• Legal expert Dr. Bailey Fairbanks discusses the Arkansas Supreme Court
    Aug 5 2024

    In this episode of For AR People, we are thrilled to host legal expert Dr. Bailey Fairbanks, Assistant Professor at the University of Central Arkansas in the Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies. Dr. Fairbanks brings her extensive research in Public Law and American Politics to the table, discussing the pivotal role of state supreme courts, the key legal issues at play, and potential ways the Court might resolve the Arkansas Abortion lawsuit. With a curriculum that spans U.S. Government & Politics, Civil Liberties, Constitutional Law, American Judicial Systems, Diversity, Equity, and the Law, Dr. Fairbanks provides a comprehensive and insightful perspective for Arkansans.

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    32 mins
  • Natural State, Unnatural Hate: The fight for LGBTQ rights in Arkansas
    Jun 20 2024

    It's PRIDE month, y'all! Except that in Arkansas, y'all doesn't always mean everyone. Recently it was reported that Arkansas is the worst state to live in if you are LGBTQ, which is not surprising for queer people in the Natural State. Joining the pod to discuss this terrible reality is State Representative Tippi McCullough, the state's first openly gay legislator, a longtime educator, and an advocate for LGBTQ rights in Arkansas.

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    34 mins
  • Fiscal recap + adoption curriculum curveball!
    May 21 2024

    Fiscal session is over (sorta) and we hit the high points. We'll also tell you about a weird new law requiring public schools to teach 6-12 graders about adoption. It's a bizarre as it sounds. Plus, Caleb, our social media wizard, joins the pod today. Join us!

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    19 mins
  • 2024 Fiscal Session Week 2 Recap
    Apr 23 2024

    Fiscal session week 2 recap is here. Mostly we talk lectern audit with a dash of crypto. Plus: crisis pregnancy centers, the Arkansas Abortion Amendment (SIGN IT ASAP), and taxpayers footing a very expensive bill for the Governor’s security. Taylor Swift and Willie Carlisle also get special mentions. All of this in exactly 28 minutes and zero seconds. Catch up now!

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    28 mins
  • 2024 Fiscal Session Week 1 Recap
    Apr 13 2024

    We're back! This series is all about fiscal session but we promise to include regular Arkansas political drama, too. From cognitive dissonance to rank dishonesty, we explore the nuances of fiscal policy-making and its impact on Arkansas communities.

    Join us as we navigate the tangled web of legislative decisions, from education funding to the wild frontier of cryptocurrency, uncovering hidden agendas and real frustrations along the way. Don't miss out on the inside scoop as we decode the rhetoric, confront the challenges, and anticipate the spicy showdowns shaping the future of Arkansas.












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    27 mins
  • The Impact of Losing Medicaid: Sarah's story
    Jul 13 2023

    As states clean up their Medicaid rolls post COVID-19, Arkansas is doing it in half the time. One major consequence is that over a hundred thousand residents have lost their health insurance. The majority of removals are for procedural reasons — think missing paperwork and incorrect mailing addresses. Today we're sharing one woman's experience with losing coverage for her kids.

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    19 mins
  • LEARNS Act lawsuit and the Firehose of Falsehood
    Jun 1 2023

    The first thing Secretary Jacob Oliva did before Marvell-Elaine School District entered a contract with the Friendship Education Foundation? Fire everyone.

    The Governor and education Secretary Oliva are engaged in state-sponsored scare tactics in Marvell-Elaine, hoping plaintiffs will drop case against the LEARNS Act.

    Hannah and Gennie break down the beef the state has with the lawsuit and shed light on propaganda tactics the pro-LEARNS crew is using to shore up support and scare the opposition.

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    54 mins
  • Do school board elections really matter?
    May 6 2023

    If you don't have kids, aren't in public school, or find budgets boring, why would a school board election even matter? We're here to tell you exactly why — and the great news is there are elections just around the corner on Tuesday, May 9th. Join us!


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    38 mins