Podcasts about arkansas legislature

On today's show, we discuss the Arkansas Legislature's adjournment and how Gov. Sanders' wish list is nearly complete. Also, Elizabeth Minnich talks about her book “The Evil of Banality." Plus, we celebrate the 150th edition of Sound Perimeter with Lia Uribe.

You can't win ‘em all in sports or the Arkansas Legislature. On today's show, Josie Lenora from Little Rock Public Radio talks us through some bills that didn't make it and the pivots made by lawmakers. Also, Randy Dixon with the Pryor Center offers a guide to what we might have been talking about on our show 50 years ago today.

Bills about social transitioning for transgender minors, ivermectin, and mandatory posting of the ten commandments make their way through the Arkansas Legislature, even if they may face legal changes. Plus, musical reflections on life, death and grace included in a new Sound Perimeter from Lia Uribe.

As the Arkansas Legislature considers a community-based doula certification act, the Doula Alliance of Arkansas takes note of World Doula Week. That story is on today's show. Plus, we'll consider wellness in our regular feature “balance," by examining the similarities and differences between hunger and appetite. Also, the fifth annual Leverett AMP Concert Series in Fort Smith is about to start.

Today's show features more updates from the Arkansas Legislature. How the latest version of what we're calling bird flu can have an effect on animals, people and the economy, as well as this year's SHE: Festival of Women in Music at the University of Arkansas. Today's show features more updates from the Arkansas Legislature. How the latest version of what we're calling bird flu can have an effect on animals, people and the economy, as well as this year's SHE: Festival of Women in Music at the University of Arkansas.

On today's Ozarks at Large, we get a round up of the latest from the Arkansas legislature in Little Rock, hear archives from some of the biggest news stories from Arkansas in 1970 and gear up for the 2025 NWACC Spring Arts & Culture Festival.

The Arkansas Legislature is hitting high gear. On today's show, Josie Lenora, politics and government reporter for Little Rock Public Radio, gives us the latest from the Capitol. We'll also spend time with Pryor Center archives surveying the career of Arkansas-born Billy Bob Thornton.

Morrilton Kiwanis Club marks 100th anniversary; UACCM reports increase in Spring enrollment; Arkansas Legislature approves free breakfast for all students; high school basketball preview; we visit with Kevin Van Pelt of the Conway County Extension Service.

The Arkansas Legislature moves into a fifth week of the 95th General Assembly today. On today's show, we review last week at the Capitol with Josie Lenora from Little Rock Public Radio. Also, Ozarks at Large host Kyle Kellams speaks with the director of public policy at the Alzheimer's Association in Arkansas about efforts to obtain more support for Arkansans living with dementia and their caregivers. Plus, the Pryor Center explains how US AID has historic connections to Arkansas.

The Arkansas Legislature is in recess today for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday but will return to work tomorrow. On today's show, we hear a preview of the second week of the 95th General Assembly. Also, a multi-decade trip through Arkansas with archives from the Pryor Center. Plus, an effort to give up-and-coming bands a place to play.

On today's show, we learn why Gov. Sanders has called a special session of the Arkansas Legislature. Also, Olympians are training in the Ozarks. Plus, Chamber Music of the Ozarks plans for expansion.

MedTech EMS certified to offer classes in partnership with UACCM; Arkansas Legislature's fiscal session ends, AGFC salary in limbo; FCS educator awards recognize two local instructors; USPS to hold 'Stamp Out Hunger' food drive this weekend; seasons come to an end for Morrilton baseball, Nemo Vista Softball, Wonderview Softball; Nemo Vista baseball, Morrilton soccer advance in state tournaments; we talk with Alicia Hugen of the Conway County Extension Service.

On today's show, the Fayetteville Public Library is set to host Period Poverty & Menstrual Equity - A Short Film & Roundtable Discussion. Also, university teams compete for venture capital in the University of Arkansas Office Entrepreneurship and Innovation's 2023 Heartland Challenge. Plus, a possible special session of the Arkansas Legislature to address Medicaid and more.

On today's show, the Alice Walton School of Medicine breaks ground and is scheduled to be completed in 2025. Also, a new episode of "I Am Northwest Arkansas," and new book explores a U.S. Navy tradition. Plus, tornado cleanup efforts continue, a crime bill progresses in the Arkansas Legislature, the Walton Family Foundation launched its Connection Hub and more.

On today's show, the Arkansas Legislature advances bills to ban over-the-counter sales of Delta 8 and regulate CBC manufacturing and sales. Plus, a conversation on the state's national image from Talk Business and Politics, the latest episode of "Sound Perimeter," local music and a local news recap.

On today's show, it's the Women's Foundation of Arkansas 25th anniversary and to celebrate, the foundation is sharing research and policy recommendations on a state tour. Also, a podcast excerpt of "I Am Northwest Arkansas" centers on Expedition Ozark, a 5-day adventure race in the Ozarks. "Six" and "To Kill a Mockingbird," are a couple shows coming up on the next Broadway season at the Walton Arts Center. Plus, music, updates from the Arkansas Legislature and more.

