NW Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas Alerts

Alert

blue

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Northwest Arkansas, written by local reporters.

Axios Northwest Arkansas Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios NW Arkansas Partners

Axios Northwest Arkansas

Standard

Axios NW Arkansas Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Northwest Arkansas Members

Membership

Arkansas drone deal sparks ethical and safety concerns

Axios reviewed dozens of internal city documents and resident complaints obtained through public records requests

News

A military <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drone maker&#x27;s arrival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/02/18/military-drone-plant-opens-in-arkansas-draws-protest" data-vars-content-id="2de98790-7406-4867-a7ea-315064cd7392" data-vars-headline="Arkansas drone deal sparks ethical and safety concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/02/18/military-drone-plant-opens-in-arkansas-draws-protest" target="_self">drone maker&#x27;s arrival</a> in Fayetteville earlier this year is stirring fears about secrecy, safety and whether residents want a deep tie to the defense industry.Why it matters: Residents and some city leaders say they had little visibility into a defense-related project that could reshape Fayetteville&#x27;s economy — and identity.

Repaired downtown Rogers theater to reopen

The Victory Theater was damaged in the 2024 Memorial Day weekend storms.

Nearly two years after sustaining tornado damage, the historic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Victory Theater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thevictorytheater.com/" data-vars-content-id="ebfab555-5a05-44c1-8e50-11e702d1d6f4" data-vars-headline="Repaired downtown Rogers theater to reopen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thevictorytheater.com/" target="_blank">Victory Theater</a> in downtown Rogers is set to reopen this month ahead of its 100th birthday next year.State of play: The city is resuming operations with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free six-part movie series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thevictorytheater.com/tickets-events" data-vars-content-id="ebfab555-5a05-44c1-8e50-11e702d1d6f4" data-vars-headline="Repaired downtown Rogers theater to reopen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thevictorytheater.com/tickets-events" target="_blank">free six-part movie series</a> tied to the United States&#x27; 250th anniversary, said Kinya Christian, the arts, culture and film manager for Rogers. It kicks off April 25 with &quot;Selma.&quot;

Judge: Remove Ten Commandments from Arkansas Capitol grounds

The decision comes weeks after another federal judge blocked a law about displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools.

A federal judge ruled late Tuesday that Arkansas&#x27; Ten Commandments monument on state Capitol grounds violates the U.S. Constitution.The big picture: The decision comes just weeks after another federal judge <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="permanently blocked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/03/18/judge-blocks-arkansas-law-requiring-ten-commandments-schools" data-vars-content-id="04083445-6baf-4021-a2e8-7ed1d35f67e2" data-vars-headline="Judge: Remove Ten Commandments from Arkansas Capitol grounds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/03/18/judge-blocks-arkansas-law-requiring-ten-commandments-schools" target="_self">permanently blocked</a> the 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="04083445-6baf-4021-a2e8-7ed1d35f67e2" data-vars-headline="Judge: Remove Ten Commandments from Arkansas Capitol grounds" 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> at six public schools that required them to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms if posters were donated.

Heartland Forward targets maternal mortality — but Arkansas lags

The U.S. now has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world.

Health

Bentonville&#x27;s Heartland Forward launched a drive to slash U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="maternal mortality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/05/09/heartland-forward-maternal-health-initiative" data-vars-content-id="dd5a2be0-e141-4c31-9bf6-948319f87b7b" data-vars-headline="Heartland Forward targets maternal mortality — but Arkansas lags" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/05/09/heartland-forward-maternal-health-initiative" target="_self">maternal mortality</a> in half within five years.Why it matters: Maternal deaths in the U.S. have more than doubled since the 1980s, and the country now has the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highest rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2024/jun/insights-us-maternal-mortality-crisis-international-comparison" data-vars-content-id="dd5a2be0-e141-4c31-9bf6-948319f87b7b" data-vars-headline="Heartland Forward targets maternal mortality — but Arkansas lags" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2024/jun/insights-us-maternal-mortality-crisis-international-comparison" target="_blank">highest rate</a> in the developed world. About 84% of the deaths are preventable and roughly 65% happen after childbirth.

Arkansas moves to establish Blanchard Springs State Park

It's estimated that all outdoor recreation industries combined had a $7.3 billion impact on the Natural State in 2023.

Arkansas took the first step toward designating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Blanchard Springs Caverns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.blanchardsprings.org/" data-vars-content-id="0eba02f6-27d4-42a9-8776-68b340d5a0cd" data-vars-headline="Arkansas moves to establish Blanchard Springs State Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.blanchardsprings.org/" target="_blank">Blanchard Springs Caverns</a> as the state&#x27;s 53rd state park, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Monday.Why it matters: Located near Mountain Home in north-central Arkansas, Blanchard Springs draws nearly 70,000 visitors a year.

University of Arkansas researcher helps uncover how streams trap microplastics

A UA professor found algae, rocks and stream flow help trap microplastics—offering clues for cleanup timing.

