Arkansas 1st Reports

Battle for the Ballot: Bryan Norris Runs for Secretary of State

In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, we sit down with Bryan Norris, decorated Army veteran and grassroots leader, as he officially announces his campaign to become Arkansas’s next Secretary of State. Bryan shares his motivation for challenging Senator Kim Hammer, discusses what’s at stake in our election system, and outlines his vision for restoring transparency, trust, and voter control—starting with hand-marked, hand-counted paper ballots.
From battlefield leadership to courtroom battles, Bryan Norris has proven he won’t back down. Tune in to hear how he plans to bring that same relentless energy to the Secretary of State’s office—and why this race could redefine Arkansas politics.
Learn more about Bryan Norris and how you can support his campaign by visiting: https://www.bryannorris.org/
 
 
Kandi Barnhill-Cox
Arkansas 1st Reports
Contributor - Arkansas 1st
 

Banned for Ballots: The Searcy County Election Scandal

How Arkansas's Only Paper Ballot County Was Silenced for 14 Years
 
In this explosive episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, host Kandi Cox sits down with Laurie Gross, former Searcy County Election Commissioner, to unpack how Arkansas's only paper ballot county—with a flawless 100% audit match—was sanctioned and banned for 14 years by the Arkansas State Board of Election Commissioners. Laurie shares how a fully legal $100 lease for ballot monitoring equipment became the basis for accusations of fraud, how state officials refused to allow her to testify, and why this scandal is about more than just her team—it’s about the war on transparent, auditable elections in Arkansas.
Listeners will hear about the state's lack of due process, failed accountability, and what Laurie believes is a spiritual battle for truth and integrity in our election system. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation.
 
Kandi Barnhill-Cox
Arkansas 1st Reports
Contributor - Arkansas 1st
 

From Chains to Change: Michael Johninson on Faith, Literacy & Second Chances (An Inside Look at Compassion In Action’s Life-Changing Reentry Ministry)

In this powerful episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, Kandi Cox sits down with Michael Johninson, Executive Director of Compassion In Action Re-entry. Michael shares his remarkable journey from incarceration to ministry, and how God used a burden for illiterate inmates to birth a thriving outreach that now spans county jails, courtrooms, and sober living homes throughout Arkansas.
You’ll learn how CIA is transforming lives through Christ-centered programs like literacy classes, life-skills training, addiction recovery, and the Better Dads initiative. Michael also shares about the upcoming 8th Annual Roast & Toast Fundraiser on June 26th at Chenal Country Club—honoring Jennifer Lancaster and featuring keynote speaker State Treasurer John Thurston and DJ Williams of KARK as MC.
If you’ve ever doubted that one man’s obedience could change generations, this episode will restore your faith and stir your heart to action.
 
 New Podcast Episode Out Now!  From Chains to Change: Michael Johninson on Faith, Literacy & Second Chances
Today on Arkansas 1st Reports, I sit down with Michael Johninson, Executive Director of Compassion In Action Re-entry, whose powerful testimony and mission are transforming lives inside jails, courtrooms, and transitional housing across Arkansas.
Hear how God turned a prison cell into a ministry calling—and why you don’t want to miss the upcoming 8th Annual Roast & Toast Fundraiser honoring Jennifer Lancaster on June 26th at Chenal Country Club.
 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or visit [insert link].
#Arkansas1stReports #CompassionInAction #ReentryMatters #SecondChances #FaithInAction #RoastAndToast2025 #HopeBehindBars #Arkansas1stReports

Ballot Battles & Battlefield Truths: Restoring Election Integrity in Arkansas with Col. Conrad Reynolds

In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, host Kandi Cox is joined by Retired Army Colonel Conrad Reynolds, a 29-year veteran and Military Intelligence Officer, to discuss the critical issue of election integrity in Arkansas. As CEO of the Arkansas Voter Integrity Initiative, Colonel Reynolds is leading the charge for hand-marked, hand-counted paper ballots across the state.
Together, they unpack the national call from President Trump to return to paper ballots, what Arkansas counties are doing at the JP level, and whether Governor Sarah Sanders is truly working on election reform as she claims. They also expose the behind-the-scenes pressure from the State Board of Election Commissioners and share what YOU can do to protect your vote and restore trust in our elections.
 Don’t miss this powerful conversation with a decorated military leader turned election reform warrior.

The Battlefield of the Ballot Box: Bryan Norris on Election Integrity, and the fight for Citizen Power

In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, host Kandi Cox sits down with 1SG Bryan Norris (Ret.), a decorated combat veteran turned election integrity warrior. From leading combat missions overseas to launching the first successful countywide petition for paper ballot voting in Arkansas, Bryan has never backed down from a fight. Hear how his citizen-led effort in Independence County made national history, how he stood firm through legal challenges all the way to the state’s Supreme Court, and what’s next as citizen-led ballot initiatives come under attack from legislation like the “Hammer Bills.” This is a must-hear episode for every patriot concerned about election integrity, voter transparency, and the right of We the People to control how our votes are cast and counted.