On today's show, as parents plan for the cost of childcare, they also account for wait lists for certain care centers. Also, a bathroom bill advances in the Arkansas Legislature, and an effort to support the state's technical and skilled labor force beings in Rogers. Plus, a new episode of "Sound Perimeter," KUAF's staff makes recommendations and more.

On today's show, childcare for many families is difficult to find and websites like Winnie, has searchable databases for the public. Also, Marcus Bridgewater, also known as Garden Marcus, discusses nurturing minds and plants ahead of his guest lecture at the University of Arkansas. Plus, a new Ozark poetry book, Dylan Earl is set to release a new album, updates from the Arkansas Legislature, a Fayetteville insect find and more.

On today's episode, some Arkansans are traveling to Missouri for recreational marijuana and transporting purchases back across state lines remains a federal felony offense. Plus, investigative journalist Jerry Mitchell will speak about his book, "Race Against Time. The book follows his work that reopened cold murder cases of civil rights activists. Also, a panel discusses food insecurity in Northwest Arkansas in a new episode of KUAF's "Undisciplined." The latest on from the Arkansas Legislature, an upcoming discussion on no-knock warrants and more.

On today's show, Arkansas has the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, and teen pregnancy and infant mortality are nearly the highest, according to Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI). The center's officials raised awareness this Monday for the state ranking last in maternal health. Also, $240 million of the $1.1 billion spent on the region's Medicare enrollees' healthcare were spent on services outside region in 2019, according to an analysis from ACHI. Plus, the Fort Smith Symphony prepares for a busy few weeks, the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal and an update of bills from the Arkansas Legislature.

Huckabee Sanders announces her pick for State Police Captain; A nativity scene in Basin Spring Park can stay; The Arkansas Legislature's plans for 2023

On today's show, a tribute to the women of the Arkansas Legislature, and the pioneers who made their service possible. Plus the VA is combatting loneliness, free books for young readers, and much more.

On today's episode we discuss Issue 1: Legislative Authority to Call a Special Session Amendment.

The Arkansas Legislature's special session took three days. Roby Brock, with our partner Talk Business and Politics, asks John Brummett, a political columnist with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, for his thoughts about the session.

Pope Co. Judge Bourne Suspended; Area schools return to class in the coming weeks; Arkansas Legislature forwards tax cuts, school safety measures; UACCM gets share of $3.3 million for broadband training program; South Conway County School Board hears of improvements in learning data; Bargains Galore returns to Morrilton; Pinion starts for basketball Hogs in exhibition game in Europe; we talk with Cindy Lucariello of the Conway County Care Center.

Democrats in the Arkansas Legislature have a plan for teacher raises. Can that plan get enough support to be discussed at next week's special session? Talk Business & Politics provides insight.

On the latest edition of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal we hear from Davy Carter, a former member of the Arkansas Legislature and a current bank president about local, state and national economies.

Candidate filing for the May 24 party primaries begins Tuesday. The recent history of elections in Arkansas shows if you want a say in who represents you in the Arkansas Legislature, you need to vote in the primary because the November general election has fewer contested races.

A special session of the Arkansas Legislature is underway...COVID-19 cases continue to mount in Arkansas...the first postseason in nearly a decade ends for the Razorback volleyball team.

A special session of the Arkansas Legislature begins today. The governor wants it mostly to be about taxes. Some lawmakers want to discuss more.

Among the news of the day: expecting Omicron's arrival in Arkansas...new cases of the virus increase in Oklahoma...the Arkansas Legislature's special session starts.

Today in cannabis news: In Arkansas, a pair of adult-use cannabis legalization proposals are submitted; in Texas, a poll shows that a majority of Texas residents, including a majority of registered Republicans, support sweeping statewide cannabis policy updates; and in Ohio, signatures are gathered for a statewide cannabis legalization proposal. It's Wednesday, November 24 and TRICHOMES.com is bringing you the top cannabis news from around the web. You can also listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify–search TRICHOMES and subscribe!

At the top of our midweek show, Governor Asa Hutchinson discusses the impending special session for the Arkansas Legislature to consider state income tax, the newly approved children's dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available immediately, and the Razorbacks soccer squad advance to the SEC conference semifinals with a win over the LSU Tigers.

The Arkansas Legislature last week approved a redrawing of Arkansas' congressional map and further discussed COVID-19 policies. Now, a special session might be called by the governor. John Brummett, a political columnist with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, and Roby Brock, with our partner Talk Business and Politics, discuss.

Our final show of the week starts with the Arkansas Legislature's new map for the state's congressional districts, a call for art from an unusual source, and an extension of the Arkansas soccer winning streak.

Our show starts with the latest virus numbers for Arkansas, the Arkansas Legislature's actions easing COVID-19 rules, a former Northwest Arkansas natural named Minor League Baseball Player of the Year.

To start our show today: the Arkansas Legislature continues to meet, the Bella Vista bypass opens to traffic, and Razorback cross country teams run in Fayetteville.

At the top of our show today: more than 110 new cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas, the first day of the Arkansas Legislature's redrawing congressional districts, and a milestone announced by the Cherokee nation.

