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Crystal Bridges adds to collection ahead of expansion

The expansion is set to open to the public June 6.

News

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is expanding its craft collection ahead of its expansion set to debut next month.State of play: The museum has acquired about 140 works from about 60 artists in ceramics, glass, fiber, metal and wood, according to a news release from the museum.

App targets postpartum care gap

It's usually about six weeks between delivery and follow-up.

Business

Conway entrepreneur Kim Lane built the postpartum care app Momme to support mothers during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weeks between hospital discharge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/04/13/mental-health-maternal-mortality-data-gap-arkansas" data-vars-content-id="8ef0bb53-1182-4e44-abf5-ac0d77f91817" data-vars-headline="App targets postpartum care gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/04/13/mental-health-maternal-mortality-data-gap-arkansas" target="_self">weeks between hospital discharge</a> and their first follow-up visit.Why it matters: The U.S. has the highest maternal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortality rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/maternal-mortality-states-countries" data-vars-content-id="8ef0bb53-1182-4e44-abf5-ac0d77f91817" data-vars-headline="App targets postpartum care gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/maternal-mortality-states-countries" target="_self">mortality rate</a> among high-income countries, and more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="80% of pregnancy-related" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/preventing-pregnancy-related-deaths/index.html" data-vars-content-id="8ef0bb53-1182-4e44-abf5-ac0d77f91817" data-vars-headline="App targets postpartum care gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/preventing-pregnancy-related-deaths/index.html" target="_blank">80% of pregnancy-related</a> deaths are preventable. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weeks after delivery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/05/optimizing-postpartum-care?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="8ef0bb53-1182-4e44-abf5-ac0d77f91817" data-vars-headline="App targets postpartum care gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/05/optimizing-postpartum-care?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">weeks after delivery</a> are some of the most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vulnerable" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/preventing-pregnancy-related-deaths/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="8ef0bb53-1182-4e44-abf5-ac0d77f91817" data-vars-headline="App targets postpartum care gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/preventing-pregnancy-related-deaths/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">vulnerable</a> and least supported periods in maternal health care.

Your Northwest Arkansas summer event guide

Mark your calendars to make the most of what NWA has to offer this summer.

Things to Do

Mark your calendars if you want to make the most of what NWA has to offer this summer.🎡 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mudtown Days" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/mudtowndaysinlowellarkansas" data-vars-content-id="48ab227f-72c2-4ec3-8068-63927a41c19c" data-vars-headline="Your Northwest Arkansas summer event guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/mudtowndaysinlowellarkansas" target="_blank">Mudtown Days</a> — Enjoy a carnival, a pet show and live music June 5-6 at KJ Memorial Park in Lowell.

Fayetteville City Council clears path for Swarm Aero

The Fayetteville City Council voted 5-3 on Tuesday to grant drone manufacturer Swarm Aero&#x27;s appeal of a lower panel&#x27;s vote that the business had been mislabeled, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Fayetteville Flyer reported" data-vars-click-url="https://fayettevilleflyer.com/2026/05/18/fayetteville-city-council-recap-for-may-19-2026/" data-vars-content-id="ad5ad875-df2e-485e-a2e8-7a1430d456c1" data-vars-headline="Fayetteville City Council clears path for Swarm Aero" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fayettevilleflyer.com/2026/05/18/fayetteville-city-council-recap-for-may-19-2026/" target="_blank">the Fayetteville Flyer reported</a>.Why it matters: The decision means Swarm Aero can continue operating at its current location near Drake Field in south Fayetteville.

NWA teachers get pay bumps

The new baseline for teacher salaries at NWA&#x27;s largest school districts is $55,000 — except for Bentonville.State of play: The school board-approved minimum teacher salary at Bentonville Public Schools is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$58,582 starting in the fall" data-vars-click-url="https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3173/Bentonville/0b2529bc-90e5-43cb-87d8-de09c3b2e08f/2026-2027-Licensed-Salary-Schedule.pdf?disposition=inline" data-vars-content-id="3f3f607b-a2f6-406d-8d5c-b28c46f73497" data-vars-headline="NWA teachers get pay bumps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3173/Bentonville/0b2529bc-90e5-43cb-87d8-de09c3b2e08f/2026-2027-Licensed-Salary-Schedule.pdf?disposition=inline" target="_blank">$58,582 starting in the fall</a>, up from $56,329 this year and just shy of $10,000 more than teachers started out making only four years ago.

