Arkansas
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.
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