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Eaton Invests $242 Million in New North Little Rock Manufacturing Facility, Creating 1,200 Jobs

Eaton Invests $242 Million in New North Little Rock Manufacturing Facility, Creating 1,200 Jobs

Eaton Invests $242 Million in New North Little Rock Manufacturing Facility, Creating 1,200 Jobs
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LG Energy Solution Secures Lithium Supply from South Arkansas Project, Boosting Domestic Production

LG Energy Solution Secures Lithium Supply from South Arkansas Project, Boosting Domestic Production

LG Energy Solution Secures Lithium Supply from South Arkansas Project, Boosting Domestic Production
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7 Brew is opening dozens of coffee stands. See the list

7 Brew is opening dozens of coffee stands. See the list

While most of the openings will happen in September, some may come the following month in October.
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CHI St. Vincent Exits Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Network Amidst Stalled Negotiations

CHI St. Vincent Exits Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Network Amidst Stalled Negotiations

CHI St. Vincent, part of CommonSpirit Health, has officially withdrawn from the healthcare provider networks of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield (ABCBS) and its associated health plans, effective September 1, 2026. This decision impacts four hospitals, 80 medical clinics, and over 300 employed healthcare providers within the CHI St. Vincent system in Arkansas. The affected plans include Arkansas Blue Medicare, BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas, the Federal Employees Program, Health Advantage, Octave Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Skai Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Negotiations between CHI St. Vincent/CommonSpirit Health and ABCBS reportedly spanned several months, with ABCBS offering multiple proposals that were ultimately rejected by CHI St. Vincent. According to Alicia Berkemeyer, executive vice president and chief health management officer for Arkansas Blue Cross, the insurer is disappointed by the decision but remains open to future discussions. CHI St. Vincent, however, stated that ABCBS was ...
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Arkansas Grapples with Data Center Expansion Amidst Environmental and Economic Concerns

Arkansas Grapples with Data Center Expansion Amidst Environmental and Economic Concerns

Arkansas is facing a significant debate over the rapid expansion of large-scale data centers across the state. While smaller data centers have long existed, a new generation of much larger facilities is emerging, driven by the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and increasing digital dependency. Major projects are proposed or under development in several Arkansas locations, including Little Rock, West Memphis, Clarksville, and Conway. Supporters view these projects as opportunities for new investment, jobs, and tax revenue, arguing that data centers are essential infrastructure for a technology-driven economy. However, critics raise concerns about the massive electricity and water consumption of these facilities, their potential impact on utility customers and the environment, and whether the economic benefits justify public incentives. There are also questions about the transparency of decision-making processes for these large-scale developments.
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Oak Forest Community Garden Serves as Urban Teaching Hub in Little Rock

Oak Forest Community Garden Serves as Urban Teaching Hub in Little Rock

The Oak Forest Community Garden, a non-profit urban teaching garden located within Oak Forest Park and the University District in Little Rock, Arkansas, provides residents with opportunities to engage in sustainable gardening. The garden features over 30 community garden plots, allowing individuals to grow their own fresh produce. Beyond cultivation, it serves as an educational hub, offering programs that teach agricultural practices. The site also hosts the seasonal University District Farmers’ Market, which further supports local food systems and provides a marketplace for fresh goods. The Oak Forest Community Garden collaborates with various local organizations to advance healthy living, improve food access, and promote environmental stewardship within the community.
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South Arkansas Lithium Project Secures Second Major Customer, Boosted by Senator Cotton's Support

South Arkansas Lithium Project Secures Second Major Customer, Boosted by Senator Cotton's Support

South Arkansas Lithium Project Secures Second Major Customer, Boosted by Senator Cotton's Support
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U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford Criticizes Farm Labor Bill for Waiving Penalties for Undocumented Workers

U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford Criticizes Farm Labor Bill for Waiving Penalties for Undocumented Workers

U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., has voiced strong opposition to a proposed farm labor bill, the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act, despite acknowledging the need for improved foreign labor access for farmers. His primary concern stems from a provision within the bill that would allow workers who have unlawfully entered the United States to seek H-2A visa classification if they are already engaged in agricultural work. Crawford, who previously co-led a bipartisan working group focused on the H-2A visa program, stated that this specific language was not part of the group's recommendations and constitutes an 'unforced error.' He emphasized that such a provision could jeopardize broader immigration reform efforts by being perceived as a pathway to citizenship or amnesty for undocumented individuals. The H-2A visa program enables American farmers to temporarily hire foreign workers, with employers required to meet specific wage and housing standards. Arkansas currently ranks 10th nationally in certified H-2...
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Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders Launches Outdoor Essay Contest for Youth

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders Launches Outdoor Essay Contest for Youth

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders Launches Outdoor Essay Contest for Youth
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Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center Receives Over $1 Million in Rural Healthcare Funding

Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center Receives Over $1 Million in Rural Healthcare Funding

Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Hope, Arkansas, has been selected to participate in several projects funded through the Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program, securing over $1 million in funding. This investment aims to enhance emergency preparedness, expand access to specialty care, and bolster healthcare services for patients in Southwest Arkansas. The funding is part of the first round of awards announced by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, with the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership receiving a total of $18.8 million to support rural healthcare initiatives across the state. Specific allocations for Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center include $774,340 for a new emergency generator to ensure continuous care during power outages and severe weather, $176,850 to expand telemedicine access for specialty care through virtual physician carts, $35,370 for emergency teleconsultation to provide specialized medical expertise, and $25,500 to support behavioral health services, improving c...
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Rakuten Investment Management Inc. Acquires Significant Stake in J.B. Hunt Transport Services

Rakuten Investment Management Inc. Acquires Significant Stake in J.B. Hunt Transport Services

Rakuten Investment Management Inc. Acquires Significant Stake in J.B. Hunt Transport Services
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Keli Tenorio Certified for Northern Islands Mayoral Race After Residency Questions

Keli Tenorio Certified for Northern Islands Mayoral Race After Residency Questions

CNMI Republican Party candidate Keli Tenorio has been certified by the Commonwealth Election Commission (CEC) to run for Northern Islands mayor in the November 3, 2026, general election. The CEC voted 4-1 to approve her candidacy following additional questioning regarding her residency and domicile requirements. Tenorio testified that while she currently stays on Mount Tapochau when on Saipan, she considers Pagan her home and is registered to vote there. She stated her intention to return to the Northern Islands, having been away for approximately a year to care for her husband. Northern Islands Mayor Valentino Taisacan, the incumbent, accepted the CEC's decision, stating that voters will ultimately decide the mayoral race. The certification sets up a two-way contest between Tenorio and Taisacan. During the ballot-placement drawing, Tenorio secured the No. 1 position, with Taisacan at No. 2.