Accounts of the Accused

Arron Michael Lewis was born in 1981 on a colder than average Tuesday in Ruston, Louisiana. He was the only child of Ivan and Marjorie Lewis, a couple who had been married for less than two years at the time of his birth. They divorced seven years later. In January of this year, Lewis described … Continue reading Accounts of the Accused

Remembering the Matriarch

Carl Carter Jr. laughs a lot, and his father says he gets that from his mom. “He’s always been a joyful kind of guy,” Carl Carter Sr. says of his first son. “He has the same smile his mother had, except hers was a little bigger.” Carl Jr. says he can’t help but laugh when … Continue reading Remembering the Matriarch

Culturally Connected

Adrian Alvarez legally immigrated to the United States in 1982, and although he came here in search of a better life for his family, he came here alone. His wife, Reyna, and two sons remained behind in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. They joined him three years later. It is a story played over and over in … Continue reading Culturally Connected

The Time is Now

Braelond Simmons could have been the perfect statistic. The J.A. Fair High School graduate’s father died 12 days after his sixth birthday. He and his two younger siblings were raised by a single working mother in Little Rock’s John Barrow neighborhood. His family lived in poverty. Their house was burglarized repeatedly. “We saw things, and … Continue reading The Time is Now

Growing Health

Arkansas may be the top producer of rice and poultry, but food isn’t always widely available to its residents. The state is ranked No. 1 in the country for senior hunger, says Jerry Mitchell, executive director of the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas. Some 13 percent of residents ages 60 and older live … Continue reading Growing Health

Hunter’s Hope — Article 4

  Hunter Phifer checks in to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center at 4:50 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. He says he's not nervous, but a slight twitch of his eye suggests otherwise. He hasn't slept and says he's hungry. Brian Smothers arrives at the Little Rock hospital just before 6 a.m. He's … Continue reading Hunter’s Hope — Article 4

People Watching

This part of the state is a happening place, and not just for the locals. Northwest Arkansas once again welcomed politicians, celebrities and world-renowned artists to the area, making 2014 one of the most star-stuffed years yet. Former President George W. Bush popped into a Bentonville ice cream shop the morning before his scheduled book … Continue reading People Watching

Legal Limbo

Zeek Taylor appeared overjoyed at the courthouse in Eureka Springs on May 10. In one hand was a 13-page ruling authorizing him to marry. In the other was the hand of his soulmate. Taylor waited 42 years for the opportunity to marry Dick Titus. "It's been a roller coaster of a ride," he said. "But … Continue reading Legal Limbo

Jumping Flea

Jake Shimabukuro is going to be cold. Really cold. Reluctantly leaving behind wife and young son, the Hawaii native is traveling to Northwest Arkansas for the first time this week, and he may be realizing he should have packed more than T-shirts. "Anything under 70 degrees for me is cold," says the 38-year-old ukulele player … Continue reading Jumping Flea

Hunter’s Hope — Article 2

For most Arkansans, Dec. 10 will be like any other Wednesday in the heart of holiday shopping season -- busy malls, gift wrapping, office parties -- nothing particularly out of the ordinary. But for two local men, it will be the beginning of some drastic changes. At 5 a.m. that day, both will check into … Continue reading Hunter’s Hope — Article 2