Opinion

Arkansas has made a monumental impact on the nation’s capital this year outside of the usual policy debates among the legislative and executive branches or landmark Supreme Court cases.

You never know what the day can bring when we first put our feet to the ground and prepare to go out for our day.

LITTLE ROCK – Most of the universities in Arkansas reported increases in enrollment for the fall semester.The state’s funding formula for higher education no longer emphasizes enrollment, due to passage of Act 148 of 2017.

The March of Dimes released a report in early September detailing maternity care access nationwide and found 35 percent of counties are maternity care deserts.

As we welcome September, it’s a time to recognize the vital role that rice plays in Arkansas and to celebrate National Rice Month.

Last week I had mentioned how I’d spend my weekend sitting out at the campfire/fire pit whatever you want to call it, and I did just that.

Global trade is the lifeblood of economic health and expansion, helping ensure commodities and products do not sit idle or worse, perish, due to a lack of demand in our own backyards.Our country is once again being reminded of the importance of this truth, and in no place is it more apparent than with agriculture.

Our neighborhoods are more than just places where we live.

LITTLE ROCK – Legislators and state officials continue to work on methods of improving maternal health care in Arkansas.A special committee created by the governor last week issued its recommendations in a report called “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies.” It calls for making access to health care more clear and convenient for expectant mothers.It also listed ways for medical providers to recognize when pregnant women are at risk of losing their health coverage.

This edition of the Areawide News marks the first full-year we became one big happy newspaper when we combined the Villager Journal and The News.Full transparency, I never liked the name “The News.” I often complained on how it was redundant, especially with talking to individuals and entities and having to explain what “news” I was associated with.