For children, summertime brings a euphoric feeling of freedom. For a few months, it means no more early classes, pop quizzes or homework. But for too many children in Arkansas, it raises levels of anxiety instead of euphoria because they no longer have a reliable prospect to eat a meal at br…

After some difficult weeks for Arkansas, I was so glad to hear the news on Wednesday that the Civilian Conservation Center (CCC) in Cass will remain open. This program provides valuable training and employment to many young people in rural communities, which is why Senators Boozman and Cotto…

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge applauds today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of a nearly 100 year old World War I memorial cross. The decision, American Legion v. American Humanist Association, further underscores the constitutionality …

LITTLE ROCK — The legislature updated Arkansas school choice laws when it approved Act 754 of 2019 earlier this year.

Pinch me! I must be dreaming. After years of displacing U.S. tech workers, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program has finally appeared on Congress' radar. 

Recently, I found myself standing in front of my old house in Philadelphia. From 1966, when I was 4, until 1969, when we moved to Delaware County, I lived in the two-story quasi-Victorian on the 5400 block of North 12th Street. In the 50 years since we left, I've re-imagined that house a mil…

Is the bulging field of Democrats seeking the 2020 presidential nomination a sign of strength? Or is it a troubling indication that wresting the presidency from Donald Trump won't be as easy as it ought to be?

No single theme grabbed my attention this week, so we're back to a potpourri of random thoughts.

Breaking news: Federal spending is out of control.

It was tempting, for a moment there, to believe that President Donald Trump might get through his overseas trip to the United Kingdom and Normandy last week without finding a way to put his foot in his mouth.

My time in D.C. this week was focused on an appropriations bill that the House is considering. Congress holds our nation's purse strings, and one of its greatest responsibilities is appropriating federal funds each year. If the budgeting and appropriations process is followed correctly, the …

My dad turns 86 next month. He never thought he'd live so long - or see as many Father's Days as he has - because his parents both died far too young.

H. L. Mencken, the famed crusty commentator, said one century ago: "A politician is an animal which can sit on a fence and yet keep both ears on the ground."

"You think there's not a lot goin' on/But look closer, baby, you're so wrong..." - from the theme to Canada's brilliant "Corner Gas" TV show.

Modern politics can be summed up this way: Republicans frequently refer to Ronald Reagan, while Democrats prefer to conjure memories of Franklin Roosevelt.

Interesting how the Republican Party's attitude towards the office of the presidency has changed in three short years. During the tenure of the previous POTUS, any imagined breach of protocol provoked outpourings of outrage with spokespeople twitching and yelling and waving their arms like o…

Last fall, I took an extended road trip through the Great American Southwest. During my travels, I spent about a week in the Las Vegas area, and came upon a quaint ice cream shop just on the outskirts of town. Since the small store offered early morning cortados, a light lunch menu, and a va…

It was tempting, for a moment there, to believe that President Donald Trump might get through his overseas trip to the United Kingdom and Normandy last week without finding a way to put his foot in his mouth.

Flooding has caused more than $100 million in damage to infrastructure in Arkansas, according to the governor’s request for federal relief.

This week Arkansas hosted the first-ever National Computer Science Summit for State Leaders at the Governor’s Mansion, and today I’d like to share a bit about our event.

What the heck was President Trump doing?

The latest pro-immigration talking point is that since the U.S. has an abundance of wide-open spaces, record legal immigration levels should continue, and perhaps even increase. While there may be some remote pockets across America where people have enough room to breathe, those open spaces …

America's declining birthrate has given me pause. 

I spent the first half of the week in Washington, D.C. It was a quick three days, but exciting nonetheless. One of the highlights was leading a tour of the Capitol for the De Queen Quiz Bowl Team. These students travelled to D.C. to compete in the National Quiz Bowl Championship. I could not…

There was a big media buildup and a lot of wild guessing by the pundits on FOX and CNN about what Special Counsel Robert Mueller was going to say in his public statement on Wednesday.

