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Casting out demons

Casting out demons

March 12, 2015

Vol 41 • No 27

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Casting out demons: why Justin Harris got rid of kids he applied pressure to adopt

Rep. Justin Harris blames DHS for the fallout related to his adoption of three young girls, but sources familiar with the situation contradict his story and paint a troubling picture of the adoption process and the girls' time in the Harris household.

Inconsequential News Quiz: Dog Sniffin' Edition

Play at home!

Dr. Dog at Hendrix

Also, Fantastic Cinema Film Festival, 2nd Friday Art Night, Bombay Harambee and Ghost Bones at White Water, the First Ever 12th Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade in Hot Springs and 'National Gallery' at Ron Robinson.

It's a grocery store, it's a bar

It's Whole Foods, keeping it real.

Whirr

More than 50 high school teams from the U.S. and Canada participated in the finals of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics regional competition held Saturday, March 7, at Barton Coliseum.

Eagle killer identified

Invasive-plant-loving algae suggested as culprit.

Ghost Bones for the win

In the 2015 Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase.

Tabriz at Arts Center

Also, the Downtown Dash 5K and 10K.

Young Arkansans: seeds of a progressive rebirth?

What about the political predispositions of the millennial generation in Arkansas? A former student who is smack-dab in the middle of the millennial generation wrote last week to ask what recent polling is telling us about that question. In terms of partisanship, ideology and stances on key issues, are they more like their peers elsewhere in the nation or more like older Arkansans?

Cotton ploy result: Iran gets the bomb

Sen. Tom Cotton's big grandstanding play against President Obama may not produce the war with Iran or some other Muslim country that he seems to want, but it might give us the next worst thing, a nuclear-armed Iran.

The education legislature

Republican political control in Arkansas means many things: lots of gun bills, lots of anti-abortion bills, lots of efforts to make religious belief law, such as discrimination against gay people.

Every secret thing

The Observer came into the office on Tuesday morning, not quite bright-eyed or bushy tailed thanks to Daylight Savings Time jetlag, to find our colleague Benji Hardy conked out asleep in yet another colleague's office, Benji having pulled an all-nighter to bring you, Dear Reader, this week's cover story.

It is evil, Rep. Harris

Harris' conclusion is absolutely correct, but it has nothing to do with the article. It IS evil. You don't like your new kids which you've adopted? Well just give 'em away to somebody. Give them to a potential sex abuser. I'll give Harris the benefit of the doubt on this because, at the time, he might not have known this could happen. Maybe, maybe not.

Pass to Portis

As I craft this week's Pearls, the news that Arkansas sophomore wunderkind Bobby Portis was correctly tabbed SEC Player of the Year has crept across my metaphorical ticker.

Poor Tom

Love and affection (not so much), School Inc., Rapert revealing God's plan, a cancer sniffin' dog and more.

Fleetwood Mac show at Verizon Arena postponed

Verizon Arena announced late last night that the March 11 Fleetwood Mac concert has been postponed due to an illness. Details of a new date will be announced soon.

Talking Tall: Bobby Jindal and Rick Perry jump on Tom Cotton's bandwagon

Judging from Twitter, the latest fad in extremist circles is to join Sen. Tom Cotton's foray into usurping presidential authority for international diplomacy by waving a finger at Iran in hopes of provoking a conflict on which his backers in the defense industry can make some money. So when do the usual Arkansas suspect fall in line?

A delay on landlord-tenant bill, with continued Realtor opposition

Legislative consideration of a bill to modestly improve landlord-tenant law has been delayed and faces a tough future with continued opposition from the Arkansas Realtors Associaiton, which favors the status quo.

School voucher bill filed by Rep. Bob Ballinger

Add a giveaway of state tax dollars to private schools as part of the agenda set by last-minute billing filings.

A few facts before passage of another anti-abortion bill

A bill to ban a widely followed off-label use of a pill used to induce miscarriages is on the Senate committee calendar today, a good time to mention many other off-label drug uses that the Arkansas legislature is overlooked in its supposed zeal to protect women.

Dave and Buster's behind gambling expansion bill; Oaklawn casino opposed

KATV dug up the specific reason for a bill we mentioned earlier, Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson's proposal to dramatically expand prizes that can be awarded for playing coin-opertaed games. He says it's about a Dave and Buster's for a new outlet mall, but it would allow much more than that.

