My route to and from work each day takes me through the path of the tornado that skipped across Little Rock in March 2023. Driving east on Cantrell Road toward downtown, the landscape changes fairly dramatically once you drive past Reservoir Park. A canopied drive becomes open air, and the storm aftermath that reveals itself resembles the path of a lawn mower through an overgrown yard. Office and apartment buildings remain in various states of repair and some businesses, like the iconic original Purple Cow, have yet to reopen.
Considering the amount of destruction left behind in central Arkansas and, ultimately, in other parts of the state, it’s a miracle only one person was killed in that storm, but such is life in Arkansas — dealing with spring storms, that is.
Spring storms are part of the package deal we sign up for in Arkansas, but in return, we get to enjoy the blooming dogwoods and azaleas and the beauty of planting season on farms throughout the Natural State while we look ahead with optimism about what’s to come.
The April issue of Arkansas Money & Politics features a focus on agriculture in Arkansas. We’ll look at the state’s nation-leading rice production, the challenges associated with the costs of running a farm, the evolution of technology on the farm and the state’s protein producers, as well as the trend towards other forms of meat.
Transportation is also a focus in April, and Arkansas is a national leader. Inside, we sit down with Shannon Newton, president of the Arkansas Trucking Association, to discuss how the industry in Arkansas has represented such a good opportunity for women leaders.
Plus, we’ll feature Junior Achievement of Arkansas, an organization strongly backed by some influential Arkansans, including the trio seen on this month’s cover.
There’s a lot to take in and enjoy. Thank you for allowing us to share these good stories of Arkansas. Hit me up with any comments or story ideas at HBaker@ARMoneyandPolitics.com.
