Podcasts about Arkansas Times

This week we revisit Kerry's two prior interviews with Arkansan painter and sculptor, Kevin Kresse. Kevin has exhibited his work around Arkansas, New York, Washington DC, Memphis, and Atlanta. His work has been featured in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the Arkansas Times, Soiree magazine, and more, and he has been featured in pieces produced by local affiliates of ABC, CBS, and PBS television, as well as a short film by Garret Lakin. The journey toward a career in art began with Kresse and his wife Bridget's decision to pare down their lives financially. Both of the Kresses had “job-jobs,” as Bridget calls them. She was a financial planner, Kevin a newspaper art director. Work and money had been “all about accumulation.” The Kresses opted for a different road. They gave their employers a year's notice, lived cheaply, and saved money. Then they took a four-month trip to Europe. The trip to Europe was priceless. It laid the foundation for their marriage, they say. It gave them time to reflect — something Kevin points out is growing increasingly scarce for workaholic Americans — and it pointed the way toward their future. It was on that trip, Bridget says, that “Kevin decided to do his art." "It's a kick knowing that my public work will still be there long after I'm gone," he said. "I never thought about that aspect too much until after my father died. It is also great hearing people interpret what they see in some of the work. It makes me realize that everyone sees art through their filter of life and that every interpretation is just as valid as the reason I did it."

4/16/25--Education topics discussed in this episode include:· Is the DOE really abolished?o "Elimination of the Education Department Has Begun," Paul Dragu, The New Americano Behind the Deep State with Alex Newman· IL HB2827o Read Full Text· Vouchers & Forced Speech Issues in Coloradoo “Lawmakers try to tighten rules after most homeschool voucher funds went toward non-academic expenses,” Austin Gelder, Arkansas Times, arktimes.como Read HB25-1312Recommended Resources:· Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA): https://hslda.org/· Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/· Classical Conversations: https://classicalconversations.com/· The Noah Plan: https://face.net/curriculum/

Listen an all-new episode of the NWABJ Report for 11.3.24 with Roby Brock featuring an interview with Phillip Powel of the Arkansas Times on Arkansas' lithium boom. 

UIYB with Alan Leveritt, Publisher of the Arkansas Times by Up in Your Business with Kerry McCoy

Send us a Text Message.The Arkansas Times has been hosting a series of fundraisers in the form of a lecture series featuring Arkansas newsmakers, politicians and writers on current events and policies. The proceeds go to the Arkansas Times Investigative Reporting Fund.This month, we met at the Copper Grill to hear from Skip Rutherford, Dean Emeritus of the Clinton School of Public Service and founder of the non-partisan Political Animals Club, who spoke about the current race for the presidency between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.After the event, Skip spoke with Arkansas Times reporter Lara Farrar to give further insight into the state of the race.Note: You'll hear in the interview Skip Rutherford refer to an anticipated announcement of Harris first interview as the Democratic nominee. Shortly after the interview it was reported that she and her running mate Tim Walz will sit down with CNNs Dana Bash for a prime time interview Thursday night.We welcome your feedback. Write us at podcasts@arktimes.com

This week we revisit Kerry's two prior interviews with Arkansan painter and sculptor, Kevin Kresse. Kevin has exhibited his work around Arkansas, New York, Washington DC, Memphis, and Atlanta. His work has been featured in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the Arkansas Times, Soiree magazine, and more, and he has been featured in pieces produced by local affiliates of ABC, CBS, and PBS television, as well as a short film by Garret Lakin. The journey toward a career in art began with Kresse and his wife Bridget's decision to pare down their lives financially. Both of the Kresses had “job-jobs,” as Bridget calls them. She was a financial planner, Kevin a newspaper art director. Work and money had been “all about accumulation.” The Kresses opted for a different road. They gave their employers a year's notice, lived cheaply, and saved money. Then they took a four-month trip to Europe. The trip to Europe was priceless. It laid the foundation for their marriage, they say. It gave them time to reflect — something Kevin points out is growing increasingly scarce for workaholic Americans — and it pointed the way toward their future. It was on that trip, Bridget says, that “Kevin decided to do his art." "It's a kick knowing that my public work will still be there long after I'm gone," he said. "I never thought about that aspect too much until after my father died. It is also great hearing people interpret what they see in some of the work. It makes me realize that everyone sees art through their filter of life and that every interpretation is just as valid as the reason I did it."

Stories discussed this week include:Judge partly sides with plaintiffs suing to stop Arkansas's ban on ‘critical race theory,' ‘indoctrination'https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/05/07/judge-partly-sides-with-plaintiffs-suing-to-stop-arkansass-ban-on-critical-race-theory-indoctrinationJudge hears arguments in lawsuit over LEARNS ban on ‘indoctrination,' ‘critical race theory'https://arktimes.com/news/2024/04/30/judge-hears-arguments-in-lawsuit-over-learns-ban-on-indoctrination-critical-race-theoryStudents and dignitaries celebrate in Little Rock as Daisy Bates statue debuts in Washington, D.C.https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/05/08/students-and-dignitaries-celebrate-in-little-rock-as-daisy-bates-statue-debuts-in-washington-d-cStreaming numbers say Netflix's controversial ‘Unlocked' is a hithttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/05/01/streaming-numbers-say-netflixs-controversial-unlocked-is-a-hitEndorsementsYe Paul's Soul Bodega & Grill https://www.facebook.com/YePauls/Annikahttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/shows/annika/We welcome your feedback, write us at podcasts@arktimes.comIf you like the show, tell your friends and leave a review wherever you get your podcast.