Casting out demons: The latest on the Justin Harris adoption story

Benji Hardy has written for this week's Times another deeply reported account of the circumstances of the adoption of three children by Rep. Justin Harris, two of whom he found difficult and placed in the home who later molested one of them. Political pressure, demonic possession and criticism of state Human Services decisions are included in the extensive report.

Teach for America members don't make a career of teaching

Teach for America, touted by school reformers as a way to use lightly trained but energetic young college grads to help lagging schools, burns through members quickly, a new study finds. It supports critics who think the program does more harm than good.

Review pans Mike Huckabee's latest 'book' as 'extended pander'

Michael Tomasky in the New York Review of Books reviews the latest work of some potential Republican candidates, including Mike Huckabee. It's a pander to Iowa evangelical GOP caucus voters, he concludes.

Hump day freebies are plentiful for legislature

A legislator can get three free meals and cocktails galore today, despite the so-called new ethics amendment, though a designated driver might be needed for somebody who tippled at all of them.

Bird flu case reported in Arkansas

A news release from the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission says a case of bird flu has been found in a commercial turkey flock in northern Arkansas.

EPA proposes plan to reduce haze in Arkansas

The EPA has proposed a plan to reduce haze in Arkansas that will require some pollution-reducing equipment at Entergy's Independence power plant. The plan is aimed at improving air quality in places like the Buffalo National River and Ouachita National Forest.

Mama's Gyros is a pleasant surprise in Sherwood

It's always a pleasure when a restaurant exceeds expectations, and despite the plastic plates Mama's Gyros in Sherwood was a tasty bit of serendipity.

Minority leader calls Justin Harris matter a 'distraction'; says he should consider resigning

State Rep. Eddie Armstrong of North Little Rock, leader of the Democratic minority in the House, held a news conference today to talk about his meetings with Department of Human Services officials about Rep. Justin Harris' dealing with the agency in his now-controversial adoption of children.

Gov. Hutchinson declines opportunity to say he'd sign Tom Cotton letter to Iran

Leslie Newell Peacock asked Gov. Asa Hutchinson at a news conference today if he'd sign on to Sen. Tom Cottton's hectoring letter to Iran, a controversial missive that La. Gov. Bobby Jindal has said he'd sign and which former Texas Gov. Rick Perry has also said he'd like to sign. He dodged.

Governor lends support to public school privatization bill

Gov. Asa Hutchinson had good things to say today about Rep. Bruce Cozart's bill that would, among others, allow the state to turn over operation of some or all of the Little Rock School District to private corporations.

Open line and daily video roundup

The open line and video roundup.

Gaudin makes good: Mini Maker Faire coming to NLR

Two years ago, Argenta developer, artist and idea man John Gaudin told the Arkansas Times he wanted to bring a what's called a Maker Faire to 

Morning minutia: Legislation to protect bank from lawful taxes

Todd Turner, an Arkadelphia lawyer, steps in today for one of those lessons in what's behind one of the dozens of arcane pieces of legislation that sail into law every legislative session with the public none the wiser. Here it's a bailout for big banks at the expense of county government.

Worse than Texas? When it comes to gay bigotry, could be

Will Arkansas look worse than Texas on discriminating against gay people by providing a religious exception to routine accommodations and services? So far, it's looking that way.

Report: Praying out demons at Rep. Justin Harris' pre-school

A parent reports that Justin Harris and his wife pray out demons as a means of dealing with misbehaving children at their state-funded pre-school, Growing God's Kingdom.

State Board of Education chair says school legislation a surprise. Also: Walton-paid lobbyist introduced to facts

A KUAR report on the pending legislation backed by Walton-funded lobbyists to allow private companies to run parts or all of the former Little Rock School District includes some second thoughts from Little Rock lawyer Sam Ledbetter, chair of the state Board of Education.

The New Orleans charter school 'miracle'

When advocates for turning Little Rock public schools over to private companies talk about the "miracle" of New Orleans charter school plan, check the facts and this film.

Today's free meals for legislators

Here's the freebie report. Some fine grilled meat tops the agenda.

