Arkansas Times

Washington County assessor-elect says his mouth got away from him in saying he didn’t want the job

Nathan Miller was elected as the new assessor for Washington County. He said he was kidding when he said he didn't want the job.

UCA professor to appear on ‘Jeopardy!’ Tuesday

Donna Bowman, a professor in the University of Central Arkansas’ honors college, will appear on Jeopardy! this Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 4:30 p.m. on KATV Channel 7.

Monday open line

Author John Green heads to Hendrix College on Nov. 18

All of the more than 1,000 tickets available for this free event have already been claimed, but here’s to hoping that your friend who snagged a spot gets sick at the last minute.

Little Rock actress Ashlie Atkinson scores New York Times profile

The escapades of Ashlie Atkinson, a big-time actress from Little Rock whose ample credits run the gamut from niche New York City theater to Spike Lee joints, are sure fun to watch.

Gov. Sarah Sanders tries on her post-Trump politics on ‘The View’

It's not a good time to be a Trump Republican or to have a book coming out called “Unapologetic: Clarity and Conviction in a World Gone Crazy.”

After skin-of-his-teeth victory and Republican trouncing nationwide, mealy-mouthed French Hill hedges his bets

There's no question that Rep. Hill, humiliated by a puny one-point win despite the bespoke district lines sketched specifically for his benefit, needs a new game plan.

Sunday open line

Life in Little Rock sounds great to me

The Arkansas River is an incredible resource for family recreation, and I think lots of Little Rock folks may not know of some of its offerings.

Innocent dad shot by AR state police during Black Lives Matter protest finally wins in court

The court victory for an innocent man shot in the face by police while protesting police brutality was six years in the making.

Saturday open line

Members of Congress are a lot like people

. They make mistakes and do stupid things like the rest of us. The one difference: their mistakes are much more likely to make the news.

Some needed help for children and the disabled in proposed state budget, but not enough

The governor's proposed budget acknowledges some real needs, but it's probably not enough.

AG Tim Griffin’s office engages on Entergy rate increase — but two years ago, it was a different story

Two years ago, Attorney General Tim Griffin whiffed in his job to protect the public from high utility bills.

At 79 years old, Texas outlaw singer-songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard is still the real deal

Ray Wylie Hubbard’s intimate show at the White Water Tavern on Thursday was unforgettable.

Friday open line

Good Food, Good People, Good Times in Little Rock

Little Rock's diverse dining scene blends Southern classics, farm-to-table fare and global flavors, offering a welcoming culinary experience rooted in local heritage and innovation.

Gavin Newsom’s death penalty clemency echoes mass commutations of Arkansas’ Win Rockefeller

On Thursday, 56 years after Rockefeller did so, Newsom moved to grant clemency to all 548 prisoners on California’s death row, reducing their sentences to life without parole and bringing about the largest mass commutation in U.S. history.

Incoming JP says he wants to ‘kick data centers out of Pulaski County’

Data centers figured into election results Tuesday across the country — including in Pulaski County, where Democrat Jesse Johnson defeated incumbent Justice of the Peace Paul Elliott, who voted against regulations on the AVAIO project.

A dark horse emerges to lead the state Senate

Arkansas' new Senate president pro tempore is pro-business, anti-abortion and flexible on the cannabis question.

‘The Universal Bubba’: Willi Carlisle talks puppetry, existential crises and his new Tyler Childers-produced album

Willi Carlisle’s latest is a rollicking, electrified double album that he describes as “17 songs about ditch diggers, horse girls, existential crises at Chinese buffets, and the Universal Bubba who can fix anything.”

Arkansas Democrats say they have more leverage on budget after midterm results

Breaking Republicans’ supermajority in the Arkansas House will give Democrats more leverage to influence policy, including upcoming budget discussions.

UA System president leaving next year to take top spot at Purdue University

Silveria's tenure at the UA System marked an era of increased capitulation to Republican lawmakers’ demands.

Skip Rutherford’s advice for Democrats — skip the retribution tour and focus on making lives better

“We don’t need revenge and rebuttal,” Arkansas politico Rutherford said. He advised Democrats to get to work restoring services and healthcare instead.

Paper Cuts zine fest returns Saturday at Dunbar Garden

Fans of all things scrappy and DIY should put Paper Cuts, a free mini festival dedicated to the circulation and celebration of zines, on their calendar.