This week, in lieu of our regular weekly news roundup, we're sharing something special — a speech by Arkansas Times editor emeritus Max Brantley on the sorry state of politics and journalism in our state.Beginning in November 2023, the Arkansas Times started a luncheon speaker series that covers current events in Arkansas and serves as a fundraiser for our reporting efforts. Speakers have included former LRSD superintendent Baker Kurrus; Lauren Cowles, a drafter of the Arkansas Abortion Amendment and coalition member with Arkansans for Limited Government; and former state representative Nate Bell. This week, guests heard from Max, who retired from the Arkansas Times in 2023 after 50 years in journalism in Little Rock. We welcome your feedback. Write us at podcasts@arktimes.com

This week: We say a bittersweet farewell to Arkansas Times city reporter extraordinaire Mary Hennigan, but not before one last update on Little Rock news. And, Matt Campbell answers everything you want to know about the #lecterngate audit and the governor's response.Stories discussed in this edition:Little Rock city manager hopefuls include Sen. Fred Love, acting manager Emily Coxhttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/04/12/little-rock-city-manager-job-attracts-out-of-state-prospectsU.S. senators say ATF agents weren't wearing body cameras in fatal Malinowski raidhttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/04/19/u-s-senators-say-atf-agents-werent-wearing-body-cameras-in-fatal-malinowski-raidActivists call on Little Rock officials to support ceasefire in the Middle Easthttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/04/16/activists-call-on-little-rock-officials-to-support-ceasefire-in-the-middle-eastCity officials OK financial plan for Little Rock solar arrayhttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/04/17/city-officials-ok-financial-plan-for-little-rock-solar-arrayArkansas lawmakers call on ATF to release footage of Malinowski raidhttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/04/19/arkansas-lawmakers-call-on-atf-to-release-footage-of-malinowski-raidLawmakers question governor's staff over lectern audithttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/04/16/lawmakers-question-governors-staff-over-lectern-auditState auditors refer lecterngate findings to prosecutor's officehttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/04/15/state-auditors-refer-lecterngate-findings-to-prosecutors-office

Arkansas Times listeners, we need your feedback! What do you like about the podcast? What do you hate? What can we improve? Email us with your thoughts, please, at podcasts@arktimes.com.This week, Dave Ramsey and Benji preview the fiscal session, the governor's meager budget and the legislative fight over crypto mining; and, Omaya talks with Rhett Brinkley about John Calipari's arrival at the University of Arkansas and what it means for Razorback basketball.Stories discussed this week:Austerity Sarah: Governor's budget is generous to private school families, stingy for everyone elsehttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/04/11/austerity-sarah-governors-budget-is-generous-to-private-school-families-stingy-for-everyone-elseState budget leaves only crumbs for rural schools and the poor, advocates sayhttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/04/11/state-budget-leaves-only-crumbs-for-rural-schools-and-the-poor-advocates-sayThousands pack Bud Walton Arena to welcome new Razorbacks coach John Caliparihttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/04/11/thousands-pack-into-bud-walton-arena-to-welcome-new-razorbacks-coach-john-calipariCrypto at the Capitol: Legislature revisiting Bitcoin mining after complaints from local residentshttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/04/11/crypto-at-the-capitol-legislature-revisiting-bitcoin-mining-after-complaints-from-local-residents“It's bad for everything”: Citizens group from Arkansas County ready to fight back against crypto mineshttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/04/11/its-bad-for-everything-citizens-group-from-arkansas-county-ready-to-fight-back-against-crypto-mines

This week Benji and Mary Hennigan discuss the latest in the case of Bryan Malinowski who was posthumously awarded a $24,000 bonus by the Airport commission, as well as several actions taken by the city board of directors at Tuesday meeting. Then Benji and Austin Gelder talk about the latest in a new lawsuit regarding a provision in Arkansas LEARNS. Finally, Benji talks to Rhett Brinkley, Daniel Grear, and Stephanie Smittle about everything happening this eclipse weekend.Little Rock officials approve new recycling contract, glass is backhttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/04/03/little-rock-officials-approve-new-recycling-contract-glass-is-back$4.3 million Little Rock port expansion up for a vote tonighthttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/04/02/4-3-million-little-rock-port-expansion-up-for-a-vote-tonightAirport commission gives $24K bonus to director Malinowski after deathhttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/04/02/airport-commission-gives-24k-bonus-to-director-malinowski-after-deathCentral High plaintiffs sue Sanders, Oliva over targeting of AP African American Studieshttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/03/25/central-high-plaintiffs-sue-sanders-oliva-over-targeting-of-ap-african-american-studiesFederal judge in LEARNS lawsuit plans to apply for LEARNS vouchers, won't recusehttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/04/01/federal-judge-in-learns-lawsuit-plans-to-apply-for-learns-vouchers-wont-recuseLEARNS lawsuit over ‘indoctrination' reassigned to Judge Rudofskyhttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/03/28/learns-lawsuit-over-indoctrination-reassigned-to-judge-rudofskyPartly cloudy skies expected in Arkansas for Monday's eclipsehttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/04/03/partly-cloudy-skies-expected-in-arkansas-for-mondays-eclipseMulberry Mountain welcomes eclipse watchers with one-day music festivalhttps://arktimes.com/entertainment/2024/04/02/mulberry-mountain-welcomes-eclipse-watchers-with-one-day-music-festivalMass eclipse wedding ceremony to bring hundreds of couples to Russellvillehttps://arktimes.com/rock-candy/2024/03/22/mass-eclipse-wedding-ceremony-to-bring-hundreds-of-couples-to-russellville9 stellar ways to celebrate the solar eclipse in Central Arkansashttps://arktimes.com/rock-candy/2024/03/04/9-stellar-ways-to-celebrate-the-solar-eclipse-in-central-arkansashttps://arktimes.com/tag/2024-solar-eclipse