We start a Wednesday edition of the show with news about booster shots of Pfizer vaccine in Arkansas, poll numbers from Talk Business and Politics-Hendrix College about the Arkansas Legislature, and a settlement between Cherokee Nation and some drug companies.

John Brummett, political columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, and Roby Brock, with our partner Talk Business and Politics, discuss the busy agendas for lawmakers in Little Rock and Washington, D.C.

The Arkansas Legislature will take up redistricting before ending the 2021 session. John Brummett, a political columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, considers the session with Roby Brock, from our partner Talk Business and Politics.

Host and Southern California Family Law Attorney Mark Reel Jr. and Attorney Brian Vandiver talk about the Bill that was passed by the Arkansas Legislature that would modify child custody in that state. You can find more out about Mark on his website: www.ReelFathersRights.com or on Social Media at The Fathers Rights Attorney on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. You can find more on Brian on his website: www.csmfirm.com 

The Arkansas Legislature has completed its work for the year. We'll take a few minutes to talk about how what they did will affect you, your neighborhood and your community.

On today’s show, the Arkansas Legislature has approved three constitutional amendments. We’ll preview issues voters can expect to see on the 2022 ballot. Plus, the Fort Smith Boys Home has completed a new Community Building, Lia Uribe shares Vivaldi as part of today’s Sound Perimeter , and under a new state law public school kids will have easier access to drinking fountain bottled water.

On today’s show, a new law passed by the Arkansas Legislature gives Certified Nurse Midwives broad medical authority. Plus, our weekly dip into history with the Pryor Center archives lands in September, 1971. Also a conversation by Editor-in-Chief and host of Talk Business & Politics Roby Brock with Arkansas U.S. Senator Tom Cotton on a run for the White House, President Biden's plan to remove U.S. troops from Afghanistan by September 11th, and more.

Today InPerspective with Dr. Harry Reeder April 12, 2021

In this episode, we provide perspective and conversation on Arkansas Legislature's review of amending the landlord-tenant laws in Arkansas (Arkansas is the only state without a warranty of habitability for tenants), Andrew Marion Humphrey's civil rights lawsuit against the Arkansas State Police Department, additional amenities for entertainment districts in Little Rock, and the State of the City address. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/arktimes-rock-the-culture/message

Sorry we're tardy. We're here with some government aid and a heaping helping of cruelty and misery. This one ended up being entirely about Christianity somehow. From the war on drugs, Arkansas Legislature, to abuse at unregulated Missouri reform schools, religion is the throughline. Topics include: When I Grow Up I Want To Be A Gamer, unicycle TikTok cop, 420 Chripsters, eroding liberties and some pretty grusome stuff at the end (CW: Child abuse, Sexual assualt, from 55:50 to 1:18:06) Arkansas Abortion Support Network: https://www.arabortionsupport.org/ Friday March 19th - five pm https://www.twitch.tv/kevin_tillery_nite_live Theme: "Old Shoes and Leggins" As sung by David Krussel,  Turners Station, Missouri on March 26, 1975. Cat #1539 (MFH #687) in the Max Hunter Folk Song Collection at Missouri State University. Outro: "Going Down That Road Feeling Bad" As sung by Floyd Holland, Mountain View, Arkansas on October 25, 1971. Cat. #1278 (MFH #241) in the Max Hunter Folk Song Collection at Missouri State University.

The winter weather postponed the Arkansas Legislature last week, which has complicated things for a time-sensitive bill aimed at expanding eligibility for certain Arkansas scholarships to students with legal status. This would include DACA recipients and Marshallese migrants legally residing in the state under a Compact of Free Association.

On today's show, we learn about a bill that expands scholarship eligibility to certain students and why it had to get rushed through the Arkansas Legislature. Plus, we have information about the state's "stand your ground" bill, which also passed this week after failing to make it through committee on the first go round. And, we have highlights from the governor's second coronavirus response briefing this week during which he made three major announcements.

In our local news today: active COVID numbers decline again; the commends the citizens for generosity during the winter storm; water has been restored to Woolverton Mountain, however a boil order is in place; MHS & Sacred Heart Beta students place in competitions; the Stand Your Ground bill and voter ID restrictions have passed in Arkansas Legislature; we'll check sports, and have a visit with Sam Taylor on behalf of CSI's First Tee Golf Program.

On this episode, Williams talks about some of the bills and issues that RCA will follow during the 2021 AR Legislative Session. Arkansas Legislature website: https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us

In today’s visit to the Ozarks at Large archives, we travel back to 1999, when politicians, pundits, journalists and activists wanting to keep up with the Arkansas State Legislature found the task easier than in the past thanks to the General Assembly’s homepage on the World Wide Web. The homepage debuted in 1997 and at the time this story was reported, the website had undergone an extensive upgrade.

The 93rd Arkansas General Assembly convenes today with lawmakers, staff, lobbyists and the public required to observe strict COVID-19 protective procedures. Incoming Senate President Pro Tem Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, walks us through the new pandemic rules.

Following last week's General Election, Republicans continue to hold a majority in both the Arkansas House and Senate. Roby Brock, with our partner Talk Business and Politics , and John Brummett, a political writer for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette , discuss what that means for the few Democrats in the legislature, as well as the upcoming redistricting in the state.

