Arkansas News & Current Events | Public News Service

According to a study by Harvard University, nearly 25 million Americans live in areas without enough dentists. Dental experts warned taking fluoride out of water in areas with few dentists could lead to more tooth decay. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Some AR communities without fluoridated water also experience dentist shortage

By Brett Kelman for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service Co…

Bonnie Miller, President of the League of Women Voters of Arkansas, said

Monday, April 28, 2025

AR League of Women Voters sues over ballot initiative restriction

Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester is facing legal action from the League of Women Voters of Arkansas. The organization filed a federal lawsuit …

The Environmental Protection Agency said exemptions to clean air regulations will

Pollution exemptions granted to AR coal plants

Two coal plants in Arkansas have received an exemption from the Trump administration and will have two additional years to comply with updated clean a…

The current Housing First program was instituted by President George W. Bush in 2004. (Aevan/Adobe Stock AI generated)

AR advocates concerned by cuts to programs for unhoused

It is estimated more than 2,600 people live on the streets across Arkansas. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has proposed a "treatment …

The Arkansas State Library receives $850,000 from IMLS that allows Arkansas residents access to essential resources tailored to local needs. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas public libraries face uncertain future

There are 133 public libraries in Arkansas, and many of them could be in jeopardy of closing because of cuts from the Trump administration. The …

The 1,500 Black farmers in Arkansas grow everything from soybeans to corn, cotton, peas and sweet potatoes. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Black AR farmers mostly unaffected by USDA funding freeze

U.S. Department of Agriculture cuts have affected farming communities nationwide but a national group said Black farmers are largely unaffected…

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas says it hopes to work with local farmers again in some capacity in the future. (Daniel Vincek/Adobe Stock)

Food-insecure AR families could suffer because of federal cuts

Arkansas families who are food insecure could be hurt by federal cuts to programs and services. Those fighting the war on hunger across the Natural …

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers latest Report Card, 5.4% of the 12,974 bridges in Arkansas were structurally deficient in 2024. (Retrophoto/Adobe Stock)

Report: Major upgrades needed for AR infrastructure

The latest infrastructure Report Card from the American Society of Civil Engineers said Arkansas lags behind the rest of the nation when it comes to t…

Rising foreign costs and the chance of supply-chain disruptions have some manufacturing companies considering reshoring operations back to the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Report: AR labor costs attract companies hoping to reshore operations

More jobs could be coming to Arkansas as companies interested in bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. consider the Natural State, according …

The findings of a study on farmer's reactions to drought conditions will provide valuable insights to help shape more sustainable agricultural practices and water conservation strategies. (Bits and Splits/Adobe Stock)

Grant money used to study drought practices of AR farmers

Students and professors at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock are studying farmer's reactions to drought conditions. The university received a …

U.S. Marine John Canley of Arkansas was a recipient of the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in 1968 during the Battle of Hue. (Congressional Medal of Honor Society)<br />

AR heroes celebrated at National Medal of Honor Museum

Some 29 Arkansas Medal of Honor recipients will be recognized Tuesday as the National Medal of Honor Museum opens in Arlington, Texas. The museum is …

Changes to Arkansas' abortion ban clarifies doctors acting in good faith would not be prosecuted for saving the life of a pregnant person. (Sikov/Adobe Stock)

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

As members of the Arkansas Legislature debate changing the wording in the state's abortion ban, a new study showed states with strict abortion laws …

The National Park Service makes up less than 1/15 of 1% of the federal budget but delivers a $15 boost to the nation's economy for every dollar invested. (luis sandoval/Adobe Stock)

National park layoffs affect AR economy

The seven national parks in Arkansas have not been spared from job cuts by the federal government. Nationwide, 1,700 park employees have been let go …

The Grocery Tax Relief Act will eliminate the state grocery tax but have no effect on county and municipal grocery taxes. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

AR food tax could be going away

Organizations working to fight food insecurity across Arkansas support two bills before state legislators. The Grocery Tax Relief Act would repeal …

Farmers and ranchers say they feel uncertain about their futures because of executive orders that have impacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Lightfield Studios/Adobe Stock)

Federal funding freeze impacts AR farmers

Farmers and ranchers in Arkansas are voicing frustration and concern surrounding funding freezes and layoffs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture…

University campuses are being told to create best practices for faculty and staff to assist immigrant and international students. (Sabrina/Adobe Stock)

Changes in U.S. immigration policy affect AR college campuses

Arkansas colleges and universities are trying to ensure learning is not disrupted because of executive orders by the Trump administration. President …

Raye Montague was honored with a United States dollar coin released by the United States Mint in January as part of a set honoring innovators and innovations from Arkansas, Michigan, Florida and Texas. (Photo Courtesy UALR)

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

March is Women's History Month and an Arkansas native has made history by being honored with a $1 coin from the U.S. Mint. The late Raye Montague …

Lawmakers estimate providing Arkansas students free breakfast could cost an estimated $14.7 million (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

All AR students to receive free breakfast in upcoming school year

Workers in the fight against hunger in Arkansas are celebrating the passage and signing of Senate Bill 59. The legislation makes free breakfast …

A total of 195,972 Arkansas households are impoverished and another 366,907 are defined as ALICE. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

More AR families rely on Child Tax Credit

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

Research shows community involvement is key to decreasing absenteeism. Mayors, employers and other community leaders can help students recover. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Report: AR students still struggle with COVID-19 learning loss

Arkansas ranks 23rd among states in terms of the change in math achievement between 2019 and 2024, and 19th in reading, according to the Education …

Supporters say the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, now in the Arkansas Legislature, would improve pregnancy outcomes by empowering community health workers and ensuring Medicaid coverage for expectant mothers. (yavdat/Adobe Stock)

Bill to improve maternal care for AR families

A new bill before Arkansas lawmakers is designed to improve maternal care for low-income families. If passed the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been no human-to-human transmission of bird flu but more than 60 people across the United States have been infected from exposure to sick animals. (frank/Adobe Stock)

Officials monitor latest AR bird flu outbreak

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investigating a bird flu outbreak at an Arkansas broiler operation in Clay County as well as in some backyard …

Schools in the Arkansas Farm to School Institute will receive $5,000 to plant a community garden. (NVB Stocker/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas schools have chance to expand 'farm to school' programs

School districts across Arkansas have until February 28 to apply to participate in the Farm to School Institute. The yearlong program, through the …

According to Consumer Reports, a majority of Americans support regulations that push automakers to deliver new vehicles that cost less to fuel and have fewer emissions. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Fuel efficiency top of mind for AR car shoppers

Americans continue to see improving fuel economy as the most significant change they want from vehicle manufacturers when they offer new products…

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

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 …

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