The missing link: Pre-K education

The Citizens First Congress has produced a new video as part of a campaign to urge Gov. Asa Hutchinson to increase support for pre-K education, which hasn't had an increase in state support since 2007.

UPDATE: State Board of Education keeps Pulaski County in fiscal distress status

The state Board of Education reviewed the Pulaski County Special School District's situation this morning and decided to keep it in fiscal distress status and thus under state control. Jerry Guess has been serving as interim superintendent of the district since June 2011.

Bill to strip qualifications for education commissioner clears House committee

Over objections from some members, the House Education Committee today approved SB 681 to eliminate the requirement that the education commissioner have a teacher's certificate, a master's degree and 10 years of teaching and administrative experience.

Exorcism and evangelicals

Prompted by the Justin Harris adoption controversy, Amanda Marcotte writes in Slate about about belief in demonic possession among "fringe fundamentalists."

Not sure about @thecorner

New downtown eatery opens with limited menu and can't live up to attractive space.

Astronomers rap Little Rock for defeating light pollution bill

The Central Arkansas Astronomical Society has issued a statement blaming the city of Little Rock and the Arkansas Municipal League for defeat of HB 1003, which would have strengthened regulation of outdoor lighting. It would have, among others, required shielding on new lights.

DHS: Harris babysitter's description of home would likely merit call to child abuse hotline

Asked specifically if "keeping a child locked in a room everyday for at least four hours" — a situation described by a babysitter for Justin and Marsha Harris — constituted abuse, a DHS spokesperson said it would likely result in a call to the child abuse hotline for possible investigation.

Secretary of State Mark Martin says Harris "humble and gentle," his critics "hypocritically self-righteous"

A reader from Northwest Arkansas passes along this series of screenshots from a Facebook exchange with Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin about the adoption and "rehoming" of two young girls adopted by Rep. Justin Harris. Martin said that people who judge the Harrises' action are being "hypocritical." As for our story on the case, Martin called the Arkansas Times "the worst most vile source of information I have ever seen in my life."

Wendell Griffen declines to get off Little Rock school takeover lawsuit

Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen today denied a motion by defendants that he not preside over the lawsuit challenging the state takeover of the Little Rock School District.

Thursday's open line and video roundup. Plus a big drug bust

The Thursday open line and daily video headlines.

Remains found on Petit Jean are those of John Glasgow

The human remains found Wednesday on Petit Jean Mountain are those of John Glasgow, the Little Rock construction executive missing since 2008.The family has scheduled a 4 p.m. news conference.

New shows for a 10-year-old 2nd Friday Art Night

For the 10th anniversary of the monthly gallery stroll 2nd Friday Art Night, art fans are going to get to see some work by artists like Neal Harrington, Tammy Harrington, David Mudrinich, Warren Criswell and many more AND the Arkansas Foodbank should get contributions of canned good. The Art Can theme honors the original gallery organizers Debra Wood (who owned ArtSpace Gallery and who is now with the Foodbank), Louise Terzia (formerly of the Historic Arkansas Museum and now with Argenta Gallery) and Reita Miller (the former arts coordinator for CALS).

Strange bedfellows: Lobbyist edition

Lobbyist Laurie Lee works the right-wing on school choice bills while also drawing a paycheck from a gun control lobby.

Attorney general again blocks idea to change wet-dry election requirements

David Couch, the Little Rock attorney who's worked on previous alcohol sales ballot initiatives, has been turned down a second time by Attorney General Leslie Rutledge on a proposal to change the signature requirements for local option elections

Fire displaces 10 at Chenal apartment complex

KARK reports that a fire about 2 a.m. this morning at the Chenal Place Apartments damaged six apartments and displaced 10 people, but there were no serious injuries.

Oklahoma takes the lead in gay discrimination; legislator wants businesses to 'own' it

Oklahoma is leading the Arkansas legislature in measures to discriminate against gay people by abolishing marriage licenses. But one legislator wants businesses that discriminate to be proud of it and post their policies.

Light swill day. TGIF. But the soft drink lobby will be working.

A standing Friday lunch at Doe's is the only freebie on the official calendar for the legislature today. A lobbyist with a soft drink tax reduction bill is among the hosts who'll be pouring.

Marriage is so sacred in Arkansas people do it over and over again

Arkansas leads the country in multiple marriages, including in the percentage who've been married three or more times. And they say it is the gay people who are ruining marriage.

