First News With Toby Howell

This week on the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Open for Business Spotlight, Toby visits with Morgan McMahon, co-owner of Rapid Mobile Care, a mobile urgent care that comes to you. 

In this First News interview, Toby visits with US 1st District Rep Rick Crawford and gets the latest on DHS Funding, the Farm Bill/ SNAP amendment, the FISA 702 vote, the Iran War-- blockade vs bombs and  the US Steel investment in E. Arkansas.   

IN THIS FIRST NEWS INTERVIEW, TOBY VISITS WITH ARKANSAS SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE BRIAN EVANS, SPEAKER EVANS GIVES US AN UPDATE ON THE RECENTLY COMPLETED FISCAL SESSION AND A PREVIEW OF THE UPCOMING SPECIAL SESSION IN THE ARKANSAS LEGISLATURE.

IN OUR WEEKLY VISIT WITH OPPORTUNITY ARKANSAS' NIC HORTON, TOBY STARTS IT OFF BY ASKING ABOUT THE RELAUNCH OF THE FOR AR FAMILIES COALITION. 

TOBY VISITS WITH ARKANSAS TRUCKING ASSICIATION PRESIDENT, SHANNON NEWTON, SHE GIVES US DETAILS ON THE 2026 ARKANSAS TRUCKING CONFERENCE GOING ON THIS WEEK,  AND AN UPDATE ON THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY INCLUDING FUEL PRICES AND STAFFING

This week on The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Open for Business Spotlight, Toby visits with ECA CEO Buddy Hasten who starts off by telling us about Line Worker Appreciation Day, April 21, and the amazing work that the people who climb the poles do to keep the power flowing in the Natural State. 

MEET SHARON SIMMONS! THE DOORDASHING GRANDMA WHO BROUGHT McD'S TO PRESIDENT TRUMP AT THE WHITE HOUSE! SHARON TELLS TOBY HOW THIS ALL CAME ABOUT AND GIVES AN UPDATE ON ON HER HUSBAND'S HEALTH STRUGGLES. 

Toby visits with Bryant High School teacher Michael Westbrook, Coach of  the Bryant Skills USA team that recently won their state competition and are headed to nationals. Michael gives us the details on the team the category they're competing in and how you can help the team get to the competition in Atlanta, Georgia.

In our weekly visit with Congressman French Hill, Toby gets it started by asking for an update on the Iran situation 

IN OUR WEEKLY VISIT WTH OPPORTUNITY ARKANSAS' NICK HORTON, TOBY ASKS ABOUT THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE USE OF EFA FUNDS, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A REDUCTION OR EMILINATION OF THE STATE INCOME TAX.

Toby visits with The Chief of the Airmen of Note, Chief Master Sergeant Brian MacDonald, Airmen of Note are the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force, Toby finds out about the mission of the band and the FREE Concerts - Thursday, April 23 at UCA &  Friday, April 24, LR Central High School 

Wednesday April 22, 2026 is Earth Day! Toby visits with Chair of the Sustainability Committee and Ass't Professor of Anthropology Reecie levin about the festivities happening on the UA Little Rock campus.

THIS WEEK ON THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF ARKANSAS OPEN FOR BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT, TOBY VISITS WITH DAVID CONNELL, OWNER OF SWING SOCIAL. DAVID TELLS US ABOUT THEIR TRACKMAN GOLF SIMULATORS THAT ARE FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, AND THEY'RE PART OF THE 2026 GOLF GARD THAT GOES ON SALE MONDAY 4-20-26.  

TOBY VISITS WITH TRAV'S PxP ANNOUNCER STEVEN DAVIS AND GETS A PREVIEW OF THE 2026 SEASON NOW UNDERWAY!

In our weekly visit with Opportunity Arkansas, Toby starts off by asking Founder & CEO Nick Horton about a rule about what EFA money can be spent on. 

Toby visits with Arkansas Right to Life's Executive Director Amber Singleton about an upcoming fundraising dinner at the Balboa Outreach Center, Hot Springs Village on May 7, 2026

THIS WEEK ON THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF ARKANSAS OPEN FOR BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT, REBECCA DAVIS VISITS WITH APRIL JOHNSON WITH HOCO TURF AND FINDS OUT ABOUT HOW THEY CAN HELP WITH OUTDOOR YARD EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE 

FILLING IN FOR TOBY THIS WEEK, REBECCA DAVIS VISITS WITH 2ND DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE FRENCH HILL AND GETS THE LATEST FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR IN WASHINGTON D.C.