Reclaiming America’s Roads: The Fight to Save the Trucking Industry

In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, host Kandi Cox is joined by Shannon Everett, co-founder of American Truckers United. Together, they tackle the growing crisis within the American trucking industry—highlighting how unvetted drivers, open border policies, and corrupt brokerage practices are putting lives at risk and crushing wages. Shannon shares how American Truckers United is fighting back with advocacy, reform efforts, and grassroots mobilization. They also break down HB1569, the Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act of 2025, and discuss how his efforts have made an impact all the way to the Federal level with President Trump’s executive order requiring English proficiency for all U.S. commercial truck drivers. If you care about safety, sovereignty, and standing up for hard working Americans, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

ID, Deeds, and Disclosure: Act 752 and the Battle for Property Rights in Arkansas and the Real IDs

In this episode, host Kandi Cox sits down with Myka Sample, Saline County Circuit Clerk, to unpack Act 752 (formerly SB406)—a new Arkansas law requiring photo identification when recording real estate deeds.  Then they discuss the REAL IDs that time is pressing for you to obtain for travel and access into Federal Buildings.
Together, they explore:
Why this law was introduced and whether deed fraud is a growing concern
The real-world impact on local clerk offices and private property owners
Broad exemptions for attorneys, realtors, financial institutions, and government officials
Privacy concerns around filing personal IDs under seal
Whether the law strikes a proper balance between fraud prevention and individual liberty—or crosses into government overreach
Questions around the REAL IDs vs Passport IDs From courthouse logistics to conservative concerns, this episode gives you everything you need to know about how Act 752 affects property rights in Arkansas, how to obtain a REAl ID or is a Passport ID your better fitted for your needs

Red, Purple, or Overreach? A Conservative Recap of the Arkansas Legislative Session

In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, host Kandi Cox sits down with Randy Sams — President and CEO of SMMG Financial, LLC, Senior Markets Management Group, LLC, host of Your American Retirement radio show, and Chair of the Arkansas 1st Committee — for an in-depth look at the recent Arkansas legislative session. Kandi and Randy break down key highlights, discussing whether the session leaned more red or purple, and identifying which pieces of legislation upheld strong conservative principles and which ones reflected government overreach. They also share insights into what these developments mean for Arkansas moving forward and how conservatives can stay engaged and prepared for the battles ahead. Packed with real talk, expert analysis, and a look toward the future, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about protecting Arkansas values.

From the Sidelines to the Front Lines: First-Year Grassroots Advocates at the Arkansas Capitol

🎙️ Podcast Episode Summary Title: From the Sidelines to the Front Lines: First-Year Grassroots Advocates at the Arkansas Capitol Host: Kandi Cox | Arkansas 1st Reports In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, we sit down with two everyday Arkansans who stepped out of the stands and into the fight—getting hands-on with the legislative process for the very first time. Mike Rasmussen, a Certified Public Accountant and tech innovator, shares his experience championing HB1569—a grassroots election integrity bill—while facing intense pushback from powerful corporate interests. His AI-driven platform is changing the game for how everyday citizens track and understand legislation. Aaron Hansen, a seasoned autobody technician and former Washington State campaign manager, opens up about his journey from political advocacy in the Pacific Northwest to finding his voice at the Arkansas Capitol. After fleeing the mandates and overreach of his home state, Aaron is determined to help keep Arkansas free—and is surprised by what he's found behind the scenes in a "Red state." This episode is a rallying cry for all who care about truth, transparency, and taking action. If you've ever wondered how to get involved or whether your voice really matters—this one’s for you. 🔊 Tune in for real talk, hard truths, and inspiring stories of two first-time advocates standing up for Arkansas values

Backroom Deals vs. Public Trust – Arkansas’ FOIA Fight

Host: Kandi Cox Guest: Joey McCutchen, Attorney & FOIA Advocate Podcast: Arkansas 1st Reports In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reviews, host Kandi Cox sits down with Joey McCutchen, a longtime attorney and advocate for government transparency, to discuss two major bills that could redefine Arkansas’ Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Good Bill – SB227 SB227 is a strong, well-crafted bill that protects and clarifies FOIA by: ✔ Clearly defining public meetings to prevent secret deliberations. ✔ Ensuring government decisions happen in public, not behind closed doors. ✔ Strengthening notice requirements so citizens are informed. ✔ Gaining support from transparency advocates, journalists, and local government organizations. The Bad Bill – SB376 SB376 threatens FOIA protections by creating a loophole that allows: ❌ “Daisy-chain” meetings, where officials meet in small groups to avoid public scrutiny. ❌ Secret backroom deals that undermine transparency. ❌ Politicians to dodge accountability by sidestepping public meetings. Why It Matters If SB376 passes, it will gut FOIA protections and make it easier for government officials to operate in secret, without taxpayer oversight. Meanwhile, SB227 provides clear definitions and safeguards to protect the public’s right to know.