Arkansas Legislative Session

Ozarks at Large's guide to the past 24 hours and the next 24 hours includes the latest from the Arkansas Legislature, and upcoming panel on the University of Arkansas campus about no-knock warrants.

A collection of news for this last day of February includes legislative considerations of bathrooms, a big grant for the United States Marshals Museum in Fort Smith and another Tree City USA designation for Fayetteville.

On today's show, the Thaden School is showing a new documentary, "You Have No Idea." The movie follows an Arkansas mother who becomes an advocate after her son is diagnosed with autism. Plus, Amos Cochran is set to perform with the Fort Smith Symphony String Quartet, and the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal focuses on the Natural State's tourism. Also, a Senate committee passes the Arkansas LEARNS bill, this weekend's local music menu and more.

On today's show, Arkansas Poison and Drug Information Center warns of an uptick in minor drug overdoses. Also, news from the legislature, local music and new book about Ozark folklorist Max Hunter.

Lawmakers spent Tuesday discussing child labor, gender-affirming care and short-term rentals.

On today's show, Cherokee Nation officials reveal plans for the tribal nation's drug treatment center. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' education overhaul is packed into 144-page Senate bill filed yesterday afternoon. Also, Arkansas Sen. John Boozman's "Hunger Free Summer for Kids Act of 2021" has been introduced in Congress. Plus, the Arkansas Department of Transportation seeks comments on a highway project in Benton County, a University of Arkansas Professor tours with "Hamilton," and more.

Catching up on the past 24 hours: the education reform package Arkansas LEARNS is introduced, ArDOT seeks comments about a highway project in Benton County and land has been donated for an animal shelter in Fort Smith.

After Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders unveiled portions of her education reform plan called Arkansas LEARNS, state Rep. Denise Garner, D-Fayetteville, gives her initial reaction and explains the state Democrat’s RAISE bill, which would bump up teacher pay to $50,000 and establish a new $15 an hour minimum for school staff.

On today's show, finalists for the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame includes Hugo's of Fayetteville, DeVito's Restaurant in Harrison, The Ozark Cafe in Jasper and Skyline Cafe in Mena. Plus, Fort Smith might land a possible pilot training center, the week's guests on the Community Spotlight, Valentine's Day events, wrapping up the weeks news and more.

If Arkansas HB1266 becomes law, people over 16 can consent to some types of mental healthcare services without a parent's approval. Although the state legislature continued to churned out bills covering topics like education, budgets and a retired police dog, many are saved up for next week.