Economics

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.

Jon Johnson and Leigh Hopkins will teach an Honors College seminar this fall exploring how the deep history of countries like China, Japan and Germany shapes the way they do business today.

Boyd Evert of Harvest Revenue Group says Friday's Supreme Court tariff ruling could benefit consumers, but prolonged uncertainty may keep businesses from passing along savings.