By Andrew DeMillo | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Advocate readers! It’s been almost a decade since Arkansas became the first Bible Belt state to legalize medical marijuana. The nation’s attitude has shifted more in favor of recreational marijuana since then. Today we take a look at where the candidates for governor stand on the issue. You can find more Arkansas government and politics news at the Advocate site here.
A variety of raw cannabis flower on display at Natural Relief Dispensary in Sherwood. (Photo by Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Antoinette Grajeda
Here’s what Arkansas’ gubernatorial candidates — Democratic state Sen. Fred Love, Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Libertarian Colt Shelby — say about legalizing recreational marijuana.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 that a new budget reconciliation process would provide a way for Congress to change how elections work and appropriate more funding for defense. In this photo, Johnson answers reporters’ questions after holding a press conference on Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By DC Bureau
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans released their latest budget resolution Wednesday, the first step in a long and complicated process that could allow Congress to approve a third party-line bill.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SHOSHANA GORDON/PROPUBLICA. SOURCE IMAGES: VIA RENEE JOHNS, OBTAINED BY PROPUBLICA FROM CRAIGHEAD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE IN ARKANSAS
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By ProPublica and Arkansas Times
Delta Institute joined a surge of new private schools in Arkansas, mirroring a national proliferation. New schools are opening at a fast clip as state legislatures set aside more public money for parents to spend at private schools, without meaningful oversight.
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