Michael Pakko

When it comes to the economy both in Arkansas and nationwide, even the best outlooks come with a substantial dose of caution. Jeremy Horpedahl knows this better than most. When not serving as the director of the Arkansas Center for …

Since the days of Reconstruction in the aftermath of the Civil War, Arkansas has operated essentially as a one-state party — one party in complete control of state government, that is. Democrats held court for more than 100 years as …

The Libertarian Party of Arkansas announced Tuesday that it has submitted 13,238 signatures to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office, exceeding the 10,000 registered voter signatures required to be recognized officially as a political party. Should the petition be certified, …

They say nothing is certain but death and taxes, but perhaps there is a close third: Wherever there are Republicans, tax cuts will be on the agenda. With the party benefiting from a supermajority in the Natural State, it is …

There is a little bit of good news and a little bit of bad news in forecasting Arkansas’ economic outlook for 2025. As for any sweeping changes from the federal level impacting the state, get comfortable. There simply has not …

Another four years have come and gone, and that means the American public again gets to decide who will run the country, as well as who will fill a number of local, state and federal offices. Two issues will definitely …

As the Libertarian candidate for Arkansas state treasurer, Michael Pakko said his goals include providing Arkansans with more insight into the workings of the state treasury and conducting a comprehensive review of the state’s finances. He said that these plans …

With a background that includes a long-standing passion for both research and education, more than 25 years spent working for the Federal Reserve System, and 15 years as chief economist and state economic forecaster at the Arkansas Economic Development Institute, …

Pictured above: A Standard Lithium bromine tower in El Dorado hints at big things to come in south Arkansas. (Photos provided) In a nutshell, more of the same is what Arkansans can expect of the state’s economy in 2024. The …

Pictured above: The Amazon distribution center in Little Rock, shown under construction, opened last year. (Photos provided) By Mark Carter and Dwain Hebda   A bird’s eye view of Arkansas economic development in 2024 would include some now-familiar landmarks — …