By Andrew DeMillo | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Advocate readers! The Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus and community members criticized the head of State Police for not appearing at a meeting to discuss a trooper punching a teenager during a traffic stop. And the head of the Arkansas Department of Corrections says the Franklin County prison project is still an option. You can find more Arkansas government and politics news on the Advocate site here.
And in memory of country music icon Dolly Parton, here’s a look at an interview she gave when she visited Arkansas in 2022 to celebrate the Imagination Library’s work.
Members of the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus meet on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock, Arkansas. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Tess Vrbin
Arkansas lawmakers and community members expressed frustration with the State Police director’s absence from Tuesday’s Legislative Black Caucus meeting about a state trooper punching an 18-year-old during a traffic stop.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Alan Clark listens to testimony from members of the Arkansas Board of Corrections on Aug. 25, 2026. (Photo by Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Ainsley Platt
The 3,000-bed Franklin County prison project that’s faced legislative resistance hasn’t been canceled and remains an option, the head of the Arkansas Department of Corrections told lawmakers Tuesday.
People attend an afternoon rally against racism on February 2, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Andrew DeMillo
The founders of a whites-only community in northeast Arkansas have filed a lawsuit against several state and federal agencies claiming their constitutional rights are being violated by investigations into the housing development.
MORE NEWS
Tennessee’s Dolly Parton dies at 80 after a life of music and giving | Tennessee Lookout
Louisiana teacher asks Supreme Court to stop Ten Commandments displays in classrooms | Louisiana Illuminator
A Missouri military family needed IVF. Starbucks offered better coverage than the Army | Missouri Independent
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