Weekly Updates

Adequately funding public schools is one of the most complex, time-consuming and important duties of the legislature.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board heard a disappointing report about the continuing decline in the number of Arkansas high school graduates who go on to college.

The state's child welfare agency has improved its performance over the past three years and continues to make progress, according to its most recent annual report.

The state's child welfare agency has improved its performance over the past three years and continues to make progress, according to its most recent annual report.

Earlier this month the state Crime Lab opened a new facility in Lowell, in northwest Arkansas.

The annual report cards for Arkansas public schools has been released by the state Education Department, and they show improvement over last year.

The state Board of Correction has voted to pursue an agreement with Bradley and Drew Counties in southeast Arkansas to set up a private prison.

Tourism in Arkansas grew at a healthy rate last year, whether it's measured in total spending or how many people visited the state or how many jobs are supported by the travel industry.

The joint Senate and House Committees on Public Health, Welfare and Labor approved a study proposal to combat the dramatic increase in teenagers' use of vaping products, also known as e-cigarettes.

In 2017 the legislature approved the creation of four crisis stabilization units (CSU), where police officers can bring people who are experiencing a severe mental health episode.