Joanna, 27, a mom and a university student in Buenos Aires, Argentina, couldn’t imagine having to raise a third child. She’s spread thin as it is.So, when she found out she was pregnant again this past spring, she thought long and hard about what to do. It wasn’t easy, but she decided to get an abortion.That’s what brings her to Casa Fusa, a small clinic tucked away on a busy street near downtown on a sunny May afternoon.“I’m nervous, but I’m quite sure about what I’m doing. So, that helps me to stay calm,” Joanna said from the brightly lit waiting room.We’re not using Joanna’s full name for security reasons. Argentina has strict laws against abortion, which is banned with only a few exceptions. It has led many women to seek out clandestine abortions. But a movement to decriminalize abortion has gained traction in the predominantly Catholic country in recent years. Related: Legal abortions remain elusive in Argentina, especially for the most vulnerableAbortion has recently resurfaced as a hot button issue around the world: Last May, Ireland voted to repeal abortion restrictions. In April of this year, the Rwandan president pardoned 367 women imprisoned for abortion. But in Italy, where abortion is legal, most doctors refuse to perform them. And this telemedical service based in the Netherlands helps women around the world who cannot access abortion services.By contrast, abortion has been legal in the US for decades. However, several states have recently banned abortion or made the procedure harder to access.In fact, there has been such a groundswell, the dress worn by characters in “The Handmaid's Tale” has become a symbol for reproductive rights, with women donning the iconic scarlet cloak and white bonnet outfit at rallies worldwide. The novel, and recent TV series based on it, explores what happens when far-right, Christian extremism takes hold in the newly formed, totalitarian society of Gilead, formerly the United States, and forces women into child-bearing servitude. Overwhelming newsWhen Joanna found out she was pregnant in April, she called a consejería, a local crisis hotline for women.“My main goal was to go somewhere where they wouldn’t judge me, and where they wouldn’t waste my time. Because I knew I had to act fast,” she said. They gave her information about where to get pills — misoprostol — to end her pregnancy and what would happen after taking them.Joanna followed the instructions. She says she got nauseous, weak and feverish, but the pregnancy didn’t end. She was scared and came to this clinic for help. They charge about $250 for a surgical abortion. Joanna says she’s not ready to take care of another child.“I already have two children, and I don’t want more. I’m good with the way things are. Plus, I’m very focused on my studies and getting a degree. So, this wasn’t planned. The first thing I thought was that I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t face this situation right now.”Joanna, Buenos Aires, Argentina“I already have two children, and I don’t want more. I’m good with the way things are. Plus, I’m very focused on my studies and getting a degree. So, this wasn’t planned. The first thing I thought was that I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t face this situation right now.”In Argentina, abortion is illegal — except in cases of rape, incest and when a woman’s life is in danger. Still, there are ways to get around the law. Virginia Braga (left) is a psychologist at the Casa Fusa clinic in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She screens people to see if they can get an abortion under the ILE Protocol. Credit: Florencia Trincheri/The World  Virginia Braga is a psychologist at the Casa Fusa clinic. “We think that if a woman doesn't want to keep the pregnancy, she's in danger if you don't help her.”Braga says the fact that Joanna says she’s unable to care for another child means having the baby would put her at risk. So, under the law, Joanna can get what’s known as an ILE Protocol, a legal interruption of a pregnancy.“Yes. So, Article 86 of the penal code in Argentina says the abortion can be legal.”Braga explains that the law allows providers to consider the whole picture of a woman’s health.“So, it's mental health, social health and it's physical health, too,” Braga said.But she says not all providers interpret the law this way.In fact, just across town at Sanatorio Municipal Dr. Julio Méndez, a large public hospital, the chief physician, Dr. Eda Ebad Monetti, says she wouldn’t perform an abortion.Dr. Monetti’s office is a light-filled space decorated with saints and a crucifixion cross on the wall. She wears a necklace with a string of medals devoted to various saints. She’s Catholic, devout, and very much against abortion.“If you kill a teenager, what you’re killing is a future adult who might be a great father or mother or a scientist that develops a cure for cancer. The same is true for that cell egg; what you’re killing is a human being that is going to be someone someday.”Dr. Eda Ebad Monetti, Buenos Aires, Argentina“If you kill a teenager, what you’re killing is a future adult who might be a great father or mother or a scientist that develops a cure for cancer. The same is true for that cell egg; what you’re killing is a human being that is going to be someone someday.” Dr. Eda Ebad Monetti is the head physician at Sanatorio Municipal Dr. Julio Méndez. She's against abortion and doctors at her hospital have refused to perform them, even in cases of rape or when a woman's life is in danger. In extreme situations like that, they refer the woman to another hospital or doctor. Credit: Florencia Trincheri/The World At Julio Méndez, the doctors have conscientiously objected to doing abortions — even in the case of rape or when a woman will die as a result of pregnancy. In extreme situations like those, Dr. Monetti says to comply with the law, they refer women to other hospitals or other doctors who will perform abortions.The push for abortion rights in ArgentinaIn Argentina, abortion has been criminalized for more than 100 years. In 1921, the law was amended, allowing for exceptions to be made when a mother’s life is at risk or when a woman has been the victim of rape or incest.Estela Soaje, a doctor who works at a government-run clinic in Lomas de Zamora, a small suburb outside of Buenos Aires, wants to see abortion legalized.“Women in Argentina are in a ‘maternity jail.’ They might not want to have such a large family, and they don’t even think abortion might be an option for them. That’s why we are fighting for a legal abortion.” Estela Soaje, doctor, Lomas de Zamora clinic“Women in Argentina are in a ‘maternity jail.’ They might not want to have such a large family, and they don’t even think abortion might be an option for them. That’s why we are fighting for a legal abortion,” Soaje said. Estela Soaje (right) and Marcela Lacomo work at a government-run clinic in Lomas de Zamora, a suburb outside of Buenos Aires, Argentina. They see hundreds of women every week for health checkups, exams and abortions. Credit: Florencia Trincheri/The World The color green has become associated with the abortion rights movement in Argentina. Thousands of abortion rights activists with green scarves tied to their backpacks and around their wrists could be seen marching and chanting on the streets of Buenos Aires last year as Congress debated a bill decriminalizing abortion. It didn’t pass. Virginia Braga is a psychologist at the Casa Fusa clinic. The green scarf on her backpack shows that she's an advocate for abortion rights. Credit: Florencia Tricheri/The World  Related: Italian cities 'turn back the clock' on women’s reproductive rightsMen and women on the other side of the debate celebrated the decision. They were out in the street waving blue scarves with the slogan, “Save both lives.”Guadalupe Batallán is a young activist with the group Defensores de Mamás or Defenders of Mothers, known to carry blue handkerchiefs. Batallán doesn’t believe that Argentine Congress even had the right to debate the issue.“This debate was not in the constitution,” Batallán said in Spanish from the Defensores de Mamás office. “We are not allowed to debate what is already a law. For that, we would have to change the law.”  Inés Pfister and Guadalupe Batallán are with Defensores de Mamás, a group that supports the Save Two Lives campaign. Both are young campaigners for the cause and think that abortion should remain criminalized. They think abortions should be illegal, no matter what. Credit: Florencia Trincheri/The World Speaking up for choiceMore broadly, abortion has been a polarizing issue across the globe, including the United States, particularly in the South. Some US states, like Arkansas, have long chipped away at Roe v. Wade, the landmark case protecting a woman’s right to abortion.  Arkansas state Rep. Dan Douglas, who is anti-abortion, was recently the only Republican in the state to vote against a trigger ban that would outlaw abortion — even in the case of rape or when a woman's life is in danger — if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Despite Douglas’ objections, it passed.Douglas had testified from personal experience: “I am pro-life, but I'm also pro-humanity. And I recounted a situation in which my niece went through a very difficult situation. At around 20 weeks, they found out there was a lethal, fatal anomaly in taking care of the baby to term or and whenever it was born,” he said. “[The baby] might live two to three, maybe four days, but [it would] be a very miserable, excruciating painful three or four days [for the baby]. And on the doctor's advice, they chose to terminate the pregnancy; under this trigger ban, that would not be allowed.” Dan Douglas is a representative for House District 91 in Arkansas. Despite being anti-abortion, he voted against a trigger ban because he thinks if there is a lethal fetal anamoly, women should be able to terminate their pregnancy. Credit: Allison Herrera/The World  Arkansas passed other abortion-related bills during the 2019 session, as well. They increased the waiting period for when a woman can get an abortion from 48 hours to 72 hours. Under a new law, only an OB-GYN can perform abortions (as opposed to a wider pool of doctors and practitioners) — even when dispensing pills for a medical abortion, and Arkansas has also banned abortions after 18 weeks.Holly Dickson, the executive director of the Arkansas ACLU, says these new laws, if they take effect, are just as dangerous as Georgia’s or Alabama’s outright bans on abortion. “I've been watching the Arkansas Legislature and its bills very closely for the 12 years that I've been here on staff, and there's always a slew of bills related to abortion,” she said from the organization’s Little Rock office. “It astounds me that they can come up with more and more legislation [against abortion] to run because they have regulated it up one side and down the other.” Holly Dickson is the legal director for the ACLU in Little Rock, Arkansas. She's been working there for 12 years and during that time, she says the state Legislature has chipped away at abortion access, little by little. Credit: Allison Herrera/The World Dickson explained that the state had a 12-week ban on abortions put in place in 2013 — the strictest law in the nation at the time — but it was struck down by a federal appeals court in 2015.Dickson says she worries about state laws taking away access to abortion, little by little.“You know, I mean, my entire life I've heard about Roe v. Wade and whether we ought to overturn Roe v. Wade. And I don't think we as a nation, together, [have] done the deep thinking behind what that really means.”Holly Dickson, executive director of the Arkansas ACLU“You know, I mean, my entire life I've heard about Roe v. Wade and whether we ought to overturn Roe v. Wade. And I don't think we as a nation, together, [have] done the deep thinking behind what that really means.”Dickson rejects the notion that abortion isn’t a human right and that the law can be easily overturned because it’s not protected in the Constitution.“So, we really don't have an appreciation for what it means to live in a country that doesn't have these protections. And I do understand people say, ‘Well, where's the right to abortion in the Constitution? Where's the right to privacy? I don't see that.’ You know what else is not in the Constitution? The right to vote,” she said. “We have more amendments to the Constitution that protect the right to vote in various ways. But if you go back and read it, there's nothing expressly in the US Constitution that says Americans have the right to vote. So that argument is a very simple one, but it also has no heft to it whatsoever.”Back at Casa Fusa in Buenos Aires, Joanna sits in the waiting room with her mother, ready to go home.She says at first, she had second thoughts about getting an abortion, but she’s relieved she went ahead with it.“I feel like I have to make a huge effort to overcome the nagging question, 'Is it OK that I’m doing this?' Even though I am certain this is the right thing for me.”“I am confident about my decision to go through with this procedure. It’s too bad that we can’t talk openly about this in the society we live in.”Joanna, Buenos Aires, Argentina“I am confident about my decision to go through with this procedure. It’s too bad that we can’t talk openly about this in the society we live in.”To get the time off work, Joanna told her boss she was going to the dentist. She says her co-workers wouldn’t have approved. But she’s grateful that she had a support network that helped her get here — and get around the law.Funding for this reporting was provided by the International Women's Media Foundation.

