capacity

Arkansas Corrections Board chair responds to criticism from governor, attorney general

BY: - November 21, 2023

UPDATE: This story was updated at 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, with additional information about Magness’ position on the PROTECT Act. The Arkansas Board of Corrections rejected a request to expand prison capacity this month because of severe staffing shortages and existing crowding, board Chairman Benny Magness says in a Nov. 20 letter […]

The nation’s biggest electric capacity market needs fixing, critics say

BY: - March 20, 2023

The nation’s largest grid operator is warning it might not have enough electric generation in the future to guarantee reliability.  And it comes as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission convenes a forum on the multibillion-dollar capacity market PJM operates to ensure there’s enough power to meet demand even during grid emergencies, such as during Winter […]

Arkansas state senators take the oath of office Monday afternoon at the state Capitol as they and their counterparts in the House of Representatives start the 94th General Assembly. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

El Dorado’s Shepherd elected Arkansas House Speaker for third time

BY: and - January 9, 2023

The Arkansas House gaveled into the 2023 legislative session on Monday with the swearing in of its members and the election of House Speaker Matthew Shepherd (R-El Dorado).  Shepherd’s election to a third term means he will be the longest serving House speaker in state history. Only one member, Hope Hendren Duke (R-Gravette) voted against […]

Photo of pigs in a feedlot to illustrate story about USDA grants to small meatpacking operations.

USDA gives $73 million to create, expand smaller livestock processors

BY: - November 2, 2022

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced its first grant awards on Wednesday — totaling about $73 million — to increase the processing capacity of smaller, independent meatpackers in 16 states. They range from a $292,000 grant to provide independent Montana farmers with a USDA-inspected meat processing facility — which is required to sell the products […]