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The New Year's Eve line
Auld lang syne and all that. You won't catch me at any bars tonight. It's already 2013 in Sri Lanka, if you're counting. Final notes, subject to additions later:* CONGRESSIONAL FEUDING: A deal with the...
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All eyes on the House on budget deal
Early this morning the Senate voted 89-8 for a plan that raises taxes on a small slice of the wealthy, but puts off spending cut decisions for two months.But this is the key:The House Speaker, John A....
View ArticleMakes Asa! look good
I'm getting some encouragement to note the entry of a perennial Republican candidate into the 2014 gubernatorial race. A talkshow blowhard. The head of a "nonprofit" who claims tax deductibility for an...
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Hot Dog Mike announces departure
Little Rock food truck favorite Michael Juliano— a.k.a. Hot Dog Mike—announced today on his blog that he's packing up the hot dog cart and heading to his home state of New Jersey in order to run his...
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The Republican tax increase open line
The line is open for those not watching football. But there is news:* TEA PARTY/KOCH REPUBLICANS SAY NO TO TAXING WEALTHY: House Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantorsays he doesn't support the Senate...
View ArticleHouse Republicans stiff Sandy victims
Speaking of extremists:House Speaker John Boehneris coming under fire for not allowing a House vote on Senate-passed Hurricane Sandy relief legislation. The radical Republican spending hawks such as...
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Tim Griffin, Rick Crawford oppose tax increase for wealthy
The bottom line for Arkansas politics on last night's temporary fiscal deal were the votes by Rep. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro and Rep. Tim Griffin of Bryant/Searcy/Vilonia against a nominal tax...
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Stephens sells Viking Range Corp. ahead of tax rise
I mentioned a rush to do year-end business deals. Here's one that got done in the final hours of 2012.The Little Rock-based Stephens Group has sold its controlling interest in Viking Range Corp as part...
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Morning roundup: Police overtime, peace in NLR, gun nuts
Some other items from a resumption of news after the long holiday:* LR COP RACKS UP OVERTIME: KATV continues it reporting on extraordinary overtime charges in the Little Rock Police Department. Traffic...
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Thursday: The Black Frames, Rob Baird and more
Dallas indie rock trio The Black Frames plays an 18-and-older show at Stickyz, with local rocker John Neal and Searcy indie-folk outfit The Fable & The Fury, 9 p.m., $5. For some from-the-heart...
View ArticleGov. Beebe fills two judgeships
Gov. Mike Beebe's appointments today included two to judicial openings.* Amy Brazil of Conway was named a circuit judge to succeed Rhonda Wood, who's moving up to the state Court of Appeals (right...
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Will Arkansas raise the minimum wage?
Ten states began the New Year with increases in their minimum wage rates. According to this article, 19 states and the District of Columbia now have minimum wages above the $7.25 federal rate.Arkansas,...
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What will 2013 bring to the Arkansas food scene?
I’m sure that I, like most other enthusiastic Arkansas food fans, have high hopes for the Arkansas foodscape in 2013. Last year brought us some interesting developments, but I’m optimistic that this...
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Audition for 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at Argenta Community Theater
As promised last year, Argenta Community Theater is gearing up for its second in-house theatrical production, "Jesus Christ Superstar," which will run July 23-28. There are open calls and dance calls...
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UPDATE: North Little Rock tax district settlement
I mentioned earlier today that new North Little Rock Mayor Joe Smith had made news when he was sworn in yesterday by saying he intended to end a dispute with the North Little Rock School District over...
View ArticleArkansas privatizes high school diploma program
Did you know Arkansas in 2014 will privatize the previously free GED testing program to obtain high school equivalency diplomas?I didn't until I listened to this report by KUAF's Jacqueline...
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How much electric line protection is enough?
When I spoke this morning with North Little Rock City Attorney Jason Carter, we talked a bit about the North Little Rock Electric Department, since he's acting as head of the agency currently.I...
View ArticleThe 2013 open line
Back at work, are you? Yes or no, here's an open line. With some final thoughts:* AMERICAN IDOL IN CAR CRASH. American Idol winner Kris Allen broke his wrist in a car crash Tuesday night and it could...
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Nobody's crazier about football than Texas
Thanks to Scott Faldon, the Times-Record sports writer whose Twitter feed from Fort Smith keeps me abreast with essential sports reading, for a link to:"Friday Night Tykes," a monumental Texas Monthly...
View ArticleRepublicans cautious on Medicaid developments
I mentioned yesterday that I'd sought some comment from Republican legislators on developments trumpeted by the Beebe administration yesterday.1) Arkansas has won conditional federal approval for a...
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