Little Rock Public Radio

On today's show, we discuss the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' new comprehensive online tool to empower stronger youth mental health. We also learn about bugs in Candy Lee's new album and get an expert opinion on the current economy from a University of Arkansas economist.

An Arkansas group is working to make it easier to amend the state constitution. Protect AR Rights wants to put an amendment on the ballot to strengthen the canvassing process altogether.

Arkansas is accepting grant applications for revitalizing communities across the state. Little Rock Public Radio’s Maggie Ryan has more.

The National Science Foundation is observing its 75th anniversary this month, but is also facing deep cuts. On today's show, we ask one professor of biological sciences what the NSF has meant to his career. Also, tracking the possible effects of cuts to Medicaid on rural maternal health. Plus, road construction occurs on a less-busy University of Arkansas campus.

Plans to build a controversial prison are moving forward in a western Arkansas community. Little Rock Public Radio’s Josie Lenora has more on one group's objection to the project.

Amor Towles’ novels take readers to Moscow, New York and the Lincoln Highway. On today's show, we hear about his latest book, which is a collection of short stories. Also, we learn more about recently passed legislation and how it may affect maternal health outcomes in Arkansas. Plus, Backroom Social Club is back, but it's in Springdale this time.

Arkansas Medicaid recipients and advocates are concerned about the state’s plan to reinstate work reporting requirements. The state has asked the federal government for permission to require some Arkansans to work a certain number of hours or meet exemptions to stay enrolled in the state’s Medicaid expansion program.

Americans are now in the post-deadline period for air travelers in the U.S. to get a Real ID to avoid extra security screening. Yesterday was the official deadline to have the new identification to board planes. Department of Motor Vehicles offices across Arkansas processed thousands of applications before the implementation deadline.

Four cases of pediatric measles have been confirmed in Arkansas, all in unvaccinated children. On today's show, we hear from a pediatrician who is working hard to keep that number at just four. Also, we hear more about this year's Gulley Park Concert Series. Plus, an afternoon of music designed to relieve what troubles you.

The school district in Arkansas’ largest city is asking for help to pay off school lunch debt. At a press conference this week, Little Rock School District Superintendent Jermall Wright said the district's nutrition department has few resources to bridge the gap between school budgets and unpaid student lunch debt.