Sad to know this is the final day for CBS News Radio. Over the span of a decade, I reported major stories for the network. Here are my thoughts, as well as audio of some of the bigger stories I covered for CBS. hibblenradio.com/after-nearly...

Former Cuban leader Raul Castro could be indicted for his alleged role in the shooting down of two civilian planes 30 years ago that killed three Americans and sent US-Cuba relations plunging.

The latest donations bring fundraising efforts to within $272,188 of the goal.

Leaders of Arkansas’ historically Black colleges and universities are voicing excitement about the IGNITE Act in Congress. It would facilitate grants for renovations and infrastructure. Here's my story for the Pine Bluff Commercial.

A first group of statues and busts honoring influential Arkansas musicians will be unveiled in September: Johnny Cash, Levon Helm, Sister Rosetta Tharp, Al Green, Glen Campbell, Louis Jordan and Florence Price. Today a groundbreaking ceremony was held. talkbusiness.net/2026/05/grou...

A groundbreaking begins at 2 for a project to honor Arkansas musicians across a broad range of genres. Artist Kevin Kresse will make the 21 statues and busts, including Johnny Cash, Al Green, Levon Helm, Glen Cambell, Sister Rosetta Tharp and more to be placed in Argenta Plaza in North Little Rock.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders this afternoon signed the $6.7 billion budget for the coming year fiscal year that begins in July. At her side were House Speaker Brian Evans and incoming Senate President Pro Tempore Breanne Davis. I'll have a story for Talk Business & Politics later today.

Wednesday would have been Glen Campbell's 90th birthday. He made Delight, Arkansas famous, though he was born in nearby Billstown. I wrote a story for the latest Glenwood Herald, which is also in Pike County, with attribution to the @cals-eoa.bsky.social entry written by @terrybuckalew.bsky.social.

I'm excited to announce I've been named managing editor of the recently formed Newsroom Ventures LLC, parent company of six Arkansas newspapers acquired by Roby Brock. I'll also be a contributing writer for Talk Business & Politics. I've known Roby 17 years, partnered with him on a lot of stories.

Glen Campbell was born April 22, 1936. Here’s a link to a biographical essay I wrote for the “Encyclopedia of Arkansas.” It also appears in the “Encyclopedia of Arkansas Music.” encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/glen...

Arkansas public television receives three-year, $3M pledge to keep PBS in state arkansasadvocate.com/2026/04/21/a...

At a recent summit of Arkansas healthcare leaders, participants said the state is being severely impacted by a growing shortage of cardiologists. Lifestyle changes are needed to avoid growing rates of heart disease. Here's my report for Talk Business & Politics. talkbusiness.net/2026/04/arka...

Wow! It might not make a bit of difference to the current leadership of what until recently was known as Arkansas PBS or Gov. Sanders, but wow. Ken Burns spoke last night at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

A report released today by the Women's Foundation of Arkansas and Stone Bank says several factors are causing women in rural parts of the state to struggle with more economic insecurity compared to those in metro areas. Here's my story for Talk Business & Politics.

A new third grade reading proficiency requirement is going into effect in Arkansas and will determine which students are promoted to fourth grade. In advance of testing that began today, I talked with superintendents and principals about how they’ve prepared students for the high-stakes exam.

Dave Chappelle has helped secure the future of a small-town radio station by funding the renovation of a historic building in Yellow Springs.

The landmark decision comes after a nearly seven-week trial in New Mexico. Jurors sided with state prosecutors who argued that Meta — which owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp — prioritized profits over safety. https://to.pbs.org/4c4dLZH

The announcement that CBS News Radio is being shut down hit me hard, even though it has been more than two decades since I worked for the network. hibblenradio.com/after-nearly...

The first issue of the Glenwood Herald under new owner Roby Brock was released on Friday. Here's the front page. Among the duties of my new position is serving as managing editor of the southwest Arkansas paper. The two stories I wrote were a joy as they were great news for the future of the city.

The Domtar sawmill in Glenwood, Ark., which employed more than 100 people and shut down in October citing market conditions, has announced it will restart operations on March 30. Company spokesperson Tammy Waters told me a few employees were brought back last week as it begins ramping up production.

My latest @npr.org story: The U.S. Postal Service’s leader says the mailing agency — which is mainly funded by stamps and service fees, not tax dollars — is set to run out of money in less than a year and may have to stop deliveries if it doesn't change its business model

Kicking off Sunshine Week with my column in the @arkansasadvocate.com about ways to honor Arkansas’ FOIA arkansasadvocate.com/2026/03/15/a...

EXCLUSIVE: PBS CEO Paula Kerger talked to me this morning about Arkansas TV (formerly Arkansas PBS) planning to cut ties with PBS and the efforts to convince the station to change course. She'll be at tomorrow's PBS commission meeting, which might be crowded: arkansasadvocate.com/2026/03/11/p...

