Arkansas News

Little Rock, Arkansas - Arkansas sees a range of new laws coming into force in 2024, bringing significant changes across various sectors, from tax reductions to public safety. Notable Legislative Changes Act 6: Tax Reductions One of the most significant changes is the implementation of Act 6, which aims to reduce income taxes in Arkansas. The personal income tax rate will be cut to 4.4% for those with a net income greater than $24,300, and the corporate income tax rate will be lowered to 4.8% for corporations with a net income over $11,000. Governor Sanders, who signed the bill on April 11,...

Little Rock, Arkansas - In a heartfelt response to a tragedy that deeply affected their community, two Arkansas organizations, Shorter College and Safe Foods Chemical Innovations, have joined forces to distribute 150 free turkeys to residents impacted by last year's devastating apartment fire. This generous gesture is set to take place outside the Henry A. Berkin Health Complex at Shorter College from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on December 13. This collaboration was sparked by the tragic event at Shorter College Gardens apartments in October, which tragically claimed the lives of three people and left several without homes. "It's more...

Arkansas - In November, Arkansas witnessed a notable increase in its state general revenue, climbing by $25.5 million, or 4.4%, from the same month last year, reaching $606.6 million. This surge not only reflects a buoyant economy but also surpassed the state's predictions by $28.1 million, or 4.9%. A significant part of this growth was driven by sales and use tax collections, which beat the forecast by $17 million, or 6.3%, and individual income tax collections, which exceeded expectations by $6.5 million, or 0.8%, as reported by the state Department of Finance and Administration. John Shelnutt, Arkansas' chief economic forecaster, underscored...

Arkansas - Arkansas's burgeoning medical marijuana sector has reached a significant milestone, exceeding one billion dollars in revenue. In the past four years, the program's robust sales have contributed millions in tax revenue. The question arises: what impact does this financial influx have on the residents of Arkansas? This past Friday saw Dragon Bicentic, of Green Springs Medical in Hot Springs, assist a multitude of individuals in obtaining their medical marijuana prescriptions. "Today's been crazy," Bicentic said as reported by THV 11. "It's the first of the month, so it's busier than most days." Being among the earliest dispensaries to commence operations in Arkansas,...

Little Rock, Arkansas - The festive season has arrived, bringing with it an air of excitement and cheer, especially in Central Arkansas, where the atmosphere is electric with a variety of holiday events that embody the essence of seasonal joy. For those who revel in the mesmerizing display of Christmas lights, Central Arkansas offers an enchanting experience. Imagine streets and parks adorned with twinkling lights, creating a magical landscape that transforms the night into a luminous wonderland. Each light installation is a work of art, offering a visual feast that captures the spirit of the holidays. If you are a connoisseur...

Little Rock, Arkansas - Today marks a significant date for central Arkansans looking to ease the burden of their utility bills next summer. September 29 represents the deadline for applying to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - a program aimed at assisting low-income households in managing their energy costs more effectively. According to the Central Arkansas Development Council website, prospective applicants must furnish a comprehensive list of documents to be considered for the assistance. The required documents include "proof of income, social security numbers and copies of cards for all household members, birthdates for all household members, a...

Little Rock, Arkansas - Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, is gearing up for the holiday rush by significantly expanding its workforce in Arkansas. As part of its preparations for the expected surge in holiday shoppers, Amazon has announced its intention to hire an additional 1,700 employees in the state. This hiring spree encompasses full-time, seasonal, and part-time roles. The move to hire 1,700 Arkansans forms a fraction of a much larger nationwide recruitment drive by the company. Across the U.S., Amazon is onboarding a staggering 250,000 additional employees to cater to the holiday demand. Prospective employees in Arkansas have more to rejoice...

Little Rock, Arkansas – Amid the devastating wildfires sweeping through parts of Louisiana, the neighboring state of Arkansas is lending a helping hand. On Tuesday, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders authorized the deployment of six wildland firefighters to Louisiana, demonstrating a collaborative effort in the region to battle the ferocious blazes. These wildfires, which have already consumed 40,000 acres, are intensified by the extreme drought conditions that have affected a third of Louisiana. The urgent need for assistance and resources in firefighting is evident, and Arkansas has heeded the call. The firefighters dispatched to Louisiana are from the Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division....

Little Rock, Arkansas - Recent data released by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates a marginal rise in the unemployment rate in Arkansas. As per the agency's official statement, Arkansas witnessed a one-tenth percentage point increase in unemployment, shifting from 2.6% in the prior month to 2.7% in August. In-depth figures from the data revealed that the state's civilian labor force underwent an expansion, with an increase of 2,556 individuals. This growth unfortunately also resulted in an uptick of 895 newly unemployed Arkansans. On a positive note, when comparing year-over-year data from August 2022, there's been...

Arkansas - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration has allocated $1.3 million in funds to support rural areas across Arkansas. As detailed in a recent press release, the primary use of this allocation is to bolster essential strategies to counteract the overdose threats posed by fentanyl and other opioids. A significant portion of the award, amounting to $1 million, is earmarked to initiate treatment facilities within rural locales, allowing residents to procure medications specifically designed to treat opioid-related disorders. Additionally, an allocation of $300,000 aims to assist rural regions in addressing their "specific and immediate needs,...