Wendell Griffen says Pulaski County is well-prepared to fight AVAIO’s lawsuit

The retired judge who helped write Pulaski County's data-center regulations is taking over as county executive. He has a few thoughts on Barry Hyde, the AVAIO lawsuit and what it means to lead.

Thursday open line

Arkansas official accused of tampering with bar exams charged with 65 felonies

Arkansas State Police arrested and charged Givens after an investigation “uncovered extensive irregularities involving Arkansas Bar Examination scores spanning from July 2020 through July 2025,” according to a press release from Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones.

Ds are flipping in and Rs are flipping out at the Arkansas Legislature

Arkansas Democrats feeling left off the invite to the national blue-wave party, your presence is requested for a little House warming at the Arkansas Capitol.

GOP US Rep. French Hill wins seventh term to central Arkansas seat

Republican U.S. Rep. French Hill has won a seventh term, fending off his challenger Chris Jones despite efforts from national Democrats to flip the seat.

Jones concedes to Hill, encourages Congress to restore gutted Voting Rights Act

Democrat Chris Jones conceded defeat in the race for Arkansas District 2 Thursday after two days of vote counting in the tightest race U.S. Rep. French Hill has faced in his political career.

‘Snatch’ meets Tarantino: A Q&A with ‘Best Pancakes in the County’ producer Raja Collins

If you haven’t heard, acting legend Nicolas Cage finished up a movie in Arkansas earlier this year. Producer Raja Collins gave us the inside scoop on “Best Pancakes in the County,” which releases Nov. 20.

AG’s office wants Entergy to dig deeper in saving money for Arkansas ratepayers

Entergy has asked the state Public Service Commission to approve a new rate request, but not all of the interested parties are happy.

‘Change is here’: Cassandra Mayes on flipping a Republican House seat

The longtime educator flipped a Republican House seat in District 71, representing Maumelle. Now she's headed to the Capitol with plans to challenge LEARNS and work across the aisle.

Wednesday open line

UB40 This Weekend and a Chance to Win a RAM 2500

Join the free Saracen Player’s Club, play throughout the month and you have the chance to win a brand new Custom-Built Ducks Unlimited Ram 2500 and more. Plus, see the upcoming events at the Saracen Event Center.

Numero Group releases more music from Red 40, Ben Nichols’ pre-Lucero project

As of Tuesday, there’s now an album-length compilation of Red 40 material — billed as “Waiting For My Song” — available wherever you listen to music.

Willi Carlisle’s ‘The Universal Bubba’ is Stereogum’s ‘Album of the Week’

Produced by country star Tyler Childers, “The Universal Bubba” earned Stereogum’s coveted “Album of the Week” distinction on Tuesday, with critic Chris DeVille opining that the record “already hits like a classic.”

In Arkansas’ District 2, votes are still being counted

Here's an explainer on the holdup from the Jones campaign, which doesn't appear to be ready to throw in the towel.

AT Editor emeritus Max Brantley weighs in on the 2026 midterms, and it’s perfection

Brantley's takes are always on point, so we raided his Facebook feed to steal them.

French Hill-Chris Jones race too close to call; Arkansas Republicans praise Jesus, have cake walk

Republicans Sarah Sanders, Leslie Rutledge and Tom Cotton had an easy go of it on election night.

Saline County votes to keep their library fully funded

Saline County bookworms showed out at the polls, pushing back on Republican-led attempts to cut library funding.

SLIDESHOW: Arkansas’ election night party pics

Arkansas Democrats celebrated significant gains in the state Legislature Tuesday night, while state- and national-level Republicans kept themselves dry despite a blue wave that crashed across most of the country.

Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District race remains too close to call

With nearly all of the vote in and French Hill holding a two-point lead over Chris Hill, it's unclear why the race hasn't been called.

Wendell Griffen has been elected Pulaski County Judge

The outcome was never in doubt, but the margin is still impressive, as Griffen defeated Republican Michael Rushing by 32 points.

Tucker wins reelection

Sen. Clark Tucker has been reelected by more than 50 points. Absolute electoral domination.

Allison Grigsby Sweatman has been elected to the Arkansas Senate

Pulaski County election officials report Sweatman taking 53 percent of the total vote to Achor's 47 percent. That's a little under half of the 13-point lead she held in early voting.