Show NotesUniversity of Memphis hires Little Rock's ex-police chiefhttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/02/13/university-of-memphis-hires-little-rocks-ex-police-chiefLittle Rock mayor's annual address teases new programs, renewed sales tax pushhttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/02/09/little-rock-mayors-annual-address-teases-new-programs-renewed-sales-tax-pushLittle Rock officials approve step toward city-owned solar arrayhttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/02/07/little-rock-officials-approve-step-toward-city-owned-solar-arrayA swing and a hit: CALS Main Library renovation starts with a banghttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/02/06/a-swing-and-a-hit-cals-main-library-renovation-starts-with-a-bangRecycling ‘Green Station' opens at new location in Little Rockhttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/02/05/recycling-green-station-opens-at-new-location-in-little-rockJason Rapert tries and fails to defund libraries suing the statehttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/02/09/jason-rapert-tries-and-fails-to-defund-libraries-suing-the-stateUPDATE: Federal judge blocks Arkansas's library censorship law from taking effecthttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/07/29/federal-judge-blocks-arkansass-library-censorship-law-from-taking-effectDozens more allege sexual abuse at youth facility owned by Arkansas businessman freed by Trumphttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/02/02/dozens-more-allege-sexual-abuse-at-youth-facility-owned-by-arkansas-businessman-freed-by-trumpSurvivors of child sexual abuse now have another two years to file Ark. lawsuits, senator sayshttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/02/06/survivors-of-child-sexual-abuse-now-have-another-two-years-to-file-ark-lawsuits-senator-saysThat roller dance at the Super Bowl halftime show? A Little Rock native choreographed ithttps://arktimes.com/rock-candy/2024/02/14/that-roller-dance-at-the-super-bowl-halftime-show-a-little-rock-native-choreographed-itWatermelon Manhttps://www.riverdale10.com/movie/Watermelon%5FMan%5F1970

Stories in this EpisodeHelena - West Helena Water Crisis-https://arktimes.com/news/2024/01/29/shower-truck-other-resources-available-in-helena-west-helena-as-water-crisis-drags-on-https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/26/legislators-weigh-in-on-broken-water-system-in-helena-west-helena-https://arktimes.com/news/2024/01/31/possible-end-in-sight-for-water-outage-in-helena-west-helena-ways-to-help-from-afarState Policehttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/02/01/state-police-trumpet-245-arrests-but-only-36-people-were-actually-bookedJamol Joneshttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/29/governor-appoints-jamol-jones-as-parole-board-chair-giving-him-seat-on-corrections-boardEndorsements-https://open.spotify.com/track/1Efz5q54qAztkgsdMxeFnN?si=04a12facc7084807-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La8N60CYwdM

This week: The abortion amendment clears a key hurdle at the state attorney general's office, while the FOIA amendment makes progress. Plus, we continue talking with Dave Ramsey about how Arkansas LEARNS affects teachers, specifically job protections post-Teacher Fair Dismissal Act.Topics discussed in this episode:Ballot initiatives:https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/23/arkansas-abortion-amendment-can-proceed-attorney-general-sayshttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/27/arkansans-ready-for-reproductive-rights-amendmenthttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/25/foia-ballot-measure-can-move-forward-attorney-general-sayshttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/23/group-sues-attorney-general-over-blocked-government-transparency-measureshttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/18/public-education-advocates-for-ar-kids-submit-revised-ballot-measure-to-attorney-generalArkansas Learns:https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/04/how-does-arkansas-learns-impact-teachers-we-have-answers-part-1https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/08/how-does-arkansas-learns-impact-teachers-we-have-answers-part-2Endorsements:https://www.arkansascinemasociety.org/https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/bluffton-preserve/

It's a relatively slow news week thanks to the winter weather, so we're talking to reporter David Ramsey at length about how the Arkansas LEARNS Act impacts teachers. Also, Mary Hennigan updates us on the situation in Stone County, where residents have been going without water amid sub-freezing temperatures.Articles discussed in this episode:How does Arkansas LEARNS impact teachers? We have answers. https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/04/how-does-arkansas-learns-impact-teachers-we-have-answers-part-1https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/08/how-does-arkansas-learns-impact-teachers-we-have-answers-part-2Stone County residents go days without water during winter storm https://arktimes.com/news/2024/01/18/stone-county-residents-go-days-without-water-during-winter-stormEndorsements:https://www.tenement.org/https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/power-broker-01-robert-caro/https://www.riverdale10.com/movie/Barry%5FLyndon%5F1975

In this week's podcast, Benji and EIC Austin Bailey update us on the status of the various ballot initiatives seeking Attorney General Tim Griffin's approval,  Asa Hutchinson's chances in the Iowa caucuses, and developments in the state Board of Corrections' dispute with  the governor. Among the stories referenced in this episode:Amendment to expand medical marijuana program filed with AGhttps://arktimes.com/news/cannabiz/2024/01/12/amendment-to-expand-medical-marijuana-program-filed-with-agArkansas AG's ‘so sue me' attitude worked: FOIA defenders plan to suehttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/12/arkansas-ags-so-sue-me-attitude-worked-foia-defenders-plan-to-sueWith Iowa caucus approaching, Asa Hutchinson barely registers with votershttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/11/with-iowa-caucus-approaching-asa-hutchinson-barely-registers-with-votersBoard of Corrections holds the line, preserves separation of powershttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/11/board-of-corrections-holds-the-line-preserves-separation-of-powersUpdate: Board of Corrections fires Sarah Sanders' hand-picked prison chiefhttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/10/board-of-corrections-fires-sarah-sanders-hand-picked-prison-chief

