As election day approaches, Arkansas voters are entering the final weeks of a campaign season shaped by both state and national politics. Meanwhile, persistent inflation, interest rates, fuel prices and commodity markets continue to create challenges for Arkansas families, businesses and farmers. This week on “Arkansas Week,” a panel of political and economic experts examines the political landscape heading into election day and it takes a closer look at the outlook for Arkansas’s economy and agricultural sectors.
“Arkansas Week” airs Friday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m.
ABOUT THIS WEEK’S EPISODE
The discussion on “Arkansas Week” turns to the role of national politics in Arkansas races as campaigns enter their final stretch. Hal Bass, Dr. Jay Barth and Richard Bearden offer their perspectives on the political landscape and the factors that could shape the closing weeks of the campaigns.
The program then turns to the economy, including the impact of interest rates, inflation, fuel prices and global trade on Arkansas. Dr. Jeremy Horpedahl and Dr. Mervin Jebaraj examine the broader economic outlook, while Ryan Loy takes a closer look at Arkansas agriculture, where farmers are contending with commodity prices and rising production costs despite stronger-than-expected yields.
FEATURED PANELISTS
• Hal Bass, Ouachita Baptist University Professor Emeritus of Political Science.
• Dr. Jay Barth, Hendrix College Professor Emeritus of Political Science.
• Richard Bearden, Political Strategist and Former Executive Director of the Arkansas Republican Party.
• Dr. Jeremy Horpedahl, University of Central Arkansas Associate Professor of Economics.
• Dr. Mervin Jebaraj, University of Arkansas Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research.
• Ryan Loy, economist with the University of Arkansas’s agriculture division.
TUNE IN
Watch ”Arkansas Week” Fridays at 6, and watch again on ATV-1 Saturdays, at 5 p.m., Sundays, at 9:30 a.m., and Mondays, at 6 p.m. Watch anytime on demand at our YouTube channel.
Learn about the candidates in seven Arkansas races in “Election 2026: Arkansas TV Debates” beginning Oct. 12. Find the debates schedule and more at arkansastv.gov/elections.