In this week’s podcast, Benji and investigative reporter Matt Campbell take a deep dive (probably too deep) into the tangled dispute between the state Board of Corrections and the governor, attorney general and secretary of corrections. Debra Hale-Shelton updates us on the case of Deitric Williams Jr., a 26-year-old Black man who died while being arrested by Conway police in July. And, Mary Hennigan catches us up again on the Little Rock city beat with a review of 2023’s homicide numbers and the latest from the Metropolitan Housing Alliance court case.
Among the stories referenced in this episode:
Corrections secretary to remain under control of board, not governor, at least for now
Attorney general doubles down in obstructing Board of Corrections from hiring attorney in FOIA case
Shenanigans! Governor, prison board face off over staff shortages, and it’s quite a show
Court sides with Board of Corrections over governor, blocks new laws over prisons authority
Body-cam videos released in arrest of man who died after apprehension by Conway police
Death of Conway man in police custody in July is ruled an accident by prosecutor
Breaking down the 2023 Little Rock crime data
https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/01/04/breaking-down-the-2023-little-rock-crime-data
Court ruling opens door for Little Rock officials to fill housing commission seats
Little Rock’s Women & Children First shelter announces $12 million in grants