As crime concerns rise, Little Rock mayor names a task force

Mayor Mark Stodola has appointed a crime prevention task force.

Darren McFadden going to Dallas Cowboys

A sports headline: Former Arkansas running back Darren McFadden has signed a reported $5 million, two-year deal to play with the Dallas Cowboys, owned by another Arkie.

Crystal Bridges to exhibit $44 million O'Keeffe

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art today announced its acquisition of Georgia O'Keeffe's "Jimson Weed/White Flower" (though it had been widely reported earlier) and an exhibition of the painting and others from the museum's collection March 28 through May 10.

Fire code change approved over fire marshal's objections; will help sale of device with political investors

A bill to change the state fire code to allow temporary door barriers that could be engaged in active shooter situations in schools was approved in a voice vote this morning by the House Insurance and Commerce Committee despite strong objections from State Police Capt. Lindsey Williams, who serves as state fire marshal.

Rutledge: Milligan will pay $1,000 fine for illegal hiring

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge has concluded a a review of Treasurer Dennis Milligan's illegal hiring of a first cousin with an agreement that Miligan will pay the maximum civil penalty of $1,000.

Want to help the library? Don't claim a refund of contested tax

Letters have gone out this week notifying Little Rock property taxpayers of a potential refund from settlement of a lawsuit over a 1.5-mill library property tax increase that a court held was improperly collected for seven months in 2008. Unclaimed money will revert to the library, a good use we think.

UPDATE: State tries again to get Judge Griffen off Little Rock school takeover case

Attorneys for the state Education Department objected yesterday afternoon to Judge Wendell Griffen's refusal to recuse from the lawsuit challenging the state Board of Education's takeover of the Little Rock School District.

Listen to Lo Thraxx's new mixtape, 'Sharkansas'

"Sharkansas," the new mixtape from Little Rock rapper Lo Thraxx has been one of our most anticipated local releases of the year, and it's out as of this afternoon. It features Two 9's Curtis Williams, Raz Fresco, Houston rappers Doeman and Roosh Williams, plus production by Fresco Grey, Trakksounds and others.

House approves bill to give regular school districts same waivers charters get

The House toay voted 58-18 to approve HB 1377 by Rep. Reginald Murdock to allow a school district to get the same waivers of law that open-enrollment charter schools receive when they draw students from a school district.

Little Rock Film Festival sets 2015 dates, hires new director

The Little Rock Film Festival, now based in the CALS Ron Robinson Theater, has officially announced May 11-17 as its 2015 dates. Additionally, the festival has hired filmmaker and UCA grad Gabe Gentry, who formerly handled the festival's media operations and collaborated on documentary projects with the Renaud Brothers, as its new full-time director. According to the press release:

Ozark Foothills FilmFest announces 2015 lineup

The Ozark Foothills FilmFest, held at Independence Hall on the campus of the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, has announced the lineup for its 2015 festival, which is scheduled for April 3-11. 28 features, documentaries and shorts have been confirmed for the event, including "Northern Borders," starring Bruce Dern, "The Frontier," "Stomping Ground" (billed as “a scary relationship comedy about love and Bigfoot hunting"), "Billy Mize and the Bakersfield Sound" and "Misfire: The Rise and Fall of The Shooting Gallery," a crowd-funded documentary about the production company behind "Stand By Me" and "Sling Blade."

Hutchinson announces committee to study Common Core curriculum

Here's Gov. Asa Hutchinson's announcement of a committee that will review the Common Core curriculum.

Beyond rehoming: crowdfunding an investigative project

The Times has just launched a crowdfunding campaign to support a large-scale investigative project into Arkansas's child welfare system. We're raising money through ioby.org, a platform that supports do-good projects. Donations are tax deductible.

Justin Harris used foster daughter in campaign materials, against DHS rules

State Rep. Justin Harris (R-West Fork) used photos of a foster child his family was planning to adopt during his 2012 re-election campaign. The state Department of Human Services expressly prohibits the public use of photos or any other media that would compromise a foster child's anonymity.

