5- Hometown Feature News:

 

Hometown Feature News:

Feature news these days revolve around the same group of issues. Simply put, our world is a hot mess whether it be natural disasters or inequality. The same issues are occurring around the United States how are different places handling COVID-19. The state of Arkansas has reported 616 new cases of Coronavirus reporting over 6,706 active cases throughout the state. Out of those there are currently 97 on ventilators which is 12 more than last week. Over the weekend 15 Arkansas residents died from COVID-19 and there were 59 new cases in Faulkner Country this week. Governor Hutchinson in his weekly coverage stated that "We continue to see good testing numbers in Arkansas. Our antigen testing has already exceeded our monthly goal and our PCR testing is on pace to do the same. The Arkansas Department of Health continues to do outstanding work in identifying and tracing COVID-19 across the state." Multiple news ideas have been exchanged about COVID-19 precautions for schools including providing students with masks and sanitizer. Arkansas is planning to fund multiple Wifi access points for students to use across the state. The Vilonia School District where I attended has made it mandatory for their students to wear face masks. Along with mandatory masking sporting events are selling limited tickets and are spacing our groups to achieve social distancing guidelines. 

Protests for change in our country and hometowns are a common thing now whether it be for social justice or simply changes needed in the community. Recently in Conway there were peaceful protests by the Arkansas Against Pedophiles promoting the #SaveOurChildren campaign. The group was rallying around the idea of harsher punishments for pedophiles. The group is currently working on a petition of 60,000 signatures for change in legislative actions towards sexual indecency towards a child. The organizer of the rally Nicole Isom stated "We want to get out there and we want to make some noise. We want to be heard, and we want the kids to be heard. We want to make a difference in Arkansas. We want to be the change. We don't want to be following and idolizing these other states on passing and normalizing pedophilia. We are not going to be that state." The leader said they will continue to fight for justice for these children and are looking for more signatures. The group plans to keep having organized rallies on busy streets of downtown Conway. 

Mainly feature news in Faulkner country is focused around coronavirus or change in politics. The Log Cabin Democrat also has a special sections called the 'Police Beat' where they discuss recent arrests and steps they are taking to better the community.