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Retail sales cool in May amid rising prices

The U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday (June 15) that consumers spent $672.9 billion on food and retail in May, down 0.3% from the prior month. Sales were up 8.1% from…

P.A.M. buys trucking company; first acquisition in almost 20 years

Tontitown-based carrier P.A.M. Transportation Services Inc. announced Wednesday (June 15) the acquisition of family-owned carrier Metropolitan Trucking Inc. of Saddle Brook, N.J., for about $79.8 million, including debt. The acquisition…

NEA executives discuss regional advancement at recent forum

In mid-May, Talk Business & Politics joined First Security Bank, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce in presenting a “better community” conversation. More than…

Arkansas School Safety Commission begins work in wake of Uvalde shooting

The Arkansas School Safety Commission reconvened Tuesday (June 14) after being called back into action by Gov. Asa Hutchinson following the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The group has been…

Springdale event showcases construction industry to next generation of workers

According to trade group Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the construction industry faces a skilled labor shortage of 650,000 workers in 2022. Skilled labor demand continues to rise as workers…

The Supply Side: Walmart expands Marketplace to sellers from India

Walmart International CEO Judith McKenna remains bullish about growth opportunities in India since the retail giant’s majority purchase of Flipkart in 2018 for $16 billion. Walmart has since expanded its…

Arkansas farmers face 4.5% decline in profitability in 2022

Arkansas farmers are being impacted by a double-edged sword when it comes to inflation. Input costs are spiraling upward, but so are futures market prices in some cases, meaning the…

Jonesboro agri parts distributor keeps plowing ahead

There is no question that COVID-19 pandemic disruptions have been felt in virtually every sector of the U.S. economy, perhaps nowhere more acutely than in agriculture. The pandemic followed hard…

State sheds construction jobs at worst rate in nation

According to a new analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Arkansas lost about 1,500 construction jobs from March to April this year. The 2.7% decline — from…

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Natalie James on guns, reproductive rights, and living wage

Natalie James, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, expressed a wide variety of opinions in her first Talk Business & Politics interview since winning on primary election night. She defeated…

Arkansas actor lands ‘job of a lifetime’ in SpongeBob SquarePants

Rodger Bumpass was a college student at Arkansas State University majoring in television and radio with a minor in theater. One night after a live theater performance in a play,…

Arkansas State University narrows chancellor search to four

Arkansas State University has a final four in its quest to find a new chancellor for its Jonesboro campus. The ASU Chancellor Search Advisory Committee and ASU System President Dr….

Arkansas PBS broadcasting hearings on PBS WORLD, not main channel

Arkansas PBS is broadcasting hearings held by the Jan. 6 committee, though not on its main channel. Julie Thomas, director of marketing and engagement, said the hearings of the Select…

Shepherd to be first Black commander of Arkansas Army National Guard

Col. Leland Shepherd, a native of Guyana, South America, will be promoted Sunday (June 12) to the rank of Brigadier General and assume command of the Arkansas Army National Guard….

Walton group wants Strategy 2025 to collaborate on Delta turnaround

There was a time when Arkansas’ economic center was in the rich Delta soils. The Natural State’s economy was fueled by the cotton, corn and other crops harvested each fall….

Walmart invests in renewable energy, lower emissions for truck fleet

Walmart announced Wednesday (June 8) it is testing three different kinds of renewable energy to power its fleet. The retailer did not reveal costs or project timelines, but it did…

Gas Pos, AMS to open portable gas stations in 22 states

North Little Rock-based fintech Gas Pos and AMS Technologies of Oceanside, N.Y., have partnered to open portable, aboveground gas stations (PAGS) across the United States that can open more quickly…

Technology, mobility execs gather in Bentonville at UP.Summit

More than 250 global technology and mobility executives are gathered this week in Bentonville at the UP.Summit first founded by aviation entrepreneur Cyrus Sigari in 2017. The annual invitation-only summit…

EIA says to expect ‘historically high’ energy prices through 2023

U.S. energy prices are expected to remain high through 2023 as a result of economic recovery and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)….

FAA to give almost $10 million to Arkansas airports

Nearly 20 Arkansas airports will receive $9.99 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as part of recently announced grants from the Airport Improvement Program. The agency of the U.S….