Arkansas Times
Debra Hale-Shelton is an experienced journalist with a diverse background in reporting, editing, and teaching. Currently serving as a reporter and blogger for the Arkansas Times since May 2022, Hale-Shelton previously held the position of freelance journalist at Marked Tree Enterprises from July 2019 to June 2022. Hale-Shelton also contributed as a columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette from November 2019 to January 2021 and reported for the same publication from September 2004 to July 2019. Earlier in their career, Hale-Shelton worked as a reporter and editor for The Associated Press from December 1981 to August 2001. Hale-Shelton's career began in education, serving as an English teacher for the Earle School District from January 1975 to March 1981.