Staff Picks: Misplaced testicles, sushi-cats, 90s video games, 'Virunga' and more

The industrial lathe, remorseless fork lift, or jumbo-sized sausage grinder can be a harsh mistress, my friend. It's dangerous at work, and your Momma wasn't fooling when she said it's all fun and games until somebody loses an eye. With that in mind, I want to recommend ProPublica's interactive, online chart showing the maximum amount Workers' Comp will pay for an on-the-job loss of a bodily appendage in each state.

Hutchinson wants Wes Ward to lead Agriculture Department

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has announced he wants Wes Ward to be Arkansas Agriculture Secretary, a position filled by the Agriculture Board.

Freethinkers promise challenge if Rapert passes Ten Commandments monument

The Arkansas Society of Freethinkers says Sen. Jason Rapert's plan to put a Ten Commandments monument on the Capitol grounds is unconstitutional and will be challenged in court if the legislature adopts it.

Friday open line and headlines. Plus, more on the nepotism beat

The Friday open line and video news roundup. Also: Blue Hog Report notes hiring of legislators' wives by Treasurer Dennis Milligan and Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

The Vile, Socialist, Anti-Christian, Propaganda Edition

The Justin Harris scandal, Tom Cotton in the spotlight, a bill that would allow private charter school operators to take over schools in academic distress, highlights and lowlights from the General Assembly’s bill filing deadline and the persistence of Judge Wendell Griffen — all covered on this week's podcast.

Secretary of State Mark Martin on trip to Ghana

Secretary of State Mark Martin announced on Twitter late last night that he'd be off today on a two-week trip to Ghana to explore business between Arkansas and the African Country.

A higher ed eye on the legislature

So many bills, so few eyes to read them and report. An example is some of the action affecting higher education, based on a recent summary received by college faculty.

So would IKEA do business in Arkansas?

BBC reports that IKEA, the big retailer, is closing a website in Russia for fears it could run afoul of Russian anti-gay laws. IKEA observes legislators where it works to make business decisions.

An open line with 'frightening Tom Cotton' and the nepotism watch

Here's an open line. Say what you will about Arkansas's junior U.S. Senator, Tom Cotton (we've said a lot and a fat lot of good it did at the election) his letter to Iran has certainly gotten him a lot of attention. Is it too soon to say it kind of backfired among rational voters? Here, from Salon, is one bit of fallout — '10 Frightening Facts About Tom Cotton."

More details on Rep. Justin Harris' influence at Human Services

Today, Spencer Willems of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette examined closely DHS e-mail records between Harris and Cecile Blucker, head of the Division of Children and Family Services, that point in very specific ways to Harris' wielding of that influence and of DHS' catering to his interests.

Rep. Nate Bell battles Bail Bond board director

Rep. Nate Bell butted heads with the head of the state Bail Bond licensing board last week on a bill that would enhance law enforcement powers for bail bondsmen. Get your popcorn.

Following the money on the Walton-Hutchinson takeover of Little Rock schools

Judgment day nears on HB 1733, which would implement the Walton billionaires' aim to take over the Little Rock School District. Their tentacles are many. And don't be confused by assurances that they only want a moderate amount of so-called reform.

Marching for gay rights in Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a parade Saturday and there was a strong showing of support for the city's new civil rights ordinance.

Radio Huckster coming in White Hall

Talk Business and Politics reported last week that presidential candidate Mike Huckabee of Florida is a 49 percent investor in a proposed purchase of Radio KTRN in White Hall.

Open line — Bonus media report: the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette joins the free newspaper ranks

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette has started a cutrate subscription offer to bring back some readers lost to rate increases. It's not the only place where signs of business stress are showing in what used to be almost a public utility with guaranteed big profits.

Mike Huckabee's paid quackery may hamper presidential bid

The New York Times examines in depth a subject we've mentioned before: presidential candidate Mike Huckabee's endorsement of dubious products. It's not a flattering recitation.

In the zone: A light lobbying schedule includes a pitch for cities

The freebies tonight include a dinner where some good government might be discussed by legislators intent on wrecking it.

The final days: Nuttery on display at the legislature

John Lyon takes a swing here at some of the weirdness still pending in this legislative session. It is by no means comprehensive, but it gives you a flavor.

UPDATE: Commission approves big state official pay raises

The independent citizens commission established to set pay for state officials will meet at 8:30 a.m. today at University of Arkansas System offices to finalize pay raises for lawmakers, statewide officials and judges.

