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Monday, May 12, 2025

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Dow soars 1,000 points after Trump team and China dramatically lower tariffs; Alabama lawmakers send grocery tax cut bill to governor; Probation, supervision after incarceration comes with a catch in NC; How immigrants can protect themselves and their data at the border.

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The Pentagon begins removing transgender troops as legal battles continue. Congress works to fix a SNAP job-training penalty. Advocates raise concerns over immigrant data searches, and U.S. officials report progress in trade talks with China.

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Volunteers with AmeriCorps are reeling from near elimination of the 30-year-old program, Head Start has dodged demise but funding cuts are likely, moms are the most vulnerable when extreme weather hits, and in California, bullfrogs await their 15-minutes of fame.

Arkansas

In 2022, Arkansas received about $13.6 billion in federal assistance, including money transferred to Arkansas's state government as well as funds sent directly to local entities within the state, such as cities and school districts. (janews094/Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

Tax hikes for rich Arkansans could save federal programs

As reports show the Trump administration is considering raising taxes on wealthy Arkansans to pay for its priorities, a new study from American …

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Latino students make informed and pragmatic choices to pay for college and the institutions intentionally serving them are making strides to ensure the price of a college degree is affordable. (Kateryna/Adobe Stock)
AR Latino students use various forms of aid to pay for college

Latino students in Arkansas and nationwide apply for financial aid at higher rates than some other ethnic groups but receive the lowest average awards…

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Nearly 28% of child-care workers are covered by Medicaid, and 43% of early educator families rely on one or more public safety nets such as Medicaid or SNAP to make ends meet. (saksit/Adobe Stock)
Report: AR child care workers could be hurt by cuts to Medicaid

CORRECTION: The name of the spokesperson from the Center for Law and Social Policy is Suzanne Wikle. She had been incorrectly identified as Suzanne …

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In Spring 2023, Arkansas created the Office of Early Childhood within the Arkansas Department of Education, which unifies the Arkansas early-childhood system. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)
Report: AR pre-K suffers from funding gap

A report by the National Institute for Early Education Research shows Arkansas needs to improve its reach with pre-K students. The state fell from …

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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)
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…

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

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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…

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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 …

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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 …

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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…

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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 …

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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…

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