This should be interesting. Amid an uproad, top national brass from PBS will be meeting with the Arkansas TV Commission to try and get members to change their minds after not renewing its affiliation in the commission's December meeting. Watch live starting at 10: www.youtube.com/watch?v=INUd...

Arkansas U.S. Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner is challenging incumbent Sen. Tom Cotton to participate in a debate. He has outraised her by a 10-to-1 margin and during his previous reelection campaign turned down an invitation to take part in an Arkansas PBS debate. talkbusiness.net/2026/03/hall...

U.S. Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner is speaking right now in England, Arkansas at her first campaign event since securing the state’s Democratic primary. She noted incumbent Sen. Tom Cotton has outraised her 10-to-1, but told supporters she will outwork him to win with a shoe-leather campaign.

Interesting developments! I’m excited for both Byron and Benji in their new roles.

Arkansas judge blocks state law increasing signature requirement for ballot measures  #ARLeg #ARpx arkansasadvocate.com/2026/02/13/a...

Using Mr. Rogers in a Super Bowl commercial for mortgages should result in prison time

The Little Rock market would likely end up only having two TV newsrooms if a proposed merger of Nexstar and Tegna — which President Trump today called for the FCC to approve — goes through. The two corporations operate KARK-4, KLRT-Fox 16 and THV11. That leaves KATV-7, owned by Sinclair.

This stings.

A great read from @tessmvrbin.bsky.social taking a look at Arkansas’ decision to cut ties with PBS arkansasadvocate.com/2026/01/26/a...

A new phase of work will begin soon to preserve the 108-year-old Rock Island Railroad Depot in Perry, Arkansas. I've been part of what initially seemed like a long-shot effort to save the historic structure for nine years now and wrote this update. hibblenradio.com/new-restorat...

"One proposed solution to the gridlock and parking problems at many of the country’s major national parks is expanding access via Amtrak trains" HELL YES www.thetravel.com/why-amtrak-a...

More on Terri Womack and the condolences for the Womack family.

Leadbelly’s birthday. He popularized the now-classic “Rock Island Line,” a song with Arkansas origins that’s been recorded & performed by many artists, including Lonnie Donegan & Johnny Cash. youtu.be/Bwc5wMNidSk?...

UPDATED: University of Arkansas withdraws incoming law dean’s offer in wake of Republican complaints arkansasadvocate.com/2026/01/15/u...

11 years ago today, Little Rock’s Cinema 150 was torn down. I was there taking photos and interviewing people as it took two excavators less than an hour to demolish the unique dome-shaped movie theater at the corner of Asher and University. It opened in 1968 and featured a 150-degree angle screen.

Guess what? I'm back on "Arkansas Week" this evening! Tune in at 7:30 p.m. Central as we navigate a new year on Capitol Hill.

Trusted straight man of Arkansas news, journalist Andrew DeMillo aims to preserve that reputation for truth and objectivity as he levels up to his new role as editor of the nonprofit Arkansas Advocate.

Facing a New Year where traditional journalism outlets face gigantic challenges, there is a bit of good news: Consumers have never had more power to choose where and how they get information. Here's an essay w/some ideas on how to pick trustworthy sources. https://loom.ly/dSUyk5c

A commissioner is taking issue with the decision to sever ties with PBS, the Ark. Democrat-Gazette reports. “I believe there were many considerations not disclosed at the Commission meeting on Dec. 11 in the push to move with undue speed in disaffiliating,” Annette Herrington wrote in an email.

PBS says there was no effort by the Arkansas commission to negotiate before voting to end being a PBS member. The national network hopes Arkansas will reconsider.

Be sure to check out Overcrowded, @arkansasadvocate.com’s series on prisons. Today’s installment by @grajeda.bsky.social looks at fines and fees formerly incarcerated people are levied. #arpx #arleg arkansasadvocate.com/2025/12/17/o...

Amid the turmoil that is Arkansas PBS or Arkansas TV or whatever, Steve Barnes remains calm and delivers an “Arkansas Week.” The ultimate pro, who next month marks 58 continuous years on Little Rock television doing news or public affairs.

Excitted to have an interview I recorded with Willie Nelson 20 years ago be featured in a new book which is a compilation of 31 interviews. I was working for the Miami Herald in 2005 I talked with him about biodiesel fuel and his tour with Bob Dylan playing in old ballparks around the country.

Steve Cropper, legendary guitarist for Booker T & the MGs, dies aged 84

The Arkansas Advocate has big news! Andrew DeMillo, a veteran reporter who has covered Arkansas politics and policy for 23 years, will take the reins from retiring founding editor Sonny Albarado next month. Read more here:

John Oliver had a great segment on public media this week, which included this mention of Arkansas PBS.

On “Arkansas Week,” which airs again this morning at 10, I discussed the state’s high prison recidivism rate and the latest on the proposed Franklin County prison with state Sen. Ben Gilmore and Jim Bell, owner of a Little Rock prison reentry facility. Watch on Arkansas PBS, the PBS app or YouTube.