Video / Podcasts

Sen. Boozman wants parts of Farm Bill in reconciliation process, cautious on Medicaid cuts

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., laid out his thoughts on where the Farm Bill debate is headed in an interview last week with Talk Business & Politics D.C. Edition. Boozman,…

ASU System President focused on opportunities for change

Dr. Brendan Kelly, Arkansas State University System President, has been traveling the state his first eight months on the job. Has he seen any changes? “I’ve seen about 50,000 miles…

Rep. Hill believes Republican rift over tax policy can be overcome

U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, believes the rift between Republicans over tax policy can be overcome in order to push through the…

U.S. Rep. Westerman details markup efforts; notes priorities for Medicaid reform

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, was a guest on this week’s Talk Business & Politics D.C. Edition podcast and newsletter. The Fourth District Congressman chairs the House Natural Resources…

Leaders explain what’s next for maternal health coalition

With a major package of maternal health legislation achieved in the recent regular session of the state legislature, leaders in a broad coalition are turning their attention to the next…

Rep. Womack waiting for markups to gauge support for cuts

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, says he is waiting to see details of committee markup bills before deciding if he will support certain cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and taxes. The…

Rep. Crawford focused on China in the Western Hemisphere in new Intelligence Committee role

U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, contends the past few decades of focus on terrorist hot spots around the world like Afghanistan and Iraq have led to America doing far less…

Arvest Wealth investment strategist eyeing ‘hard data’ to determine tariffs’ impact

It’s a tricky time to be navigating financial markets; it’s an even trickier time to navigate them for clients. Clay Nickel, chief investment strategist at Arvest Wealth Management, provided insight…

Blue Cross CEO touts legislative wins, watching federal Medicaid changes

Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield CEO Curtis Barnett points to two major victories from the state’s regular session: maternal health improvements and continuing Medicaid expansion. In an interview on this…

UCA President turns attention to implementation of ACCESS Act

University of Central Arkansas President Dr. Houston Davis has been traveling the I-40 and I-49 corridors this past week. Davis and UCA officials spent a portion of their week in…

U.S. Rep. Westerman discusses flooding, tariffs, and energy expansion efforts

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, shared his thoughts on the response to flooding and storms across his expansive 4th Congressional District of Arkansas. In a recent Talk Business &…

Agri leaders discuss Farm Bill, tariffs, brutal weather conditions

Talk Business & Politics recently hosted a roundtable conversation on farming with Agricultural Council of Arkansas President Joe Mencer of Lake Village; Vice President Jeff Rutledge of Newport; Past President…

Gov. Sanders discusses jobs, prison, tax cuts

In a wide-ranging interview, Gov. Sarah Sanders reflected on the recently concluded legislative session and shared her priorities heading forward. Sanders sat down with Talk Business & Politics Editor-in-Chief Roby…

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…

Commerce Secretary sees Arkansas bucking economic uncertainty for now

Arkansas’ Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald is excited for the state’s GDP standing and labor participation rate, but he recognizes that national uncertainty around President Trump’s tariffs policies are causing…

Washington Regional aiming for Level I trauma center, CEO discusses healthcare financing

Larry Shackelford, CEO of Fayetteville-based Washington Regional Medical Center, has been a strong leader and a big advocate for helping stabilize Arkansas’ complicated healthcare system. Washington Regional is improving community…

Womack confident in F-35 mission, talks ‘red lines’ with Ukraine, DOGE

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, revealed his thoughts on a number of important federal and local issues in a wide-ranging interview on Talk Business & Politics on Sunday (March 23)….

U.S. Rep. Womack: 3rd District transportation, housing needs are ‘big focus’

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, is the chairman of the powerful Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) subcommittee of the House Appropriations panel. In that role, Womack will have tremendous…

Senate President Hester says prison can be built for $825M, expects Medicaid moves this week

Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, expects a bill that centers on power generation to move through the Senate soon. He also predicts success moving forward with funding for an $825…

US Rep. Bruce Westerman on SOTU, tariffs, federal park layoffs

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, said he heard good things for Arkansas in the president’s address to the nation last week, and he’s hopeful that federal layoffs and tariffs…