Economics

A new United WE report finds caregiving responsibilities remain the biggest barrier keeping Arkansas women out of the workforce, with entrepreneurship rising as women seek more flexibility.

Entegrity's John Coleman explains how Act 278 slashed solar net metering credits to a fraction of retail rates, and how a separate law tied to AI data centers could push electricity costs higher for everyone.

Arkansas Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald discusses the state's climb in ALEC's economic outlook index — and whether a top-10 ranking can coexist with some of the lowest median incomes in the country.

Arkansas farmer Tim Wells and conservation advocate Rebecca Bartels warn that proposed USDA budget cuts could devastate farm support services statewide.

Arkansas had more farm bankruptcies in 2025 than any other state. Northwest Arkansas Food Bank president Taylor Speegle says hunger requires policy — not just food banks — to solve.

Arkansas Appleseed's new report finds the state must increase per-student public school funding by 30% to meet national averages, with policy choices driving the gap.

A new Startup Junkie report finds that 30–40% of neurodivergent adults in Northwest Arkansas are underemployed or unemployed, and calls structural gaps — not individual deficits — the core problem.

A report from the Women's Foundation of Arkansas finds nearly 70% of mothers say childcare costs are a barrier to employment, costing families $17,500 a year — 27% of the state's median household income.

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families hosted a town hall at the NW Arkansas Food Bank to discuss what proposed federal SNAP cuts could mean for working mothers and families across the state.

A Poyen teacher juggles a T-shirt business alongside her classroom. New Gallup data shows more than 7 in 10 U.S. teachers work a second job to make ends meet.