What This Legislative Session Tells Us About the New GOP in the Age of Trump In Arkansas
With Benjamin Hardy

Join Benji Hardy, Managing Editor of the Arkansas Times and chief legislative reporter, on Thursday, March 27, for an incisive discussion on the 2025 legislative session. As Arkansas leads what Governor Sarah Sanders calls "the vanguard of a national conservative revolution," this talk will dissect the legislative impacts and political undertones resonating from Little Rock to Washington D.C.

With 11 years of experience covering Arkansas news and politics, and recent accolades including the Association of Alternative Newsmedia's 2016 award for best investigative journalism, Benji brings a critical eye to the key legislation enacted by the Republican majority. His analysis will address whether these policies represent a coherent agenda aligned with the broader political strategies of figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

This session’s discussion will pivot around significant legislative moves, including:

• ACCESS, the pivotal higher education bill
• Maternal health initiatives and broader Medicaid implications
• Controversial bills that challenge the ballot measure process
• Funding debates over prison projects
• The contentious phone-free schools bill

Time permitting, Benji will also touch on potential topics like utility deregulation, economic development amendments, and a slew of culture war issues from affirmative action to immigration.

This engaging lecture is part of the Arkansas Times lecture series, which brings to the forefront the voices shaping Arkansas's political landscape. Benji’s insights, drawn from his comprehensive view at the Capitol and his journalistic rigor, promise a compelling narrative on the shifting dynamics of American conservatism.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Time: Lunch served at 11:30 AM | Lecture begins at 12:00 PM
Location: Copper Grill, Little Rock

Be part of this essential conversation to gain a deeper understanding of how Arkansas's legislative actions are framing the national political dialogue. Learn what's behind the legislation and what it might mean for the future of politics in the age of Trump.

About this Series
Our monthly speaker series brings newsmakers, policymakers, and seasoned political observers together for a behind-the-scenes look at the most pressing issues facing Arkansas. These lunch lectures raise money for the Arkansas Times Investigative Journalism Project. 100% of the proceeds will support expanding our newsroom, ensuring our capacity to hold leaders accountable and keep Arkansans informed.

With a shifting political landscape and critical decisions looming, the need for in-depth, unbiased reporting has never been greater. Your support enables us to grow our staff and strengthen our investigative capacity, making the Arkansas Times a vital journalistic watchdog.

In-person tickets are $100 and include lunch in the private dining room at the Copper Grill. Attendance is capped at 75, and previous events have sold out—so please don’t wait to secure your seat.

Doors open at 11:30, and the Copper Grill buffet begins immediately afterward. Benji will start shortly before noon, followed by a Q&A session. We will wrap up by 1 p.m.

Virtual tickets are $50, providing you with Zoom access to the event and the opportunity to stay informed, no matter where you are.