By Andrew DeMillo | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Advocate readers! Our latest Arkansas Explained installment looks at the history of the Capitol’s monuments and the controversy surrounding some of them. And this week’s editor’s commentary explores what Arkansas leaders can learn from the Declaration of Independence. You can find more Arkansas government and politics news on the Advocate site here.
We’re also thrilled to announce that the Advocate’s work was recognized over the weekend at the Arkansas Press Association’s annual awards.
A black stone structure in honor of Arkansas’ Gold Star families stands behind the state Capitol in Little Rock on June 25, 2026. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Tess Vrbin
Two religiously infused displays on Arkansas Capitol grounds have drawn state and national attention: the Ten Commandments statue that a judge has ordered removed and a planned “monument to the unborn” backed by abortion opponents that’s faced planning setbacks.
The Declaration of Independence on display at the National Archives in Washington on June 7, 2024. (Photo by Andrew DeMillo/Arkansas Advocate)
COMMENTARY
By Andrew DeMillo
Our country was founded on the promise of equality and liberty, but the declaration reminds us how important a virtue credibility is. Without that credibility, it’s impossible to earn the people’s trust.
A police officer’s body-camera footage is transcribed directly into the ReportAI interface developed by software company Mark43. Police departments across the country are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to help draft reports, analyze evidence and manage massive amounts of digital data from body cameras, surveillance systems and case files. (Photo courtesy of Mark43)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Stateline
As law enforcement agencies increasingly embrace AI, some civil liberties advocates, legal scholars and policing experts warn that the technology could amplify surveillance, introduce hidden biases into investigations and make it harder to challenge evidence in court.
MORE NEWS
Landry signs order to protect utility customers as he promotes more data center development | Louisiana Illuminator
Texas Supreme Court rejects lawsuit by survivors of Uvalde school shooting | The Texas Tribune
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