Joanna, 27, a mom and a university student in Buenos Aires, Argentina, couldn't imagine having to raise a third child. She's spread thin as it is.So, when she found out she was pregnant again this past spring, she thought long and hard about what to do. It wasn't easy, but she decided to get an abortion.That's what brings her to Casa Fusa, a small clinic tucked away on a busy street near downtown on a sunny May afternoon.“I'm nervous, but I'm quite sure about what I'm doing. So, that helps me to stay calm,” Joanna said from the brightly lit waiting room.We're not using Joanna's full name for security reasons. Argentina has strict laws against abortion, which is banned with only a few exceptions. It has led many women to seek out clandestine abortions. But a movement to decriminalize abortion has gained traction in the predominantly Catholic country in recent years. Related: Legal abortions remain elusive in Argentina, especially for the most vulnerableAbortion has recently resurfaced as a hot button issue around the world: Last May, Ireland voted to repeal abortion restrictions. In April of this year, the Rwandan president pardoned 367 women imprisoned for abortion. But in Italy, where abortion is legal, most doctors refuse to perform them. And this telemedical service based in the Netherlands helps women around the world who cannot access abortion services.By contrast, abortion has been legal in the US for decades. However, several states have recently banned abortion or made the procedure harder to access.In fact, there has been such a groundswell, the dress worn by characters in “The Handmaid's Tale” has become a symbol for reproductive rights, with women donning the iconic scarlet cloak and white bonnet outfit at rallies worldwide. The novel, and recent TV series based on it, explores what happens when far-right, Christian extremism takes hold in the newly formed, totalitarian society of Gilead, formerly the United States, and forces women into child-bearing servitude. Overwhelming newsWhen Joanna found out she was pregnant in April, she called a consejería, a local crisis hotline for women.“My main goal was to go somewhere where they wouldn't judge me, and where they wouldn't waste my time. Because I knew I had to act fast,” she said. They gave her information about where to get pills — misoprostol — to end her pregnancy and what would happen after taking them.Joanna followed the instructions. She says she got nauseous, weak and feverish, but the pregnancy didn't end. She was scared and came to this clinic for help. They charge about $250 for a surgical abortion. Joanna says she's not ready to take care of another child.“I already have two children, and I don't want more. I'm good with the way things are. Plus, I'm very focused on my studies and getting a degree. So, this wasn't planned. The first thing I thought was that I can't believe this is happening. I can't face this situation right now.”Joanna, Buenos Aires, Argentina“I already have two children, and I don't want more. I'm good with the way things are. Plus, I'm very focused on my studies and getting a degree. So, this wasn't planned. The first thing I thought was that I can't believe this is happening. I can't face this situation right now.”In Argentina, abortion is illegal — except in cases of rape, incest and when a woman's life is in danger. Still, there are ways to get around the law. Virginia Braga (left) is a psychologist at the Casa Fusa clinic in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She screens people to see if they can get an abortion under the ILE Protocol. Credit: Florencia Trincheri/The World  Virginia Braga is a psychologist at the Casa Fusa clinic. “We think that if a woman doesn't want to keep the pregnancy, she's in danger if you don't help her.”Braga says the fact that Joanna says she's unable to care for another child means having the baby would put her at risk. So, under the law, Joanna can get what's known as an ILE Protocol, a legal interruption of a pregnancy.“Yes. So, Article 86 of the penal code in Argentina says the abortion can be legal.”Braga explains that the law allows providers to consider the whole picture of a woman's health.“So, it's mental health, social health and it's physical health, too,” Braga said.But she says not all providers interpret the law this way.In fact, just across town at Sanatorio Municipal Dr. Julio Méndez, a large public hospital, the chief physician, Dr. Eda Ebad Monetti, says she wouldn't perform an abortion.Dr. Monetti's office is a light-filled space decorated with saints and a crucifixion cross on the wall. She wears a necklace with a string of medals devoted to various saints. She's Catholic, devout, and very much against abortion.“If you kill a teenager, what you're killing is a future adult who might be a great father or mother or a scientist that develops a cure for cancer. The same is true for that cell egg; what you're killing is a human being that is going to be someone someday.”Dr. Eda Ebad Monetti, Buenos Aires, Argentina“If you kill a teenager, what you're killing is a future adult who might be a great father or mother or a scientist that develops a cure for cancer. The same is true for that cell egg; what you're killing is a human being that is going to be someone someday.” Dr. Eda Ebad Monetti is the head physician at Sanatorio Municipal Dr. Julio Méndez. She's against abortion and doctors at her hospital have refused to perform them, even in cases of rape or when a woman's life is in danger. In extreme situations like that, they refer the woman to another hospital or doctor. Credit: Florencia Trincheri/The World At Julio Méndez, the doctors have conscientiously objected to doing abortions — even in the case of rape or when a woman will die as a result of pregnancy. In extreme situations like those, Dr. Monetti says to comply with the law, they refer women to other hospitals or other doctors who will perform abortions.The push for abortion rights in ArgentinaIn Argentina, abortion has been criminalized for more than 100 years. In 1921, the law was amended, allowing for exceptions to be made when a mother's life is at risk or when a woman has been the victim of rape or incest.Estela Soaje, a doctor who works at a government-run clinic in Lomas de Zamora, a small suburb outside of Buenos Aires, wants to see abortion legalized.