Talk Business and Politics

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Blue Cross CEO touts legislative wins, watching federal Medicaid changes

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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 week’s Talk Business & Politics, the leader of the state’s largest health insurance provider said the governor and legislative leaders deserve credit for addressing women’s health as it relates to pregnancies and child births.

“The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act that Governor Sanders, Senator [Missy] Irvin, and Representative [Aaron] Pilkington spearheaded – that work represents transformational change for our state around maternal healthcare and the improvements that are needed and the improvements that can be made with that,” he said. “It also shows what we can do as a state when multiple stakeholders come together and really focus on an issue and really work on how to move the dial in that area. That’s clearly one of the most positive things that happened.”

Blue Cross CEO touts legislative wins, watching federal Medicaid changes

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‘Thousand little things’ resulted in military pilot training center in Fort Smith

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by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

The first class of Polish Air Force pilots who are set to graduate from the foreign pilot training center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith are the first fighter pilots to cycle through the new center.

Lt. Col. Don “JAB” Roney, director of operations with the 57th Fighter Squadron, said the Polish pilots being trained now “are the initial cadre” and will eventually become instructors so they can be “self-sustaining” in terms of future training in Poland of F-35 pilots. Roney said the second class of Polish pilots is in Fort Smith. There are four Polish F-35 fighter planes in Fort Smith.

Ebbing, home to the 188th Wing in Fort Smith and co-located with the Fort Smith Regional Airport, was selected in March 2023 by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland, and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

‘Thousand little things’ resulted in military pilot training center in Fort Smith

F-35 jet built for Poland (photo from Lockheed)

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UA researchers studying microplastics in streams

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by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Microplastic particles are everywhere, and humans and animals are ingesting more of them every year. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), which includes researchers from the University of Arkansas, estimates that the average person ingests the equivalent of a plastic shopping bag each month.

These tiny plastic particles are found in everyday products from face wash to toothpaste, are an emerging threat to health and ecology, prompting a research team to identify what keeps them trapped in stream ecosystems.

Washing synthetic clothing and driving, which wears down tires, contribute to an accumulation of microplastics in environments from city dust to waterways. These plastics often carry toxic chemicals that can threaten the health of humans and wildlife.

UA researchers studying microplastics in streams

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Governor reveals two vetoes on final day of session

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by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Gov. Sarah Sanders on Wednesday (April 16) announced two vetoes — a bill veto and a line-item veto — her first two vetoes of the 95th General Assembly.

Her first announced veto was HB 1889, which was sponsored by Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville, and Sen. Joshua Bryant, R-Rogers.

HB 1889 would amend the limitations on access to a medical marijuana dispensary or cultivation facility. It would also alter the existing law on medical marijuana prescription orders being delivered via a delivery vehicle or drive-thru window.

Governor reveals two vetoes on final day of session

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UAMS, Washington Regional Approved for Residency Programs in Neurology, Emergency Medicine in Northwest Arkansas

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FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Washington Regional Medical Center have received initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to establish a neurology residency program and an emergency medicine residency program in Northwest Arkansas through their joint graduate medical education program.

These are the first non-primary care residencies accredited in Northwest Arkansas. The programs can begin recruiting residents in the fall. The initial two neurology residents and the initial six emergency medicine residents will begin in July 2026. When full, the four-year neurology program will have a total of eight residents, and the three-year emergency medicine program will have a total of 18 residents.

“Northwest Arkansas is experiencing rapid population growth, increasing the demand for specialized medical care,” said Ryan Cork, MHSA, vice chancellor of the UAMS Northwest Region. “Despite this growth, the region faces a shortage of neurologists and emergency medicine physicians, leading to longer wait times and limited access for patients. Expanding the number of specialists in the area is essential to meet current health care needs, improve patient outcomes and support the overall health infrastructure of our thriving community.”

UAMS, Washington Regional Approved for Residency Programs in Neurology, Emergency Medicine in Northwest Arkansas

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Senate advances right to bear arms amendment; Senate leader says prison funding likely stalled

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by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas Senate voted 28-7 Thursday (April 10) to advance a proposed constitutional amendment to protect the right to keep and bear arms.

SJR 11, by Sen. John Payton, R-Wilburn, 14 other senators and 47 state representatives, would provide that “citizens of the state of Arkansas shall have the right to keep and bear arms for their common defense, for lawful hunting and recreational use, and for any other lawful purpose; providing that the right to keep and bear arms includes without limitation the possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories, and firearm components; and providing that the right to keep and bear arms is a natural, fundamental, and individual right that shall not be infringed.”

The proposed amendment could be the second amendment that state lawmakers in the 95th General Assembly refer to voters for the 2026 general election. They are allowed to refer up to three proposals.

Senate advances right to bear arms amendment; Senate leader says prison funding likely stalled

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Economic development bills working their way through Legislature

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by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

A package of economic development reform bills is making progress through both ends of the State Capitol as the 95th General Assembly counts down its final full week.

Two measures just need House floor votes before making their way to Gov. Sarah Sanders’ desk for signature.

