Discovering Batesville, Arkansas: Industry, Nature, and Community Life

An Introduction to Batesville

Nestled along the banks of the White River in the foothills of the Ozarks, Batesville, Arkansas, presents a compelling blend of economic opportunity, natural beauty, and small-town charm. As the oldest existing city in the state and the county seat of Independence County, Batesville has evolved from its historic roots into a regional hub that attracts families, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Making Progress on Paid Family and Medical Leave Policies in the South

Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and paid sick leave help workers maintain their livelihoods while taking care of themselves and their families. And now, several states in the South have begun to expand worker access to these critical benefits. On January 20, the Economic Policy Institute's EARN in the South network -- a coalition of Southern policy, research and grassroots organizations -- held a virtual press conference highlighting 2026 opportunities to expand paid leave policies in Southern states.

'I don't know' | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

I was editor of Arkansas Business in 1991 when I spent a day with legendary business leader Charles H. Murphy Jr. in El Dorado. The day was everything I hoped it would be. Murphy was 71 at the time and still showing up to work in his role as chairman of his family's oil and gas business. His father had moved to El Dorado to operate a bank in 1904. Within a few years, the elder Murphy owned 13 banks in Arkansas and Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).

College basketball: AP's top 25 men's basketball poll

The AP Top 25 men's basketball poll offers a weekly snapshot of which teams are performing at the highest level across the country. Shaped by recent results, strength of schedule, and momentum, the rankings highlight programs that are separating themselves as conference play intensifies. Each week, movement in the poll reflects not just wins and losses, but how convincingly teams are handling rising expectations. Arizona sits atop the AP poll unanimously for the first time in program history, owning one of the rare unbeaten records in Division I this season.

College basketball: AP's top 25 men's basketball poll

The AP Top 25 men's basketball poll offers a weekly snapshot of which teams are performing at the highest level across the country. Shaped by recent results, strength of schedule, and momentum, the rankings highlight programs that are separating themselves as conference play intensifies. Each week, movement in the poll reflects not just wins and losses, but how convincingly teams are handling rising expectations. Arizona Wildcats (20-0) Arizona sits atop the AP poll unanimously for the first time in program history, owning one of the rare unbeaten records in Division I this season.

Florida Lotto numbers for Saturday, Jan. 24. Prize nears $19 million

A $2 Powerball ticket made someone a multimillionaire over the holidays. Will there be a big Florida Lottery winner in the new year? As they say in the lottery business, "it could happen to you." After one lucky ticket from a Circle K convenience store matched all six numbers in the Saturday, Nov. 15, Florida Lotto drawing for $3.75 million, the jackpot reset to $1 million for Wednesday, Nov. 19. Then 19 more rollovers led to more money: The jackpot was up to $18.25 million for the Saturday, Jan. 24, Florida Lotto drawing after no one matched all six numbers in the Wednesday, Jan.

'I don't know' | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

I was editor of Arkansas Business in 1991 when I spent a day with legendary business leader Charles H. Murphy Jr. in El Dorado. The day was everything I hoped it would be. Murphy was 71 at the time and still showing up to work in his role as chairman of his family's oil and gas business. His father had moved to El Dorado to operate a bank in 1904. Within a few years, the elder Murphy owned 13 banks in Arkansas and Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).

Beyond the Ozarks: The Diverse Industrial Landscape of Batesville, Arkansas

Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains along the banks of the White River, Batesville, Arkansas, presents a compelling case study in regional economic resilience. While its scenic beauty and historic downtown are immediate draws, the city's true engine lies in a diverse and evolving industrial base that has consistently adapted to national trends while leveraging local strengths. Far from a one-company town, Batesville's industrial story is one of manufacturing depth, logistical advantage, and a skilled workforce that has attracted and sustained major employers for decades.

Batesville, Arkansas: A Growing River Town with Surprising Appeal

Nestled along the banks of the White River in the foothills of the Ozarks, Batesville, Arkansas, is a community that often surprises visitors. As the oldest city in Arkansas and the county seat of Independence County, it blends deep historical roots with a quiet, steady vitality. While it may not have the bustling tourism of larger destinations, Batesville offers a compelling mix of outdoor recreation, cultural heritage, and a burgeoning local scene that makes it a noteworthy stop in the Natural State.