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Arkansans seek assistance from federal program as student loan payments resume
With student loan payments resuming in October after a three-year pandemic pause, Karen Sykes of Little Rock said she’s relieved by the creation of a new federal program that will significantly lower her payments and set an end date for settling her debt. “There’s that light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. Sykes […]
Former Arkansas governor promises to continue campaign after missing GOP debate
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he will continue his bid for president, despite failing to qualify for the second Republican presidential debate on Wednesday. In a statement issued Monday evening, Hutchinson said he will keep campaigning with events across the country in the coming weeks. This includes a press conference in Detroit on Wednesday […]
Little Rock public housing board preps for removal vote by acquiring legal counsel
Little Rock’s federally-funded public housing authority board voted Thursday to allow the agency’s lawyer to represent commissioners who want counsel ahead of a likely vote by city government to remove them next week. The attorney also hinted at potential litigation against the city if members of the housing authority board are removed from office. Kerry […]
$10 million grant to support Arkansas electric grid upgrades
Arkansas will receive more than $10 million in federal funding to enhance the state’s electric grid, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration announced Wednesday. Funding from the Grid Enhancement Grant program will total $5.16 million in the first year and $5.14 million the second year. “This year’s historic natural disasters underscored the critical importance […]
Arkansas firefighters deployed to Louisiana to help with wildfire suppression efforts
Six wildland firefighters from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division will assist with Louisiana’s Tiger Island Fire for a two-week period beginning today. Investigators believe the wildfire, which started on Aug. 22 and has affected more than 31,000 acres, is the result of arson, according to the Louisiana lluminator. The fire was 84% contained […]
Arkansas school safety rules public comment meeting set for Thursday
A public hearing on proposed rules governing school safety is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at the Arkansas Department of Education Arch Ford Education Building in Little Rock. The proposed Division of Elementary and Secondary Education rules include requiring 40 hours of basic school resource officer training within 18 months of hiring and […]
Arkansas Marshallese community concerned about ongoing treaty renegotiation with U.S.
The compact that allows Arkansas’ Marshallese community to live and work here expires at the end of the month, and a new agreement isn’t likely before the Sept. 30 deadline. And while U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, the Arkansas Republican who chairs the committee overseeing the renegotiation, said there’s no need to panic yet, the uncertainty […]
Arkansas legislators choose school insurance premium consultant
Arkansas lawmakers selected a consultant to conduct a study of rising property insurance premiums for public school districts and higher education institutions on Wednesday. The Arkansas Legislative Council Executive Subcommittee listened to proposals from Cadence Insurance and Meadors, Adams & Lee Insurance Inc. before authorizing the Bureau of Legislative Research to enter into negotiations with […]
Arkansas attorney general OKs legality of Bentonville’s affordable teacher housing approach
A Northwest Arkansas school district will further consider a proposal to build affordable housing for teachers this month following initial approval of the project by Arkansas’ attorney general on Tuesday. “We are optimistic about the possibilities and we just want to provide all the information to our board so that they can make an informed […]
New report urges legislative action to provide SNAP benefits to Arkansas’ Marshallese community
A report released Thursday advocates for extending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to the thousands of Marshallese migrants who lawfully reside in Arkansas and struggle with food insecurity. Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families worked with the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese for more than a year on the report, which recommends granting Marshallese migrants […]
Rural Arkansas businesses receive federal funding for renewable energy projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $266 million in loans and grants to agriculture producers and rural small businesses to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. Wednesday’s announcement includes funding for two projects in Arkansas. Nighthawk Custom LLC, a firearm company in Berryville, will use $260,180 to install solar arrays […]
Implementation of Arkansas LEARNS Act continues with literacy coach training
Dozens of coaches are preparing to help Arkansas students meet literacy standards outlined in the LEARNS Act, an expansive new education law backed by the governor. During a training session Monday, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders told the new literacy coaches she knows the impact a single teacher can have on a student because an educator […]