Arkansas

Anti-hunger advocates say more innovative strategies are needed for making sure children in remote, rural parts of the state have continued access to nourishing food amid the pandemic. Comments from two Save the Children officials: Audrey Freshwater, Arkansas deputy director; and Tamara Sandberg, U.S. advisor for food security and nutrition.

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, R-Ark., had a busy week centered around rulings involving the U.S. Supreme Court. Arkansas’ top legal officer won a landmark lawsuit before the high court involving the pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) industry.

Experts say the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed serious gaps in the country’s healthcare system, and are urging state and local governments to examine lessons learned and increase their preparedness for the next public health crisis. Comments from Dr. Helen Boucher (boo-CHEY), chief of the Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center.

A new survey conducted by the Arkansas Hospitality Association shows that restaurants are still struggling as the coronavirus continues spreading through the state. According to the survey, 36% of restaurant operators believe it is unlikely they will still be in business six months from now without additional federal aid.

As part of a Central Arkansas Human Resources Association roundtable, Arkansas Trucking Association President Shannon Newton, U.S. Pizza COO Drew Weber, and Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau CEO Gretchen Hall discuss the impact of COVID-19 and what lies ahead in 2021.

Encore Bank President and Chief Strategy & Growth Officer Burt Hicks discusses the bank's continuing expansion.

Former Craighead County Clerk Kade Holliday has been indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple counts of wire fraud. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

As more states and counties begin to implement election audits, experts say informing the public about what audits are and how they're used to independently review the outcomes of elections will be critical. Comments from Tammy Patrick, senior advisor, Democracy Fund; and Ben Adida, executive director, VotingWorks.

Arkansas Center for Health Improvement CEO Dr. Joe Thompson discusses the state's rising COVID-19 numbers.

Experts say the Biden-Harris administration could expand Medicaid and implement policies that boost reproductive rights. However, in Arkansas, state lawmakers and the addition of Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court could complicate the picture. Comments from Elizabeth Nash, associate director of state issues, Guttmacher Institute.