After near-split with Girls State over deadline issue, Arkansas legislators to host alternative

By: Ainsley Platt

Outlets: Arkansas Advocate

Published: May 12, 2026

Words: 917

Last Updated: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

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One of the most contentious issues Arkansas lawmakers confronted this year had nothing to do with the state’s multibillion-dollar budget or millions proposed in income tax cuts. Nor was it related to hot-button topics like school vouchers.

What riled up lawmakers instead was the prospect that dozens of high school girls would be unable to participate in a civic tradition that dates back to World War II. The dispute endangered the Legislature’s relationship with Arkansas …

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