Governor Asa Hutchinson held his weekly coronavirus response briefing Tuesday via Zoom while he continues to cut down on in person appearances after potentially becoming exposed to COVID-19. So far, all of Hutchinson's tests have been negative. Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero reported 952 new cases, a record 676 hospitalizations from the virus and 20 additional deaths, most of which were among people 65 and older and those in nursing homes. With the health of older Arkansans in mind, Romero

For some Arkansans, one reason the 2020 General Election is significant is because it will be the first time they’re casting a ballot in a presidential election. This week, we’ll hear from members of the University of Arkansas campus telling us in their own words how they’re casting their ballot and why voting is important to them. Today we hear from U of A junior Tyler Fowler.

School district “red zones” where COVID-19 infections are concentrated in local communities — tracked and mapped by the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement — are increasing across the state as the pandemic worsens, the center says. The color-coded school district state map, which is refreshed every Thursday provide superintendents, teachers, staff and parents clear guidance on taking protective measures.

L ater this week, Fayetteville-based band Rocket Coma will release a new album. Live by the Die is the band's third album, and it was recorded earlier this year, before the pandemic began. Earlier this month, the band's Quinn Landrum, Jim Looper and Willie Kreszinski spoke with Ozarks at Large about the new album.

Born in 1851, Ella Sheppard was enslaved on the Hermitage Plantation in Hermitage, Tenn. After learning that her daughter was being trained to spy on her, Ella's mother went to the river to drown both of them to escape the bonds of slavery. On approaching the river, Ella's mother was stopped by an elderly enslaved woman who insisted that no harm come to the child. Ella was eventually bought by her father and sent to Nashville. They then eventually moved to Cincinnati, where she began her musical

Over the weekend, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson appeared on Face the Nation on CBS where he was asked about the rising number of coronavirus cases in Arkansas and certain remarks made by President Donald Trump, who he has endorsed for reelection. Hutchinson told Margaret Brennan that hospital space is tight, as is the competition for medical staff.

About a week after announcing a statewide Voter Protection Hotline for all voters, the Democratic Party of Arkansas launched a hotline for Spanish speakers. The hotline is available by calling 501-299-5460.

For some Arkansans, one reason the 2020 General Election is significant is because it will be the first time they’re casting a ballot in a presidential election. This week, we’ll hear from members of the University of Arkansas campus telling us in their own words how they’re casting their ballot and why voting is important to them. Today we hear from Lia Uribe, an associate professor of music at the U of A.

As colleges fight to contain the spread of COVID-19 with virtual classes and reduced on-campus activites, 2020 fall enrollment numbers are declining across the board, but, according to a report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, community colleges are taking the biggest hit. Northwest Arkansas Community College announced last month its enrollment dropped by 12 percent from fall 2019.

As early voting numbers continue to swell around the state and the country, Roby Brock, from our partner Talk Business and Politics , and John Brummett, political writer for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette , consider what that might mean for the election.