In this week's podcast, Benji and investigative reporter Matt Campbell take a deep dive (probably too deep) into the tangled dispute between the state Board of Corrections and the governor, attorney general and secretary of corrections. Debra Hale-Shelton updates us on the case of Deitric Williams Jr., a 26-year-old Black man who died while being arrested by Conway police in July. And, Mary Hennigan catches us up again on the Little Rock city beat with a review of 2023's homicide numbers and the latest from the Metropolitan Housing Alliance court case.Among the stories referenced in this episode:Corrections secretary to remain under control of board, not governor, at least for nowhttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/04/corrections-secretary-to-remain-under-control-of-board-not-governor-at-least-for-now Attorney general doubles down in obstructing Board of Corrections from hiring attorney in FOIA casehttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/03/attorney-general-doubles-down-in-obstructing-board-of-corrections-from-hiring-attorney-in-foia-case Shenanigans! Governor, prison board face off over staff shortages, and it's quite a showhttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/12/22/shenanigans-governor-prison-board-face-off-over-staff-shortages-and-its-quite-a-show Court sides with Board of Corrections over governor, blocks new laws over prisons authorityhttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/12/15/court-sides-with-board-of-corrections-over-governor-blocks-new-state-laws-over-prisons-authority Body-cam videos released in arrest of man who died after apprehension by Conway policehttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/05/body-cam-videos-released-in-arrest-of-man-who-died-after-apprehension-by-conway-police Death of Conway man in police custody in July is ruled an accident by prosecutorhttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/04/death-of-conway-man-in-police-custody-in-july-is-ruled-an-accident-by-prosecutorBreaking down the 2023 Little Rock crime datahttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/04/breaking-down-the-2023-little-rock-crime-data Court ruling opens door for Little Rock officials to fill housing commission seatshttps://arktimes.com/news/2024/01/04/court-ruling-opens-door-for-little-rock-officials-to-fill-housing-commission-seats Little Rock's Women & Children First shelter announces $12 million in grantshttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/04/little-rocks-women-children-first-shelter-announces-12-million-in-grants 

On this week's podcast, Austin and Benji dig into the state Board of Corrections' suspension of the governor's corrections secretary, Joe Profiri. (Note: We recorded this episode midday on Friday, Dec. 15; a few hours later, a Pulaski County circuit judge granted a temporary restraining order requested by the Board of Corrections. Catch up on the latest on the Arkansas Blog.)Austin and Benji also discuss the Little Rock School District's approval of a (hugely) increased construction budget for the new West high school. Austin Bailey catches up on the city beat with reporter Mary Hennigan. And, endorsements from Benji and Omaya.Among the stories referenced in this episode:Board suspends corrections secretary, says governor's power grab violates constitution https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/12/14/board-of-corrections-suspends-profiri-with-pay?fbclid=IwAR16UgCyslUsacY0Vm83QQXKq3AFMsUTMRe_U8dABoLSBSKvfSj0f_X70TgCourt sides with Board of Corrections over governor, blocks new laws over prisons authority https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/12/15/court-sides-with-board-of-corrections-over-governor-blocks-new-state-laws-over-prisons-authority?fbclid=IwAR2jEOOeb5ZwF12yhPXo2xibDPFjmiC1GN9EMPA5ByPwV0cWvrTaLk2PgSoThe LR school board approves plans for West high school after huge price jump https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/12/14/lr-school-board-approves-plans-for-west-high-school-after-huge-price-jump?fbclid=IwAR3WC2pUv51EK5P2GimpyYIII54bKH9TGrr1O-Z_XKnoOYgtCtcWWaj-GugArkansas Times Film Series screens ‘Imitation of Life' (1959) Tuesday night https://arktimes.com/rock-candy/2023/12/13/arkansas-times-film-series-screens-imitation-of-life-1959-tuesday-night

In this episode, Arkansas Times' editor-in-chief Austin Bailey and city reporter Mary Hennigan run down local news of the week:https://arktimes.com/news/2023/12/08/fore-better-or-worse-little-rocks-topgolf-opens-dec-22Austin and managing editor Benjamin Hardy discuss a recent ruling from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals on a voting rights case out of Arkansas with a national repercussions: https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/11/20/appeals-court-sides-with-arkansas-federal-judge-on-restricting-voting-rights-act-lawsuitshttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/11/21/national-media-voting-advocates-react-to-catastrophic-ruling-in-arkansas-redistricting-caseThen, Benji and Austin cover the latest from the Little Rock School District. A proposal to move Parkview high school to a new West Little Rock campus appears to be dead, but other big changes are inevitable.https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/12/08/little-rock-school-board-weighs-plans-to-address-districts-budget-crunchAnd, the return of endorsements!

