Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Arkansas poised to lead on the future of mobility

Electric vehicle adoption is not a question of “If it will occur”, but “How fast it will occur?”, which is becoming blatantly apparent from product buzz on both the public…

U.S. Steel president to keynote economic development luncheon

U.S. Steel President and CEO David Burritt will headline the Arkansas Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) luncheon on Wednesday, April 6 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. David Burritt…

10 candidates file for open Crawford County positions; no Democrats file for top jobs

With three incumbents not seeking reelection, the top seven elected positions in Crawford County drew a large slate of Republican candidates and no Democrats. The GOP primary will be the…

New hospitality industry leader Katie Beck sees recovery in process

The tourism and hospitality industry has lived through a two-year nightmare as restaurants, hotels and travel businesses suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arkansas’ businesses in this sector were hit hard…

Arkansas’ fiscal year-to-date tax revenue surplus tops $290 million

An improving economy for hotels and restaurants and increased motor vehicle sales helped push Arkansas’ tax revenue up 7.1% in February, with year-to-date (July 2021 to February 2022) revenue up…

Fort Smith board takes partial action on sales tax advisory committee

The Fort Smith Board of Directors approved a resolution Tuesday night (March 1) that commits them to creating a sales tax advisory committee for the city, while not actually creating…

No Democrats file for top Sebastian County elected positions

No Democrats filed for the top six Sebastian County elected positions, assuring that the posts will again be held by Republicans following the 2022 general election. However, three of the…

Filing period to run for office in Arkansas officially closed

The filing period to run for office in the State of Arkansas ended on Tuesday (March 1). The Arkansas Secretary of State’s office reported that 379 partisan candidates filed this…

Jonesboro seeks high-speed broadband partner

Access to high-speed broadband internet service will be an impetus for civic leaders throughout the state in the coming years and the largest city in Northeast Arkansas is ready to…

Firms hired to help Fort Smith School District with federal funding work

The Fort Smith Public School’s Board of Education agreed during a Monday (Feb. 28) board meeting to hire architectural and engineering firms to move forward with master plan projects funded…

James Rouse joins Arkansas Securities Department

The Arkansas Securities Department (ASD) said Monday (Feb. 28) that James Rouse has joined the department as Investor Education Director. Rouse has more than 25 years of experience in the…

‘Better Communities’ series launches with Fort Smith panel discussion

Talk Business & Politics, in partnership with First Security Bank, the Arkansas Department of Commerce and the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, will host a “Better Communities” town hall…

U.S. Rep. Crawford says Putin solely to blame, calls for Europe to step up defense of Ukraine

U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, said Vladimir Putin is solely to blame for the invasion of Ukraine, and the First District Congressman said Europe must take a more active role…

GOP primary in place for Sebastian County Judge

The 2022 campaign for Sebastian County Judge, the first open race for the county’s top job since 1998, will include a Republican primary. Former State Senator and Representative Denny Altes…

Coalition forms to oppose measure requiring 60% majority for initiatives

A coalition opposing an amendment that would require a 60% supermajority to amend the Arkansas Constitution or pass an initiated act filed paperwork with the secretary of state’s office Thursday…

U.S. Sen. Boozman pushes ‘NYET’ Act to target Russia; President Biden boosts sanctions

Most members of Arkansas’ Congressional delegation on Thursday (Feb. 24) called for stiffer sanctions against Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin following that country’s invasion of Ukraine. President Joe Biden…

Influenza could threaten state’s poultry industry

Disease, especially avian influenza, could impact Arkansas poultry producers in 2022. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging poultry owners to increase biosecurity measures on their operations in response to…

Metal fabricator to expand in Heber Springs, add 75 jobs

Dark Threat Fabrication, a one-stop full-service metal fabricator, announced Thursday (Feb. 24) it will expand its facility in Heber Springs. The $7.65 million building and equipment expansion is expected to…

Delta Regional Authority to invest $3.2 million in projects across NEA

The Delta Regional Authority announced Tuesday (Feb. 22) a $3,239,382 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Arkansas communities and residents. The investment will…

Fort Smith Board approves vote on tax extensions with 8-year terms

During a special meeting Tuesday night (Feb. 22) the Fort Smith Board of Directors approved two ordinances that will set a special election May 24 during the state primary election…