A federal judge sided with a coalition of current and former federal lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., in ruling last week that Congress acted inappropriately in blocking cost-of-living increases to congressional pay. More here: www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/ma...

Sen. Cotton on Tulsi Gabbard's resignation: "I thank Tulsi Gabbard for her service in this administration and in uniform, and I wish her the very best as she supports her husband Abe in his battle with cancer. Please join me in sending them prayers for a full and fast recovery."

From me: U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton launched his reelection bid last year with a robust war chest and name recognition worthy of a national political figure. His candidacy has received additional help in recent months from super PACs able to go after his leading opponent, Democrat Hallie Shoffner.

"The best advice is never to do anything. You'll never get in trouble if you don't do anything. But, on the other hand, you'll never get anywhere, either." www.cnn.com/2026/05/06/u...

Eat a hot dog for Jerry.

From me: Arkansas farmers have been struggling to keep their farms open. The United States' war with Iran made their problems worse.

For anyone waiting for Fox to play "Alabama Getaway," you can now mark it off your bingo board. #NASCAR

Rep. Hill on the DOJ ending its probe of Jerome Powell: "As I’ve said since January 12, I felt like the accusation that Chairman Powell had committed some sort of crime connected with the building construction was a distraction and it would delay President Trump in the selection of a new Chairman."

My dad texted me and my brother about picking up any vinyl records for us while he was looking. I naively asked him to check if the store had any Ween. I say naively because, folks, I forgot for a brief moment about Ween’s discography and the, uh, *interesting* track names on those records.

Breaking: HHS’s ban on gender-affirming care is struck down. Rarely have I read a ruling this sharply worded. “This case is one of a long list of examples of how a leader’s wanton disregard for the rule of law causes very real harm to very real people.” www.advocate.com/politics/nat...

If U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton put together a list of people with the most impact on his political career, he would have to include Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell. Both senators discussed their relationship — which goes back to before Cotton even served in the House — at a Friday event in Louisville.

Former U.S. Rep. David McKinley of West Virginia has died at the age of 79, according to The (Wheeling) Intelligencer. www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-hea...

Something interesting to note in Arkansas' U.S. Senate race: In March, the America One super PAC spent $74,600 on text messages supporting incumbent Republican Tom Cotton and ***nearly $1.2 million*** on media production and placement against Democrat Hallie Shoffner.

American Farm Bureau: "Fertilizer pre-booking rates varied significantly by region, with just 19% of Southern producers reporting fertilizer purchases secured ahead of the season. "Rising input costs tied to the conflict in the Middle East are adding strain to an already challenging farm economy."

I guess I should stop covering politics and transition to sports journalism. 🤷‍♂️ #TheMasters

From me: Remember the SPEED Act, the House's attempt to overhaul the nation's permitting system? Arkansas Rep. Bruce Westerman remains optimistic about the bill's chances, telling the ADG that he remains in contact with key senators about getting the measure to the White House.

From me: Remember the SPEED Act, the House's attempt to overhaul the nation's permitting system? Arkansas Rep. Bruce Westerman remains optimistic about the bill's chances, telling the ADG that he remains in contact with key senators about getting the measure to the White House.

From me: The partial government shutdown continues, and the vibes among Arkansas’ lawmakers aren’t great. "Look, I don't want to speak ill of the Senate," Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., told me. "But they can and should do better."

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will address Arkansas Democrats at the party’s Fischer-Shackelford dinner next month.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson: "I worked with Bob Mueller while I was in Bush administration. He was a Marine, former United States Attorney and Director of FBI. After 9-11 he transformed the FBI to focus on terrorism threats. He was a true public servant and he always had my respect."

Sen. Tom Cotton on Joe Kent: "Joe Kent and his family have sacrificed greatly for our nation, and I thank him for his service. But I disagree with his misguided assessment. Iran’s vast missile arsenal and support for terrorism posed a grave and growing threat to America."

BREAKING: Top counterterrorism official Joe Kent resigns over Trump's Iran war, says Iran posed "no imminent threat to our nation."

