Arkansas led the nation in measuring obesity in kids. Did it help?
In 2003, Arkansas became the first state to send home "fat letters" or BMI reports about all students as part of a broader anti-obesity initiative. At least 23 states followed Arkansas’ lead. Some have since scaled back their efforts.
Number of uninsured drivers in one state plummets with new verification system, automatic fines
Arkansas’ enforcement mechanism is one of the strictest in the U.S., constantly checking insurance status in real time. Many other states only check once a month.
Two Different Funding Approaches to Education Reform
One solution holds that the public school system itself is the problem to be fixed while the other says that targeting money to disadvantaged communities is the answer. Both approaches are expensive and it’s not clear that either work.
More Than 72,000 Lose Medicaid Coverage in Arkansas
Thousands of children lost coverage in the state's effort to update enrollment—a process taking place nationwide as states review the eligibility of millions of Medicaid enrollees following the public health emergency.
“I Wish It Had Not Become Law,” Says Governor Of Mask-Banning Order He Signed Into Law
Citing rising numbers of Covid-19 cases among children, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson called state lawmakers back for a special session to consider allowing school districts to implement mask mandates.
States Balk at Landing on California’s Restricted Travel List
California will ban state-funded travel to an additional five states due to laws and policies that target transgender and gay residents.
Child Care Benefits at Work: This App Helps your Employer Pay Your Family and Friends for Babysitting
Helpr, one of the fastest growing apps offering backup child care, is behind new legislation in California that would require big employers to give their workers subsidized backup care.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson Vetoes Anti-transgender Bill
The legislation would prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth.
There’s Only One State Where Falling Behind on Rent Could Mean Jail Time. That Could Change.
Only Arkansas permits criminal consequences for nonpayment of rent — and it has enforced the law during the pandemic. Now, after ProPublica investigated the practice, some legislators want to revoke the statute.
Wyoming’s Flood of Anti-Abortion Bills Reveal What’s Happening Across the Country, Experts say
Wyoming has filed eight anti-abortion bills this session, a record number in recent history for the state legislature.
High Obesity Rates in Southern States Magnify Covid Threat
In the American South, obesity is playing a role not only in covid outcomes, but in the calculus of the vaccination rollout.
Another Region Offers Remote Workers $10,000—and a Bike!—to Move
Northwest Arkansas will provide a cash incentive and a street or mountain bike to qualified remote workers who relocate to the area.
One State Will Use Medicaid Funds to Pay Bonuses to Long-Term Care Workers
Arkansas received federal approval this week to use up to $55 million in Medicaid funds for weekly bonuses for frontline health workers in long-term care facilities.
State Legislatures Scramble to Meet in the Age of Coronavirus
Lawmakers across the country rushed to pass resolutions permitting virtual meetings and remote voting, efforts they said were necessary to adhere to social distancing guidelines and protect legislators.
Federal Appeals Court Blocks Medicaid Work Requirements
An Arkansas program that required most Medicaid recipients to work, volunteer or attend school to receive health coverage was "arbitrary and capricious," a three-judge panel ruled unanimously.
An Attempt to Resegregate Little Rock, of All Places
A battle over local control in a city that was the face of integration shows the extent of the new segregation problem in the U.S.
Planning Transportation Projects Using 'Ultrasound for Roads'
A research partnership between the University of Arkansas and the state's Department of Transportation uses seismic imaging to help officials visualize the earth beneath the ground.
Oklahoma Flooding Continues As More Severe Weather Expected
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Hurricane season predicted to be "near normal" ... Disaster bill put on hold by one House member ... Colorado passes insulin price cap.
How to Change Policy Without Politicians
As Arkansas politics becomes more conservative, voters are using the ballot for progressive ends.
Arkansas Changes Its Mind on Municipal Broadband
Eight years after banning cities and towns from building high-speed internet networks, state lawmakers unanimously reversed course. Will more red states follow?
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