Political columnist John Brummett with the Arkansas News Bureau provides an assessment of the recent GOP Senate debate featuring 7 hopefuls and the absent Cong. John Boozman. Perhaps you’re wondering about the debate’s substance. There wasn’t much. The candidates got only one minute to answer questions. There was no follow-up. Not all candidates got a shot [...]

Read the full story

Stephens Media columnist Jason Tolbert explores an idea being promoted by a 2nd District Congressional Democrat John Adams to simplify the tax process that haunts so many on April 15th. John Adams, a long shot in the Democratic Primary in the 2nd Congressional District and a Little Rock tax attorney, supports a plan that would introduce [...]

Read the full story

For political followers, the Republican nominee for Governor – Jim Keet – has launched his official campaign web site. Keet was a late announcement to enter the Governor’s race and has been assembling a campaign organization in the last several weeks. The web site – JimKeetForGovernor.com – provides more background on Keet, who is a [...]

Read the full story

All of Arkansas’ 8 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) saw a big jump in unemployment rates in January after months of steadiness, slow decreases or marginal gains. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jump in MSA unemployment was pronounced in a year-over-year comparison, but all metro regions of the state saw big jumps from [...]

Read the full story

It’s an easier task to assess the political environment in the 4th Congressional District because, quite frankly, it is represented by incumbent Democratic Cong. Mike Ross. Ross has been one of the most – if not the most – politically attuned Arkansas lawmaker with his constituents during the past year. He comes home nearly every [...]

Read the full story

Arkansas Baptist College is investing $18 million in new facilities and property acquisition for its Little Rock campus. Financing for the expansion is being provided by First Security Bank with assistance from federal tax credit incentives. The money will be used for: A new general education building Expansion of the cafeteria from 77 seats to 322 seats A new 190-bed [...]

Read the full story

NanoMech, a Springdale-based designer and manufacturer of nanoparticle coatings and additives, has selected a new CEO. Successful start-up entrepreneur Keith Blakely has joined the company, which has received several lucrative contracts in the last six months. Blakely has a history of successfully transforming startup companies into major technology enterprises. He spearheaded development of one of the leading [...]

Read the full story

Arkansas’ statewide home sales fell 1.3% in January 2010 compared to one year ago, although two of the state’s largest counties saw double-digit declines. The Arkansas Realtors Association reports that overall sales dropped in three of the five largest markets in the state. Pulaski County home sales tumbled 12.5%, while Benton County saw an 11.3% [...]

Read the full story

ARKANSAS ELECTION LINE: U.S. CONGRESS, DISTRICT 3Arkansas’ 3rd Congressional District may be the easiest and hardest race to predict in 2010. First, the easy part. The 3rd District will stay in the GOP column this year. The Arkansas Election Line rates the district as “Safe Republican.” Barring a major upset in the Republican primary, [...]

Read the full story

Arkansas News Bureau columnist John Brummett writes what all of us in the press are saying privately. We grow weary of the daily tit-for-tat of press releases from campaign surrogates in the Lincoln v. Halter Democratic primary (other races, too). Brummett singles out Halter spokesman Bud Jackson and Lincoln spokesman Steve Patterson – the two [...]

Read the full story