On this week's episode, we discuss the University of Arkansas' hiring of Bobby Petrino to be the Razorbacks' new offensive coordinator.https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/11/29/read-petrinos-permission-slip-to-come-back-to-workA new ballot initiative to restore some abortion rights in Arkansas.https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/11/27/group-aims-to-restore-limited-abortion-rights-in-arkansasAnd, a ballot initiative to enshrine the Arkansas FOIA into the state constitution.https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/11/27/transparency-group-plans-to-submit-foia-amendment-to-attorney-general-monday

Omaya Jones and Arkansas Times managing editor Benjamin Hardy talk about the news that ExxonMobil is going to begin mining for lithium in south Arkansas.https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/11/13/exxon-to-begin-producing-lithium-in-south-arkansas-by-2027-and-scale-up-rapidlyBenjamin Hardy and Editor-in-Chief Austin Bailey discuss more bad news for the Little Rock School District as  well as the state education department's promotion of a private Christian school.https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/11/17/lrsd-board-presses-pause-on-budget-busting-price-tag-for-new-wlr-campushttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/11/16/voucher-mad-arkansas-department-of-education-uses-public-funds-to-promote-private-christian-schoolBenji and city reporter Mary Henningan talk about the ongoing rebuilding after the devastation of the March 31st tornado that went through central Arkansas.https://arktimes.com/news/2023/11/03/seven-months-later-little-rocks-long-road-to-recovery-from-a-devastating-tornadoMusic used in todays episode was composed and performed by Steinbruchel

It's the return of the Arkansas Times' Week in Review Podcast!This week, Omaya Jones talks to managing editor Benjamin Hardy about a new lawsuit against businessman Ted Suhl. Editor-in-chief Austin Bailey discusses the Little Rock school board's decision to combine Hall High School and the West School of Innovation into a single campus. And, Benjamin talks to new Arkansas Times reporter Matt Campbell about the origins of "Lecterngate," nee "Podiumgate".Articles discussed:https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/11/07/suhl-family-attorney-denies-allegations-of-abuse-at-lords-ranchhttps://arktimes.com/news/2022/10/21/trump-seeks-to-protect-clemency-papers-these-include-the-case-of-arkansan-ted-suhlhttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/11/06/lawsuit-alleges-decades-of-sexual-abuse-at-former-youth-facility-run-by-huckabee-associate-ted-suhlhttps://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/11/10/little-rock-school-board-votes-to-combine-two-high-schools-next-school-year

On this episode, we had an opportunity to have a conversation with Dr. Kellee Mitchell Farris. Take a listen as she shares her journey of coming back home to serve and the pure love and care that she has for her community. Dr. Kellee Mitchell Farris has been on the staff at Lee County Cooperative Clinic since 2010. However, her time at LCCC dates back to her childhood. Her father, Dr. L.C. Mitchell, moved his family to Marianna in 1976 to be the Dentist at the Clinic. So, Dr. Farris has strong ties not only to the community, but to the Clinic. She has over 25 years of experience in health care and holds a Ph.D. in Public Health. She also has Master Certificates from Johns Hopkins University in Healthcare Data Analytics and in Population Health. Dr. Farris began her career at LCCC as the Depression Care Manager and later became the Quality Improvement Coordinator helping LCCC reach Level 3 PCMH Recognition in 2017. While working in the QI Coordinator role, LCCC was able to be awarded several grants and awards for achievement. Since becoming CEO in 2018, Dr. Farris has led the LCCC in receiving the 2019 Governor's Quality Award and celebrating 50 years of service while having one of the most profitable years to that date. Most notably, Dr. Farris has helped lead the way in the Clinic's recent groundbreaking of a new 20,000 square foot facility. This facility is more than double the size of the current facility and will be the focal point for what Dr. Farris calls the “Lee County Cooperative Clinic Campus”. Dr. Farris has developed a plan for the 16-acre campus to include a women's health clinic, pediatric clinic, a program offering clinical rotations for medical students, and housing a wellness/fitness center. Dr. Farris wants to ensure that the community has direct access to quality primary and specialty care without having to travel outside of Eastern Arkansas. Dr. Farris was named the 2019 Community Leader of the Year by the School of Religious Studies, the 2020 Jack Geiger Vision Award recipient by the Community Health Centers of Arkansas, and in 2022 was named one of 5 finalists for the Best CEO by the Arkansas Times. In 2020, Dr. Farris was appointed to the NACHC Quality Improvement Advisory Board. Being a native of Marianna aids in Dr. Farris being able to work with the culturally diverse population. She is very active in the community. She recently ran for elected office in her district, with plans to run again and continue to advocate for hercommunity. She is a volunteer for the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, Rotary, Arkansas Colorectal Cancer Consortium, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is a youth mentor, and volunteers for countless other community projects. Dr. Farris has twochildren, Lawton (12) and Klein (28). Lee County Cooperative Clinic (LCCC) was established by a group of community leaders in 1969 in response to the desperate need for basic health care services for a community struggling with poverty, malnutrition, and insurmountable health care barriers. As the first Federally Qualified Health Center in Arkansas and one of the first in the United Stated, LCCC has provided comprehensive primary and preventative medical and dental care services to the most vulnerable populations. LCCC has grown from one small clinic to a comprehensive primary care delivery system comprised of four clinic sites and a mobile unit that provide medical, dental, and pharmacy services in a three-county area in eastern Arkansas - Lee, Phillips, and St. Francis Counties. LCCC prides itself in offering complementary services (case management, remote patient monitoring, health education, transportation, and Chronic Care Management) to its patients to ensure the “whole” patient is treated. LCCC is continuously looking for programs and strategic partnerships that will help achieve this vision.

