Talk Business & Politics Staff

While a better Arkansas economy has helped lower the state’s 2013-2015 food insecurity rate to 19.2% from the 19.7% in the 2010-2012 period, national and regional food bank officials say more help is needed and the rates remain above pre-recession realities.

Arkansas’ new $1.3 billion superproject, Big River Steel, begins construction soon in Mississippi County, and Arkansas Northeastern College officials announced Monday (Nov. 3) two workforce readiness programs to aid local residents hoping to join the company’s team — both offered at no cost to potential students.