04/27/2026
In this episode of The Local Insider, host Brian Cooper sits down with J.B. Jackson, the creator of the viral page Arkansas Alcatraz.
J.B. lives right across the road from the proposed site of a massive new 3,000-bed state prison in Franklin County, Arkansas — a project backed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. What started as a local neighbor's concern quickly turned into a grassroots movement that's captured statewide attention and even national headlines.
From memes and yard signs to game cameras and unexpected political pushback from conservative residents, J.B. shares the inside story of how everyday Arkansans are fighting back against what many are calling "Arkansas Alcatraz." You'll hear about the real impacts on rural communities, the surprising alliances forming, and why this battle has become much bigger than one piece of land.
If you care about local voices, government overreach, property rights, or just love a good underdog story from right here in Arkansas, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in to The Local Insider — where we spotlight the people and stories shaping our communities.
Guest: J.B. Jackson, Creator of Arkansas Alcatraz page
Host: Brian Cooper
Inside the Battle Against Arkansas Alcatraz with J.B. Jackson
