Arkansas

S&P brightens rating outlook for Arkansas

Published

3 weeks ago

May 7, 2024

S&P brightens rating outlook for Arkansas

Citing Arkansas’ “financial resiliency,” S&P Global Ratings revised the outlook on the state’s AA general obligation bond rating to positive from stable.

The rating agency’s action Thursday came ahead of the state’s sale of about $30 million of water, waste disposal and pollution abatement facilities GO bonds.

“S&P’s improved outlook for the state from ‘stable’ to ‘positive’ is a direct result of the hard work by Governor (Sarah Huckabee) Sanders and the Arkansas General Assembly to fully fund our long-term reserves and to limit the growth of spending,” said Jim Hudson, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

“The outlook revision reflects Arkansas’ demonstrated budget management practices and financial resiliency across economic cycles, which has yielded steady operating surpluses and an accumulation of substantial reserves,” S&P analyst Rob Marker said in a statement. “This is in conjunction with our expectation that recent improving economic and demographic growth trends will more closely align with U.S. levels over time, all of which support our view of a one-in-three chance that we could raise the rating over the outlook period.”

Arkansas is rated Aa1 with a stable outlook by Moody’s Ratings.

“The rating reflects the state’s strong governance practices, with conservatively managed financial operations that consistently result in healthy year-end fund balances and below-average debt and pension burdens,” Moody’s said in a May 1 report. “These features balance credit risks stemming from a weak demographic profile and exposure to elevated Medicaid expenses.”

“I’m pleased that both Moody’s and S&P affirmed their credit ratings for the State of Arkansas,” said Jim Hudson, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. “S&P’s improved outlook for the state from ‘stable’ to ‘positive’ is a direct result of the hard work by Governor (Sarah Huckabee) Sanders and the Arkansas General Assembly to fully fund our long-term reserves and to limit the growth of spending.”

The state had $514.13 million of GO bonds issued for highways, water, capital improvements, and higher education outstanding as of June 30, 2023.

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Arkansas

Arkansas baseball tickets in Fayetteville Regional: Best options for NCAA Tournament 2024

Published

27 mins ago

May 28, 2024

Press Room

Arkansas baseball tickets in Fayetteville Regional: Best options for NCAA Tournament 2024

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas baseball is the No. 5 seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament and will host the Fayetteville Regional this weekend at Baum-Walker Stadium.

The Razorbacks (43-14) begin the double-elimination tournament against Southeast Missouri Friday at 2 p.m. Louisiana Tech and Kansas State are also in the Fayetteville Regional.

More: Starter or reliever: What should Arkansas baseball do with Mason Molina?

More: Arkansas baseball limps into NCAA Tournament with questions and optimism

Here’s a look at how you can buy tickets.

How to buy Arkansas baseball tickets for Fayetteville Regional

Arkansas placed all-session tickets on sale Tuesday. They can also be purchased on third-party sites.

Arkansas baseball schedule in Fayetteville Regional

Below is the full schedule for the weekend. All times are central and all games are available to stream on ESPN+.

Friday, May 31

Game 1, 2 p.m. — Arkansas vs. SEMO (ESPN+)

Game 2, 7 p.m. — Louisiana Tech vs. Kansas State (ESPN+)

Saturday, June 1

Game 3, 2 p.m. — Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 (TBD)

Game 4, 8 p.m. — Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 (TBD)

Sunday, June 2

Game 5, 1 p.m. — Winner of Game 3 vs. Loser of Game 4 (TBD)

Game 6, 6 p.m. — Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 4 (TBD)

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Arkansas

Eight killed in Arkansas tornadoes Sunday morning

Published

7 hours ago

May 28, 2024

Press Room

Eight killed in Arkansas tornadoes Sunday morning

BENTONVILLE — Tornadoes ripped through north Arkansas on early Sunday resulting in eight fatalities, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at a news conference Sunday night at the Benton County sheriff’s office with U.S. Sen. John Boozman, U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, state officials and area mayors.

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Arkansas

Arkansas Veterans Affairs hosts Memorial Day event

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2024

Press Room

Arkansas Veterans Affairs hosts Memorial Day event

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT/KARK) – As many recognized Memorial Day all across the country, the Arkansas Veterans Affairs hosted its own ceremony in Central Arkansas.

Dozens of families gathered on Monday to honor their loved ones who died while protecting the country.

Director of Veterans Services Gina Chandler told our content partner KARK that moments like this remind people that freedom isn’t free, and each headstone represents someone who paid the price.

“It’s those that remember the true meaning of Memorial Day to remember those that have served,” Chandler said.

Over 50 gold medal families were honored at the ceremony.

You can read more about this story by going to KARK’s website.

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