SB 421, the Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Pollution Abatement Facilities Financing Act of 2025, is a massive infrastructure bill that outlines how and when the state can issue general obligation bonds to finance and refinance water, waste disposal, pollution control, abatement and prevention, drainage, irrigation, flood control, and wetlands and aquatic resources projects. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission helps put together the plan.

Economic development bills working their way through Legislature

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ARHOME work requirements bill passes Senate panel

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by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

A bill amending the work requirements for participants in Arkansas’ ARHOME Medicaid expansion program passed the Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee Thursday (April 3).

Senate Bill 527 by Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, changes the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me (ARHOME) program created in 2011.

It passed on a voice vote with no audible dissenters. No one spoke for or against it.

Senate Bill 527 modifies existing state law, which already allows the governor to request a work requirement waiver as a condition for recipients continuing to receive coverage under ARHOME.

ARHOME work requirements bill passes Senate panel

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Walmart investing $6 billion in Mexico expansion by 2030

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by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Walmart has announced plans to expand its business in Mexico over the next five years with a $6 billion investment to add 1,500 new stores. This will add to the 3,200 stores Walmex now operates in Mexico.

Walmex includes stores in Central America, but the investment will focus on operations in Mexico. Walmex Chief Executive Officer Ignacio Caride said the investment would create 5,500 direct jobs.

The majority of the new stores will be branded Bodega Aurrera. The low-cost grocery format is one of the four retail brands Walmart operates in Mexico, with the others being Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenter and Walmart Express.

Walmart investing $6 billion in Mexico expansion by 2030

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Walmart receives top spot in national grocery shopper survey

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by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Bentonville-based Walmart held the top spot with 63% of U.S. shoppers in a survey using the retailer to shop for groceries, according to YouGov’s grocery store ranking survey for 2025.

The online polling firm reports Walmart held a 20.8% lead over second-place Target as the place they shop for groceries. Rounding out the top five were deep discounter Aldi with 32.8% of the share, Costco with 31.8%, and Kroger with 23.9%.

Sam’s Club ranked sixth with a 22.8% share of shoppers’ choices for their next grocery purchase. Trader Joe’s (20.5%), Whole Foods Market (15.9%), Publix (13.3%), and Amazon Fresh (12%) were in the top 10 retailer rankings in the recent survey.

Walmart receives top spot in national grocery shopper survey

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UA alumni give $250,000 to ‘Opportunity’ scholarship campaign

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by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

University of Arkansas alumni Stephanie and Kevin Wilcox of Little Rock have given $250,000 to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment, according to a university news release.

“We are immensely grateful to Kevin and Stephanie Wilcox for their generous contribution to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “Their support will be instrumental in fulfilling our land-grant mission to uplift all Arkansans, and we are thrilled about the impact their generosity will have on so many lives.”

As of March 1, the Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign had raised 64% of its goal in 11% of the time with more than $127.26 million in pledges and commitments. The three-year initiative is expected to expand educational access for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas, improve graduation rates, and create two-way engagement between the UA and businesses throughout the state.

UA alumni give $250,000 to ‘Opportunity’ scholarship campaign

Stephanie and Kevin Wilcox of Little Rock

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Ozark United FC releases plans for mixed-use development at stadium site

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by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

A planned soccer stadium for Ozark United FC in Rogers has grown to include a $250 million to $350 million sports-anchored entertainment district on 36 acres.

Located at the intersection of West Perry Road and South Bellview Road in Rogers, the site will include commercial, retail, and residential spaces, positioning the project as a year-round “live-work-play” destination for the region.

Renderings and details of the updated site plan were released Tuesday night (March 25) by the founders of the soccer club.

“Our goal has always been to create more than just a stadium; we want to build a lasting home for soccer and a hub for community engagement,” said Chris Martinovic, co-founder of Ozark United FC in a news release. “This district will provide fans, residents, and visitors with an unparalleled experience both on and off matchdays.”

Ozark United FC releases plans for mixed-use development at stadium site

Rendering courtesy of Buf Studio.

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Remy Cofield named UA deputy athletics director, general manager

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Remy Cofield, who recently worked as director of scouting for the Boston Celtics and played basketball for the University of Pennsylvania, is the new University of Arkansas deputy athletics director and general manager of Razorback Athletics.

According to Monday’s (March 24) announcement by the UA, Coalfield’s employment will begin April 1, and he “will oversee the strategic allocation of department and affiliate resources to support Razorback head coaches in the acquisition and retention of championship-caliber athletic talent.”

The news release also said Cofield will “lead player contract negotiations” and help all head coaches implement “each program’s strategic vision.”

Remy Cofield named UA deputy athletics director, general manager

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Governor signs ACCESS Act at forum touting lithium, economic development

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by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Repeating the notion that she wants to be known as the education governor, Gov. Sarah Sanders signed her higher education overhaul bill into law at an economic forum in Little Rock Tuesday (March 18) before nearly 1,000 business leaders.

At a packed house crowd in the Wally Allen Ballroom at Little Rock’s Arkansas Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) luncheon, Sanders shared remarks that touched on education and jobs, before signing her higher education reform measure, the ACCESS Act, into law.

