Good morning, Arkansas! From missing persons to political shakeups, school choice funding, and Razorback baseball in Omaha. Let’s get into it ⬇️

🔍 MISSING IN ARKANSAS
Arkansas ranks 8th in the nation for open missing persons cases — and over 100 children are still missing statewide. We break down the numbers, new alert systems, and how the state is modernizing the way cases are handled.

🗳️ SENATE DISTRICT 15 HEATS UP
A third Democrat has jumped into the race to replace Sen. Fred Love. Educator Dr. Charity Smith-Allen joins what’s becoming one of the most competitive primaries in Arkansas.

💸 VOUCHER FUNDING SOARS
Lawmakers just approved another $90 million for the Educational Freedom Account program. Over 44,000 families have applied for the upcoming school year. We explain what it means, who’s applying, and how the money works.

⚾ HOGS STAY HOT IN OMAHA
Arkansas takes down UCLA in a must-win game at the College World Series. Aloy homers, Root dominates on the mound, and now it’s on to a rematch with LSU tonight.

🎙️ Subscribe to stay updated on the top stories shaping Arkansas — politics, policy, people, and the things you care about.

#ArkansasNews #FreeArkansas #ArkansasPolitics #LEARNSAct #MissingPersons #ARLeg #Razorbacks #CollegeWorldSeries #CharitySmithAllen

📢 Today on the Arkansas Daily Briefing – June 17, 2025🧑‍⚖️ Library Book Law Back in CourtThe state is appealing a federal judge’s ruling that struck down parts of Act 372, Arkansas’ controversial library materials law. Attorney General Tim Griffin says the decision was overbroad and that the state has a right to regulate obscene materials for minors.⚖️ Corrections Board Drama Heats UpThe Arkansas Board of Corrections votes to open settlement talks over its lawsuit with AG Griffin—but Griffin fires back, calling the board’s attorney illegally hired and saying he has no interest in settling.🚨 Grant Hardin Pleads Not Guilty to Escape ChargeThe former police chief convicted of murder and rape walked out of a state prison in May. Now he's pleading not guilty, and a trial is set for November. He's currently locked up at Varner Supermax.⚾️ Razorbacks vs. UCLA – Elimination Game TonightAfter a no-hitter by Gage Wood — just the third in College World Series history — Arkansas takes on UCLA in a must-win game. Winner faces LSU. 🌩 Weather delays are in play, so watch the clock.📉 Black Mayors Association Sued Over $87M Grant DisputeA Little Rock consulting firm says it helped secure millions in USDA flood prevention funding, but never got paid. Now they’re suing for over $51K, plus damages.🗳️ 2026 House Races Shake Up👑 Beth Anne Rankin Baker, former Miss Arkansas and longtime Huckabee policy adviser, jumps into the race for District 99 with a lineup of big-name endorsements.📦 Rep. Fran Cavenaugh won’t seek re-election and backs Josh Longmire to take her place in District 30.🌲 Schools Wanted for Outdoor Education PilotThe Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is now accepting applications from schools to join a first-of-its-kind outdoor education pilot. Only 30 schools will be chosen. This is your chance to integrate outdoor learning directly into the school day. Interested admins should email 👉 [email protected].📬 Subscribe for more Arkansas news, politics, policy, and razorback updates — every weekday.#ArkansasNews #FreeArkansas #CWS2025 #Razorbacks #LibraryLaw #CorrectionsBoard #GrantHardin #BethAnneBaker #ArkansasPolitics #OutdoorEducation #DailyBriefing

In this episode of Free Enterprise Arkansas, host Andy McNeill sits down with Marshall Saviers — CEO of Sage Partners and co-founder of Natural Capital Partners — for a deep dive into what’s fueling the explosive growth of Northwest Arkansas.

🌆 What’s Covered:

• Why office space in NWA is booming — with record-low vacancy rates

• The rise of Centerton and outlying towns, and the infrastructure crunch that’s following

• Why Northwest Arkansas is beating national trends on real estate, jobs, and livability

• Behind the scenes of Natural Capital Partners and how they're mobilizing capital for Arkansas-based growth

• What’s still holding us back: health care deserts, sewer limitations, and political distractions

• Why pro sports (like soccer) and public investment matter for long-term momentum

📊 Real stats. Big vision. And Marshall’s personal take on leadership, entrepreneurship, and what makes Arkansas special — plus how he thinks we can build a better, more connected future.

🎧 Tune in for a straight-shooting conversation on real estate, capital, and how to plan smart for Arkansas' future.

#NorthwestArkansas #ArkansasEconomy #FreeArkansas #MarshallSaviers #RealEstate #Entrepreneurship #Infrastructure #NaturalCapital #AndyMcNeill

It’s Friday the 13th, and we’re covering everything from spooky superstitions to serious headlines across Arkansas.

🐕Pitbulls are the culprits in 15-year-old's death in Saline County.
🪦 Little Rock is ordered to follow the law after removing a Confederate monument.
🚨 A murderer stabs two jail deputies with a homemade spear.
🏈 A Quitman coach suspended after locker room harassment fallout.
🐊 And if you want to hunt a gator this fall, applications open Saturday.

Quick, sharp, and all Arkansas. Subscribe for more.

