Following several special elections in 2019 in Benton County, Fort Smith and Fayetteville, University of Arkansas Political Science Professor Janine Parry discusses why they are vital for municipal and county projects, but often marked by low voter turnout, which is why some say the process is inadequate.

The IDEALS Institute, which stands for inclusion, diversity, equity, access, leadership and strategic support, will provide resources, expertise and thought leadership to academic institutions, public schools, government agencies, non-profits and businesses statewide.

This summer, the Fayetteville Public School District is adding a third mobile site to its summer lunch program , which provides free meals to kids 18 and younger. The program runs Monday through Friday from June 3 through Aug. 6.

In today's news roundup, we learn how the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is raising awareness of its efforts to lower the price of prescription drugs. Plus, the latest on an increase in the number of illegal passes of stopped school busses and the Razorback baseball team prepares to host the Fayetteville Regional.

Four Arkansas colleges and universities, including Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and North Arkansas College in Harrison are seeking high school students wanting to learn domestic and community emergency preparedness skills .

The Illinois River Watershed Partnership will host a free day-long seminar on commercial low-impact development June 19. The field day will feature discussions about water quality improvements and energy conservation practices, as well as a tour of green infrastructure projects in Bentonville. Preregistration is requested.

Nature's Nation: American Art and Environment is on view at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art May 25 to Sept. 9. The new exhibition was developed by Princeton University Art Museum and examines American artists' impact on shaping environmental understanding.

Michael Tilley with Talk Business & Politics discusses a Fort Smith traffic study, new employment numbers and the Future School's first graduating class.

A new comprehensive community health needs assessment survey of the four-county region facilitated by Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas reveals obesity, mental health and diabetes are top concerns among respondents. Results will be used to develop and prioritize future interventions.

In today's news roundup, a deadline for farmers to spray a controversial herbicide draws near, officials monitor the Arkansas River for what could be historic flooding and the Razorback track and field teams find success at the NCAA West Prelims.