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Governor reveals two vetoes on final day of session

Gov. Sarah Sanders on Wednesday (April 16) announced two vetoes — a bill veto and a line-item veto — her first two vetoes of the 95th General Assembly. Her first…

Home BancShares’ first quarter net income, revenue beat estimates

Home BancShares, the parent company of Centennial Bank, posted a more than 15% gain in first quarter 2025 net income despite a $10 million drop in interest income. Earnings per…

Quarterly net income falls for Simmons First, revenue rises

Simmons First National Corp. posted an almost 17% decline in first quarter net income. The bank CEO said “stability in economic policy” is needed to better pursue “growth opportunities.” Earnings…

Legislative session adjourns after 93 days, will sine die May 5

Ninety-three days into the 95th Arkansas General Assembly, state lawmakers concluded their business and recessed with the prospect of returning on May 5 to officially sine die. Legislators finished their…

Bank OZK posts a gain in quarterly revenue, net income beats estimate

Little Rock-based Bank OZK on Wednesday (April 16) reported first quarter 2025 net income of $167.9 million, down 2.1% compared with the same period in 2024. Earnings per share for…

UAMS, Washington Regional to offer non-primary residency programs

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville have received accreditation to establish neurology and emergency medicine residency programs in Northwest Arkansas through…

Amazon planning major distribution center at Little Rock Port Authority

Central Arkansas will be home to another major investment from online retail giant Amazon, local economic officials revealed Tuesday (April 15). Early Tuesday, Little Rock Port Authority officials approved a…

J.B. Hunt 1Q revenue, earnings dip, but beat estimates

Lowell-based carrier J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. posted declines in earnings and revenue in the first quarter but narrowly beat analyst expectations of larger declines. After-hours trading showed the company’s…

Gov. Sanders seeks ban on SNAP junk food purchases

Gov. Sarah Sanders has asked for a waiver from the Trump administration barring Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using their benefits to purchase candy, soft drinks, and other…

UADA: Arkansas crop damage exceeds $78 million in April flood

Heavy rain and storms from April 2-5 resulted in at least $78.93 million in crop-related flood damage in Arkansas, with most of the total in the eastern part of the…

NRF reports that March retail sales rose 4.75%

Consumers spent 4.75% more on retail purchases in March compared to a year ago. Total sales excluded autos and fuel and were compiled by Affinity Solutions for the National Retail…

Trade wars ‘likely to extend’ US freight recession

Recent reports suggest the announced and threatened tariffs may have boosted near-term shipping and import numbers, but may eventually lengthen the U.S. freight recession and reduce spending on trucks and…

Arvest Bank announces regional leadership changes

Craig Rivaldo, regional executive for Fayetteville-chartered Arvest Bank, will retire later this year after 37 years with the bank, the bank announced Monday (April 14). His retirement results in executive…

The Supply Side: Consumers reduce spending on spring fashion

Despite initial optimism, consumers polled by McKinsey & Company indicate they plan to spend less on discretionary categories like clothes and shoes over the next three months. Only 14% said…

Sen. Cotton discusses upcoming US-Iran nuclear talks, tariff strategies

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said military force is certainly on the table if U.S.-Iran talks to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities do not result in concessions from Tehran. In an…

Senate advances right to bear arms amendment; Senate leader says prison funding likely stalled

The Arkansas Senate voted 28-7 Thursday (April 10) to advance a proposed constitutional amendment to protect the right to keep and bear arms. SJR 11, by Sen. John Payton, R-Wilburn,…

EIA: Declining oil demand to lead to lower oil, gasoline prices

Recent changess in global trade policy and oil production may result in lower global demand growth for petroleum products through 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The…

Razorback Athletics again in Learfield top 20

Arkansas ranks fourth in the Southeastern Conference and No. 17 overall in the latest 2024-25 Learfield Directors’ Cup Standings released on Thursday (April 10) by the National Association of Collegiate…

PBM bill heads to governor; Senate prison funding bill pauses

A bill to prohibit pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies in Arkansas comfortably cleared the Senate on Wednesday (April 9), but Gov. Sarah Sanders has not signaled her support…

Study: Venture Center generates more than $62.3 million for Arkansas

A new study conducted for The Venture Center shows that the startup hub had a $62.3 million economic impact on Arkansas over a five-year period. The report, conducted by Boyette…