UAMS launches Arkansas' first nurse-midwifery program

The program aims to improve maternal care and ease doctor shortages.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences will soon train nurses to specialize in midwifery with the first program of its kind in the state.Why it matters: Expanding midwifery can help fill a health care gap in Arkansas amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doctor shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/03/12/nwa-gain-residency-slots-doctors-specialty" data-vars-content-id="bdf7cc93-0d36-48ad-a2b5-af97c62d3350" data-vars-headline="UAMS launches Arkansas&#x27; first nurse-midwifery program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/03/12/nwa-gain-residency-slots-doctors-specialty" target="_self">doctor shortage</a> and some of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="poorest maternal health outcomes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/03/31/heartland-forward-targets-maternal-mortality-but-arkansas-lags" data-vars-content-id="bdf7cc93-0d36-48ad-a2b5-af97c62d3350" data-vars-headline="UAMS launches Arkansas&#x27; first nurse-midwifery program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/03/31/heartland-forward-targets-maternal-mortality-but-arkansas-lags" target="_self">poorest maternal health outcomes</a> in the country.

Arkansas teacher retention rates plateau

Slightly higher teacher turnover might be the new normal.

Education

Arkansas&#x27; teacher retention rate for this school year has not budged from last year, remaining below pre-pandemic levels, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://oep.uark.edu/arkansas-teacher-retention-2025-26-a-new-normal/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_nw_arkansas&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="fcd34d25-1754-452e-b247-f9ffe9ee39ee" data-vars-headline="Arkansas teacher retention rates plateau" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oep.uark.edu/arkansas-teacher-retention-2025-26-a-new-normal/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_nw_arkansas&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">new report</a> from the University of Arkansas Office for Education Policy.Why it matters: Slightly higher teacher turnover might be the &quot;new normal,&quot; according to the report.

University of Arkansas landmark set to reopen

The Fine Arts Center opened in 1951, uniting art, architecture, music and theater under one roof.

The University of Arkansas School of Art will reopen its Fine Arts Center on Thursday after a $38 million restoration of the midcentury building designed by Fayetteville native <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Edward Durell Stone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.edwarddurellstone.org/" data-vars-content-id="0062fb03-3d78-4307-bd5b-a74572d341ff" data-vars-headline="University of Arkansas landmark set to reopen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.edwarddurellstone.org/" target="_blank">Edward Durell Stone</a>.Why it matters: The project preserves one of the campus&#x27;s defining buildings and reinforces the university&#x27;s growth as a regional and national arts school.

Arkansas Legislature to decide state budget

Arkansas lawmakers will convene Wednesday to kick off the fiscal session to consider budget proposals for the state, including a boost in school voucher funding.Why it matters: During fiscal sessions, the Arkansas General Assembly decides how taxpayer money is spent for state departments.

University of Arkansas students push back on athletics plan

82% of students who voted in a referendum opposed supporting athletics with tuition hikes, fees or reallocations.

A majority of University of Arkansas students who voted in an Associated Student Government referendum oppose using university dollars to boost Razorbacks athletics, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette" data-vars-click-url="https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/mar/22/student-referendum-opposition-university-arkansas-funds-athletics/" data-vars-content-id="5fb8392e-1959-4f86-81c5-da64d2be4dbd" data-vars-headline="University of Arkansas students push back on athletics plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/mar/22/student-referendum-opposition-university-arkansas-funds-athletics/" target="_blank">Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette</a> reported.Why it matters: The debate highlights a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing tension" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2025/11/college-sports-spending-football/684983/" data-vars-content-id="5fb8392e-1959-4f86-81c5-da64d2be4dbd" data-vars-headline="University of Arkansas students push back on athletics plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2025/11/college-sports-spending-football/684983/" target="_blank">growing tension</a> in college sports over how to fund competitive athletics without shifting costs onto students.

