Arkansas Legislature

Randy Dixon of the Pryor Center joins Kyle Kellams to share archival footage and family stories about Oscar Alagood, a pioneering KATV newsman, state senator, and businessman whose legacy shaped Arkansas media and politics.

On today' show, we learn that Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is sharing more indigenous artwork through a landmark acquisition. We also hear how the University of Arkansas is sharing an important part of Fayetteville and American history. Plus, a new edition of "The Other Way" with Becca Martin Brown.

On today's trip to the archives from the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, host Randy Dixon looks back at the life and legacy of Wilbur D. Mills, featuring archival audio and tributes from Bill Clinton, Ted Kennedy and other political leaders.

A federal appeals court has reversed a lower court decision to block Arkansas’ ban on teaching so-called critical race theory. The two rulings boil down to opposite interpretations of the First Amendment. Little Rock Public Radio’s Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora discuss the rulings.

There is an autism task force within the Arkansas Legislature. Ozarks at Large’s Josh Droll spoke with members of the committee to learn about how the task force operates and what outcomes they hope to achieve.

Improving the mental health of Arkansas’ first responders is the goal of a legislative study now underway. Members of a joint legislative committee approved an interim study proposal on the subject Monday.

Improving services for Arkansans on the autism spectrum was the topic of discussion in a legislative task force meeting yesterday. Task force members discussed the efficacy of existing programs and opportunities for expansion.

On this week's edition of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal report, host Roby Brock speaks with Steve Clark, former leader of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, about the late legislator, lobbyist, and chamber leader Bill Ramsey.

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.

The official end of the state legislative session was held Monday, May 5. Little Rock Public Radio’s Politics and Government Reporter Josie Lenora has this report on the brief morning of ceremony.