This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of Sept. 1, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., have introduced bipartisan legislation supporting research on smartphone use in schools. The Focus on Learning Act calls on the federal Department of Education to study how these devices impact academic achievement and students' mental health.

The two measures come amid interest nationwide and in the Natural State to restrict smartphone access among students. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and state Education Secretary Jacob Oliva are pushing a pilot program to provide school districts with pouches so students may store their phones during the school day.

Read the full story in Tuesday's edition of the Democrat-Gazette.

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., spent part of last week in Texas. Part of his trip involved the next farm bill and necessary language concerning agriculture production.

Boozman, of Rogers, and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, participated in an agriculture roundtable, during which the senators emphasized the importance of putting "more farm" in the next legislative package. The current farm bill is set to expire in September.

STORY: Boozman stresses farm protections in Texas agriculture roundtable

Thank you for listening to this week's "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to stay up to date with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can track what's happening in the nation's capital by following me on social media; my handle across all platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of August 25, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at the Arkansans influencing our national political discussions.

As Democrats from across the country converged in Chicago last week for the Democratic National Convention, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette spent time following the Arkansas delegation in the Windy City as they joined other Democrats to formally nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's presidential nominee.

On this week's "Arkies in the Beltway," we take a look at the energy surrounding Harris' presidential campaign, as well as the Arkansans looking to build the Democratic Party's statewide and nationwide outreach.

STORY: Former Secretary Clinton addresses Democratic National Committee as convention gets underway

STORY: U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders calls on Democrats to do more in Arkansas, other Republican-led states

STORY: Arkansas Democrats’ 2022 gubernatorial nominee pushing party to reach out to rural America

STORY: Bill Clinton calls Harris ‘president of joy,’ says Trump ‘creates chaos’

STORY: Arkansas Democrats eager to return to state energized from national convention

Thank you for checking out "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to stay up to date with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can also track what's happening in the nation's capital by following me on social media; my handle across all platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of August 18, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Democrats from across the country are converging in Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention.

The event completes a month of changes to the Democratic Party's presidential ticket, with Vice President Kamala Harris accepting the torch from President Joe Biden and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz joining the Harris campaign as the party's vice presidential nominee.

Arkansas Democrats are arriving in Chicago enthusiastic about Harris, believing she will put forward a campaign capable of defeating former President Donald Trump in November.

Check Sunday's edition of the Democrat-Gazette for the full story.

Thank you for checking out "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to stay up to date with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can also track what's happening in the nation's capital by following me on social media; my handle across all platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.