see big savings next year thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. The Act will cap prescription drug costs…

The electric vehicle stations will have both fast and slow charging ports. (Mike Mareen/Adobe Stock)

EV charging stations coming to NW Arkansas

The Ozark Regional Transit Authority will use a $14.9 million federal grant to build electric vehicle charging stations around northwest Arkansas…

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 …

League of Women Voters volunteers have seen an uptick in voter registrations in recent weeks. (Joaquin Corbalan/Adobe Stock)

AR volunteers prepare for National Voter Registration Day

Volunteers with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters are gearing up for National Voter Registration Day, September 17. To register to vote in …

Meatpackers are able to lower the cost of processing each animal by running bigger operations compared to smaller facilities. (Dragosh/Adobe Stock)

AR ranchers want a bigger cut from beef industry

The price of beef could be on the minds of Arkansas farmers and ranchers when they go to the polls in November. Currently, just four companies - …

According to Every Library Institute, Project 2025 aims to reduce federal oversight protections and spending as well as reallocating responsibilities to states and localities. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

Report warns of Project 2025 effect on AR libraries

Changes could be coming for libraries and the people who work there if Project 2025 goes into effect. The 900 page document outlines how agencies …

The group submitted more than 101,000 signatures. If they had all been verified it would have been enough to put the measure on the ballot. (Rawf8/Adobe Stock)

AR abortion rights advocates say they are not giving up

Now that the Arkansas Supreme Court has denied a petition to put an abortion rights measure on the November ballot, proponents for women's …

According to the Urban Institute, low-income people with medical debt are likely to forgo needed medical care, have difficulty meeting other basic needs and face an increased risk of bankruptcy. <br />(Andy Dean/Adobe Stock)

Routine medical care out of reach for some low-income AR residents

By Tess Vrbin for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rockefe…

Advocates said Arkansans who lost Medicaid coverage are missing vital doctor's visits. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Medicaid troubles continue for many AR residents

In preparation for the upcoming legislative session, workers at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families are interviewing Arkansans about their …

Doctors advised a well-child visit is an opportunity to understand your child's health needs better.<br />(Evgeniy Kalinovskiy/Adobe Stock)

Doctor visits should be part of back-to-school prep for AR students

Arkansas families have a lot of things on their "to-do" list as they prepare for the start of school. In addition to buying school supplies and new …

Animal rights groups point to commercial egg production facilities leaving hens in cages 24/7 as

Animal activists push back on AR factory-farm industry 'ag-gag' laws

Legislatures in states such as Arkansas and others are passing legislation, known as "ag-gag laws," to stop undercover reporting of the often …

Every county in the Land of Opportunity has at least one food desert, putting the state's food insecurity rate at 15.5%, well above the national average of 10.4%. (Danieldzura/Adobe Stock)

AR governor addresses food insecurity among students

By De'Stani Clark for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-…

Various institutions offer resources to promote financial wellness but additional hurdles remain as institutions debate how to extend resources within diverse communities. (kerkezz/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas banks reach out to 'unbanked' residents