Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Tyson, beef industry applaud full access for exports to Japan

Japan is the largest market for U.S. beef by a long shot despite some restrictions to variety meats and age guidelines that have been relaxed over the years. This week,…

Top House Democrat resigns from legislature, speculation centers on city of Little Rock job

Democratic House Minority Leader Charles Blake, D-Little Rock, who made national waves during the recent legislative session with a bill to remove any links to Arkansas’ Confederate past from the…

Trucking economist: Economy slowing, but growing

The economy isn’t growing as fast as it was, but it’s still growing, and a recession may not occur until 2021 or even later, the American Trucking Associations’ chief economist…

Governor’s plan would provide broadband to every city with 500 people

Highways and information superhighways were on the governor’s mind as he spoke to the state’s trucking industry on Wednesday (May 15). Every Arkansas community with more than 500 residents would…

Arkansas arms sales jump nearly 500% in 2018, Saudi Arabia near the top of state export marketplace

Civilian aircraft parts, ammunitions and rice were the top Arkansas exports purchased by U.S. trade partners in 2018, representing more than 25% of the $6.5 billion in homemade goods shipped…

Red-light runners a hot topic for the Fort Smith Board

The Fort Smith Board of Directors discussed ways Tuesday (May 14) to stop what appears to some an abundance of people running red lights in Fort Smith. Interim Police Chief…

Sharum enters Fort Smith District Court race

Deputy Public Defender Wendy Sharum is the latest to enter the Sebastian County judicial election cycle. She announced Monday (May 13) her candidacy for Fort Smith District Court, Division Two,…

Significant planting woes plague Arkansas farmers, especially those planting corn

Perpetual rains, the ongoing trade war with China, and low commodity prices are putting intense pressure on Arkansas farmers as the planting season unfolds, and one crop, corn is now…

Does amendment to change amendment process strike the right balance?

The 2020 election in Arkansas is shaping up to be a real barn burner. Obviously, it’s a presidential year and that will be front and center. In addition to that,…

Lt. Gov. Griffin wants general revenue for highways, longer-term road funding discussion

Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin, R-Ark., said the debate over highway funding doesn’t need to end with just the current proposal that rolled out of the latest legislative session and he’s…

Advice 101: Former U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln

Editor’s note: Talk Business & Politics has launched a new weekend series of insights from well-known business and political leaders seeking their advice to share with peers and newcomers. Our…

Expanded internet access could add $47 billion to U.S. economy primarily in agriculture sector

Arkansas ranks last in the country in rural broadband access, and a newly released U.S. Department of Agriculture study shows expanded internet access could generate at least $47 billion in…

Sen. John Cooper to seek another four-year term

Incumbent State Sen. John Cooper, R-Jonesboro, will seek another term as the District 21 state senator. The district is made up of portions of Craighead County, including the cities of…

UAMS surgeon teaching students about financial health, business of medicine

When Dr. Jason Mizell started working as a colorectal surgeon at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, he realized his financial knowledge – professionally and personally – was limited….

Tech Park board nears deal with CDI to lead Phase II of $26 million, STEM-space project

The Little Rock Technology Park Authority on Wednesday (May 8) moved one step closer to closing a deal with local construction firm CDI Contractors to lead the still unfinanced $26…

Ladd, O’Hern announce for judicial posts

Dianna Hewitt Ladd and Judge Jim O’Hern announced Wednesday (May 8) their bids for election and re-election, respectively, for judicial posts. Ladd is running for the newly created Sebastian County…

Tom Young to seek Second District judicial seat

Tom Young, an attorney and prosecutor will seek the Division 5 circuit judge seat in the Second Judicial District. The seat is held by Judge Ralph Wilson, who has announced…

Arkansas ends 2018 with only 1.5% GDP growth, last year’s expansion revised downward

Arkansas saw weak real gross domestic product (GDP) of only 1.5% in the fourth quarter of 2018, well below the national standard of 2.2% and 34th among the 50 U.S….

UAMS announces vice chancellor for research, $1.47 million cancer grant awarded

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) named internationally renowned Shuk-Mei Ho, Ph.D., as its vice chancellor for research. “We could not be more fortunate to have a leader…

Tourism official: social media strategy paying dividends, casinos will help

Amidst the backdrop of a “Southern hospitality” welcome rally at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, state Tourism Director Jim Dailey said efforts to improve the…

Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Talk Business & Politics staff

Wesley Brown