As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="microplastics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2019/06/15/plastics-places-found" data-vars-content-id="774c82b4-87d0-4d47-ba5d-7cbde6177d3f" data-vars-headline="University of Arkansas researcher helps uncover how streams trap microplastics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2019/06/15/plastics-places-found" target="_self">microplastics</a> receive increased scrutiny, a University of Arkansas assistant professor is researching how they become they become trapped in streams.Why it matters: Plastics are widely used in household chemicals, clothing, and even <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chewing gum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2025/03/ingredient-chewing-gum-plastic/682237/" data-vars-content-id="774c82b4-87d0-4d47-ba5d-7cbde6177d3f" data-vars-headline="University of Arkansas researcher helps uncover how streams trap microplastics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2025/03/ingredient-chewing-gum-plastic/682237/" target="_blank">chewing gum</a>. As these materials break down, small pieces called microplastics — typically about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="5 millimeters" data-vars-click-url="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html" data-vars-content-id="774c82b4-87d0-4d47-ba5d-7cbde6177d3f" data-vars-headline="University of Arkansas researcher helps uncover how streams trap microplastics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html" target="_blank">5 millimeters</a> or smaller — end up in the environment.<ul><li>These particles can be ingested by wildlife that are later eaten by humans, and may carry toxins.</li></ul>

J.B. Hunt taps sunshine for campus power

A 40-acre solar farm will offset 80% of its corporate headquarters' power use.

Climate

J.B. Hunt Transport Services said last week a 40-acre solar farm near Gentry will offset 80% of its Lowell corporate headquarters&#x27; power use.Why it matters: Even as corporate America&#x27;s environmental, social and governance (ESG) pendulum <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="swings back to the right" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/28/esg-pitcbook-greenhushing&#x27;" data-vars-content-id="43c7937f-9f70-47b0-9b64-163532aba776" data-vars-headline="J.B. Hunt taps sunshine for campus power" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/28/esg-pitcbook-greenhushing&#x27;" target="_self">swings back to the right</a> and President Trump&#x27;s promise to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;drill baby drill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/15/trump-drill-baby-drill-us-oil-production" data-vars-content-id="43c7937f-9f70-47b0-9b64-163532aba776" data-vars-headline="J.B. Hunt taps sunshine for campus power" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/15/trump-drill-baby-drill-us-oil-production" target="_self">&quot;drill baby drill</a>&quot; a finite resource begins, disastrous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weather caused by climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/28/la-fires-cause-climate-change-more-likely" data-vars-content-id="43c7937f-9f70-47b0-9b64-163532aba776" data-vars-headline="J.B. Hunt taps sunshine for campus power" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/28/la-fires-cause-climate-change-more-likely" target="_self">weather caused by climate change</a> remains in the public discourse.

Sam's Furniture hosts free mattress recycling event

Northwest Arkansans will be able to recycle old mattresses at no cost Nov. 8-10.

Business

Northwest Arkansans will be able to recycle old mattresses at no cost Nov. 8-10 at Sam&#x27;s Furniture locations in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Springdale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Sam&#x27;s+Furniture,+4326+Hidden+Creek+Ln,+Springdale,+AR+72762/data=!4m6!4m5!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x87c96cda3724ea3b:0x95f1878a9f689d5b?sa=X&amp;ved=1t:57443&amp;ictx=111" data-vars-content-id="22f265d5-37c1-4fdc-8083-436a52bfae4a" data-vars-headline="Sam&#x27;s Furniture hosts free mattress recycling event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Sam&#x27;s+Furniture,+4326+Hidden+Creek+Ln,+Springdale,+AR+72762/data=!4m6!4m5!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x87c96cda3724ea3b:0x95f1878a9f689d5b?sa=X&amp;ved=1t:57443&amp;ictx=111" target="_blank">Springdale</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Siloam Springs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//sam&#x27;s+furniture+siloam+springs+address/data=!4m6!4m5!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x87c999871aec82e5:0xb7eb84ef68a6056f?sa=X&amp;ved=1t:3061&amp;ictx=111" data-vars-content-id="22f265d5-37c1-4fdc-8083-436a52bfae4a" data-vars-headline="Sam&#x27;s Furniture hosts free mattress recycling event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//sam&#x27;s+furniture+siloam+springs+address/data=!4m6!4m5!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x87c999871aec82e5:0xb7eb84ef68a6056f?sa=X&amp;ved=1t:3061&amp;ictx=111" target="_blank">Siloam Springs</a>.Why it matters: An <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="estimated 15-20 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/20/why-i-paid-95-to-recycle-a-mattress-and-you-might-too-.html#:~:text=Americans%20discard%20about%2015%20million,in%20a%20landfill%2C%20experts%20said." data-vars-content-id="22f265d5-37c1-4fdc-8083-436a52bfae4a" data-vars-headline="Sam&#x27;s Furniture hosts free mattress recycling event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/20/why-i-paid-95-to-recycle-a-mattress-and-you-might-too-.html#:~:text=Americans%20discard%20about%2015%20million,in%20a%20landfill%2C%20experts%20said." target="_blank">estimated 15-20 million</a> mattresses are discarded each year, with less than 20% being recycled, according to the Northwest Arkansas Council.

Environment

Arkansas moves to establish Blanchard Springs State Park

University of Arkansas researcher helps uncover how streams trap microplastics

J.B. Hunt taps sunshine for campus power

Sam's Furniture hosts free mattress recycling event