By Andrew DeMillo | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning and Happy Fourth of July, Advocate readers! We have a rundown of the fireworks and other celebrations marking the nation’s 250th birthday in Arkansas. Speaking of fireworks, prepare for some next year when lawmakers eye the state’s growing surplus funds. You can find more Arkansas government and politics news here.
And if you’re looking for other ways to mark the 250th, you can make a one-time gift of $17.76 or $250.
Arkansas House Speaker Brian Evans, a Cabot Republican, and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders chat after a news conference at the Arkansas Capitol on July 1, 2026. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Tess Vrbin
Arkansas ended the 2026 fiscal year Tuesday with a $655 million budget surplus, nearly $300 million more than the previous year, the state Department of Finance and Administration announced Thursday.
Red, white and blue banners adorn the front of the Arkansas Capitol in Little Rock in honor of the Fourth of July holiday on Thursday, July 2, 2026 (Photo by Andrew DeMillo/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Andrew DeMillo
Events marking the 250th birthday of the Declaration of Independence had been underway in Arkansas well before the July 4 holiday.
Senator Ben Gilmore, left, and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders during a news conference at the governor’s conference room at the state capitol on March 27, 2023. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Ainsley Platt
Voters in south Arkansas will select a new state senator in November after Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders called a special election Thursday to replace former Sen. Ben Gilmore.
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