“Women in Argentina are in a ‘maternity jail.' They might not want to have such a large family, and they don't even think abortion might be an option for them. That's why we are fighting for a legal abortion.” Estela Soaje, doctor, Lomas de Zamora clinic“Women in Argentina are in a ‘maternity jail.' They might not want to have such a large family, and they don't even think abortion might be an option for them. That's why we are fighting for a legal abortion,” Soaje said. Estela Soaje (right) and Marcela Lacomo work at a government-run clinic in Lomas de Zamora, a suburb outside of Buenos Aires, Argentina. They see hundreds of women every week for health checkups, exams and abortions. Credit: Florencia Trincheri/The World The color green has become associated with the abortion rights movement in Argentina. Thousands of abortion rights activists with green scarves tied to their backpacks and around their wrists could be seen marching and chanting on the streets of Buenos Aires last year as Congress debated a bill decriminalizing abortion. It didn't pass. Virginia Braga is a psychologist at the Casa Fusa clinic. The green scarf on her backpack shows that she's an advocate for abortion rights. Credit: Florencia Tricheri/The World  Related: Italian cities 'turn back the clock' on women's reproductive rightsMen and women on the other side of the debate celebrated the decision. They were out in the street waving blue scarves with the slogan, “Save both lives.”Guadalupe Batallán is a young activist with the group Defensores de Mamás or Defenders of Mothers, known to carry blue handkerchiefs. Batallán doesn't believe that Argentine Congress even had the right to debate the issue.“This debate was not in the constitution,” Batallán said in Spanish from the Defensores de Mamás office. “We are not allowed to debate what is already a law. For that, we would have to change the law.”  Inés Pfister and Guadalupe Batallán are with Defensores de Mamás, a group that supports the Save Two Lives campaign. Both are young campaigners for the cause and think that abortion should remain criminalized. They think abortions should be illegal, no matter what. Credit: Florencia Trincheri/The World Speaking up for choiceMore broadly, abortion has been a polarizing issue across the globe, including the United States, particularly in the South. Some US states, like Arkansas, have long chipped away at Roe v. Wade, the landmark case protecting a woman's right to abortion.  Arkansas state Rep. Dan Douglas, who is anti-abortion, was recently the only Republican in the state to vote against a trigger ban that would outlaw abortion — even in the case of rape or when a woman's life is in danger — if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Despite Douglas' objections, it passed.Douglas had testified from personal experience: “I am pro-life, but I'm also pro-humanity. And I recounted a situation in which my niece went through a very difficult situation. At around 20 weeks, they found out there was a lethal, fatal anomaly in taking care of the baby to term or and whenever it was born,” he said. “[The baby] might live two to three, maybe four days, but [it would] be a very miserable, excruciating painful three or four days [for the baby]. And on the doctor's advice, they chose to terminate the pregnancy; under this trigger ban, that would not be allowed.” Dan Douglas is a representative for House District 91 in Arkansas. Despite being anti-abortion, he voted against a trigger ban because he thinks if there is a lethal fetal anamoly, women should be able to terminate their pregnancy. Credit: Allison Herrera/The World  Arkansas passed other abortion-related bills during the 2019 session, as well. They increased the waiting period for when a woman can get an abortion from 48 hours to 72 hours. Under a new law, only an OB-GYN can perform abortions (as opposed to a wider pool of doctors and practitioners) — even when dispensing pills for a medical abortion, and Arkansas has also banned abortions after 18 weeks.Holly Dickson, the executive director of the Arkansas ACLU, says these new laws, if they take effect, are just as dangerous as Georgia's or Alabama's outright bans on abortion. “I've been watching the Arkansas Legislature and its bills very closely for the 12 years that I've been here on staff, and there's always a slew of bills related to abortion,” she said from the organization's Little Rock office. “It astounds me that they can come up with more and more legislation [against abortion] to run because they have regulated it up one side and down the other.” Holly Dickson is the legal director for the ACLU in Little Rock, Arkansas. She's been working there for 12 years and during that time, she says the state Legislature has chipped away at abortion access, little by little. Credit: Allison Herrera/The World Dickson explained that the state had a 12-week ban on abortions put in place in 2013 — the strictest law in the nation at the time — but it was struck down by a federal appeals court in 2015.Dickson says she worries about state laws taking away access to abortion, little by little.“You know, I mean, my entire life I've heard about Roe v. Wade and whether we ought to overturn Roe v. Wade. And I don't think we as a nation, together, [have] done the deep thinking behind what that really means.”Holly Dickson, executive director of the Arkansas ACLU“You know, I mean, my entire life I've heard about Roe v. Wade and whether we ought to overturn Roe v. Wade. And I don't think we as a nation, together, [have] done the deep thinking behind what that really means.”Dickson rejects the notion that abortion isn't a human right and that the law can be easily overturned because it's not protected in the Constitution.“So, we really don't have an appreciation for what it means to live in a country that doesn't have these protections. And I do understand people say, ‘Well, where's the right to abortion in the Constitution? Where's the right to privacy? I don't see that.' You know what else is not in the Constitution? The right to vote,” she said. “We have more amendments to the Constitution that protect the right to vote in various ways. But if you go back and read it, there's nothing expressly in the US Constitution that says Americans have the right to vote. So that argument is a very simple one, but it also has no heft to it whatsoever.”Back at Casa Fusa in Buenos Aires, Joanna sits in the waiting room with her mother, ready to go home.She says at first, she had second thoughts about getting an abortion, but she's relieved she went ahead with it.“I feel like I have to make a huge effort to overcome the nagging question, 'Is it OK that I'm doing this?' Even though I am certain this is the right thing for me.”“I am confident about my decision to go through with this procedure. It's too bad that we can't talk openly about this in the society we live in.”Joanna, Buenos Aires, Argentina“I am confident about my decision to go through with this procedure. It's too bad that we can't talk openly about this in the society we live in.”To get the time off work, Joanna told her boss she was going to the dentist. She says her co-workers wouldn't have approved. But she's grateful that she had a support network that helped her get here — and get around the law.Funding for this reporting was provided by the International Women's Media Foundation.

