Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Asa’s resolve

If we’ve learned nothing else about former Gov. Asa Hutchinson in the past several months, it’s that he’s demonstrated considerable resolve and his own sense of timing. In January 2022,…

ACHI report says not enough residencies for med school grads

Arkansas needs more doctors, but there haven’t been enough residency positions for new medical school graduates in the past three years, a study by the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement…

Employment, labor law trends to watch in 2024

December 15 is National Bill of Rights Day, and this observance of our nation’s first 10 constitutional amendments is a great opportunity to discuss employee rights and changes in employment…

Survey: A quarter would change schools with education freedom accounts

A quarter of registered voters in Arkansas with K-12 students living in their homes said they would change their children’s learning environment if provided state funding for non-public school options….

Dassault Falcon to expand in Little Rock; investing $100 million, adding 800 new jobs

French jet manufacturer Dassault Falcon announced Tuesday (Dec. 12) it will expand its Little Rock facility with a $100 million investment expected to create 800 new jobs. The jet completion…

Former AG Steve Clark welcomes Entergy case settlement in Arkansas

Steve Clark, the state’s longest-serving attorney general, said he’s unsure whether anyone has enough wisdom to determine the fairness of an Entergy settlement that the Arkansas Public Service Commission recently…

Jonesboro receives more than $5 million to enhance safety measures along highways

The U.S. Department of Transportation has provided $5.09 million in federal grant funding for improved safety projects along stretches of busy highways in Jonesboro. The amount includes a 25% match…

AG Griffin rejects ballot title for FOIA, transparency amendment

Citing problems in the text of a proposed amendment to incorporate the Freedom of Information Act and protections for government transparency into the state Constitution, Attorney General Tim Griffin rejected…

Board of Corrections hires lawyer in prison bed issue with Gov. Sanders, AG Griffin

The potential for a dispute at Arkansas’ “constitutional crossroads” increased Dec. 8 when the Arkansas Board of Corrections (BOC) hired a lawyer to represent the board in an ongoing prison…

A-State’s Women’s Leadership Center names inaugural members of ‘Remarkable Women’ class

A group of women in leadership roles recognized a unique problem more than seven years ago in the Arkansas Delta. Promoting and developing leadership among women was lacking, especially in…

Jay Martin running as ‘outsider’ for Supreme Court Chief Justice

Attorney Jay Martin hopes not serving on the Arkansas Supreme Court will be a quality that voters are looking for in their next Chief Justice. The former North Little Rock…

ASU System appoints former Chancellor Robin Myers as Interim President

The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees voted Friday (Dec. 8) to name Dr. Robin Myers, chancellor emeritus at ASU-Mountain Home, to serve as interim system president effective Jan….

Jonesboro on verge of new sales and use tax collections record, but likely to miss budget target

The city of Jonesboro is likely to break its all-time sales and use tax collections record for at least the seventh year in a row. But it is also likely…

State Chamber’s Candice Lawrence selected for prestigious U.S. Chamber Foundation program

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Candice Lawrence, Vice President of Programs and Partnerships of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas and Executive Director of Arkansas…

Southern Bancorp names Walter Pryor as Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel

Southern Bancorp, Inc. announced Tuesday (Dec. 5) Walter Pryor as its Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, a new role that will oversee the operations of administrative functions and legal…

Winthrop Rockefeller Institute adds 3 to board

The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute has added three new members to its board of directors. They include: Lisa Willenberg, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton Dr. Deacue…

Norwegian food packager announces plans for $70 million plant, 80 jobs at Port of Little Rock

A Norwegian liquid food packaging company will open a new $70 million, 300,000-square-foot factory including equipment at the Port of Little Rock, the company announced Tuesday (Dec. 5). Elopak announced…

Study: Arkansas last in voter turnout; Rockefeller Institute seeks to engage citizens

Arkansas could enact online and same-day voter registration to improve the nation’s lowest voter turnout rates, foster discussions on public issues, and require cities to publish fiscal information online. Those…

Webinars to tackle avian influenza to be offered to poultry producers

Avian influenza, a deadly virus that can decimate poultry flocks, has been found in Arkansas and public officials are now attempting to educate producers about what steps to take if…

Arkansas Farm Bureau chooses new leadership; will allow PAC creation for first time

Dan Wright, a poultry producer from Waldron, was elected Friday (Dec. 1) as Arkansas Farm Bureau’s president, becoming the 12th person to serve in that role in the organization’s 89-year…

UA-Pulaski Tech receives $1.8 million grant for construction skills training

Tyler McDonald named interim president of CHI St. Vincent Morrilton

Online shopping becoming habitual for a majority of consumers

Bank OZK posts quarterly declines in net income, revenue