News on the Wire

Dining Dialogue: Bailey loves candy and mentoring

Tim Bailey’s first job was in a nut house. Not that kind of nut house. Bailey, who is now president of Fort Smith-based Candy Craze, began working for Inell and…

Survey: More workers prefer ‘virtual’ rewards

The importance of “recognition and virtual awards” is rising among the U.S. workforce according to a recent study, but a professor and business manager say pay and peer review are…

$1 million donation to help UAFS nursing program

A $1 million gift to the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith from the Pendergraft family is designed to have an impact on the nursing shortage in the Fort Smith…

Home Bancshares, Liberty deal ‘almost flawless’

There is more to report – and speculate – after Tuesday’s (June 25) mega-merger deal that Home Bancshares of Conway will acquire Liberty Bancshares of Jonesboro in a $280 million…

Orange barrels decorate NWA, Fort Smith

Drivers in Northwest Arkansas and the Fort Smith area are accustomed to seeing orange barrels but soon it might feel like they are a permanent roadway decoration. Between several bond-funded…

Whirlpool groups says pollution plume stable

According to a report submitted Monday (June 24) to the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, environmental consultants for Whirlpool claim that a plume of potentially cancer causing trichloroethylene (TCE) on…

AG’s opinion sought in aquatics park project

The Ben Geren Aquatics Center has not only drawn the attention of the attention of Sebastian County residents, but now a state senator and the office of Arkansas Attorney General…

Beebe defends Arkansas’ Medicaid expansion

Gov. Mike Beebe took full advantage of the power and influence in the room when he broached the topic of Medicaid expansion with the members of the Northwest Arkansas Council…

Arkansas poultry exports banned by three Asian countries

China announced earlier this week it would ban the imports of poultry raised in Arkansas after a recent small incidence of Avian Influenza among a breeder operation in Scott County….

Arkansas home sales strong through May

Home sales in Arkansas’ four largest markets during the first five months of 2013 are up more than 10%, and the value of homes sold are up more than 15%,…

June sales tax revenue rises in Northwest Arkansas

The four largest cities in Northwest Arkansas reported healthy sales tax collections on Tuesday (June 25) putting 2013 another step ahead of 2012 – a good year by all accounts….

Federal COINS Act could remove $1 paper bill

Legislation introduced earlier this month in the U.S. Senate could make your pocket jingle with more change and save taxpayers big bucks. S. 1105, better known as the Currency Optimization,…

Home Bancshares buys Liberty Bank in $280 million deal

Conway-based Home Bancshares, parent company of Centennial Bank, will acquire Jonesboro-based Liberty Bancshares in a deal that will give the merged financial institution a statewide footprint of 92 branches and…

Arkansans react to Obama’s climate plan

In a Monday speech at Georgetown University, President Barack Obama gave a preview of forthcoming major initiatives to address climate change and environmental concerns. The President is expected to unveil…

Van Buren committee offers facility ideas

Bike lanes. An indoor pool. Splash pads. These are just a few of the ideas that were discussed Monday (June 24) as the new Van Buren Parks and Recreation Committee…

Sparks, Summit parent company in proxy fight

New York City-based Glenview Capital Management turned up the heat Tuesday (June 25) as it called for all new board members of Health Management Associates, the parent company of Sparks…

‘Caretakers’ bring public service mindset to Oark

The rural, scenic road delivers the traveler through several switchbacks and deer crossing signs into a haven; a refuge, if you will, where a modern soul may escape the buzzing…

Higher fees and coupons to boost Sam’s Club profits

Sam’s Club, often seen as a hidden gem inside the Wal-Mart Stores Inc. mega corporation, is working fast and furious to raise revenue amid a competitive warehouse club channel that…

Arkansas’ Congressmen want Snowden back in U.S.

All six members of Arkansas’ Congressional delegation believe former CIA analyst Edward Snowden should be returned to the U.S. and prosecuted for leaking classified government information. Snowden, 29, leaked top…

XNA to again see daily flights to Los Angeles

Northwest Arkansas business and leisure travelers will soon have another way to see the world as American Airlines is adding non-stop flights from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport to Los Angeles…

November report shows a dip in Fort Smith sales tax revenue

Sales tax revenue up 2.52% in four largest Northwest cities in 2025

Clean Plant Center works to reduce global plant pathogens

Connections: Podcast host, senator join library, foundation