Talk Business & Politics

Michael Tilley of Talk Business & Politics joins Kyle Kellams to discuss Fort Smith’s consent decree bond sales, delays for Van Buren’s slackwater harbor, cemetery debates and the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair’s economic impact.

On today's show, we hear about a statewide tech accelerator that helps entrepreneurs start and sustain their businesses. Also, wildlife officials note that a rise in the state's black bear population means more encounters with Arkansans. Plus, our regular round-up of news from the River Valley with Michael Tilley from Talk Business & Politics.

The Compass Report findings outline that average weekly wages in Crawford and Sebastian Counties dropped in the first quarter of 2025 by 2.5% and 1.9%, respectively. Overall, Fort Smith showed neither economic growth nor decline in the first quarter.

On today's show, we learn that average weekly wages were down in Crawford and Sebastian Counties in the first quarter of 2025. Also, the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas opens its season tomorrow at Walton Arts Center. Plus, some Brazilian jazz piano.

Temple Live music venue in downtown Fort Smith closes. Plans for a solar canopy are underway in downtown Fort Smith as well as reconstruction of the port of Fort Smith.

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is hosting a conference on considering artificial intelligence in its industry. Plus, a dip into the archive to celebrate a special day. Also, the 16th annual Fayetteville Film Fest is set for next weekend.

The Editorial Partner said:Fort Smith grapples with $600M in water infrastructure needs while I-49 progress inches forward. Van Buren updates its parks plan with a $34M center and Sen. Gary Stubblefield’s death sparks a special election.

Michael Tilley with Talk Business and Politics joins to discuss Fort Smith's water crisis, Whirlpool site contamination, tourism decline and city planning.

Janet Mann has been tapped by Gov. Sarah Sanders to lead the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Mann and host Roby Brock discuss her knowledge in healthcare topics and aspirations for her new role.

TheatreSquared is beginning its 20th season tonight with a performance of "The Three Musketeers." Plus, it may not feel like the winter holiday season, but the folks at Mount Sequoyah are already thinking about it. Also, a roundup of the news from the River Valley with Michael Tilley of Talk Business & Politics.