Opinion

Justin Allen: For HB 1204

HB 1204 simply states that, when it comes to past medical bills, the plaintiff recovers from the defendant what the healthcare provider accepted as full and final payment. Not the…

Chad Gallagher: Against HB 1204

Currently, the legislature is considering HB 1204, which purports to correct an issue with medical bills when there’s been an accident or other harm inflicted on you at no fault…

Northwest Arkansas’ market-based housing reforms

There is a shortage of affordable housing in Northwest Arkansas, a fact noted by consumers, foundations, public officials and in media reports. Every city in the region is affected by…

It’s appointment season in Northeast Arkansas

The year 2025 has not disappointed for Northeast Arkansas and its growing political influence at the state capitol and in Washington, D.C. We received a surprise in mid-January when U.S….

Health insurance patchwork in Arkansas at risk of unraveling

Enrollment in the state’s health insurance marketplace is at an all-time high. As of Jan. 4, more than 160,000 Arkansans had selected an insurance plan during the open enrollment period,…

Three C’s for a smooth transition to a phone-free program

Communication, clear-cut expectations and consistent follow-through are key. It’s the start of another school year, and noise surrounds us at every turn. Students chatter in the hallways between classes and…

How to become a learning machine

So you have an idea. A genius idea. A wonderful, brilliant, genius idea. You’re going to build a product or service that’s going to change the world. You toil for…

‘Resilience’ is agriculture’s keyword for 2025

In 2025, resilience strategies will distinguish leaders in agriculture. The globalized nature of today’s food system places U.S. agriculture at a stressful crossroads as geopolitics grows more volatile, compelling agribusinesses…

Nonpartisan Politics: A better approach for Fort Smith

In today’s political climate, it’s easy to feel divided by labels. But here in Fort Smith, we have the opportunity to work together beyond party lines for the good of…

Prioritizing entrepreneurship in the new year

With elections behind us and the legislative season starting, policymakers have many opportunities to make their mark. Already we have seen a notable number of issues highlighted in pre-filing. One…

A 2025 cybersecurity forecast

Americans love to be busy — or at least give the impression we are. As Time magazine recently noted, our society increasingly values being active, at work and at home,…

Why this Democrat proudly supports Sen. John Boozman

Here’s something you don’t hear every day: a die-hard Democrat who served in the Obama Administration and who regularly appears on Fox News promoting Democrats — proudly supporting Republican Senator…

Approaching community engagement

Northwest Arkansas has a strong history of community engagement. While it’s true that some companies don’t engage the community – either because they haven’t given it any thought or they…

Educational agents of change

As 2024 comes to a close, the subject of New Year’s resolutions often arises. Looking for something new or stuck in a rut, many of us vow to ourselves or…

The transformative role of postpartum contraception

Despite an uptick in awareness and concerted efforts, Arkansas continues to face a serious maternal health crisis. Its vast rural footprint limits access to healthcare, and high rates of unplanned…

Learn backwards, live forward

I can still remember learning to drive my first car. My newfound freedom changed everything. It was an exciting right of passage. Although driving equals freedom, the dangers of navigating…

Hope is not a strategy: Why American farmers need action now

Editor’s note: This post first appeared on James’ blog, Field Good Life. As I write this post, my hope is that productive work is being done in Washington, D.C., to…

Unlocking Arkansas’ potential: engineers and data scientists as economic catalysts

At Heartland Forward, we understand economic growth in the 21st century is fueled by innovation—and innovation begins with education. Arkansas has a unique opportunity to leverage engineering, computer science and…

Contextualizing Carl Geffken’s impact on Fort Smith

Fort Smith has always been my home, a city I deeply care for and have dedicated years of my life to serving. As a former city director and planning commissioner,…

Building an inclusive, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in NWA

Recent growth has solidified Northwest Arkansas as a dynamic hub of opportunity, attracting aspiring entrepreneurs and hardworking families from all walks of life. But a vibrant community like this doesn’t…

UAFS announces tuition and fee support program

Remy Cofield named UA deputy athletics director, general manager

2024 average monthly Fort Smith metro jobs up 2.2%, below peak of 2008

Row crop planting begins in Arkansas