In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on the cancellation of Riverfest 2019 and the Arkansas Legislature’s new attempt to pass legislation to implement a voucher program. In addition, we provide rapid fire perspective on RockTopics. We also discuss intentionality in diversity, social responsibility, and the growth of Mosaic Church with Mark DeYmaz, author and pastor of Mosaic Church. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/arktimes-rock-the-culture/message

I talk about the Wilson-Anthony "Duel"

On this week's podcast we take a look at what President Trump's first budget proposal could mean for the poor state of Arkansas. Analysis from political scientist Heather Yates of UCA and reaction from the state's Congressional delegation. The KUAR News crew also takes a look at: - A new task force on tax policy is off and running in the Arkansas Legislature. Tax cuts for the wealthy is the goal of some but at what cost? Is there a will to pay for it by cutting existing exemptions? - The FBI continues and possibly widens an investigation into state lawmakers recieving kickbacks in exchange for directing General Improvement Funds. - Campus carry is the law of the land but some places of higher learning, like UAMS, are seeking exemptions. What do they need to do to get a pass? Thanks for listening to KUAR's Week In Review podcast and make sure to subscribe on iTunes.

On this week's podcast the KUAR news team digs into a few of the bigger issues facing the Arkansas Legislature, including guns on college campuses, a bathroom bill and its possible impact on tourism, and abortion restrictions that are advancing. We also talk about some non-legislative matters, including an effort to address crime in the state and details of this year's Johnny Cash Heritage Festival to be held this time in his boyhood hometown of Dyess.

On this week's podcast the KUAR news team digs into a few of the bigger issues facing the Arkansas Legislature, including guns on college campuses, a bathroom bill and its possible impact on tourism, and abortion restrictions that are advancing. We also talk about some non-legislative matters, including an effort to address crime in the state and details of this year's Johnny Cash Heritage Festival to be held this time in his boyhood hometown of Dyess.

The KUAR news staff breaks down a busy week, including: How Arkansas is implementing medical marijuana after last month's election with reaction from the man who spearheaded the campaign; The state Supreme Court tosses out a judge's ruling involving birth certificates for the children of same-sex couples. We talk with plaintiff Marissa Pavan; Gov. Asa Hutchinson gets word the federal government has approved proposed changes to the state's Medicaid expansion program, though one aspect doesn't go as far as he'd like; The governor presents a plan to allow people to go to two-year colleges for in-demand fields without paying a cent if they abide by certain conditions; And a look at some of the bills being filed for the coming session of the Arkansas Legislature. You can listen to the podcast above or Subscribe on iTunes .