Opinion

A focus on health

You should know a few things about health care in Northeast Arkansas. For starters, the level of care in the region from major health care organizations like St. Bernards, NEA…

Silver lining of a shifting cybersecurity landscape

Not all of us are bargain hunters, but is there anyone who doesn’t love to score a good deal? Our drive to save is hard-wired. Studies show that when we…

Let’s vote ‘yes’ on consent decree work

Fort Smith voters are being asked during the May 13 election cycle to make a big, tough decision. It’s a tough decision resulting from decades of tough decisions avoided. The…

The evolution of Rick Crawford

I first met Rick Crawford in 2010 when he was running for Congress. He was part of a seven-person political forum in Cabot where five Democrats and two Republicans were…

Navigating unpaid internships and avoiding wage violations

With summer break upon us, many employers open their doors to college students in the form of paid and unpaid internships. For the employer, the unpaid summer internship can be…

Trucking industry scores big

I recently started watching “Survivor” … again. Season 48 is airing now, and though I stopped watching about 40 seasons ago, as a mom of teenagers, I’ll do just about…

Beyond the commute: the evolving landscape of Arkansas’ emerging cities

Arkansas is undergoing a demographic shift. Population growth is now concentrated in a small number of key counties, while many others remain stagnant or are experiencing declines. Notably, only five…

Wins for moms from this legislative session

As a mom, I know how hard it can be to navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. I also know how life-changing the right support can be. For too long,…

Building Arkansas’ future through partnership

Across Arkansas, there’s a growing recognition — among industry, educators and state leaders — that solving the skilled labor shortage takes more than conversation and good intentions. It takes action….

Empowering literacy through technology

Maria does well in geometry and is involved in my school’s robotics club, working with her peers on a robotic arm. She is, however, up against a big problem: Maria…

USDA needs its full leadership team

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., recently chaired a critical hearing to confirm Stephen Vaden as the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) deputy secretary. The timing couldn’t be more vital….

Corporate support for regional nonprofits

In every thriving community, there exists a dynamic interplay between businesses, residents and nonprofit organizations. These three pillars sustain one another, ensuring that communities remain resilient, innovative and inclusive. As…

Moving health care beyond ‘what’s the matter with you?’

At the heart of Alice L. Walton School of Medicine’s approach to creating the physicians of the future is training doctors in whole health principles. Whole health is defined by…

Fresh eyes preferred for next Fort Smith superintendent

It’s considered wise for vital public institutions seeking new leadership to consider internal persons in a process that also seeks qualified outside candidates. There are exceptions to that wisdom. The…

How leaders can elevate their teams, drive success

“It’s so much easier to do it myself.” “I don’t have time to pour into people.” “I can get it done quicker and better.” These are some of the most…

Healthy mothers, stronger communities: Why Arkansas needs more doulas

Arkansas is at a crossroads when it comes to maternal health. With some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the nation, bold and innovative action is required…

The vital role of succession, estate planning for farmers

Farmers are renowned for their resilience and ability to persist through floods, freezes and other less-than-favorable conditions. However, one obstacle that often poses a significant challenge for them is a…

Agriculture’s ‘perfect storm’

I find myself thinking about agriculture a lot lately. I’m not a farmer, but I know enough about farming from the stories I’ve heard over the years from friends and…

Strong loan growth fuels central Arkansas’ evolving real estate market

Since 2024, central Arkansas has seen strong loan growth, particularly in non-residential construction, hotel financing, and consumer lending. These trends reflect a dynamic market adapting to economic shifts and interest…

Empowering teachers and students for a safer learning environment

Braylon picked up the chair and threw it across the room, shouting “Why did she have to die?” It was almost Mother’s Day and his emotions about his mom’s death…