SUMMARY: The Little Rock city board has voted not to renew its $188,000 contract with ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection system introduced in 2018 aimed at combatting crime. Board member Virgil Miller argued for the renewal, citing the system’s ability to notify police of outdoor gunfire quickly and enhance community safety. In contrast, director Andrea Hogan Lewis stated that while the technology can help solve crimes, it does not prevent them. The senior vice president of ShotSpotter’s parent company expressed disappointment over the decision. Mayor Frank Scott Jr. emphasized the city’s commitment to holistic crime prevention strategies despite the contract’s termination.

The gunshot detection system spread all over Little Rock will soon be turned off. This comes after directors voted not to renew the contract with ShotSpotter.

Source

SUMMARY: U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Tom Cotton are introducing the Focus on Learning Act to study the impacts of smartphone usage in K-12 classrooms. This legislation mandates the U.S. Surgeon General to analyze how cell phone use affects students’ mental health, educational outcomes, and academic performance. Following Virginia’s ban on smartphones in schools, eight states have enacted similar restrictions, with fifteen more proposing legislation. The bill proposes a $5 million annual budget for a five-year pilot program, emphasizes communication systems for emergencies, and allows exceptions for students needing devices for disabilities or translation. Findings will be reported to Congress.

Read the full article

The post Legislation introduced to study impacts of cell phone use in schools | Virginia appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

SUMMARY: In downtown Little Rock, Wings Express, run by two brothers, serves up delicious wings with an array of sauces just in time for a big football game. They share a passion for cooking, having transitioned from a family-owned restaurant to their current food truck, where they enjoy feeding locals and reconnecting with old friends. Their menu features bone-in and boneless wings, alongside must-try mozzarella sticks and unique sauces like honey hot and honey mustard. They invite fans to visit or order via DoorDash to savor these flavors before the game. Catch their food adventures on THV11.

On this week’s Eat It Up, Hayden Balgavy & Jurnee Taylor visit Wings Express in Little Rock, a food truck run by two brothers cooking up the best-flavored sauces.

Source