Monthly Archives: February 2012
Walmart Struggles With Apparel Sales, But Believes It Has A Niche
Written on February 29, 2012 at 11:12 pm, by Roby Brock
Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. recently posted weaker same-store sales in its apparel division amid the busiest shopping season of the year.
Dillards To Buy Back $250 Million In Stock
Written on February 29, 2012 at 11:06 pm, by Roby Brock
Dillard’s, Inc. announced that the board of directors has approved an additional share repurchase program authorizing the company to repurchase up to $250 million of its Class A Common Stock.
Trucker Tax Cut Repeal Gets a Hail Mary Attempt
Written on February 29, 2012 at 6:54 pm, by Jason Tolbert
The action on the trucker tax cut repeal happened pretty fast this afternoon, but here is my best shot at Continue Reading »
Reports Present Fuzzy Economic Picture At State, National Levels
Written on February 29, 2012 at 6:11 pm, by Roby Brock
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday (Feb. 29) that Arkansas and Mississippi were the only two states to see an increase in their 2011 average annual unemployment rate compared to 2010.
Beebe Announces 25 Appointments To Boards And Commissions
Written on February 29, 2012 at 6:02 pm, by Roby Brock
Governor Mike Beebe today announced the following appointments to boards and commissions: Kathy Burl, North Little Rock, reappointed to the Continue Reading »
Big Shake-ups In Arkansas Congressional Races
Written on February 29, 2012 at 5:39 pm, by Michael Cook
Just as we predicted here at Cook’s Outlook, there are some surprises during this filing for office season, both with Continue Reading »
Where’s The Beef? Setting A Record High For Prices
Written on February 29, 2012 at 12:19 am, by Roby Brock
This week, it is notable that the price of your favorite hamburger could be changing on the menu. Expect to pay more for two all-beef patties on a sesame seed bun.
Medicaid Takes Center Stage In Budget Debate, But It Is Likely To Star Longer
Written on February 28, 2012 at 8:58 pm, by Roby Brock
A new Medicaid budget shortfall estimate — disputed by Gov. Mike Beebe (D) — has state lawmakers advocating for a more aggressive budget approach.
Justice Fund Report Pinpoints 3 Reasons For Revenue Decline
Written on February 28, 2012 at 7:43 pm, by Roby Brock
Court officials released a special report that explains why the depleted Administration of Justice (AOJ) fund lost so much money in 2011 that Gov. Mike Beebe (D) has had to bail it out with emergency funds.
New Poll: Dismang And Rogers In Dead Heat
Written on February 28, 2012 at 4:35 pm, by Michael Cook
One of 2012′s hottest State Senate races looks to be a dead heat and voters in that district care more Continue Reading »
Griffin Inquiry Renews Hope For Hawker Beechcraft Jobs
Written on February 28, 2012 at 1:37 pm, by Roby Brock
Last month, we reported that Cong. Tim Griffin (R-Little Rock) called into question the U.S. Air Force’s award of a contract to a foreign competitor of U.S.-based Hawker Beechcraft. The Air Force has backed off the decision and delayed its award pending an investigation.
Is Arkansas Ready To VoterUp?
Written on February 28, 2012 at 9:52 am, by Roby Brock
Are local political campaigns ready for the next technological leap?
Mountain Valley Inks Bottling Agreement
Written on February 28, 2012 at 9:45 am, by Roby Brock
Mountain Valley Spring Co. announced a new bottling agreement with TalkingRain Beverage Co. to produce that firm’s branded bottled water products.
Consumer Credit, Debt Reports Show Improvement
Written on February 27, 2012 at 6:13 pm, by Roby Brock
A report showing a decrease in housing-related debt and an increase in credit card and other forms of consumer debt is good news for the economy.
Arkansas Democrats Playing Offense in Legislative Races
Written on February 27, 2012 at 6:08 pm, by Michael Cook
State Democrats seem to be playing offense when it comes to retaining their majorities in the Legislature. We’re in the Continue Reading »
Clean & Green: Pulaski County Residents To See Major Recycling Change
Written on February 27, 2012 at 2:35 pm, by Roby Brock
For our central Arkansas audience, you’re likely to start seeing a major change in your curbside recycling program.
Democrat Q. Byrum Hurst Enters Fourth District Congressional Race
Written on February 27, 2012 at 1:23 pm, by Roby Brock
Democratic Party of Arkansas chairman Will Bond hinted last week that he expected a third Democrat to enter the Fourth District race besides D.C. Morrison and State Sen. Gene Jeffress.
Last Chance For Non-Budget Issues – Senate vs. House
Written on February 27, 2012 at 8:34 am, by Jason Tolbert
Today is the last chance for any non-budget issues to be taken up during the legislative session. This is because Continue Reading »
Minority Leader Burris Part of Youth Wave In Legislature
Written on February 26, 2012 at 8:06 am, by Roby Brock
John Lyon with the Arkansas News Bureau offers a profile of House Minority Leader Rep. John Burris (R-Harrison).
Arkansas Romney Chair Hopes Presidential Primary Ends Before Arkansas
Written on February 25, 2012 at 6:34 pm, by Jason Tolbert
Rep. Tim Griffin was one of the early Arkansas endorsers of Mitt Romney for President, along with Lieutenant Governor Mark Continue Reading »










