Little Rock Public Radio

Current state law mandates women and minorities be represented on certain boards such as the state Ethics Commission and the Board of Education.

Members of the Senate Public Health committee rejected Senate Bill 2 by Republican Sen. Clint Penzo in a meeting Wednesday.

Several bills designed to change the petition process in Arkansas gained approval in a legislative committee yesterday, Feb. 11. Members of the Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs committee heard testimony on six bills, all sponsored by Republican Sen. Kim Hammer of Benton.

An Arkansas House of Representatives committee has advanced a bill to amend maternal health laws. House Bill 1427 would create the “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act” to improve Arkansas’ low maternal health outcomes.

There isn’t a PhD program in environmental health sciences in Arkansas right now, but there will be one soon. On today's show, we hear about UAMS' plans to start an environmental health sciences doctoral program this fall. Also, Bentonville Public Schools is developing guidelines about AI. Plus, we get the history of Rogers all in one place.

A bill requiring public schools to screen a controversial video about human development hit a speed bump yesterday, as the proposal failed to get out of a committee yesterday.

The Arkansas Crisis Center is now offering a text-to-chat helpline. On today's show, reporter Daniel Caruth provides more details about the new initiative. Also, we learn more about Mexico with the University of Arkansas Honors College. Plus, Ozarks at Large’s Sophia Nourani talks with songwriter, singer and musician Ashton Byrd.

The Arkansas Legislature moves into a fifth week of the 95th General Assembly today. On today's show, we review last week at the Capitol with Josie Lenora from Little Rock Public Radio. Also, Ozarks at Large host Kyle Kellams speaks with the director of public policy at the Alzheimer's Association in Arkansas about efforts to obtain more support for Arkansans living with dementia and their caregivers. Plus, the Pryor Center explains how US AID has historic connections to Arkansas.

Work shouldn’t be unhealthy, but how can we make sure our job doesn’t hurt us? On today's show, our series about health, nutrition and a balanced life examines workplace health. Plus, we spend a few minutes with Sonia De Los Santos and ask her about her musical career that has stretched across North America.

A bill to prohibit smartphone usage in Arkansas public schools is nearing final approval in the state legislature.