Environment

Ozark Bird Conservancy director Mitchell Pruitt reflects on year one, tracking northern saw-whet owls, studying eastern screech owls in urban forests and launching a citizen nest box program in northwest Arkansas.

Power plants in Arkansas received exemptions from the EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standards until July 2029. Environmental advocates warn this could worsen public-health risks, especially in low-income communities.

On today's show, A CDC advisory committee is rolling back recommendations on a safe and effective childhood vaccine, and pediatricians are concerned. Also, the impact of the EPA allowing exemptions for clean air includes some low-income communities in Arkansas, and chronic student absenteeism in Arkansas schools.

Four University of Arkansas students are preparing a third draft of their proposal after two attorney general rejections as they push to add environmental protections to the Arkansas Constitution.

On today's show, a student-led initiative to Keep Arkansas natural, and a partnership to remove barriers and challenges for US Pacific Island veterans. Also, a rundown of the latest headlines from the River Valley with Michael Tilley from Talk Business and Politics.

Farmington Public Schools is rolling out six new electric buses after a federal EPA grant, part of a broader sustainability push that’s saving money, cutting emissions and improving daily travel for students.

Hobbs State Park’s annual Living Forest returns Oct. 25 with a Wizard of Oz theme, turning 2024 tornado recovery into a lesson on how nature heals.

Researchers from Northeastern University and the Commonwealth Fund discuss how climate change is straining U.S. health systems, driving new risks, and shaping state policy responses — including in Arkansas.

On today's show, we hear about how updates to the Mullins Library at the University of Arkansas offer better access to special collections. Plus, we investigate the impacts of climate change on each state's healthcare sector. We also learn what it means for a history museum to celebrate its own history.

Emory Hopkins of the Sierra Club and Fayetteville sustainability director Peter Nierengarten discuss poor scores for SWEPCO, Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Entergy in the "Dirty Truth" report, rising electricity rates, and what Arkansans can do to push for cleaner, affordable energy.