Free News Arkansas Daily Briefing: May 29, 2025

Episode notes

Welcome back to your trusted Arkansas news roundup — no spin, no fluff, just the headlines that matter across the Natural State. In today’s episode: 🩺 Medicaid Mess — Over 145,000 Arkansans on Medicaid don’t have a primary care doctor. Lawmakers are pushing for urgent care access and system reforms. 🌾 Foreign Land Ownership Crackdown — A Chinese-owned ag facility in Craighead County has been sold after Arkansas enforced its new foreign land ban. ⚖️ Jeremy Hutchinson Pardoned — The former state senator convicted in the Preferred Family Healthcare bribery scandal is coming home after a full presidential pardon. 🧪 Lithium Royalty Approved — After months of tense debate, the Oil and Gas Commission sets a 2.5% royalty for Standard Lithium’s $1.5 billion project in southern Arkansas. 🗳️ New Candidate in House District 97 — Former judge Jim Andrews jumps into the race to succeed outgoing House Speaker Matthew Shepherd. 🚨 Manhunt in Calico Rock — Authorities are still searching for escaped murderer and former police chief Grant Hardin, missing since Sunday. 🔔 Subscribe to stay informed with the latest Arkansas headlines — and share to help others stay in the know.