The Senate last week passed its housing measure, a month after the House approved its own package The Arkansan helping lead the House push, Rep. French Hill, hopes both sides can work together to pass one unifying measure, but it will require more than just negotiations between lawmakers.

Boozman and Cotton voted for the Senate's housing bill, which still needs the House's approval. Rep. Hill has been leading the House effort to pass housing legislation. The chamber last month approved its measure in an overwhelming 390-9 vote.

Join us tonight at 7:30 p.m. Central for our discussion about all of the "Owl House" merch in the background! (And some other stuff, I guess.)

Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana dropped his bid for reelection to a third term Wednesday.

No projected winner in Arkansas' 4th District Democratic primary, at least not yet.

AP has called the primaries in Arkansas' 2nd District for Republican French Hill and Democrat Chris Jones.

AP has called Arkansas' GOP Senate primary for two-term incumbent Tom Cotton.

How it feels seeing everyone talk about primary elections in North Carolina and Texas, ignoring Arkansas in its entirety.

Hillary Clinton: "I just finished testifying...I never met Jeffrey Epstein."

ENDORSEMENT NEWS: The ADG Editorial Board has endorsed Hallie Shoffner in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate and Tom Cotton in the Republican primary. www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/fe... www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/fe...

From me: The House abandoned its tradition of reading Washington's farewell address after February 1979. Arkansas Rep. French Hill and a few colleagues brought back the reading this year on the eve of America's 250th anniversary. www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/fe...

Ahead of the State of the Union, state Democratic Party Chair Marcus Jones: "Tonight, President Trump will desperately try to pull the wool over Arkansans’ eyes and paper over a year’s worth of betrayal and disastrous policies, but Arkansans won’t fall for it."

Arkansas guests at the State of the Union: — Boozman: JB Hunt CEO Shelley Simpson — Crawford: Diamond Pet Foods CEO Mike Kampeter — Womack: Jay Silveria, UA system president — Westerman: Mike Blazier, UA Monticello's College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Rep. Hill on #SCOTUS: "I share in President Trump’s goal of securing fair and reciprocal trade agreements and holding bad actors accountable for their unfair trade policies."

A good thread on the Supreme Court's ruling this morning on tariffs.

The National Cotton Council has named Nathan Reed as its next chairman. Reed, a Marianna farmer, and Newport's Jennifer James testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee last February about updating farm programs. www.arkansasonline.com/news/2025/fe...

We are less than a month from Arkansas' primary election — early voting starts Tuesday! — and candidates are finalizing their messages to voters. For the two Democrats running for U.S. Senate, Hallie Shoffner and Ethan Dunbar, they believe their words must extend beyond the political binary.

Really surprised Bad Bunny didn't take any suggestions from the Grateful Dead subreddit for his halftime show. /j

Me when Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s version of the “Peter Gunn” theme shows up

Endorsement news: Former U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana has backed Hallie Shoffner's Senate campaign.

Two reactions to the president's racist social media post: Chris Jones, who is challenging Rep. Hill in the 2nd District: "Racist imagery isn’t a joke or a mistake. And Arkansans know it’s disgusting." Later, Hill: "Racism and dehumanizing rhetoric have no place in our country."

House Oversight Committee: "Former President Clinton will appear for a deposition on February 27, 2026 and former Secretary Clinton will appear for a deposition on February 26, 2026."

In December, the Trump administration announced a $12 billion program to help farmers dealing with years of financial losses. At the time, Arkansas agriculture leaders knew it wouldn't be enough. Now, they are sounding the alarm over what could happen if Congress doesn't approve more relief.

Based on filings to the FEC, @hallieshoffner.bsky.social's Senate campaign managed to exceed $1 million in contributions to end last calendar year, ending 2025 with $502,459 cash on hand. I haven't seen new numbers from Cotton, but he had $9.4 million in his reserves at the end of September.

INBOX: "On Saturday, January 31st, U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), FBI Director Kash Patel, Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas), and Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin will be hosting a law enforcement roundtable in Little Rock. Following the roundtable, they will give brief remarks."