Weekly Updates

Arkansas legislators approved using $165 million in federal relief funds to shore up the state unemployment insurance trust fund.

Arkansas cities and counties that have been hit hard by the economic impact of the coronavirus can apply for help, after legislators approved the use of $150 million for relief grants.

Census workers across Arkansas will be knocking on doors until the end of September in a last-ditch effort to make sure that as many people as possible get counted in the 2020 U.S. Census.

Before this year, the legislature had already laid the groundwork for expansions of broadband capability in education and health care. In response to the changing needs of schools and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, legislators have accelerated the pace of projects that expand broadband access in rural Arkansas and in small towns.

County clerks are preparing for a sharp increase in the number of absentee ballots that they expect to be turned in for the November 3 general election.

Arkansas legislators approved a plan to add $300 a week to unemployment benefits, to extend the extra benefits available during the coronavirus pandemic.

Arkansas teachers and students are beginning the most challenging school year in living memory.

The Transportation Department is upgrading its web site to make it easier for Arkansas drivers to follow the progress of highway construction projects.

More than 28,000 Arkansas residents work in the forest products industry, cutting trees, producing paper and pulp, manufacturing furniture and shipping wood products across the world.

The state Education Department will spend $10 million to expand Internet access in every school district in Arkansas.