By Andrew DeMillo | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Advocate readers! Arkansas has begun a “soft launch” of Medicaid work requirements that will take effect next year. The mandate next year could take even more people off the rolls than the last time the state tried such a requirement. And this week’s editor’s commentary looks at a campaign vow to end the state’s voucher program through an executive order. You can find more Arkansas government and politics news here.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services building on Main Street in downtown Little Rock. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Ainsley Platt
Arkansas last week began checking to see if the hundreds of thousands of people enrolled in its Medicaid expansion program comply with stringent work requirements mandated by a new federal law.
Libertarian candidate Colt Shelby (left) listens as Democratic state Sen. Fred Love (center) addresses a question from Natural State Media CEO Roby Brock (right) during a gubernatorial debate on June 26, 2026 in Eureka Springs. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)
COMMENTARY
By Andrew DeMillo
Beyond promising to take an action that would most certainly be challenged in court as unconstitutional, he’s embracing a brand of governing that treats the law as an obstacle. It’s the wrong lesson for Democrats to take from President Donald Trump’s time in office.
A lone star tick, which is a very aggressive tick that bites humans. A circular rash sometimes follows the bite. (Photo courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By DC Bureau
WASHINGTON — The prime time for ticks is here in the United States, and after an especially active start to the season, experts are urging the public to stay alert and take preventive measures.
MORE NEWS
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