Author: Roby Brock

Roby Brock

Rick Crawford Reconsiders ‘No Pork’ Pledge

First District freshman Cong. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, is reportedly reconsidering his pledge to not seek earmarks.

Head Football Coach Placed On Paid Leave Pending Accident Review

Much has been written and said regarding University of Arkansas head football Bobby Petrino and the unfolding scandal surrounding a motorcycle accident that led to the coach lying to his family, his superiors and the public. A round-up from around the state of news and analysis.

O.K. Industries To Add Jobs, Upgrade Plants

For the Fort Smith metro economy, Friday was good in that O.K. Industries announced it will add or return 182 jobs to its facilities in Fort Smith and Heavener, Okla.

Hurst Campaign Adding Staff, Tops $105,000 In First Month Fundraising

Fourth District Congressional Democratic candidate Q. (Quincy) Byrum Hurst may have been late to the game, but he’s putting a campaign team together that might explain why national Republicans have singled him out in recent attacks.

Nelson Says Beebe Opposition To Severance Tax Is Misinformed

Sheffield Nelson, the retired natural gas company executive and supporter of raising Arkansas’ severance tax, told a Sherwood Chamber of Commerce audience that Gov. Mike Beebe (D) was misinformed in his recent reversal of position.

State Legislators Reject Spending Fed Funds On Health Insurance Exchange

A legislative panel today failed to endorse state spending from a multimillion-dollar federal grant to implement a key component of the national health care reform law.

Walmart Launches ‘Women in Factories’ Program In Foreign Countries

Walmart revealed a “Women in Factories” program, a five-year initiative that it says will “empower 60,000 women working in factories that supply products to Walmart and other retailers in India, Bangladesh, China and Central America.”

Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas To Purchase Power From Kansas Wind Farm

The Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC) has reached a long-term purchase power agreement for 51 megawatts of wind energy from the Flat Ridge 2 South Wind Farm in Kansas.

Entergy Corp. Taps Hendrix Grad For New Role

The board of directors of Entergy Corporation announced that Theodore H. Bunting, Jr. has been elected group president, utility operations. Bunting, currently the company’s senior vice president and chief accounting…

Natural Gas Rates Coming Down For Arkansas Consumers

The falling price of natural gas may be tough on energy companies, but it’s providing a source of cheaper energy for customers of Fort Smith-based Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp.

Attorney General Approves Campaign And Ethics Proposal

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel (D) approved a proposed ballot initiative that would change campaign and ethics laws in Arkansas.

ASBTDC’s Massey Named National Biz Counselor Of The Year

Kelly B. Massey of Arkadelphia was recently named the national Small Business Development Center Counselor of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration and will be honored May 21…

Clean & Green: Seed Swaps Growing In Popularity

Meet the Johnny Appleseed of Arkansas. Actually, Dr. Brian Campbell is interested in much more than just apple seeds — he’s interested in all seeds.

Regions Financial Repays TARP Funds

Birmingham-based Regions Financial Corp. says it has completed its repurchase of $3.5 billion of Series A Preferred Stock issued under the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program’s (TARP) Capital Purchase Program.

New Lines, Multiple Candidates Shape Fourth District Congressional Race

Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District picked up all or part of 8 counties in the western part of the state under new redistricting boundaries and the analogy of frontier territory couldn’t be more appropriate.

Graham Stewart Named To UA Alumni Post

Graham G. Stewart has been named associate vice chancellor for alumni and executive director of the Arkansas Alumni Association at the University of Arkansas. Stewart, who currently serves as assistant…

Settlement Approved In Lawmaker Reimbursement Case

A lawsuit has been settled in a case involving expense reimbursements for Arkansas legislators.

Arkansas Shale Drilling Activity Continues Decline

Historically low natural gas prices have pushed the state’s rig count to its lowest level in more than six years and have substantially stalled production and hiring in the Fayetteville Shale, industry experts say.

Strong March Tax Collections Reflect Strengthening Economy

Boosted by strong tax collections in all major revenue categories and lower-than-expected income tax refunds, Arkansas’ March revenue report reflected a strong month of economic activity.

Beebe Hopes China Trade Trip Produces “Immediate” Results

Gov. Mike Beebe’s upcoming trade mission to China may be a long-term investment for jobs in Arkansas, but the Governor said he hopes for near-term results.