On today's show, HB1103 would create a universal newborn home heath program in Arkansas if the bill is signed into law. The local of jazz band Circle of Thirds perform a few songs, weekend plans, development in Fort Chaffee and more.

KUAF's Community Spotlight Series features the work and events of local nonprofits. Pete Hartman, KUAF's operations manager, spoke with officials from the Elizabeth Richardson Center, a member from the Northwest Arkansas Bee Keepers Association and others in the state this week.

State Rep. Julie Mayberry has proposed House Bill 1103, which would create a universal newborn home nurse program free of charge to all in Arkansas.

The local jazz band Circle of Thirds first came to our studio in early 2022. After a year of performing throughout the listening area, they return to catch us up on what they've been doing and to perform a few songs for us.

Stages at Walton Arts Center, Fort Smith Little Theater, TheatreSquared, Arts Live and beyond are busy this weekend. We asked our favorite theater fan, Becca Martin Brown with the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, to give us a rundown.

A new report examines how the Fort Chaffee area has grown in the last 25 years. Michael Tilley, with out partner Talk Business and Politics, breaks it down for us.

This week delivered snow and another week of the Arkansas Legislature. We look back at some of the events from the past few days.

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.

Healthcare facilities expanded or have made plans to grow as Northwest Arkansas’ population swells. But many people find care outside of the region. About $240 million of the nearly $1.1 billion spent on the region’s Medicare enrollees’ healthcare were spent on services outside region in 2019, according to an analysis from the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement.