Rachell Sanchez-Smith

Arkansas has the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, half of the state is classified as a "maternity care desert," in a report from March of Dimes. Arkansas Center for Health Improvement officials recognized the state's rankings on maternity health care during Maternal Health Awareness Day this Monday.

On today's show, Arkansas has the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, and teen pregnancy and infant mortality are nearly the highest, according to Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI). The center's officials raised awareness this Monday for the state ranking last in maternal health. Also, $240 million of the $1.1 billion spent on the region’s Medicare enrollees’ healthcare were spent on services outside region in 2019, according to an analysis from ACHI. Plus, the Fort Smith Symphony prepares for a busy few weeks, the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal and an update of bills from the Arkansas Legislature.

On today's show, what is on Arkansas report card from the American Lung Association. Plus, about 100,000 Arkansans were without power this morning because of heavy snowfall. Also, "Kim's Convenience" opens this weekend at TheatreSquared, an excerpt from KUAF's RefleXions Music Series and more.

Hosts Rachell Sanchez-Smith and Rogelio Garcia Contreras, director of social innovation for the Walton College of Business, speak with Lia Uribe, founder of RefleXions, Steven Byess, music director of the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra, and Margot LeMaster, director of EngageNWA, about the reimagining of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons into The Four Seasons of Latin Jazz. Also, what diversity and equity work looks like through creative justice.

In the second part of the RefleXions Tertulia Panel, hosts Rachell Sanchez-Smith and Rogelio Garcia Contreras discuss reimagining Vivaldi and what diversity and equity work looks like through creative justice with Dr. Lia Uribe, Steven Byess, music director of the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra, and Margot LeMaster, director of Engage NWA.

Bradd Marquis, songwriter and actor, has created a brand new energetic and touching tribute show that will be at Walton Arts Center on Jan. 30. He performs as Cooke himself, depicting the life and music of the soul legend, Sam Cooke.

On today's show, supporting diversity, equity and inclusion through the IDEAL Institute in the new year. Synagro files for a permit to spread biosolids in western Washington County. Also, one in four U.S. adults experienced loss because of COVID-19, according to a study from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Plus, remembering Sam Cooke's life and music, and more.

On today's show, after nearly 50 years, the Arkansas Women's Commission submitted an updated report. Also, a bill banning TikTok on government-issued devices. Plus, a podcast excerpt from RefleXions, the composers behind the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas' next concert and more.

Hosts Rachell Sanchez-Smith and Lia Uribe speak with RefleXions team member Rogelio Garcia Contreras and Margot Lemaster, director of Engage NWA, about the reimagining of The Four Seasons into The Four Seasons of Latin Jazz.

On today's show, challenges the public experiences in the growing opioid and overdose epidemic. Plus, highlighting the events leading up to the 1919 Elaine Race Massacre in KUAF's podcast "Undisciplined." Also, a project to make early newspapers open to the public, and more.