Eberly defeats Brown, flips House District 67

Democrats continue painting northern Pulaski County blue, with Andrew Cade Eberly defeating Republican Rep. Karilyn Brown by 11 points.

Alex Holladay reelected in House District 70

Alex Holladay, who defeated Bo Renshaw in a special election in March, has defeated him again tonight by nine points.

Cassandra Mayes flips House District 71 blue

This Maumelle-centric district went for Mayes over Republican Stephen Bright who was dogged by scandal over the final weeks of the campaign and lost a key endorsement.

Ashley Hudson wins reelection in House District 75

This will be Hudson's fourth term in the Arkansas House of Representatives representing West Little Rock.

Leslie Rutledge reelected as Lt. Governor

This race was never in doubt, as Rutledge cruised to a quick and easy victory over Libertarian Michael Kalagias.

Sarah Sanders wins reelection as Governor of Arkansas

CNN called the race just after 9:30 p.m. Sanders, who led her two challengers in early voting as well, currently holds a 15-point lead over Democratic candidate Fred Love.

Cotton defeats Shoffner, wins third term in U.S. Senate

Democrat Hallie Shoffner mounted a valiant campaign, but, in the end, outsized money and Arkansas' Republican bent carried Sen. Tom Cotton to reelection.

Mayor Frank Scott Jr. wins third term, incumbent city directors ahead in early voting numbers

At the time the race was called, Scott led challenger BJ Wyrick by nearly 26 points, 62.9% to 37.1%. Most of the incumbent city directors held similarly large leads over their opponents.

Cotton leads Shoffner, map looks favorable for him going forward

With 63 percent of the vote tallied, Sen. Tom Cotton holds a lead of just over five points over Democrat Hallie Shoffner, and the counties that have yet to report are largely Republican.

Sanders holds comfortable margin in gubernatorial race with about half the vote counted

With just over half the votes counted so far, Gov. Sarah Sanders holds a nine-point lead over Democratic State Sen. Fred Love and Libertarian Colt Shelby.

Crawford secures ninth term in U.S. House

With incumbent Rep. Rick Crawford leading Democrat Terri Yarbrough Green by more than 40 points, the Associated Press has called this race.

Westerman wins reelection in Arkansas’ 4th Congressional District

With Rep. Bruce Westerman holding a nearly 30-point lead and 45 percent of the vote counted, the Associated Press called the race around 8 p.m.

With just over half the vote counted, Chris Jones leads French Hill

With 56% of the vote counted, Democrat Chris Jones leads Republican French Hill by 11 points.

Griffen holds large lead in early voting for Pulaski County Judge

Democrat Wendell Griffen, who has been in the news almost constantly as one of the main faces of the fight against data centers in Pulaski County, leads Republican Michael Rushin by nearly 30 points in the early vote.

Hudson leads in early voting in House District 75

Incumbent Democratic Rep. Ashley Hudson leads Republican Hunter Sadler by 30 points in this West Little Rock district.

Mayes leads in early voting in House District 71

Embattled Republican Stephen Bright trails Democrat Cassandra Mayes by 15 points in early voting.

In first bid for reelection, Holladay leads in House District 70 early voting

Democrat Rep. Alex Holladay holds a 17-point lead over Republican challenger Bo Renshaw in early voting.

Tucker leads in early vote

Incumbent Sen. Clarke Tucker leads Libertarian challenger Mark S. Foster by 60 points in Pulaski County early voting.

Sweatman leads Achor in Senate District 13 early vote

According to Pulaski County election officials, Allison Grigsby Sweatman leads Rep. Brandon Achor (R-Maumelle) by 13 points in early vote totals.

Tuesday open line

Election Day pulse check: Your numbers are looking good!

A Pulaski County Election Day report on early numbers, polling snafus and bad weather, from people in the know.

Hallie Shoffner answers our burning Election Day questions

Best Arkansas cheese dip? What should Tom Cotton do if he loses? What Johnny Cash song will she play if she wins?

Steve Womack has been reelected to Congress

The Associated Press called the race for Republican Rep. Steve Womack shortly before 11 p.m. with Womack holding a comfortable lead over Democrat Robb Ryerse.

Eberly leads in House District 67 early voting

Pulaski County voting officials report a nearly 16-point lead for Democrat Andrew Cade Eberly in the early vote over incumbent Republican State Rep. Karilyn Brown of Sherwood.

