by - January 25, 2022 5:45 pm
Fort Smith sales tax up more than 15% in 2021 reporting year
Fort Smith had a good year in 2021 in sales tax revenues with totals coming in more than 15% higher than those in 2020. According to the December sales tax…
Talk Politics
by - January 25, 2022 3:07 pm
Arkansas’ December jobless rate hits historic low despite employment decline
With Arkansas’ jobless rate reaching a record low despite fewer people employed compared to the same month in 2020, December’s jobs report is an example that the jobless rate is…
by - January 25, 2022 2:39 pm
Dr. Romero: COVID infections declining, but stress to continue on healthcare system
Infection rates in most age groups are declining in Arkansas with the 65-and-older group being flat. But Arkansas Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero on Tuesday (Jan. 25) said COVID-19…
by - January 25, 2022 10:41 am
Damien Echols asks court to move forward with advanced DNA testing in WM3 case
Damien Echols has filed a petition to compel the state of Arkansas to conduct advanced DNA testing on evidence in his case. Echols has asked for clothing, ligatures, and other…
by - January 25, 2022 8:10 am
Governor approves $1.4 million to expand Be Pro Be Proud initiative
Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Monday (Jan. 24) the approval of a $1.4 million grant to add a second Be Pro Be Proud mobile workshop for jobs development and recruiting. The…
by - January 25, 2022 7:51 am
Securities Department settles with mortgage lenders on continuing education
The Arkansas Securities Department and financial regulatory agencies from 42 states reached settlements with 441 mortgage loan originators nationwide, the state agency announced Monday (Jan. 24). According to ASD, the…
by - January 24, 2022 4:38 pm
Common Ground Arkansas comes to Jonesboro
When State Sen. Jim Hendren, I-Gravette, was first elected to the Arkansas House in 1994, he was one of a handful of Republicans in the legislative body that had been…
by - January 23, 2022 10:09 am
Executive roundtable: Labor issues, infrastructure key to 2022 success
The state of the state’s economy has been contradictory and in flux for nearly two years. In many ways, it has been impaired and derailed; on some fronts, business has…
by - January 23, 2022 9:57 am
Budget co-chair looks to reduce spending growth, foresees special session on health insurance
Joint Budget Committee co-chair Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, wants to see a reduction in spending growth in state government, and he is expecting a special session after the fiscal session…
by - January 22, 2022 11:22 am
Rep. Lowery exits Secretary of State’s race, will seek Treasurer’s post
State Rep. Mark Lowery, R-Maumelle, said Friday (Jan. 21) he would leave the Secretary of State’s race and would instead seek the Republican nomination for Treasurer of State. Sen. Mat…
by - January 20, 2022 9:03 pm
Fort Smith Board pushes need for sales tax extension at first public discussion
In the first of five scheduled sales tax information and discussion meetings held by Fort Smith City Directors Thursday night (Jan. 20) concerning a possible election to continue two sales…
by - January 20, 2022 8:47 pm
Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Karen Baker announces for re-election
Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Karen Baker said Thursday (Jan. 20) she would seek a third term on the state’s highest court. Baker has served two terms as a Supreme Court…
by - January 20, 2022 11:46 am
State of the State 2022: In health care, it’s still about the pandemic
The new year begins much as the past two did, with Arkansas’ health care system facing uncertainty amid a pandemic. On Jan. 14, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences…
by - January 19, 2022 7:12 pm
Q4 reports show Sanders, Griffin, Rutledge with large fundraising leads over rivals
Fourth quarter filings for Arkansas candidates running for Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General show major fundraising leads for Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin, and Attorney General Leslie…
by - January 19, 2022 11:06 am
Forward Arkansas names Victoria Watson to policy post
Forward Arkansas has named Victoria Watson as its director of policy and engagement. In her role, Watson will collaborate with the Arkansas Department of Education, school districts, local communities and…
by - January 18, 2022 11:18 am
State of the State 2022: Battles likely among conservatives and ‘no-prisoner’ conservatives
Editor’s note: The author of this article is a regular columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Link here to connect to the State of the State section. On Monday, Jan. 10,…
by - January 17, 2022 3:56 pm
Rep. Joe Jett not seeking re-election
A longtime state lawmaker from Northeast Arkansas has decided he will not seek another term in the State House of Representatives. State Rep. Joe Jett, R-Success, announced Monday (Jan. 17)…
by - January 17, 2022 2:17 pm
Delta Regional Authority graduates 24 from leadership institute
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) graduated 24 regional leaders from the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy. The 2021 DLI class marks the 16th year of DLI-trained regional leaders, composed…
by - January 16, 2022 10:03 am
Arkansas to receive $278 million for bridges from new infrastructure law
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Friday (Jan. 14) that $5.3 billion will be invested in U.S. highway bridges in 2022 as the first tranche of bridge funding from the…
by - January 16, 2022 9:38 am
USDA investing $50 million for conservation assistance; Arkansas partners on 13 projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $50 million in 118 partnerships to expand access to conservation assistance for climate-smart agriculture and forestry. Several groups in Arkansas will benefit….