The Arkansas Department of Education has announced the 2026 Arkansas Gem Schools, recognizing 167 public and public charter schools for strong academic achievement, notable student growth, and steady improvement over multiple years. The program, which serves as the state’s Rewards and Recognition initiative, will distribute nearly $7 million to schools that rank among the highest […]
Weekly UpdatesArkansas voters face a wide-ranging slate of constitutional amendments on the upcoming general election ballot, including measures on voting eligibility, the right to bear arms, and economic development. A public works bond issue is also on the ballot. Issue 1: Defining Who is Eligible to Vote in Arkansas This proposed constitutional amendment would explicitly state […]
Weekly UpdatesArkansas is expanding its efforts to reward and retain high‑performing educators, unveiling a major increase in merit‑based bonuses from the 2025–26 school year. In June, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) announced that nearly $20 million will be distributed through the LEARNS Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program, marking one of […]
Weekly UpdatesThe Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC), one of the most influential bodies in state government, has quietly shaped Arkansas policy for more than 75 years. Established in 1949, the council serves as the General Assembly’s powerful interim committee, coordinating legislative work, overseeing executive branch operations, and supervising the Bureau of Legislative Research whenever the full legislature […]
Weekly UpdatesThe Legislative Joint Auditing Committee has been a fixture of Arkansas government since 1953, when the General Assembly created it to strengthen financial oversight across state and local agencies. Over the decades, it has become one of the Legislature’s most important accountability tools, offering lawmakers a clear view into how public money is spent and […]
Weekly Updates