Author: Talk Business & Politics staff

Talk Business & Politics staff

70% of utility-scale solar systems use crystalline silicon modules

Most of the utility-scale solar photovoltaic systems installed in the United States use crystalline silicon panels, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Between 2015 and 2016, crystalline silicon capacity…

Fed increases federal funds rate by 0.25%, releases economic projections

The Federal Open Market Committee increased the federal funds target rate by 0.25% to a range of 1.25% to 1.5%. The committee also released projections on the economy and federal…

The Compass Report: Trends positive for Arkansas’ economy during second quarter

Editor’s note: Because of circumstances beyond our control, we did not produce The Compass Report for the first quarter of 2017. We apologize for any inconvenience. ––––––––––––––––––– Arkansas’ economy remained…

Arkansas has fifth-lowest gas prices in U.S.

The average price for a gallon of gas in Arkansas is $2.22, and it is ranked fifth cheapest nationwide, according to a report from AAA. The nation’s top 10 least…

Windgate Charitable Foundation gives $40 million for arts district in Fayetteville

The Windgate Charitable Foundation of Siloam Springs has given $40 million toward establishing the new Windgate Art and Design District in south Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas announced Wednesday (Dec….

Baxley Foundation gives $102,000 for UCA student scholarships

The University of Central Arkansas in Conway has received a pledge of $102,000 from the Baxley Foundation of Plano, Texas, to support student two full-ride student scholarships. The Baxley Foundation…

Hendrix College to build Miller Creative Quad in 2018

Hendrix College will begin construction on the Miller Creative Quad in 2018. The $24 million ($16 million construction, $8 million endowment) mixed-use project is part of the school’s $110 million…

New acquisitions, installations will ‘reimagine’ experience at Crystal Bridges, early American art galleries to close temporarily

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville announced Tuesday (Dec. 12) new works, plans to revamp its early American art galleries and North Forest outdoor art space in 2018….

Solar startup executives from Fayetteville visit China

The solar connection between Arkansas and China moved another step forward in November, thanks to a proactive trip from the CEOs of two Fayetteville-based startups in the solar industry. Douglas…

Governor hires Senate aide to direct policy, legislative outreach

Andy Goodman, who is chief legislative aide to the president of the Arkansas State Senate, will join Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s staff as Director of Policy Coordination and Legislative Outreach on…

Morrilton Packing to add 34 jobs in $2.1 million expansion

Morrilton Packing Company is investing $2.1 million in an expansion of its Morrilton operations. The project is estimated to add 34 new jobs. Morrilton Packing, the parent company of Petit…

ISM index shows positive trend for manufacturing sector

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) has released its monthly Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for November, and the story told is another positive one with the PMI at 58.2% —…

Lofty Labs elevates director of operations to COO

Fayetteville-based software startup Lofty Labs has named Ben Davis as its chief operating officer, a new position at the company. Davis previously served as the company’s director of operations. He…

U.S. passenger airlines see third-quarter profits fall, revenues rise

Net income for U.S. passenger airlines fell 1.73% to $3.743 billion in the third quarter of 2017, from the same period in 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s…

CO2 emissions decline in 43 states

Between 2005 and 2015, energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions declined in 43 states, including the District of Columbia, and rose in eight states, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration….

University of Arkansas architecture school to host affordable housing initiative

The University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design In Fayetteville will launch an affordable housing program, supported by $250,000 from the Walton Family Foundation of Bentonville. Housing…

Chancellor spot down to UAMS veteran, Cornell medical center COO

The University of Arkansas System has named two finalists for the chancellor position at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Stephanie Gardner, interim chancellor, provost and senior vice chancellor…

Arkansas Tech ranked top 5% in social mobility

A report from CollegeNET shows Arkansas Tech University in Russellville ranks among the top 5% of colleges and universities nationwide in terms of opportunity for upward mobility for its students….

National Science Foundation grants go to low-income Arkansans who study STEM

The National Science Foundation has awarded $999,847 in grant funding to the University of Arkansas’ Path to Graduation Program, the UA announced Friday (Dec. 8). The program supports low-income students,…

Alstons from Polk County named Farm Family of the Year

Luke and Deedee Alston of Mena are the 2017 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. The honor was announced Thursday(Dec. 7) at the annual luncheon honoring the county and district…