Adaja Cooper is a national award-winning, published artist from Little Rock, Arkansas. Born in Magnolia, Arkansas, Cooper has always expressed a passion for art at a young age. Cooper's art has also been published in the Mahyue Magazine, the Little Rock Soirée Magazine, and Hendrix College's Aonian Literary Magazine. She created multiple paintings for the Central Arkansas Library System, one which is featured on a billboard in Little Rock, Arkansas. Cooper has been in multiple galleries including the Hearne Fine Art Gallery, Mosaic Templars Cultural Museum, and The Baum Gallery. She was named a finalist for the 2022 Arkansas Times "Best of Arkansas" in the Visual Art category and was featured on the cover of the July issue of the magazine. Cooper is a recent graduate of   Hendrix College and a recipient of the 2023 Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. During her fellowship, she will travel for a year creating public art that empowers different cultures around the world. Follow her on all social media platforms @adajacooper Support Adaja Cooper by visiting her website adajacooperstudio.com

Auto safety expert, Byron Bloch, joins us to tell the story of how citizens in conjunction with the Sierra Club defeated a highway widening boondoggle in Maryland. Then we welcome microgrids manager at the Green Justice Coalition, Sari Kayyali, to tell us how microgrids in his community have saved money and the environment. Finally, we catch up with the director of Progressive Democrats of America, Alan Minsky, in Washington DC to talk about high speed rail and the post-Bernie progressive movement.Byron Bloch is an independent consultant and court-qualified expert in Auto Safety Design and Vehicle Crashworthiness. Over the years, he has fought for safer fuel tanks, stronger seats, the need for airbags, better truck underride guards, and has testified on these safety issues at Congressional Hearings, and to NHTSA. He contributed to the Sierra Club's successful campaign to strongly oppose and stop the proposed widening of the 1-270 and Capital Beltway and the scheme to also add privatized toll lanes.What we have to do is refocus and say, “We are a people-oriented nation. Not a vehicle-oriented nation.” And if you look at it in those terms—people-oriented nation— then you say, “Well, what are the economics, what are the health and safety issues that affect people?” But instead, it becomes the almighty vehicle-ization of the nation and that means more lanes, more traffic, more lanes, and then more traffic.Byron Bloch Activist and auto safety expertThe corporate state arrives in different manifestations— the military industrial complex, the Pentagon, and this is what's going on at the state level. It doesn't get many national headlines, but it's the merger of corporations with state government. And there's a lot of secrecy involved, a lot of phony promises, a lot of misleading rhetoric, and the legislators are compromised by the campaign contributions and the pressure from the governor's office.Ralph NaderSari Kayyali is a mechanical engineer and the Microgrids Manager at Microgrids Chelsea and Chinatown Power.The technology around clean electric generation—solar panels and battery storage—are experiencing a revolution. Just in the last decade alone, solar panels have dropped to a third of what they used to cost to manufacture. Battery storage has improved dramatically in terms of energy density, cost, and reliability. And so, a lot of places around the country are looking to these as solutions. Microgrids have been around for a while, they don't necessarily need to use clean technology but specifically clean microgrids are really catching on all around the country, and around the world.Sari Kayyali Microgrids Manager at the Green Justice CoalitionAlan Minsky is a lifelong activist, and Executive Director of Progressive Democrats of America. Alan has worked as a progressive journalist for the past two decades, he was Program Director at KPFK Los Angeles from 2009-2018, and he has coordinated Pacifica Radio's national coverage of elections. He is the creator and producer of the political podcasts for The Nation and Jacobin, as well as a contributor to Common Dreams and Truthdig.There's a whole bunch of elements that the progressive movement hasn't been that attentive to. Including things like industrial production and the transformation it requires between business and government to transform American society, so that it's operating on clean energy, so that its industrial manufacturing doesn't have breaks in supply chains… So I got involved with a lot of projects that aren't that common for progressives to be involved in.Alan Minsky, Executive Director of Progressive Democrats of AmericaIn Case You Haven't Heard with Francesco DeSantis1. CNBC reports that the FTC is mulling a proposal to bar Meta (formerly Facebook) from monetizing the data of minors. This follows the agency's allegation that the company violated a 2020 privacy order. The FTC quoted an independent assessor who found “several gaps and weaknesses in Facebook's privacy program” that posed “substantial risks to the public.” Hopefully, this action will put other tech companies on notice regarding monetization of children's data.2. Dr. Steve Feldman, a Jewish dermatologist, is being penalized by the state of Arkansas for his refusal to sign a loyalty pledge to the state of Israel, the Arkansas Times reports. After giving a lecture to medical students in Little Rock, he was prompted to check a box agreeing not to boycott Israel, which he refused to do. As a result, the state is withholding his payment for the lecture. The Arkansas Times also refused to sign the pledge. Feldman said “What's nuts is they're asking a newspaper to say they won't boycott Israel, they're asking Americans who have a conscience, who know Israel is keeping Palestinians from their homes.” The ultra-conservative Supreme Court declined to hear the newspaper's legal challenge to the state law, and therefore it is still in place.3. In Rochester, New York, Coca-Cola is building a new facility. The company predicts this development will yield 250 new jobs. However, the Rochester Beacon has broken down the corporate welfare the conglomerate stands to receive in exchange: $41 million in state and local subsidies, or about $164,000 for each job created.4. A stunning expose in the Guardian shines a light on the beef industry, and specifically, their “messaging machine.” “The beef industry has developed a ‘Digital Command Center” that tracks media outlets and social media for more than 200 beef-related topics” Based in Denver, Colorado, the project which “looks like a military operation” is staffed 24/7 with personnel redundancies to “make sure someone's always watching.”5. In another law enforcement bombshell, longtime LAPD SWAT officer, Sgt. Timothy Colomey, has blown the whistle on the reality of the elite unit. According to Sgt. Colomey, LAPD SWAT is controlled by a violent inner circle known as the “SWAT Mafia” which has perpetuated itself using “excessive force...insubordination, sabotage and cover-ups.” Colomey has put his allegations into a detailed new deposition, available at the LA Times.6. The Department of Education Office for Civil Rights has officially opened an investigation into charges that the George Washington University discriminated against Palestinian students, according to the GW Hatchet. Palestine Legal, which filed the complaint on behalf of three GW students, responded to the news by writing “This is an important step that shows the Office of Civil Rights is taking anti-Palestinian discrimination seriously.” Radhika Sainath, a senior staff attorney at Palestine Legal added “Even if pro-Israel groups don't like it and complain, the law is clear – Palestinian students are entitled to the same educational opportunities and services as other students.”7. In other Palestine news Rep. Rashida Tlaib held an event commemorating the Nakba – literally the catastrophe – of May 15th, 1948 when 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homeland. This event was originally slated to be held at the Capitol Visitors Center, but Speaker McCarthy blocked the ceremony, per CNN. Tlaib responded with a statement, saying, “Speaker McCarthy wants to rewrite history and erase the existence and truth of the Palestinian people, but he has failed to do so.” Finally, Bernie Sanders stepped in and facilitated the event in the Senate HELP Committee hearing room.8. AL.com reports that the Democratic Party of Alabama has abolished the DNC-mandated minority caucuses for youth, LGBTQ, and disabled Democrats. Until now, “those caucuses had the power to nominate at-large members to ensure representation proportionate to Alabama Democratic voters.” State party boss Joe Reed had long opposed theses caucuses, which dilute the influence of the state's Black caucus on the executive committee. Former Senator Doug Jones, the only Democratic Senator in Alabama since 1997, is quoted saying “What the leadership of the Alabama Democratic Party did — was to essentially say that we don't represent the Democratic electorate in Alabama anymore.”9. Kimberly Gardner, St. Louis's elected prosecutor, is being forced to resign from her position under threat from the Missouri state government, per the Missouri Independent. Gardner, a reformist prosecutor, has drawn ire from conservatives and the police union in St. Louis since her tenure began; this came to a head when the Republican legislature threatened a state takeover of her office. In her resignation letter, Gardner wrote “I can neither enable nor allow the outright disenfranchisement of the people of the City of St. Louis.”10. The International Committee of the Democratic Socialists of America announced on Twitter that the Washington DC Council has passed a unanimous resolution urging President Biden to “dismantle the US blockade” and remove Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Don't forget to vote for Put Your Books Down, nominated for Arkansas Times best podcast! Voting closes May 4th - Here's the link:     https://vote.arktimes.com/local-media/podcast?fbclid=IwAR15vkq1bE5DpbvuxdOadws42gZWM7vO0oAqhGgs_vH4iKub_wazp3lWBN0&mibextid=Zxz2cZ%20(https://vote.arktimes.com/local-media/podcast?fbclid=IwAR15vkq1bE5DpbvuxdOadws42gZWM7vO0oAqhGgs_vH4iKub_wazp3lWBN0&mibextid=Zxz2cZ)     Follow Put Your Books Down on social media:     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/putyourbooksdown     Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putyourbooksdown/     Natalie on IG:  https://www.instagram.com/nataliesanderson/     Angela on IG:  https://www.instagram.com/angelabinghamofficial/     Podcast produced by http://clantoncreative.com

