Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Gabo the Great

As I sat in the funeral home chapel the other day, I couldn’t help thinking that I’ve been here many times before — too many times in recent years —…

U.S. economy adds 225,000 jobs in January, jobless rate ticks higher to 3.6%

Nonfarm U.S. employment rose by 225,000 in January, better than the 147,000 in December but below the 269,000 in January 2019. The jobless rate was 3.6%, above the 3.5% in…

In Arkansas Supreme Court race, Webb and Welch share SCOTUS comparisons

Judge Morgan “Chip” Welch said Chief Justice John Roberts is the Supreme Court Justice with whom he most aligns, while Barbara Webb said she most aligns with Justice Neil Gorsuch…

Van Buren officials work with UCA on a branding effort

Van Buren is getting help with its brand thanks to the University of Central Arkansas Center for Community and Economic Development (CCED). CCED, in partnership with nonprofit design firm Thrive,…

Fort Smith city prosecutor search down to two candidates

The search for a new city of Fort Smith prosecutor is in the final stages with two attorneys from the Sebastian County Public Defender’s Office making it to the final…

Under Republican leadership, Arkansas has been steadily making progress in terms of growing our economy, improving access to healthcare, creating educational opportunities, and reducing the size of government. I’m proud…

‘I take my cue from the people’

In 1970 when I was recruited to play basketball for the Arkansas State Indians, I began a journey that would shape my life. This charitable, hard working, and God-honoring community…

U.S. Senate votes to acquit President Trump on impeachment charges

In an expected and largely partisan vote, the U.S. Senate on Wednesday (Feb. 5) voted to acquit President Donald Trump on two impeachment counts against him. Trump is the third…

Lyon College leader bringing his startup skills to higher ed

It was the mid-1990s and startup technology companies were the rage. The internet had just burst onto the scene, and people in their early 20s were becoming millionaires almost on…

Rethinking judicial elections

Are we doing justice for our judicial elections? That is a question that has intrigued me for several years. I’m old enough to remember when voters agreed to make state…

Trump says country is in a ‘blue collar boom,’ criticizes ideas of the ‘radical left’

President Donald Trump said Tuesday (Feb. 4) during the State of the Union address that his administration has made significant improvements to the U.S. economy, military and global prestige. The…

Republicans, Democrats react to State of the Union speech

Members of Arkansas’ all-GOP delegation lauded President Trump’s State of the Union speech on Tuesday (Feb. 4), while Democratic challengers criticized the address. U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., said: “President…

Gov. Hutchinson: U.S. must help China battle coronavirus

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said the U.S. must help China combat the coronavirus outbreak and said the risks it represents show why the state must be prepared for an economic downturn….

Agriculture economist still waiting on commodities markets to improve after China deal announcement

The Phase One portion of the trade deal between China and the United States has been signed, but the commodities markets have not moved significantly, according to one agriculture economist….

January sales and use tax up 8% in Arkansas, year-to-date revenue up 3.7%

Year-to-date gross general tax revenue (July-January) totaled $4.03 billion, up 3.7% from the same period in 2018, and 2% above the budget estimate. An 8% gain in sales tax revenue…

Sales tax for Fort Smith general fund up 2.1% in 2019, 5.6% over budget estimate

Fort Smith’s share of the 1% Sebastian County sales tax in 2019 was $17.265 million, up 2.1% over 2018, and up 5.66% over the city’s budget estimate. During the decade,…

UA Division of Agriculture, Clinton School students seek solutions to rural infrastructure concerns

Rural communities throughout the Arkansas Delta and Ozark regions struggle to find ways to pay for infrastructure improvements and maintenance. At least two organizations are trying to find outside of…

Lung Association gives Arkansas failing grades on tobacco; wants special session

The American Lung Association gave Arkansas a failing grade in three areas and Cs in two others in a report released Jan. 29. In its “State of Tobacco Control,” the…

UA economist discusses trade deals, job growth

Despite breakthroughs on two international trade deals and low unemployment in Arkansas, economist Mervin Jebaraj doesn’t expect much to change with the Arkansas economy in 2020. Jebaraj, who appeared on…