FILLING IN FOR TOBY THIS WEEK, REBECCA DAVIS VISITS WITH ARKANSAS AUTHOR JILL ROHRBACH ABOUT HER NEW BOOK, "100 THINGS TO DO IN ARKANSAS BEFORE YOU DIE", SOME YOU KNOW ABOUT, MOST YOU DON'T!

FILLING IN FOR TOBY THIS WEEK, REBECCA DAVIS VISITS WITH CAMMIE POWELL WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARKANSAS, CAMMIE GETS US CAUGHT UP ON ALL THE ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS HAPPENING WITH THE ATHLETES.

FILLING IN FOR TOBY THIS WEEK, REBECCA DAVIS VISITS WITH ARKANSAS BEEF COUNCIL'S CALEB PLYLER ABOUT THE 2026  ARKANSAS' BEST BURGER CONTEST AND HOW YOU CAN NOMINATE AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!

FILLING IN FOR TOBY THIS WEEK, REBECCA DAVIS VISITS WITH TRAV'S LANCE RESTUM ABOUT THE UPCOMING 2026 SEASON!

THIS WEEK ON THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF ARKANSAS OPEN FOR BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT, TOBY VISITS WITH GRANT WESTMORELAND, SENIOR VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, ABOUT THE BANK AND HIS PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS IN THE NATURAL STATE. 

In this First News Interview, Toby visits with Steve Bucci, Visiting Fellow at The Heritage Foundation. . As a three decade long Army Special Forces officer and top Pentagon official, Steve gives us his expert perspective on what's happening with Iran in the region and the Straight of Hormuz.

IN OUR WEEKLY VISIT WITH OPPORTUNITY ARKANSAS' NICK HORTON, TOBY GETS DETAILS ON UPCOMING 30 DAY BUDGET SESSION OF THE ARKANSAS LEGISLATURE.

TOBY VISITS WITH REP RICK CRAWFORD, HE STARTS BY ASKING ABOUT WHAT THE MEETING WITH FARMERS AT THE WHITE HOUSE WAS ALL ABOUT.

TOBY VISITS WITH OUR RESIDENT COMPUTER EXPERT, DAN HARPOOL WITH COMPLETE COMUTING, ABOUT WORLD BACKUP DAY, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF DATA BACKUP 

THIS WEEK ON THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF ARKANSAS OPEN FOR BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT, TOBY VISITS WITH ECA CEO BUDDY HASTEN, THEY START THE CONVERSATION TALKING ABOUT THE CREW MEMEBERS OF THE USS ARKANSAS, A NEW US NAVY SUBMARINE, SOON TO BE COMMISSIONED, AS THEY VISIT ARKANSAS AND GET TO KNOW THE STATE THEY'LL BE REPRESENTING AROUND THE WORLD. 

TOBY VISITS WITH KITCHEN EXPRESS GENERAL MANAGER BRANDON BENHAM ABOUT THEIR AMAZING SOUTHERN COOKING, STOP BY AND VISIT THEM AT  4600 ASHER AVE IN LITTLE ROCK

Toby visits with Nancy Holthus with Oaklawn and gets the inside information on the big racing weekend.

Toby visits with Jennifer Rudder with LeeAnn's Fine Jewelry about the Wedding Band Expo happening Wednesday April 2nd in both stores, Conway & Russellville. 

In our weekly visit with Representative French Hill toby gets the latest from the House Floor in Washington D.C.

Toby visits with Senior National Security Contributor to NewsNation Lt. Gen. Richard Newton USAF (Ret) and gets the latest on the conflict with Iran. 

TOBY VISITS WITH LAVON WINKLER, PRESIDENT OF THE ARKANSAS CHAPTER OF SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL ABOUT THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER BANQUET AND AUCTION HAPPENING THIS FRIDAY,MARCH 27, AT THE BENTON EVENT CENTER, FOR TICKETS VISIT https://sciar.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=1&ts=1767229887

IN THIS FIRST NEWS INTERVIEW TOBY VISITS WITH KIM HAMMER, REPUBILCAN CANDIATE IN THE RUN OFF ELECTION FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE BALLOT SLOT

IN THIS FIRST NEWS INTERVIEW TOBY VISITS WITH BRYAN NORRIS, REPUBILCAN CANDIATE IN THE RUN OFF ELECTION FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE BALLOT SLOT

TOBY VISITS WITH ARAKNSAS TV EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO CARLTON WING, HE GIVES US AN UPDATE ON WHETHER PBS WILL RETURN TO ARKANSAS OR IF IT'S GONE FOR GOOD. 

