Today's headlines from KASU News for Thursday, February 13, 2025, cover the approval of a bill to end all state-sponsored affirmative action in Arkansas. Also reported is the failure of a bill to end mandatory water fluoridation, and Newport's preparations for its 150th birthday celebration. Further stories include the Arkansas Senate's advancement of several bills, including changes to the petition process, presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women, and new legislation concerning squatters, shooting sports, and prison furloughs. The Arkansas House passed a bill allowing certain hospitals to hold retail pharmacy licenses, and a bill to designate the Mallard as the state duck moves forward. The Blytheville School Board is searching for its next superintendent, and a town hall meeting in Blytheville will discuss restructuring a half-cent sales tax for a community center.
00:30 Affirmative Action Programs in Arkansas
00:59 Failed Bill on Racial and Gender Quotas
02:00 Petition; Maternal Health Bills Clear Senate
02:58 Bill Ending Mandatory Water Fluoridation Dies in Committee
04:56 Senate Judiciary Panel Passes Bills Criminalizing Squatters, Shooting Sports Liability
05:53 Hospital Pharmacy Bill Heads to Governor's Desk
06:25 Bill Designating Mallard As State Duck Clears House Panel
07:54 Blytheville School Board Superintendent Search
08:21 Town Hall Scheduled Monday For Blytheville Sale Tax Special Election
08:35 Newport's 150th Anniversary Celebration
