By Andrew DeMillo | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Advocate readers! A Fort Smith chemical spill that occurred in May is prompting questions about its oversight. We take a closer look at the spill and its aftermath. And Arkansas has unveiled a new streamlined application system for colleges and universities. You can find more Arkansas government and politics news on the Advocate site here.
The interior of the C&S Chemicals facility in Fort Smith on Sunday, May 3, 2026, including the ruptured acidified aluminum sulfate tank which caused the spill. (Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Evey Weisblat
A Fort Smith chemical plant that spilled thousands of gallons of highly acidic chemicals last spring lacked a permit to operate and had not disclosed to Arkansas authorities it was handling hazardous chemicals, according to state agencies and public records obtained by the Advocate.
Education Secretary Jacob Oliva speaks at a press conference on Feb. 14, 2025 as Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders listens. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Ainsley Platt
The Arkansas Department of Education launched a universal application system Tuesday for colleges and universities in the state.
Federal investigators search through bushes outside a house in Rhode Island. Violent crime in the United States fell by an estimated 9.3% in 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Stateline
Violent crime in the United States fell by an estimated 9.3% in 2025, marking the largest year-to-year decline in the national violent crime rate since the FBI began estimating crime in 1936, according to new national data.
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