Author: Roby Brock

Bank On Arkansas+ turns 5

A novel program to ease unbanked Arkansans into the banking system turned five years old this fall and, statistically speaking, the state is making major progress. Leaders touted the success…

State Sen. Clint Penzo to challenge U.S. Rep. Womack in GOP primary

State Sen. Clint Penzo, R-Springdale, said Monday (Nov. 13) he will run for the GOP nomination for Arkansas’ 3rd Congressional District, taking on incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers. Penzo,…

Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Presidential strategy, Trump and abortion

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson officially filed paperwork to run for U.S. President in his home state Friday (Nov. 10). He shared his thoughts on his long shot candidacy, GOP…

Dillard’s Q3 net income slips, CEO says sales environment ‘challenging’

Dillard’s Inc. reported net income for the 13 weeks ended Oct. 28, 2023 of $155.3 million, or $9.49 per share, compared to $187.9 million, or $10.96 per share, for the…

Former State Sen. John Pagan files for Treasurer, U.S. Rep. Womack files for re-election

It was a quieter day at the Arkansas state capitol on Day 2 of the candidate filing period as fewer than 30 people submitted paperwork to run for public office….

First day of filing sees Thurston jump in Treasurer’s race, Democrat to challenge Crawford in CD1

The first day of candidate filing at the Arkansas State Capitol ended with 215 filings, including Republican Secretary of State John Thurston running for an open State Treasurer position and…

First Security Bank grows trust, wealth management team

There was a time when many financial institutions in Arkansas called themselves “bank and trust.” It’s rare now, but that hasn’t stopped the proliferation of banks expanding their trust and…

Arkansas Poll: Gov. Sanders has 48%-39% job approval

The 2023 Arkansas Poll, conducted by the University of Arkansas’ political science department for the last 25 years, shows first-year Republican Gov. Sarah Sanders with a 48%-39% job approval rating….

AG Griffin looks to broaden law on foreign land ownership restrictions

Attorney General Tim Griffin says he’s eyeing an extension of a new state law that prohibits certain foreign ownership of Arkansas land and property. Two weeks ago, Griffin and Gov….

Retired Army Colonel Marcus Jones vying to unseat Cong. French Hill

Democrats have a new candidate to try to unseat Republican incumbent Congressman French Hill in the 2024 election cycle. Marcus Jones, a retired Army Colonel, announced his candidacy two weeks…

RTX to locate $33 million missile factory in Camden, will add 30 jobs

The first public jobs announcement from a summer trade show in Paris has been made. RTX, formerly Raytheon Corp., said Thursday (Oct. 26) it will locate a $33 million missile…

Gov. Sanders sued by blogger Matt Campbell over FOIA denial

Blue Hog Report blogger and attorney Matt Campbell said he filed a lawsuit in Pulaski County Court late Tuesday (Oct. 24) against Gov. Sarah Sanders for her office’s denial of…

Cong. Womack undecided on Speaker candidate, hopes for resolution this week

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, isn’t hiding his frustration from more than two weeks of a Speaker-less House of Representatives. “We are a fractured, stubborn, divided bunch right now,” said…

Retired Army Col. Marcus Jones to challenge U.S. Rep. French Hill

Marcus Jones, a retired Army Colonel, said Tuesday (Oct. 17) he will run as a Democrat to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock. Jones filed paperwork with the…

Cong. Hill sees difficult path in House Speaker dilemma, praises U.S. response to Israel attacks

U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, said the path to select a new Speaker of the House has multiple options, but he’s unsure of what may be the eventual outcome….

Democrats blast DHS for Medicaid disenrollments

Democratic Party of Arkansas Chairman Grant Tennille accused the Arkansas Department of Human Services and Republicans in the state legislature of bungling the state’s Medicaid re-enrollment process. At a press…

More than 427,000 Arkansans come off Medicaid rolls after six-month ‘unwinding’ process

Arkansas’ Medicaid rolls fell by more than 53,000 in September, the final month for redetermination for eligibility, according to new figures released by the state Department of Human Services on…

Freedom of Information Act advocates ready to unveil constitutional amendment proposal

By next week, expect to see the first draft of a proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) into the Arkansas Constitution. Appearing on this…

Attorney Jay Martin says he will seek Chief Justice seat on Arkansas Supreme Court

Then, there were four. North Little Rock attorney Jay Martin said he plans to run for the Chief Justice seat for the Arkansas Supreme Court in 2024. Chief Justice John Dan…

Former NLR Mayor Pat Hays dies

Longtime North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Henry Hays passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. Hays, a lawyer, was also a former member of the…