Political News

Arkansas Senate approves ‘private option’ insurance

On a 24-9 vote with two GOP lawmakers not voting, the Arkansas Senate approved SB 1020, The Health Care Independence Act of 2013. All 14 Democrats in the Senate voted for the measure, while Republicans split with 10 voting to support, 9 opposing and Sens.

Fri, 04/05/2013 - 2:48pm

Arkansas GOP announces voter ID initiative

The Republican Party of Arkansas rolled out “Operation Vote Arkansas,” an initiative they say will educate voters about the new voter ID law that will go into effect next year.

GOP leaders said the effort will aim to assist those who need to obtain an ID under the law.

Thu, 04/04/2013 - 6:16pm

Ross: ‘last, best hope’ for Democrats?

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Halter already has a campaign fund of $1 million, but an opinion writer for Talk Business believes former U.S. Rep. Mike Ross is the the “last, best hope” for Democrats to hold the Arkansas Governor’s office.

Wed, 04/03/2013 - 6:46pm

Fort Smith wants Whirlpool pollution monitored

The Fort Smith Board of Directors approved a resolution Tuesday evening (April 2) urging Whirlpool and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to quickly clean up a plume of trichloroethylene (TCE) in and around Whirlpool's former manufacturing facility.

Tue, 04/02/2013 - 8:56pm

‘Private option’ insurance, steel mill plans progress

Two bills that outline the framework for the Arkansas “private option” health insurance expansion plan have been amended, and Legislators also pushed forward a bill supporting the Big River Steel mill superproject.

Tue, 04/02/2013 - 6:25pm

Mayors, Fort Smith police chief push for 1% tax renewal

Leaders from across Sebastian County urged voters Tuesday morning (April 2) to renew a 1% sales tax that funds operations in 11 cities across the county, as well as providing county services, such as funding for the county jail.

Tue, 04/02/2013 - 1:56pm

Arkansas AG to investigate Exxon oil spill in central Arkansas

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has asked Exxon Mobil Corp. preserve and maintain all documents and all other information related to Friday’s extensive oil spill and ongoing cleanup efforts in Mayflower.

Tue, 04/02/2013 - 1:38pm

Arkansas tax revenue slows in March

Arkansans are possibly drinking more, gambling more and smoking less, based on tax collections related to those so-called vices.

Tue, 04/02/2013 - 1:21pm

Mike Ross ups speculation on gubernatorial bid

Former U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, a Democrat, dropped another huge clue that he plans to run for Arkansas Governor in 2014.

Tue, 04/02/2013 - 12:52pm

Legislature overrides Beebe veto of voter ID law

Less than a week after the Arkansas Senate overrode Gov. Mike Beebe’s veto of SB 2, a bill that requires a photo ID to vote, the Arkansas House also re-passed the measure.

Mon, 04/01/2013 - 6:13pm

Mayor Sanders: Whirlpool issue like a ‘divorce’

Even though Mayor Sandy Sanders spent more than 30 years working for Whirlpool, he says citizens of Fort Smith should know that he knew nothing about contamination at the manufacturing facility and the neighboring residential area until Feb. 12, 2013.

Mon, 04/01/2013 - 5:36pm

Park at West End profit comes with a caveat

The Park at West End has redefined the entrance into downtown Fort Smith with a large ferris wheel and other attractions. Now under city control, Parks Director Mike Alsup said recently that the park had turned a profit for the first time.

Mon, 04/01/2013 - 4:21pm

Dining Dialogue: Mayor Jordan’s tough first term

It’s only now at the beginning of his second term that Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan is not having to manage through a series of crises or controversies.

Fri, 03/29/2013 - 3:07pm

Fort Smith sales tax revenue on four-month decline

Fort Smith sales tax collections continue to run in the wrong direction, with the February report showing a 5.5% decline for the city’s 1% taxes compared to the 2012 period. The report marked four consecutive months of declines in tax revenue collections.

Thu, 03/28/2013 - 1:29pm

State Chamber endorses Medicaid private option plan

The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas are throwing their weight behind the “private option” plan to move Medicaid expansion dollars into a legislative plan that would subsidize health insurance for low-income workers in a forthcoming insurance exchange.

Thu, 03/28/2013 - 11:54am