The inaugural Hillcrest Porchfest is Saturday

Porches across Hillcrest are about to get a lot more musical.

The biggest questions looming over Arkansas’ midterm election

Is Arkansas going to be part of a blue wave, or is the state going to be a red holdout?

Museum director out after disagreement over future of Hinderliter

The director of the Historic Arkansas Museum was forced out over her objection to a plan to turn a 200-year-old building into a tavern.

Do political polls mean anything anymore?

Are polls still relevant in the year 2026? Political scholar Jay Barth breaks it down.

Monday open line

Early voting diary: A Hallie sighting, Natalie James on hope and sweet ’80s jams at the polls

The final day of early voting felt raucous and hopeful, with City Board candidate Michael Hernandez pumping up the jams, voters turning out for Wendell Griffen, and Natalie James making her own pitch to end Republican dominance in Arkansas.

Data center backlash playing out in Arkansas’ local races, not statewide or federal campaigns

All data center politics is local. Arkansas' 2026 elections prove it.

Get your election night coverage from the Arkansas Times!

The Arkansas Times, with a data assist from the Associated Press, is your one-stop-shop for Arkansas election night news and vibes coverage.

Laugh along with this mean voicemail we got

Kick off election week with our plucky prank caller, who cannot seem to get Editor emeritus Max Brantley out of his head.

The Wildwoods at White Water Tavern on Saturday

The Wildwoods, a trio from Lincoln, Nebraska, write “folk songs that feel like postcards.”

Sunday open line

Betting the future on the fields

Hallie Shoffner has the potential for a new style of leadership.

Halloween open line

The world of shame-free money in politics

The outrageous, big bucks, negative crap-ads inundating us now make 1996 look like baby-cakes. What’s changed?

Researchers confirm slave sales occurred at Old State House Museum site

A tour guide discovered that slaves had been sold on the steps of what was then the old state Capitol. Three researchers say she's right.

Friday open line

These Gen Z voters are with Arkansas District 2 hopeful Chris Jones

A Gen Z powerhouse political group endorses District 2 challenger Chris Jones for his emphasis on affordability and wisdom about artificial intelligence.

Audits show LRSD high schools strengths, weaknesses

The Little Rock School Board heard the results of independent audits of four of its high schools during a meeting Thursday.

Khao soi at Rex’s, plum-powder oranges at AR Sushi and more: The best things we ate in October

With October almost in the rearview, we’re looking back at some of the best restaurant dishes the Eat Arkansas team came across over the last month.

AVAIO brings federal lawsuit against Pulaski County, Barry Hyde, and JP over data-center regulations

The $6 billion data center developer is suing Pulaski County, accusing county judge candidate Wendell Griffen of unlawful influence and revealing it's entered into a multimillion-dollar Entergy agreement.

SNAP benefits not covering the cost of a modestly priced meal, thanks to One Big Beautiful Bill

SNAP benefits were designed to cover the cost of meals, but Republican cutbacks have made that impossible.

Tom Cotton of McLean, Virginia, wants to keep representing Arkansas in the U.S. Senate

We've located Tom Cotton's multi-million dollar Virginia home, and it undermines pretty much any claim that he or his family actually live in Arkansas.

Winging it: The Observer comes face-to-face with a bat

This Halloween tale is batshit crazy.

Pulaski Election Commission denies federal request to send in poll monitors

The Pulaski County Election Commission voted 2-1 to deny a Department of Justice request to let federal monitors inside the polls on Election Day.

‘NAZA’ documentary gets free screening at Riverdale 10 on Nov. 7

“NAZA,” directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, investigates the Israeli military’s use of automated machine learning systems to perpetuate genocidal violence in Gaza.

Thursday open line

Pulaski election officials to vote on whether to let the feds into the polls, and Mayor Scott weighs in

The poll monitors bound for Washington and Pulaski counties are part of a nationwide, 1,000-strong team dispatched by the Trump administration.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Brian Goldstone to speak at Ron Robinson Theater on Wednesday

Journalist Brian Goldstone will speak about “There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 2026.

CALS used book sale returns Nov. 5-7

Running from 2-5 p.m. on Nov. 5; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Nov. 6; and noon-4 p.m. on Nov. 7, the sale will be as cheap as ever, with paperback books priced at $1 and hardbacks going for $2.