Senator has payback for city, county lobbies

You think Sen. Bill Sample of Hot Springs hasn't gotten the support he desired from the lobby groups for city and county governments? A payback bill he's filed answers the question.

There Jon Woods goes again; more constitutional trickery to restore chamber of commerce subsidies

Sen. Jon Woods sold voters a bill of goods under an "ethics" label in 2014, for 2016 he's got more constitutional trickery to restore taxpayer subsidies for private chambers of commerce.

Judge Griffen denies delay in school case hearing

Judge Wendell Griffen in a telephone conference last Friday denied a request for a delay in a scheduled preliminary injunction hearing Wednesday and Thursday by plaintiffs in the lawsuit challenging the state Board of Education's takeover of the Little Rock School District.

Nine groups announce opposition to school privatization bill

A coalition of education advocates announced today their firm opposition to HB1733, which would allow the state to privatize public school districts declared in academic distress.

Too long since Tokyo House

Couldn't begin to tell you why it's been so long since I've been to Tokyo House — but I can tell you something about crab legs.

Rep. Justin Harris was eligible for over $28,000 in tax benefits for adopting two girls who were later rehomed

As a result of adopting two children, the Harris family may have received a one-time, nonrefundable federal adoption credit of $12,970 per child in 2013, which could be carried forward to subsequent tax years. The couple might have also claimed a federal Child Tax Credit of up to $1,000 per child, which means the Harrises may have saved some $27,970 in federal income taxes as a result of the adoption, not counting dependency exemptions. The Harrises' attorney has not responded to questions regarding the couple's taxes.

Harris steps down from House committee vice-chairmanship

Rep. Justin Harris is stepping down as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative & Military Affairs, although he'll stay on the committee as a voting member. He's also leaving the Joint Performance Review Committee (but not Joint Budget).

Press? What press? House passes another FOI-restricting bill

The House voted 70-4 to close records of individual tax payments by restaurants under local advertising and promotion (so-called hamburer) taxes. Republican Rep. Micah Neal, who owns a Springdale restaurant, said it was easy to calculate a restaurant's gross receipts from the reports and the information should be sealed. Gross collections would still be reported.

New music from John Willis and Late Romantics, 'Bad Boyfriend'

Little Rock's John Willis specializes in literate, personal and wryly funny piano-rock fleshed out with vocal harmonies and melancholic emotional insights. He was a finalist in last year's Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase and is back this year with a new band, Late Romantics, and a new EP, "Bad Boyfriend," to be released on March 21. Check next week's issue of the Times for our feature on Willis and see them at White Water on Saturday.

Tax claim filed against Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson; he says he's paid up

The state Department of Finance and Administration filed a certificate of indebtedness Friday in Circuit Court against state Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson. The certificate says he was indebted to the state for $2,501.15 in individual income tax for the period of Dec. 31, 2013.

Monday, Monday. An open line. Plus, a zebra attack

Here's the Monday open line and a look at today's headlines. Also, a zebra attack.

Beebe's chief of staff also gets government affairs post

Morril Harriman, who'd been Gov. Mike Beebe's chief of staff, is following the governor's footsteps to a government affairs job with a law firm. It's with a different firm. Beebe associated with the Roberts Law Firm. Harriman is joining Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard in Little Rock.

Walton defender gets typing hand slapped in charter school debate

An education blogger accepts a Walton Business College faculty member's challenge to follow the money that supports the blogger. Ouch. She won't be teaching this lesson in business school.

Tom Cotton gets to Hitler quickly in maiden speech

Huffington Post notes that it took U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton less than a minute to get to a mention of Adolf Hitler in his first Senate floor speech, a call for enormous increases in defense spending.

Cheese dip tonight for lucky legislators

Lots of free drinks on tap for legislators today, plus a fine Mexican dinner for a select few.

Agriculture Board to meet this morning

The nominating committee of the Arkansas Agriculture Board will meet at 9 a.m. to "take nominations" for the position of secretary of agriculture.

Arkansas unemployment rate continues to drop

The Arkansas unemployment rate in January was 5.6 percent, down from 5.7 percent in December and below the 5.7 percent national average.