The AEDF is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization established in 1955 that raises funds to support economic development efforts in Arkansas, including research, site visits, and recruitment support. The foundation frequently helps pay for overseas business recruiting trips for the governor and staff of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

Governor signs ACCESS Act at forum touting lithium, economic development

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F-35 pilot training center cost rises to $1.2 billion, impact up to $1.4 billion

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by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Despite global rumblings about NATO allies and other foreign nations being concerned about using the F-35 fighter, retired Air Force Col. Rob Ator said Tuesday (March 18) the F-35 pilot training center in Fort Smith will have a long and important mission that has the attention of the White House.

Ator, who is now the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in Arkansas, was the military affairs liaison for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission when Ebbing Air National Guard Base at the Fort Smith Regional Airport was selected for the new training center.

Ebbing, home to the 188th Wing in Fort Smith and co-located with the Fort Smith Regional Airport, was selected in March 2023 by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland, and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

F-35 pilot training center cost rises to $1.2 billion, impact up to $1.4 billion

Col. Nicholas “Matrix” Ihde, commander of the 85th Fighter Group, talks to the Fort Smith Regional Airport Commission Tuesday (March 18) about progress on the foreign pilot training center at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base.

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League of Women Voters seek to ‘reform’ ballot initiative process

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by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The League of Women Voters of Arkansas (LWV) has submitted a proposed constitutional amendment it says is designed to counter recent legislative efforts that “weaken and dismantle” the ability of citizens to place amendments on the ballot.

According to a LWV press release issued Tuesday (March 11), the amendment and ballot title presented to Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin “aims to reform the state’s ballot initiative process and address concerns over transparency and accessibility.”

The LWV action follows attempts by the Arkansas Legislature to add more requirements to citizen initiatives. One of those was SB 211, filed by Rep. Kendon Underwood, R-Cave Springs, which requires a signature canvasser to file an affidavit with the Arkansas Secretary or State “certifying that the canvasser has complied with the Arkansas Constitution and all Arkansas law regarding canvassing, perjury, forgery, and fraudulent practices in the procurement of petition signatures during the current election cycle.”

League of Women Voters seek to ‘reform’ ballot initiative process

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Legislative panels pass ACCESS bill with student political activity amendment

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by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

The House and Senate Education Committees passed Gov. Sarah Sanders’ far-reaching Arkansas ACCESS Act on March 10 with an amendment granting excused absences to students engaged in political and public advocacy activities.

In separate voice votes, a majority of House and Senate members approved the two identical bills, Senate Bill 246 by Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, and House Bill 1512 by Rep. Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado.

The full House and Senate will vote on their own chamber’s bills Tuesday, March 11. Then they will vote on the other chamber’s bill on Thursday. With no more committee meetings necessary, the bills could be headed to the governor’s desk by the end of the week.

ACCESS stands for acceleration, common sense, cost, eligibility, scholarships, and standardization.

Legislative panels pass ACCESS bill with student political activity amendment

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U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman on SOTU, tariffs, federal park layoffs

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by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

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 can avoid significant harm to the Arkansas economy.

In an interview with Talk Business & Politics, Westerman said the priorities President Donald Trump laid out in his State of the Union speech to Congress will help several industries that are thriving or launching in the Natural State.

“Trump talked about several issues that I think hit home in Arkansas. He talked about more domestic steel production, and Arkansas is now, I believe, leading the country in steel production. That’s not in my district, but it’s in Arkansas, and that makes us all proud. He talked about more domestic lumber production. That’s definitely in my district,” said Westerman.

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

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

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by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

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 million state prison, and he said plans related to Medicaid costs will likely be revealed this week.

Hester, the president of the Arkansas State Senate, was a guest on this week’s edition of Talk Business & Politics.

Last week, SB307, the Generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025, failed by one vote in the Arkansas State Senate on Wednesday (March 5). The bill received 17 votes for, 11 votes against, four did not vote, and three voted present.

The measure would allow utilities and electric cooperatives to file annual riders with the state Public Service Commission (PSC). Those riders would allow them to increase rates annually before a new plant is fully capitalized, rather than the current system that enacts a larger rate increase near the end of the process. The commission would have to determine if the update is in the public interest.

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

Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs.

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LR Port achieves Entergy Arkansas ‘Select Site’ certification for 875-acre megasite

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by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

The Little Rock Regional Chamber and Entergy Arkansas announced Friday (March 7) the completion of its Select Site certification for a new 875-acre industrial megasite located on the southeastern portion of the Little Rock Port.

Representatives from both organizations along with U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock; Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.; Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde; and leadership from the Little Rock Port Authority attended a press conference.

Select Site is an initiative designed to provide Entergy Arkansas-served communities with a competitive advantage and shovel-ready sites. This developmental and promotional tool allows communities to certify sites using a set of comprehensive and pre-determined criteria to better satisfy site location searches by consultants and companies.

LR Port achieves Entergy Arkansas ‘Select Site’ certification for 875-acre megasite