Arkansas: Cotton blames Putin for problems. US Sen. Tom Cotton said on CBS last week that “Russia remains an adversary to the United States. We have some overlapping interests. It would be better if our relationship was better,” reported the Washington Examiner. “But our relationship is not good right now because of Vladimir Putin.” ……. Florida: Latvala running for governor? State Sen. Jack Latvala (R), chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, announced yesterday that he will travel around the state next Wednesday, when he is expected to announce that he will run for governor next year. Latvala said, “As a small business owner and public servant, I have a track record of getting things done and solving problems.” …….Mississippi: Bryant appoints another justice to head child services. David Chandler, former state Supreme Court Justice, has headed the Child Protection Services for the past year and, says the Clarion-Ledger, is given credit for a major turn-around in the once-troubled agency. Chandler is now retiring, so Gov. Phil Bryant (R) is once again turning to the state’s high court, appointing Justice Jess Dickinson to head the agency …….