Today’s KASU News covers efforts to block six new Arkansas petition laws, budget concerns as the Arkansas Department of Human Services changes leadership, and new legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Tom Cotton. Other stories include a major jobs announcement from an Arkansas coffee company, a preview of the Big Grass Bluegrass Festival in Paragould, and youth-led civic engagement efforts in Jacksonville. Plus, updates on recent drownings on the Mississippi River and highlights from Major League Baseball.
- 00:29 – Legal Challenge to Arkansas Petition Laws
Two advocacy groups join a lawsuit seeking to block six new state laws making the petition process harder. - 00:57 – DHS Secretary Steps Down, Budget and Juvenile Justice Concerns
Arkansas’s outgoing human services chief addresses budget stability and rising youth custody numbers as she departs. - 02:48 – Senator Cotton Proposes Paid Leave and Formula Safety Bills
U.S. Senator Tom Cotton introduces new bills for family leave after miscarriage and for baby formula safety. - 04:00 – NWA Pastor Launches Congressional Bid
Rob Ryerse, a pastor from Northwest Arkansas, announces a run against Congressman Steve Womack. - 04:27 – Three Men Found Dead in Mississippi River
Authorities recover the bodies of three missing men near Memphis after a search on the river. - 05:33 – Arkansas Coffee Company Opens Conway Facility
Westrock Coffee opens a 525,000-square-foot plant in Conway, bringing hundreds of new jobs to the region. - 06:02 – Big Grass Bluegrass Festival at Collins Theater
Paragould’s historic Collins Theater hosts its annual festival, with performances from nationally recognized bluegrass acts. Full details at collinstheater.com/bluegrass - 07:03 – Jacksonville Youth Get Involved in Politics
Stand Up Arkansas and local students use coding and media to boost civic engagement among young people. - 07:58 – Arkansas Native Signs with Phillies
Gage Wood, a first-round MLB draft pick from the University of Arkansas, signs with the Philadelphia Phillies. - 08:19 – Cardinals Beat Padres in Series Opener
Game highlights from St. Louis’s win over San Diego in Major League Baseball action.