Arkansas Times editors Austin Bailey and Lindsey Millar talk about the latest from the legislature, including the continued assault on trans kids, a bid to criminalize affirmative action, an effort to essentially ban books and more.

Arkansas Times editors Austin Bailey and Lindsey Millar talk about the latest from the legislature, including the near passage of Arkansas LEARNS.

Arkansas Times editors Austin Bailey and Lindsey Millar talk about Arkansas LEARNS and other legislative happenings.

Arkansas Times editors Austin Bailey and Lindsey Millar talk about the latest from Arkansas General Assembly.

Arkansas Times editors Austin Bailey and Lindsey Millar talk about the latest from the legislature, Gov. Sarah Sanders' messaging and the potential deal involving the University of Phoenix and the University of Arkansas System.

Arkansas Times editors Austin Bailey and Lindsey Millar talk about the early days of Gov. Sarah Sanders, which have been filled with executive orders, lawmakers filing a lot of culture war legislation and all sorts of fretting over big, terrible bills to come. Also, they discuss the travails of felonious former senator Jeremy Hutchinson. 

In December of 2011, a 911 dispatcher went missing in Arkansas after leaving a Christmas party. When her body was found in a secluded area days later, suspicions immediately fell on someone in her inner circle. This is the story of Dawna Natzke. BONUS EPISODE patreon.com/goingwestpodcast CASE SOURCES 1. Dawna's Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/nwitimes/name/dawna-natzke-obituary?id=21929865 2. The Cinemaholic: https://thecinemaholic.com/dawna-natzke-murder-where-is-kevin-duck-now/ 3. Crime Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXWpXmVmrf0 4. Medium: https://jeancampbell-25104.medium.com/a-killer-in-the-village-dae627265804 5. Arkansas Democrat: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2017/mar/30/officer-advised-of-baby-on-way-20170330/ 6. Hot Springs Village: https://www.explorethevillage.com/ 7. Doris' Obituary: https://caruth-hale.secure.tributecenteronline.com/obituaries/Doris--Marie-Smith?obId=25882119 8. Homer's Obituary: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/51666021/homer-h-smith 9. The Times: https://www.newspapers.com/image/309410118/?terms=dawna%20moeller&match=1 10. The Times: https://www.newspapers.com/image/310354610/?terms=dawna%20moeller%20todd%20natzke&match=1 11. Times Record: https://www.swtimes.com/story/news/local/2020/10/21/villagers-death-brought-domestic-violence-awareness/114452702/ 12. Arkansas Times: https://arktimes.com/news/cover-stories/2013/06/13/will-dawna-natzkes-killer-ever-be-brought-to-justice 13. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorrell.investigations/posts/kevin-duck-files-an-appeal-in-the-murder-conviction-of-dawna-natzkekevin-filed-t/1528769410501519/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arkansas Times editors Max Brantley and Lindsey Millar talk about the early days of Gov.-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders, donor drama at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and other odds and ends.

