Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Arkansas schools to go phone free this fall under new ‘Bell to Bell, No Cell’ law
Stuttgart Daily Leader - Arkansas
·
July 3, 2025
Starting this fall, all public schools in Arkansas will be phone free during the school day following the passage of the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act during this year’s legislative session. The law prohibits students from using any personal...
Arkansas Postcard Past: Grannis, circa 1910
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
·
July 3, 2025
Let us read it for you. Listen now. Your browser does not support the audio element. Grannis, circa 1910: Named for a railroad official, this little Polk County town has around 500 people today. The two-story school building was erected in 1909....
Little Rock’s overall crime down, homicides up, so far in 2025 compared to 2024
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
·
July 3, 2025
Let us read it for you. Listen now. Your browser does not support the audio element. The combined tally of incidents of violent and property crime in Little Rock decreased 19% in the first half of 2025 when compared to the five-year average, Mayor...
Arkansas Congressional GOP delegation helps pass Senate reconciliation package 218-214
Northwest Arkansas Business Journal
·
July 3, 2025
All four of Arkansas’ GOP Congressmen joined their Senate Republican counterparts in supporting a reconciliation bill that reflects President Donald Trump’s legislative priorities. The measure, touted as “one big, beautiful bill,” cleared the...
Arkansas Queer Men’s Social Club creates safe space for connection without alcohol
Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette
·
July 3, 2025
Founding a social club not only addressed Paul Whannel's personal needs, but also the needs of an underserved community he was trying to engage with: queer men in Arkansas. "I was searching for community," Whannel of Little Rock said about...
Arkansas Rural Health Academy Names Scott Kuttenkuler as 1st President
Arkansas Business
·
July 3, 2025
Scott Kuttenkuler (Photo provided by the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership) The Arkansas Rural Health Partnership (ARHP) of Lake Village has named Scott Kuttenkuler as the first president of the Arkansas Rural Health Academy. ARHP launched the...
Little Rock says that crime is down by 19% through first half of 2025
KATV 7 - Arkansas
·
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Crime in Little Rock is down by 19% in the first half of 2025, Mayor Frank Scott Jr. announced. When compared to a five-year average, overall crime was down by 19% and violent crime was down by 12% during this period....
Central Arkansas under Code Orange ozone alert; health risks for sensitive groups
KATV 7 - Arkansas
·
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Central Arkansas has been placed under an Ozone Action Advisory, which is now classified as "Code Orange". Determined color codes are decided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Air Quality Index (AQI). The...
Here's how the 'One, big beautiful bill' passing could impact Arkansas
KTHV - Arkansas
·
July 4, 2025
The budget bill extends tax cuts, but uses changes to government healthcare and food assistance to pay for them. Here's how it could impact Arkansans. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In a recent conversation with Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families’...
Report: FOIA documents reveal concerning prison conditions in Arkansas
KFSM - Arkansas
·
July 3, 2025
A local initiative criticized Arkansas prison conditions, citing drug problems and poor infrastructure. ARKANSAS, USA — A local initiative dedicated to supporting inmate's rights and healthcare is concerned about safety and transparency within...
A closer look at bike friendly streets in Arkansas
KTHV - Arkansas
·
July 4, 2025
We're taking a look at how some Arkansas cities rank when it comes to being bike-friendly and accommodating to cyclists. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In a new study from People For Bikes, Arkansas's capital city falls right in the middle of the statewide...
Prosecuting attorney deems Arkansas officers justified in use of deadly force during March shooting
KTHV - Arkansas
·
July 3, 2025
An Arkansas prosecuting attorney has now ruled that the officer's use of deadly force during a shooting with a Jacksonville man was justified. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — An Arkansas prosecuting attorney has now ruled that the use of deadly force by...
Medicaid cuts in ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ could devastate Missouri’s rural hospitals, drive coverage losses
KMIZ ABC 17 - Missouri
·
July 4, 2025
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The recently passed federal budget bill, known officially as H.R. 1 or the “One Big Beautiful Bill” is drawing criticism from Missouri health care leaders and public officials, who warn that the legislation’s deep Medicaid...
Governor Sanders Participates in Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance's Summer Nutrition Kickoff
Swark Today - Arkansas
·
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders delivers remarks at Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance's Summer Nutrition Kickoff at Cato Elementary School on Thursday, July 3rd. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders with members of her cabinet and Arkansas Hunger Relief...
‘Ramayana’ recitation draws hundreds of Hindus, Gov. Sanders to downtown Little Rock
Arkansas Times
·
July 2, 2025
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders appeared at Day 5 of Shri Ram Katha, the nine-day ceremony in which a religious leader recites the Hindu epic poem “Ramayana.” Morari Bapu led the crowd of Hindu devotees in the recitation taking place at Little Rock’s...
'A slap in the face': Georgia and Arkansas' Medicaid work rules may preview the road ahead
NBC News
·
July 3, 2025
President Donald Trump is expected Friday to sign into law his sprawling domestic policy bill, which includes nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low-income and disabled Americans. Dubbed the “big,...
Arkansas Rural Health Academy aims to bridge healthcare gaps statewide
KATV 7 - Arkansas
·
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The Arkansas Rural Health Academy has launched as a pioneering initiative to address the workforce needs of rural hospitals across the state. Scott Kuttenkuler, the newly appointed president of the Academy, expressed his...
FILM NOTES: Acting, scoring focus of Arkansas Cinema Society Night School
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
·
July 3, 2025
Let us read it for you. Listen now. Your browser does not support the audio element. The Arkansas Cinema Society is offering classes in acting, directing and musical scoring, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays this fall at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, 501...
Newspaper honored as one of best in Arkansas
The Leader - Arkansas
·
July 3, 2025
In the larger weekly division, The Leader received the General Excellence award again, making it 16 top honors over the past 18 years. Including the “General Excellence Award,” the paper received 24 writing, reporting, photography and design...
KASU News: Arkansas defends Ten Commandments display law in federal court
KASU - Arkansas
·
Arkansas defends its Ten Commandments display law in court, a mayor faces removal over unpaid taxes, and a new midwife training program aims to improve maternal health. Plus, roadway safety agencies issue holiday travel warnings and abortion...