This is "Arkies in the Beltway," the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's podcast looking at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions. I'm Washington Correspondent Alex Thomas with your episode for the week of May 12, 2024

There was no bigger story on Capitol Hill last week for Arkansans than the unveiling of the new Daisy Bates statue at the U.S. Capitol.

Bates — the civil rights advocate best known for mentoring the Little Rock Nine students amid efforts to desegregate Central High School — became the first Arkansan in more than a century to be honored with a statue unveiling in the National Statuary Hall Collection.

She is the second Black individual to have a state-authorized statue on Capitol Hill; Florida gifted a sculpture of educator Mary McLeod Bethune to the collection in July 2022.

The move was one of two final steps in replacing Arkansas' previous statues recognizing Uriah Rose and James Paul Clarke. Officials hope to install a statue of musician Johnny Cash at the U.S. Capitol in the fall.

STORY: Arkansas, national leaders unveil Daisy Bates statue at U.S. Capitol

Thanks for listening to this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to keep up with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can also stay up to date with what's happening in the nation's capital by following me online; my handle across all social media platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.