Arkansas Times editors Austin Bailey and Lindsey Millar talk about the conclusion of the federal court trial over Arkansas's first in the nation ban on gender-affirming care for minors, a monumental state Supreme Court ruling and Governor Hutchinson's presidential warm-up.

Arkansas Times editors Max Brantley and Lindsey Millar talk about the election results and the latest on the showdown over who will be the next University of Arkansas chancellor.

Arkansas Times editors Max Brantley and Lindsey Millar talk about the upcoming elections and the mess at Little Rock City Hall.

Arkansas Times editors Max Brantley and Lindsey Millar talk about the coming midterm election, the federal court case challenging Arkansas's ban on gender-affirming care for children and the federal government dropping its case against former lobbyist Gilbert Baker.

Arkansas Times editors Max Brantley and Lindsey Millar talk about the search for the next University of Arkansas chancellor, the latest on Arkansas public officials' transphobia and Mike Huckabee meddling in the Little Rock mayor's race.

Arkansas Times editors Max Brantley and Lindsey Millar talk teachers salaries, campaigns around ballot issues and the Little Rock mayoral election and LITFest.

Arkansas Times editors Max Brantley and Lindsey Millar talk about the state Supreme Court clearing the recreational marijuana amendment for the November ballot, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.'s very bad week and other odds and ends.

Arkansas Times editors Max Brantley and Lindsey Millar talk about Governor Hutchinson and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge endorsing discrimination of LGBTQ people, similar demagoguing happening at the Conway School Board, the death of Ken Starr, the latest on the ethics scandal involving Sen. Alan Clark and the health of Sarah Huckabee Sanders. 

Arkansas Times editors Austin Bailey and Lindsey Millar talk about Alan Clark and ethics violations, an important coming U.S. Supreme Court case that has AG Leslie Rutledge and Chief Justice Dan Kemp on opposing sides and Governor Hutchinson's campaign against the legalization of marijuana.

Arkansas Times editors Austin Bailey and Lindsey Millar talk about law enforcement officers brutally beating a man during an arrest in Crawford County, the latest on a lawsuit challenging Arkansas's ban on gender-affirming care for minors and the Little Rock mayor's race. 

This week we're in Arkansas talking about two unsolved murders in North Little Rock. Then, we'll discuss the shocking murder of a local cheerleader. Buckle up and join us on this dark and twisted ride through the Diamond State. Please be sure to follow: Justice for April Harris Mother of Four on Facebook Anyone with information can call the Sheriff's Office at 501-340-6963 or the Central Arkansas Crime Stopper Tip Line at 501-340-8477. You can remain anonymous! You may now join us on Patreon or buy us a Cocktail. Be sure to subscribe on Apple and leave a review, or, email us at unitedstatesofmurder@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! Interested in your own digital "If I Go Missing" file? Get 20% off here: HelpYouFind.Me and be sure to use promo code USOFM Sources: Uncovered, THV11, Fox 16 News, Arkansas Times, Cinemaholic, KATV, Nance v. Norris Music by Pixabay --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unitedstatesofmurder/support

In this episode, I speak with Kevin Shalin, food reviewer and blogger for The Mighty Rib! He's a beloved icon in the Little Rock restaurant scene, and prides himself on authentic, unbiased chronicles of local cuisine. His work has been featured in publications like Only In Arkansas, Arkansas Times, and AY Magazine. The Mighty Rib Facebook page has an estimated monthly reach of about half a million viewers! Kevin talks to us about how he transformed his hobby into a career, built trust amongst a digital audience, and why he chooses to spotlight restaurants and their staff in his writing, rather than himself.Support the show

Arkansas Times editors Max Brantley and Lindsey Millar talk about the special legislative session, a paltry slate of maternal health care initiatives Governor Hutchinson announced this week, the Republican reaction to the FBI investing President Trump for violating the Espionage Act and more.

Arkansas Times editors Max Brantley and Lindsey Millar talk about the state Board of Election Commissioners rejecting ballot titles for a recreational marijuana amendment and a prohibition on casinos in Pope County, the release of a school safety report, the coming special legislative session and the Little Rock millage vote.

Arkansas Times editors Max Brantley and Lindsey Millar talk about state lawmakers' refusal to give teachers raises, the continue fallout from Arkansas's trigger law to ban nearly all abortions, new revelations about a fatal Little Rock Police Department car chase and more.

Arkansas Times editors Max Brantley and Lindsey Millar preview the coming legislative special session, discuss President Biden's executive order on abortion and how it impacts Arkansas, talk about the latest on the state Senate ethics scandal, consider the latest trend of the coronavirus, talk about the marijuana amendment and more.