Here’s the open line and today’s news video. Also:

Advertisement

* NEW JOB: I learned this morning that Ryan James had been introduced to staff as communications director for the Arkansas Insurance Department. James, a long-time Republican political operator, served a short stint as chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman but left following a traffic ticket mishap.

It was announced last week that “transitions” of programs in the Insurance Department would mean layoffs of six employees, including department spokesman Seth Blomeley, who’d been hired by former Director Jay Bradford, an appointee of Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe. The director now is Allen Kerr, a former Republican legislator tapped by Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

James says he is replacing Alice Jones, who’s retiring from her job.

Advertisement

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article Let there be room for bikes on Chester Street Next article Convicted state cop says Jim Bob Duggar didn’t tell him truth about molestation