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Controversial LEARNS Act in Arkansas sparks debate as those against gather signatures to stop it

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Controversial LEARNS Act in Arkansas sparks debate as those against gather signatures to stop it


HARRISON, Ark. (KY3) – The recently passed LEARNS Act, a 143-page law aimed at shaping Arkansas education, has become the state’s focal point of excitement and apprehension.

Backed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the legislation promises more education choices and higher teacher pay.

However, with the new school year just around the corner, critics argue that it was rushed through without sufficient scrutiny, leaving students and educators facing the consequences.

“My senator told me he didn’t have time to go through such a lengthy bill before it got passed,” says Katie Deakins

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Deakins, a retired teacher and passionate advocate for education has taken it upon herself to gather signatures for a ballot initiative. Along with fellow members of CAPES (Citizens for Arkansas Public Education And Students), they aim to collect over 54,0000 signatures by Monday, calling for the LEARNS Act to be voted on by the public.

The group will be at this week’s farmers market on the square,e hoping to gather more signatures.

The LEARNS Act encompasses a wide range of provisions, including increased security measures, improved teacher pay, and the introduction of school vouchers. Among the contentious topics is the provision for a $50,000 starting teacher pay, which Deakins argues may not be sustainable in the long term.

“It’s being funded for two years, and after that, it’s going back to the districts. If these smaller districts could’ve paid that to their teachers, they would’ve been doing that already,” explained Deakins.

Jim Hill thinks the act is great for the state.

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He argues that it empowers taxpayers, offering them more control over where their money is directed.

He points to the introduction of school vouchers, which allow parents to choose between private and homeschooling options, as a step toward greater educational choice.

“If the child’s not there, the money shouldn’t go there. Period. The money should follow the child,” Hill says.

On the other hand, Deakins urged continued investment in public schools, raising concerns about using public funds for private purposes.

“Just over 200 years ago, we had a tea party in our country. No taxation without representation. And that’s exactly what this is. It’s not constitutional,” she says.

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Despite being passed, the LEARNS Act has encountered delays due to legal challenges, pushing its implementation to August 1. That will happen unless the signatures needed are gathered by July 31.

To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com



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Arkansas

Parade on Beale Street | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

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Parade on Beale Street | Arkansas Democrat Gazette


MEMPHIS –While Beale Street is famous for being the Home of the Blues, red was the color of the day Dec. 26 at the Beale Street Parade, where many watchers were clad in red — a team color for both teams playing in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl the following day.

Marching bands, vintage vehicles, cheer squads and floats marched, strutted and cruised down the historic street in downtown Memphis as fans of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas Tech Red Raiders lined the streets, cheering as bands and cheer squads from their schools passed by.

The University of Arkansas Razorback Marching Band, cheerleaders and pep squad brought up the rear of the parade, creating a grand finale as they marched to meet Texas Tech’s Goin’ Band from Raiderland at Beale Street’s Handy Park for a festive Bash on Beale Pep Rally. Both the parade and the pep rally were sponsored by the Beale Street Merchants Association.

— Story and photos by Cary Jenkins

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    Maddie Hayley, Kim Hayley, Spphie Haley, Layne Haley, Toomy Haley, orey Hale and Abbie Hayley on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Caden, Colton, Amber and Drew Cates, all of Little Rock, on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  D.J. Stutts, Shante Stutts and DAnte Stutts of Batesville, mother and siblings of the late Razorback football team member Dion Stutts on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Aspen Coad, Mattie Grace Fortenberry, Aylin Coad, Milli Fortenberry and Mac Fortenberry on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Aspen Coad, Mattie Grace Fortenberry, Aylin Coad, Milli Fortenberry and Mac Fortenberry on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Rhett, Dana Asher and Cooper Daniel of Rogers on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Jeff Box of Memphis on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Elivs Moya, Jennifer and Hunter Yurachek on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Sue E. Pig on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Sue E. Pig on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 
  photo  Jonathan and Brittany Hays with Paxton and Brooke Kellett, all of Jonesboro. on 12/26/2024 on Beale Street, Memphis, Liberty Bowl Parade. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Cary Jenkins)
 
 



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VIDEO: Calipari, Aidoo postgame – Florida 71, Arkansas 63

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VIDEO: Calipari, Aidoo postgame – Florida 71, Arkansas 63


Watch the postgame press conference from Arkansas head coach John Calipari and center Jonas Aidoo after the 71-63 loss to Florida on Saturday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.

Visit our homepage for complete coverage of Arkansas basketball, including everything you need to know from the Hoop Hogs’ game.



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2025 Small Works on Paper tour opens Monday at UALR | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

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2025 Small Works on Paper tour opens Monday at UALR | Arkansas Democrat Gazette


The Arkansas Arts Council’s 2025 Small Works on Paper touring exhibition debuts Monday and remains on display through Feb. 16 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Windgate Center of Art + Design, 2801 S. University Ave., Little Rock.

A reception, 5-7 p.m. Jan. 30, will feature presentations by the 35 Arkansas artists whose 40 pieces, no larger than 18-by-24 inches, are part of the exhibition. Refreshments will be served.

Admission to the reception and the gallery is free. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, 2-5 p.m. Sunday.

The visual art exhibition is in its 38th year, spotlighting Arkansas artists who are members of the Arkansas Artist Registry, an online gallery maintained by the Arkansas Arts Council. Most works will be available for sale with all proceeds benefiting the artists. The exhibition will tour nine venues statewide.

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This year’s juror, New Jersey-based artist Mario A. Robinson, reviewed more than 200 entries and chose the work of three artists — Jennifer Barnett and Derek Slagle, both of Little Rock, and Richard Stephens of Hot Springs — for purchase awards that will become part of the Small Works on Paper permanent collection. The artists receive cash awards that are equivalent to the value of their artwork.

    “Weird Weather,” acrylic painting by Susan Chambers of Little Rock; “Good Days,” acrylic on newspaper by Alexia Lams of Pine Bluff; “Offerings,” watercolor and thread on paper by Rhaelene Lowther of Magnolia; “Hillside Hives,” pastel and graphite on brown paper by David Mudrinich of Russellville; and “The Old Neighborhood,” pastel by Dennis McCann of Maumelle, are part of the Arkansas Arts Council’s 2025 Small Works on Paper touring exhibition, debuting Monday and on display through Feb. 16 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Windgate Center of Art + Design. (Special to the Democrat-Gazette)
 
 

The exhibition will be on display:

◼️ March 3-26 at the River Valley Arts Center, 1001 E. St., Russellville (rivervalleyartscenter.org)

◼️ April 3-30 at the Walton Arts Center’s Community Creative Center, 505 W. Spring St., Fayetteville (communitycreativecenter.org)

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◼️ May 5-28 at the Ouachita Center, University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, 1100 College Drive, Mena (uarichmountain.edu/index.html)

◼️ June 6-28 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., Pine Bluff (artx3.org/home)

◼️ July 11-Aug. 22 at the Delta Cultural Center, 141 Cherry St., Helena (arkansasheritage.com/delta-cultural-center)

◼️ Sept. 4-29 at Southern Arkansas University’s Brinson Art Gallery, 100 E. University St., Magnolia (saumag.edu)

◼️ Oct. 6-28 at the Glassblock Gallery, Taylor Library, University of Arkansas at Monticello, 346 University Ave., Monticello (uamont.edu)

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◼️ Nov. 4-22 at Harding University’s Stevens Art Center, 915 E. Market Ave., Searcy (harding.edu).

For more information, call (501) 324-9767, email at cheri.leffew@arkansas.gov or visit ArkansasArts.org.



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