Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Wins for moms from this legislative session

As a mom, I know how hard it can be to navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. I also know how life-changing the right support can be. For too long,…

Building Arkansas’ future through partnership

Across Arkansas, there’s a growing recognition — among industry, educators and state leaders — that solving the skilled labor shortage takes more than conversation and good intentions. It takes action….

A-State researchers studying veterans’ concussions

A group of researchers across the Arkansas State University campus are researching concussions and the impact they have on veteran suicides. “The Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Project” is a group of…

Governor reveals two vetoes on final day of session

Gov. Sarah Sanders on Wednesday (April 16) announced two vetoes — a bill veto and a line-item veto — her first two vetoes of the 95th General Assembly. Her first…

Legislative session adjourns after 93 days, will sine die May 5

Ninety-three days into the 95th Arkansas General Assembly, state lawmakers concluded their business and recessed with the prospect of returning on May 5 to officially sine die. Legislators finished their…

Empowering literacy through technology

Maria does well in geometry and is involved in my school’s robotics club, working with her peers on a robotic arm. She is, however, up against a big problem: Maria…

Gov. Sanders seeks ban on SNAP junk food purchases

Gov. Sarah Sanders has asked for a waiver from the Trump administration barring Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using their benefits to purchase candy, soft drinks, and other…

Sebastian County Sheriff not seeking reelection, endorses chief deputy

Sebastian County Sheriff Hobe Runion is not running for reelection, and is instead endorsing Chief Deputy John Miller in the March 2026 election. Assistant Jail Administrator Wyatt McIntyre recently announced…

USDA needs its full leadership team

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., recently chaired a critical hearing to confirm Stephen Vaden as the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) deputy secretary. The timing couldn’t be more vital….

Sen. Cotton discusses upcoming US-Iran nuclear talks, tariff strategies

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said military force is certainly on the table if U.S.-Iran talks to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities do not result in concessions from Tehran. In an…

Senate advances right to bear arms amendment; Senate leader says prison funding likely stalled

The Arkansas Senate voted 28-7 Thursday (April 10) to advance a proposed constitutional amendment to protect the right to keep and bear arms. SJR 11, by Sen. John Payton, R-Wilburn,…

Jonesboro, Craighead County sales tax collections improving

Sales and use tax collections in Jonesboro and Craighead County have been slightly up the last two months, but are still down for the year, when compared to the first…

PBM bill heads to governor; Senate prison funding bill pauses

A bill to prohibit pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies in Arkansas comfortably cleared the Senate on Wednesday (April 9), but Gov. Sarah Sanders has not signaled her support…

Committee advances PBM bill keeping CVS, others from having retail pharmacies

The Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee advanced a bill Tuesday (April 8) that would prevent pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS Health from operating retail pharmacies in Arkansas. The committee…

Economic development bills working their way through Legislature

A package of economic development reform bills is making progress through both ends of the State Capitol as the 95th General Assembly counts down its final full week. Two measures…

ARHOME work requirements bill passes Senate panel

A bill amending the work requirements for participants in Arkansas’ ARHOME Medicaid expansion program passed the Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee Thursday (April 3). Senate Bill 527 by Sen. Missy…

House panel approves ‘Citizens Only’ voting amendment; Senate defeats prison funding bill again

After a grueling day of debate at the State Capitol that lasted until nearly 8 p.m., lawmakers on the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee recommended one proposed constitutional…

Senate downs prison appropriation bill, passes state employee pay plan

The Arkansas State Senate on Tuesday (April 1) defeated an appropriation bill that would have provided $750 million in spending authority for the Department of Corrections to build a new…

Molly McNulty joins Bowen School of Law in key leadership role

Molly McNulty has been named the director of development and external relations at the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. “I am thrilled to be joining my…