Two Supreme Court justices defend plea for more pay; object to colleague's criticism

Supreme Court Justices Karen Baker and Jo Hart have written sharply critical letters to Judge Gary Arnold, president of the Arkansas Judicial Council, for failing to adequately advance the cause of pay raises for Supreme Court justices. They got an 11 percent pay raise yesterday.

Beware talk of charter school 'miracles' say New Orleans and Chicago school activists

School activists from New Orleans and Chicago have written an article to warn Arkansas legislators and the public about claims of miraculous education results in those cities because of a mass movement to charter schools. They say schools have been closed, true "choice" has been illusory and results have been dismal.

Federal, state courts in conflict over marriage in Alabama

A federal judge in Alabama won't stay her order that marriage licenses must be issued to same-sex couples. The official in charge of marriages has been ordered by the Alabama Supreme Court not to issue licenses.

Riverfest announces 2015 headliners

Riverfest announced the headliners for its 2015 festival this morning, set to be held May 22-24 in downtown Little Rock. For tickets and more information, check their website.

Katmandu Momo appeals to any appetite

In a town not known for vegan options, Katmandu Momo comes through with something delicious, vegan — and perfect for eaters of any stripe.

House committee approves bill to ban 'rehoming'

The House Judiciary Committee this morning endorsed HB 1676 by Rep. David Meeks to prohibit "rehoming" of an adopted child, except to another family member.

Bart Hester: there he goes again. He'd slash higher ed spending

Deathstar Bart Hester is at it again. AP reports he'll propose a 1 to 2 percent cut in higher education spending, where Gov. Asa Hutchinson has proposed a flat expenditure.

Rally tonight to keep public schools public

The Arkansas Opportunity to Learn Campaign will have a rally at 6 p.m. tonight at the Capitol to build opposition to HB1733, the school privatization bill.

Hutchinson promises independent review of DHS; declines to give opinion on Justin Harris

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said today that his office would oversee an independent review of child welfare services in the Department of Human Services as an outgrowth of the controversy engendered by Rep. Justin Harris' placement of his adopted daughters in the home of a man who sexually abused one of them.

Mylo Coffee Co. goes mobile with sleek new cart

Can't wait for Mylo Coffee Co. to open up downtown? You don't have to — they've got you covered with their new mobile cart.

Judge Griffen denies state motion to dismiss challenge of Little Rock school takeover

Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen today denied the state's motion dismiss the lawsuit challenging the state takeover of the Little Rock School District. The state had argued it violated sovereign immunity, the constitutional prohibition of lawsuits against the state.

Discrimination protection bill may have new life

The Senate Judiciary Committee meets after adjournment today and those who believe in equal rights take notice: A huge push is underway, aided by Gov. Asa Hutchinson catering to the right-wing base, to move HB 1228, the so-called conscience protection bill, off the table.

Construction worker dies in fall on Main Street project

Police say Erik Rivera Pontilla, 29, of North Little Rock, died as a result of injuries in a fall on a construction project at the southeast corner of Third and Main about 2:30 p.m. today.

Advisory committee named for state-run Little Rock School District

The Little Rock School District has announced the selections by state legislators to serve on the Civic Advisory Committee that will meet monthly on progress of the district under state control to correct academic deficiencies.

Searchers find John Glasgow's clothing, ID

KTHV reports that search teams at Petit Jean State Park have found additional skeletal remains as well as clothing and the wallet of John Glasgow, the Little Rock businessman who disappeared in January 2008.

Tuesday's open line. Plus, a sip of wine; a touch of judicial retirement; a bit of self interest; a new abortion limit

The open line includes legislative action on supermarket wine sales, judicial retirement and property taxes on billboards.

School privatization bill pulled for this session

Jim Ross, a former Little Rock School Board member active in the fight just told me that Rep. Bruce Cozart had pulled House Bill 1733 to allow privatization of, among others, the Little Rock School District.

In praise of the non-traditional taco

As much as we talk about authenticity, sometimes the non-traditional hits the spot. A story of St. Patrick's day tacos.

Former workers at Justin Harris' preschool say they were told to sign in adopted girls despite absence

Several former workers from Growing Gods' Kingdom have told the Times that two of the Harris girls were signed in to the preschool on a daily basis but were not in attendance. This raises the question of whether the preschool improperly claimed public funds for the girls.
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