Judge blocks Arkansas law requiring Ten Commandments in schools

A federal judge on Monday permanently blocked enforcement of an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arkansas law" data-vars-click-url="https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2025R%2FPublic%2FACT573.pdf" data-vars-content-id="7c3becaa-132d-4f20-a6d6-95c4cb8c290b" data-vars-headline="Judge blocks Arkansas law requiring Ten Commandments in schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2025R%2FPublic%2FACT573.pdf" target="_blank">Arkansas law</a> requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms if they are donated.State of play: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ruling" data-vars-click-url="https://wehco.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/document/2026/03/16/10Commandments.pdf" data-vars-content-id="7c3becaa-132d-4f20-a6d6-95c4cb8c290b" data-vars-headline="Judge blocks Arkansas law requiring Ten Commandments in schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wehco.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/document/2026/03/16/10Commandments.pdf" target="_blank">ruling</a> by Chief Judge Timothy Brooks <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prohibits six school districts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/mar/16/federal-judge-strikes-down-10-commandments/" data-vars-content-id="7c3becaa-132d-4f20-a6d6-95c4cb8c290b" data-vars-headline="Judge blocks Arkansas law requiring Ten Commandments in schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/mar/16/federal-judge-strikes-down-10-commandments/" target="_blank">prohibits six school districts</a> — Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville, Siloam Springs, Conway and Lakeside — from displaying the commandments.

NWA leaders push AI training in health care

See the Northwest Arkansas Council's plan.

The health care industry in Northwest Arkansas needs more artificial intelligence training, a study commissioned by the Northwest Arkansas Council found.Why it matters: The region&#x27;s health care industry is rapidly expanding to accommodate a growing population. AI is more likely to augment health care roles than to replace them and can expand the workforce&#x27;s capacity to care for patients, according to the council.

UAMS lands $40M to tackle maternal and infant mortality

The money comes from federal appropriations legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump.

Health

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="receive $40 million" data-vars-click-url="https://news.uams.edu/2026/02/09/uams-to-receive-40-million-in-congressional-appropriations-championed-by-arkansas-u-s-sen-john-boozman/" data-vars-content-id="67167921-8ea0-4c0c-a4d1-78d885fb66c0" data-vars-headline="UAMS lands $40M to tackle maternal and infant mortality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.uams.edu/2026/02/09/uams-to-receive-40-million-in-congressional-appropriations-championed-by-arkansas-u-s-sen-john-boozman/" target="_blank">receive $40 million</a> in federal funding aimed largely at improving maternal and infant health outcomes, the school <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://news.uams.edu/2026/02/09/uams-to-receive-40-million-in-congressional-appropriations-championed-by-arkansas-u-s-sen-john-boozman/" data-vars-content-id="67167921-8ea0-4c0c-a4d1-78d885fb66c0" data-vars-headline="UAMS lands $40M to tackle maternal and infant mortality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.uams.edu/2026/02/09/uams-to-receive-40-million-in-congressional-appropriations-championed-by-arkansas-u-s-sen-john-boozman/" target="_blank">announced</a> Monday.The big picture: Arkansas&#x27; maternal mortality rate was the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fourth-highest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/maternal-mortality/mmr-2018-2022-state-data.pdf" data-vars-content-id="67167921-8ea0-4c0c-a4d1-78d885fb66c0" data-vars-headline="UAMS lands $40M to tackle maternal and infant mortality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/maternal-mortality/mmr-2018-2022-state-data.pdf" target="_blank">fourth-highest</a> in the U.S. during 2018-2022, and its infant mortality rate was the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second-highest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/infant-mortality.html" data-vars-content-id="67167921-8ea0-4c0c-a4d1-78d885fb66c0" data-vars-headline="UAMS lands $40M to tackle maternal and infant mortality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/infant-mortality.html" target="_blank">second-highest</a> in 2023, according to the CDC.

Walton-backed STEM university names first president

Penn State University's David Mazyck will lead the school.

The planned Bentonville <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="STEM university" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/05/08/waltons-stem-university-bentonville-walmart" data-vars-content-id="25460435-7456-4052-9011-2c8541430ff2" data-vars-headline="Walton-backed STEM university names first president" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/05/08/waltons-stem-university-bentonville-walmart" target="_self">STEM university</a> on Wednesday named its first president and said it&#x27;s preparing to demolish the former Walmart Home Office, where the school will be located.Why it matters: Turning a former corporate landmark into a STEM university positions the project as a long-term anchor for education, talent development and downtown growth in Bentonville.

Education 📚

NWA teachers get pay bumps

UAMS launches Arkansas' first nurse-midwifery program

Arkansas teacher retention rates plateau

University of Arkansas landmark set to reopen

Arkansas Legislature to decide state budget