File photo

I got back to town too late to catch Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s chat with the press this afternoon, but the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette roundup suggested little news was made.

Who knows if Leslie Rutledge or Tom Cotton will join the Trump administration? If either or both does, he’ll be ready to appoint a stand-in. Reading between the lines, he sounded like he thought a Cotton appointment was a stronger possibility.

Advertisement

Tax cuts and budget priorities? Still mulling.

Legal medical marijuana vs. federal laws that make marijuana illegal? Not ready to say how that contradiction can or will be resolved. One question includes the matter that it might be illegal to sell a firearm to someone with an otherwise legal scrip for medical pot.

He did say he hoped to move the state energy office from Economic Development to the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to facilitate spending of some $14 million the state expects from legal action against Volkswagen. It will be spent for unspecified energy uses, something worth keeping a close eye on.

Advertisement

The governor’s office sometimes posts full video of press events. I’ll add it if one turns up.

Advertisement

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Open line and the view from Mena Next article Former Mountain View deputy gets year in prison for inmate beating