IN OUR WEEKLY VISIT WITH NICK HORTON, TOBY FINDS OUT WHAT OPPORTUNITY ARKANSAS HAS BEEN FOLLOWING THIS WEEK..

TOBY VISTS WITH JOHN THOMAS WITH ARKANSAS 4H ABOUT THE 4H DAY OF GIVING, AND GETS THE DETAILS ABOUT WHERE THE MONEY GOES AND HOW IT HELPS THEIR YOU PROGRAMS. YOU CAN DONATE BY TEXTING  "AR4H" TO THE SHORT CODE 44321 OR ON THEIR WEBSITE  ARKANSAS4HFOUNDATION.ORG AND CLICK THE DONATE BUTTON AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE.  

TOBY VISITS WITH ENGLAND AR POLICE CHIEF AND REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR SALINE COUNTY SHERIFF ABOUT THE RACE, THE RUNOFF ELECTION AND WHAT HE'LL BRING TO THE TABLE AS SALINE CO SHERIFF IF ELECTED, AND IT'S HIS BIRTHDAY TODAY! 

TOBY VISITS WITH ALEXIS HAMPO WITH VISIT HOT SPRINGS AND GETS ALL THE DETAILS ABOUT THE WORLD'S SHORTEST ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE GOIN ON 3-17-26 IN HOT SPRINGS!

THIS WEEK ON THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF ARKANSAS OPEN FOR BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT,  IT'S ST PATRICK'S DAY WEEKEND! TOBY VISITS WITH ANNE DOWNES WITH THE IRISH CULTURAL SOCIETY OF ARKANSAS, SHE TELLS TOBY ALL ABOUT THE BIG ST PATRICK'S DAY PARADE GOING FROM NORTH LITTLE ROCK OVER THE BRIDGE INTO LITTLE ROCK ON SATURDAY AND ALL THE OTHER FESTIVITES ASSICIATED WITH THE WEEKEND AND PARADE. 

BANANA BALL COMES TO LITTLE ROCK THIS WEEKEND!!! ONE OF THE PLAYERS IS A PITCHER FOR THE LOCO COCONUTS, BLAKE "BAD BENNY" BENSON. ORIGINALLY FROM SPRINGDALE,  AR, HE TELLS TOBY ABOUT HIS JOURNEY TO BANANA BALL AND GIVES US A PREVIEW OF WHAT WE'LL SEE ON THE FIELD AT DICKIE STEPHENS BALL PARK THIS WEEKEND!!! 

IN OUR WEEKLY VISIT WITH 2ND DIST REP FRENCH HILL, TOBY GETS THE LATEST FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR ON THE SITUATION IN IRAN, REP HILL'S VISIT TO THE LRAFB, THE IRS OUTREACH PROGRAM, THE DHS FUNDING NEGOTIATIONS AND THE HBCU SUMMIT. 

TOBY VISITS WITH LAVON WINKLER, PRESIDENT OF SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL'S ARKANSAS CHAPTER ABOUT THE UPCOMING NIGHT OF THE HUNTER AUCTION & BANQUET ON MARCH 27 AT THE BENTON EVENT CENTER, TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. https://sciar.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=1&ts=1767229887 

TOBY VISITS WITH KARK CHIEF METEORLOGIST TODD YAKOUBIAN AND GETS A SPRING WEATHER PREVIEW, WE ALSO FIND OUT ABOUT TODD'S NEW SHOW "TOO TWISTED FOR TV" ON THE KARK/FOX 16 PLUS APP  

THIS WEEK ON THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF ARKANSAS OPEN FOR BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT, TOBY VISITS WITH SHARA HUTCHCRAFT, NORTH LITTLE ROCK DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS ABOUT THE NEW NORTH LITTLE ROCK EVENTS CENTER.

IN OUR WEEKLY VISIT WITH REP FRENCH HILL, TOBY STARTS BY ASKING ABOUT THE LATEST FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR ON THE SITUATION IN IRAN.

IN OUR WEEKLY VISIT WITH OPPORTUNITY ARKANSAS' NICK HORTON, TOBY STARTS BY ASKING FOR A RECAP OF THE BIG RACES IN THE ARKANSAS PRIMARIES. NICK ALSO TALKS ABOUT HOW ARKANSAS CAN LOWER OR ELIMINATE THE STATE INCOME TAX