Arkansas Times' Week in Review Podcast

A letter has gone out to libraries asking if they have certain books available to minors — books that library board member Jason Rapert doesn't like. So, apparently, you shouldn't like them either. The post Policing libraries, aka book banning, moves a step further in Arkansas appeared first on Arkansas Times.

A consulting firm recommended to lawmakers that Arkansas start its own insurance company to combat rising premiums for public school buildings and higher education institutions. The post Arkansas firm recommends plan for controlling schools’ increasing insurance rates appeared first on Arkansas Times.

Unlike states such as Texas or Tennessee, Arkansas expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act a decade ago, allowing hundreds of thousands of low-income people to get insured. That gives many new moms an affordable option for coverage — but it's not the whole story. The post Arkansas ranks worst in the nation for maternal mortality. What’s the plan? appeared first on Arkansas Times.

Mark Darr was charged with DWI, having an open alcohol container in his vehicle, and failure to submit to a breathalyzer. The post Former lieutenant governor arrested on DWI charges appeared first on Arkansas Times.

A federal judge in Fayetteville stopped Arkansas’s new book censorship law in its tracks Saturday. The post Federal judge blocks Arkansas’s library censorship law from taking effect appeared first on Arkansas Times.

The proposed tax would generate $600 million over its 10-year lifespan, Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said Thursday. The post Mayor floats 1% sales tax increase in Little Rock, city officials chime in appeared first on Arkansas Times.

Short-term rentals like Airbnbs and Vrbos will now have to meet a roster of new citywide standards. Owners will need to secure permits, pay annual fees and follow some new regulations after the City Board's Tuesday vote. The post Short-term rental ordinance gets the OK from Little Rock City Board appeared first on Arkansas Times.

The first state to ban medical gender-affirming care for youth, Arkansas now becomes the first state whose ban has been ruled unconstitutional. The post Trans youth win in court, federal judge strikes down Arkansas ban on gender-affirming medical care appeared first on Arkansas Times.

Circuit Judge Chip Welch struck down 27 legislative changes to the state medical marijuana amendment last week. State Attorney General Tim Griffin quickly announced plans to appeal, but two lawyers say the ruling isn't yet appealable. The post State can’t appeal marijuana ruling, at least not yet, lawyers say appeared first on Arkansas Times.

Saline County leaders have had it in for the county's top librarian for months now as she's stood in the way of their push to clear books about sex education and gender identity from children's shelves. The Saline County judge will likely win the power to fire library staff tonight, but library supporters plan a protest and say they'll keep fighting. The post Saline County book ban watch appeared first on Arkansas Times.

It's a tough week for library and freedom lovers in Saline and Crawford counties. The post Libraries likely to be targeted in two counties’ quorum court meetings appeared first on Arkansas Times.

The attorney general aims to keep a key witness from testifying this week, seemingly arguing that allowing a retired Senate parliamentarian to testify about internal discussions could shake the very foundation of the American republic. The post Attorney general seeks to bar legislative staff subpoenas ahead of LEARNS hearing appeared first on Arkansas Times.

Regulating Airbnb and other short-term rentals in Little Rock has long been debated. Following a community meeting in May, city directors will have the chance on Tuesday to review, discuss and vote on an updated short-term rental ordinance. The post Little Rock directors to take up modified short-term rental ordinance Tuesday appeared first on Arkansas Times.

Apostates of the American Academy of Pediatrics, this knock-off group came to Arkansas to help lobby for some of the worst, most hateful and harmful legislation passed in recent memory. The post Knock-off group American College of Pediatricians (not who you think it is) called out again for fake science appeared first on Arkansas Times.

The ruling has wide-ranging implications, including ditching a ban on pre-rolls, but don't expect changes until more legal wrangling plays out. The post Judge strikes down 27 legislative amendments to medical marijuana law appeared first on Arkansas Times.