This week marks one year since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the state. To commemorate the milestone, we’re speaking with Arkansans from all walks of life about their experiences and reflections 12 months into the pandemic. Today we hear from Christhian Saavedra.

After decades of breeding and research, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture released two new varieties of wine grapes this past year. Dazzle, a Gewurztraminer-type white wine, and Indulgence, a muscat variety, are both available for purchase by propagators now.

House Bill 1451 , which was filed by Arkansas Rep. Megan Godfrey, D-Springdale, would allow schools and districts to adopt bilingual and dual immersion programs in the languages of their choosing. Arkansas is one of two states that don't provide these types of teaching models, which Godfrey says are beneficial for both English learners and native English speakers.

Roby Brock, with our partner Talk Business and Politics , asks John Brummett, political columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette , about COVID-19 relief legislation in Washington, D.C. and about Gov. Asa Hutchinson's reactions to certain bills passed by the Arkansas Legislature.

For years, the Walton Arts Center has invited students from schools across the region to education related performances. A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Colgate Classroom Series is bringing the performances to the students, virtually.

On today's show, we hear about a resolution that supports the enrollment of Arkansas Marshallese in Medicaid, after the entitlement was restored to COFA migrants last year. Plus, we find out the details of a proposed bill in the Arkansas House that would create standards for rental housing and simplify the evictions process. And, we head to the big screen and the archives with Randy Dixon of the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History.

Pacific Islanders, including thousands of Marshallese adults legally residing in Arkansas under a Compact of Free Association, are free to enroll in Medicaid. Congress restored the entitlement to COFA migrants last year after it was nullified in 1996 during welfare reform. Sen. Lance Eads, R-West Fork, authored a non-binding legislative resolution supporting the entitlement as the Marshallese Educational Initiative prepares to assist qualified islanders with enrollment.

Since 1986, Welcome Health has provided completely free medical services for low-income and underserved residents. There will be a 35th anniversary celebration, though details depend on the length of the pandemic.

This week marks one year since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Arkansas. To commemorate the milestone, we’re speaking with Arkansans from all walks of life about their experiences and reflections 12 months into the pandemic. Today we hear from Charlie Waggener.

A third of Arkansas households rent their homes. That's about a million people. Renter advocates, like Arkansans for Stronger Communities , say those tenants don't have a legal right to a livable home, but they're hoping that will change with the introduction of House Bill 1563 . The bill would require the implied warranty of habitability. It also makes changes to the eviction process.