LITTLE ROCK — I have written to President Trump to request that he declare the Flood of 2019 a major disaster and provide the federal assistance that we will need to get back on our feet. My letter outlines the extensive destruction and loss along the Arkansas River and its tributaries from …

The quintessential Ugly American arrived in England on Monday, where it didn't take long for him to hurl insults at London's mayor. But presumably his mood will be lightened by the absence of any American vessels bearing the name John McCain.

I read an essay the other day that caught me totally unprepared. It was written by a teacher in Charlotte, N.C., who stated that at a meeting about how to deal with an armed intruder, someone suggested giving teachers marbles to scatter in hallways to slow the gunman. 

I was recently watching a cartoon marathon of The Flintstones with some fourth graders, and when the last line of the theme song blared from the TV, a 10-year-old girl looked up at me and said, "Were the Flintstones gay?"

LITTLE ROCK — Elementary school students in Arkansas will get at least 40 minutes a day of recess under legislation approved earlier this year by the General Assembly.

Breaking his two-year vow of silence, special counsel, professional Boy Scout and part time monk Robert S. Mueller III took time from his busy schedule of transitioning to the public sector and spoke to the country for almost ten whole minutes. And we were honored.

"This is the time to remember, 'cause it will not last forever." - Billy Joel

I've been thinking about the concept of universal child care ever since a chance encounter with a mother I'll refer to as Suzy and her youngster whom I'll call Blake. 

The late Thurlow Fernandez, a WWII veteran who called Sherwood, Arkansas home, recalled during an interview in the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project (VHP) how a medical condition he suffered from on June 6, 1944 prevented him from participating in the invasion of Normandy, France…

Anyone born after 1985 and of legal age to operate a motorboat or sailboat must have successfully completed an approved AGFC Boater Education Course and carry proof while operating a motorboat or sailboat on Arkansas water. The course teaches the fundamentals of safe boating necessary to red…

 Come to the Ponca Elk Education Center at 11 a.m on Saturday, June 15, for a free program to learn about backyard birds, and decorate your own miniature birdbath. All supplies provided. This program is free of charge thanks to your support of the 1/8th cent Conservation Sales Tax – Amendmen…

Anyone born after 1985 and of legal age to operate a motorboat or sailboat must have successfully completed an approved AGFC Boater Education Course and carry proof while operating a motorboat or sailboat on Arkansas water. The course teaches the fundamentals of safe boating necessary to red…

Like most people, I didn't think much about my Social Security number - until I got a bizarre call from a total stranger.

The Democrats running the House of Representatives have gone insane - and they prove it every day.

Justin Amash, a rare Republican congressman who refuses to genuflect at Donald Trump's feet, has been taking heat lately for daring to speak his mind. But bless his heart, he couldn't care less.

According to NBC News, a growing number of school districts (especially in rural areas) are experimenting with a four-day week.

I wrote a column recently about lawmakers in East Tennessee voting to make Blount County a "Second Amendment Sanctuary." They established a haven for gun owners seeking asylum from bothersome restrictions on firearms.

Fifty years ago this summer, Charles Manson went on a killing spree that shocked the nation and was the ghoulish "gold standard" for heinous crimes. While some killers have been more prolific (like the Rev. Jim Jones) and some have been more photogenic (like Ted Bundy), and some have been mo…

One thing you've got to give Trump is the Oval Office occupant knows his way around a misdirection.

The Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act (FHSI), the 2019 version, has been reintroduced in the Senate, S. 386, and in the House, H.R. 1044. Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced the Senate version. Overall, Lee has a strong immigration record, but on reducing unnecessary employment-based visas, …

LITTLE ROCK — The rate of maternal mortality in Arkansas is above the national average, so earlier this year the legislature created a review committee to develop new strategies for preventing women from dying during childbirth.

Today I want to talk about the Arkansas River as its water levels continue to rise and threaten thousands of people who live and work along its banks. This is a river flood unlike any we have ever seen.

The Arkansas River is experiencing historic flooding that has unfortunately resulted in Natural State homes, businesses and communities now finding themselves underwater. The water level has surpassed the record floods of 2015, 1990, 1941 and 1927. What we are facing is unprecedented, howeve…