#ArkansasNews #FridayThe13th #FreeArkansas #DailyBriefing

Today’s episode covers major news from across the state — from legal battles and political spats to tragedy and baseball.⛪ Ten Commandments Lawsuit Hits Federal CourtA group of Arkansas families is suing to block Act 573, the new state law requiring public schools and libraries to display the Ten Commandments. ⚖️ Newsom vs. Sanders: Homicide Stats and Political FireAfter Gov. Sarah Sanders criticized California’s handling of unrest, Gov. Gavin Newsom hit back on X — pointing out that Arkansas' homicide rate is nearly double California's. 🐕 Dog Mauling Turns Deadly in Saline CountyA 15-year-old girl was killed while trying to feed neglected dogs on a rural property in Saline County. Neighbors say they had warned officials for years about the dangerous conditions — but no action was taken until it was too late.⚾ Hogs vs. LSU: Omaha Showdown BeginsArkansas faces LSU in Game 1 of the College World Series this Saturday at 6 p.m. 🎧 Subscribe for daily Arkansas headlines — no fluff, just the facts.#ArkansasNews #TenCommandments #SarahSanders #GavinNewsom #CollegeWorldSeries #Razorbacks #SalineCounty

Full Moon, Full News Cycle 🌕🍓

On today’s episode:
🍬 Arkansas becomes one of the first states approved to ban junk food, soda, and candy from SNAP benefits.
⚖️ Senator Fred Love’s lawsuit against Pulaski County gets tossed.
🗳️ Meanwhile, the race for Love’s open Senate seat is heating up — his wife ShaRhonda is running, but so is Rep. Tara Shephard.
📲 Watch your phone: scam texts are circulating across Arkansas pretending to collect traffic fines. Spoiler: there’s no such thing as the Arkansas Vehicle Administration.
🚨 Total meltdown in Jefferson County: eight JPs walk out, one man gets tased, and the local government continues to unravel in public.
🔥 “No Kings” protests are set for nine Arkansas cities this weekend.

🎧 Subscribe for the latest news out of Arkansas — politics, policy, and everything in between.
🧠 Stay informed. Stay sharp. Stay free.

📍Listen now. Share it if you care.

#ArkansasNews #SNAP #SarahSanders #FredLove #TaraShephard #NoKings #JeffersonCounty #PineBluff #ArkansasPolitics #DailyBriefing

📢 Arkansas ranks 45th in child well-being — again. We break down the brutal stats in this year’s Kids Count report. Plus:⚾ Razorbacks are headed to Omaha after a huge win over Tennessee💰 Lobbyist spending hits a record $1.6M — and it wasn’t just about pharmacy laws🚨 Escaped killer Grant Hardin found just 1.5 miles from prison🗺️ Federal court rules Arkansas’s congressional map is legal⚖️ Audit reveals $230K in unpaid legal bills in lawsuit against Gov. Sanders🔫 Third arrest in Conway park mass shooting

From the ER to the State Capitol — Arkansas Rep. Dr. Lee Johnson joins Free Arkansas for a wide-ranging, no-nonsense look at the state of healthcare in Arkansas.📉 Arkansas ranks 47th in overall healthcare — and Dr. Johnson explains exactly why. From sky-high obesity and smoking rates to rural hospital closures and critical provider shortages, we break down the root causes and what can be done.💡 Topics include:Why Arkansas can’t retain rural hospitals — and what local communities are doing to keep them afloatThe shortage of both specialists and primary care physicians across the state1.2 million Arkansans are on Medicaid, but 145,000 don’t even have an assigned doctorDr. Johnson’s thoughts on Ozempic, preventive care, PBMs, training reforms, and how AI might shake up the systemCommon-sense health reforms that could make a difference now📍Whether you're a policymaker, patient, or just trying to make sense of Arkansas’ broken healthcare system, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.#Arkansas #Healthcare #Medicaid #RuralHealth #PublicPolicy #FreeArkansas

Beige Book Breakdown, Medicaid Reform, Outdoor School, and More

In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the latest Federal Reserve Beige Book report — and what it says about Arkansas’ economic outlook. Spoiler: we’re holding steady, but there’s plenty of warning signs.

Plus:
📉 Arkansas businesses brace for higher tariffs and rising costs
🛒 Consumer spending shifts and retail slowdowns
🏭 Manufacturing and real estate trends
🌾 “Friendshoring” takes hold in supply chains

Also in this episode:
🚨 Manhunt update on escaped inmate Grant Hardin
🍼 Two big Medicaid reforms aimed at improving maternal health
🗳️ New faces enter the 2026 Arkansas election field
🌲 Outdoor education pilot program launches statewide

📢 Like, comment, and share to stay in the loop on what’s happening across the Natural State.

#ArkansasNews #FreeArkansas #Economy #Medicaid #ArkansasPolitics #OutdoorEducation #BeigeBook #DailyBriefing

Today’s top stories in Arkansas:

🗳️ Arkansas ranked #1 for election integrity

🌬️ Newton County bans wind and solar farms🌊 Conway County farmers warn: levees are failing⚖️ AG Griffin refuses race-based Ethics Commission appointment📉 Math teacher prep gets national praise — but scores still lag🦌 AGFC deer hunt permits now open
📅 Aired: June 4, 2025