Economics

A new Annie E. Casey Foundation report shows child poverty in the U.S. has nearly tripled since 2021. Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families’ Pete Gess explains how the loss of pandemic-era tax credits and SNAP funding cuts are driving hardship across the state.

On today's show, we learn that child poverty in the U.S. has nearly tripled since 2021, and Arkansas’ rate is above the national average. Also, the grand opening of two new spaces in Northwest Arkansas. Plus, a new edition of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal.

Saunders Real Estate held its annual Lay of the Land Conference in Fayetteville last week. The Lay of the Land report informs landowners and prospective buyers about current market values and ownership.

Talk Business & Politics’ Michael Tilley joins Ozarks at Large to discuss the ballooning cost of Parrot Island Water Park slides, Fort Smith’s search for a new city administrator and possible elementary school closures tied to enrollment decline.

City leaders in Fort Smith face mounting budget deficits, a contentious administrator search, scrutiny over lobbying expenses and ongoing contamination tied to the former Whirlpool plant.

Michael Tilley of Talk Business and Politics joins Ozarks at Large to discuss Fort Smith’s new airport director, local housing shifts and tourism tax trends amid economic uncertainty.

CEO Dan Andrews explains how Tempus Realty Partners is funding 529 accounts for students and teachers at Merrell Taylor Elementary through the new GROW program, combining financial seed money with classroom lessons on economics and goal-setting.

University of Arkansas economist Alvaro Durand-Morat says low global rice prices and rising costs could force one in three Arkansas farms to close without federal aid.

On today's show, we hear from an agricultural economist about how global economics are affecting rice farmers in Arkansas. Also today, Dylan Earl stops by KUAF to talk about his new music. Plus, a rundown of the live music coming up in the region.

On this edition of the NWA Business Journal report, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward tells Roby Brock that row crop farmers are struggling with high yields but low prices. He warns that without swift federal action, one in three farms nationwide could go out of business.