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Advocates push to extend postpartum Medicaid

Arkansas is the last state without one-year postpartum Medicaid.

News

Advocates are urging Arkansas to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from the current 60 days to a full year like all 49 other states.Why it matters: Physical and mental health problems can still occur more than 60 days after giving birth, says Camille Richoux, health policy director for Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.

Report: Real estate inventory stabilizes pricing 

New construction accounted for 35.7% of total sales, the third-highest count of new-home sales in the report's history.

Business

It could be a buyer&#x27;s market again. For the first time since 2023, Northwest Arkansas&#x27; average home sale prices dipped slightly from the previous six months, per Arvest Skyline Report data.Why it matters: Lower prices and more supply give residents and businesses more choices after years of tight inventory and steep price increases.

Fewer Arkansas kids are getting vaccinated

Nationally, vaccine exemptions are rising.

Vaccination rates among American kindergartners decreased during the 2025–2026 school year for all tracked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/trump-vaccines-midterms-measles-order" data-vars-content-id="e55ce6d6-2c1a-459b-9b0e-c96a2687bbc4" data-vars-headline="Fewer Arkansas kids are getting vaccinated" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/trump-vaccines-midterms-measles-order" target="_self">vaccines</a>, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="e55ce6d6-2c1a-459b-9b0e-c96a2687bbc4" data-vars-headline="Fewer Arkansas kids are getting vaccinated" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">reported</a> on Monday.Why it matters: The drop-off coincided with continued efforts by the Trump administration to make controversial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccine policy changes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/26/mmr-mmrv-vaccine-shot-schedule-cdc-trump" data-vars-content-id="e55ce6d6-2c1a-459b-9b0e-c96a2687bbc4" data-vars-headline="Fewer Arkansas kids are getting vaccinated" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/26/mmr-mmrv-vaccine-shot-schedule-cdc-trump" target="_self">vaccine policy changes</a> and with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/measles-cases-surge-past-last-year" data-vars-content-id="e55ce6d6-2c1a-459b-9b0e-c96a2687bbc4" data-vars-headline="Fewer Arkansas kids are getting vaccinated" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/measles-cases-surge-past-last-year" target="_self">measles cases</a> hitting levels not seen in more than three decades.

The Agenda: Fayetteville revisits data center rules

The council established some regulations in June.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fayetteville City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://fayettevillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/4646/files/agenda/5311" data-vars-content-id="d4dfcd43-79bb-4729-98c0-33ada45e30de" data-vars-headline="The Agenda: Fayetteville revisits data center rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fayettevillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/4646/files/agenda/5311" target="_blank">Fayetteville City Council</a> meets Tuesday and could vote on an ordinance that would further regulate future data centers.🌐 The latest: Since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="passing an ordinance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/06/11/fayetteville-data-center-regulations-proposal" data-vars-content-id="d4dfcd43-79bb-4729-98c0-33ada45e30de" data-vars-headline="The Agenda: Fayetteville revisits data center rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/06/11/fayetteville-data-center-regulations-proposal" target="_self">passing an ordinance</a> in June requiring data centers to obtain Planning Commission approval and regulating their power and water usage, the City Council has determined that additional regulations are warranted, according to city documents.

 Monday Munchies: 1834 Tavern Lafayette 

A good steak should be a simple layup for any place with a decent grill and good meat; it was for 1834's staff.

Food and Drink

Fayetteville&#x27;s new(ish) fine dining and date-nighting spot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1834 Tavern Lafayette" data-vars-click-url="https://1834tavernlafayette.com/" data-vars-content-id="ee421488-b6df-4d42-82fc-2f7bd12aed22" data-vars-headline=" Monday Munchies: 1834 Tavern Lafayette " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://1834tavernlafayette.com/" target="_blank">1834 Tavern Lafayette</a> offers Belgian-inspired cuisine.<ul><li>The menu is focused on a few items but still manages to bridge gaps between varying appetites.</li></ul>

Monday Munchies: Must-try sandwich food truck

Songbirds Sandwiches is at 8th Street Market in Bentonville.

Congrats to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Songbirds Sandwiches" data-vars-click-url="https://songbirdssandwiches.com" data-vars-content-id="5998853f-1f36-46dc-8b96-2e0107ca0bb3" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Must-try sandwich food truck" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://songbirdssandwiches.com" target="_blank">Songbirds Sandwiches</a>, which opened this spring and is already one of the best sandwich restaurants in Northwest Arkansas.🥪 State of play: This food truck at 8th Street Market in Bentonville is serving up hefty portions smushed between two slices of house-made focaccia.

Mark your calendars: Bentonville Restaurant Week

Restaurants are offering deals and specials.

Participating Bentonville restaurants are offering deals and specials Sunday through Aug. 22.The latest: Visit Bentonville, the city&#x27;s tourism arm that organizes the event, has added a Bentonville Dining Bingo game that runs until the end of the month.

Monday Munchies: Pizza Lottie's

Pizza Lottie's in Bentonville is a sister concept to Pizzeria Ruby in Johnson.

I&#x27;ve seen it happen many times: A restaurant is a hit, develops a following and expands, and then the quality eventually tanks.<ul><li>So I was glad to hear that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pizza Lottie&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pizzalotties.com/" data-vars-content-id="799b64b3-13a5-4304-af8a-be0b35a63ed2" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Pizza Lottie&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pizzalotties.com/" target="_blank">Pizza Lottie&#x27;s</a> in Bentonville would be a sister concept to — but have a different menu from — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pizzeria Ruby" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pizzeriaruby.com/" data-vars-content-id="799b64b3-13a5-4304-af8a-be0b35a63ed2" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Pizza Lottie&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pizzeriaruby.com/" target="_blank">Pizzeria Ruby</a> in Johnson.</li></ul>

Monday Munchies: Indian takeout in Bentonville

We went to Charminar Kabob & Curry Food Truck.

I&#x27;d meant to give <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charminar Kabob &amp; Curry Food Truck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/charminarfoodtruck/" data-vars-content-id="1ab2bffd-07ad-4eeb-93b5-562bb3ff9e4b" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Indian takeout in Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/charminarfoodtruck/" target="_blank">Charminar Kabob &amp; Curry Food Truck</a> a try the many times I&#x27;ve driven by it, so when I got around to it, I ordered a self-assembled sampler platter and brought it all home.🚙 The vibe: The food truck shares a parking lot with Finnegan&#x27;s Wine Beer and Spirits, has limited picnic table seating, and is off a busy roadway, North Walton Boulevard in Bentonville. It&#x27;s very much a takeout spot.

Monday Munchies: Hook, Line and Smoker

It's a combo seafood and barbecue spot offering everything from catfish to ribs.

Most NWA barbecue aficionados will remember that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wright&#x27;s Barbecue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wrightsbbq.com/" data-vars-content-id="b8ec9799-8870-4310-971e-538c2567259a" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Hook, Line and Smoker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wrightsbbq.com/" target="_blank">Wright&#x27;s Barbecue</a> started as a food truck and that one of Jordan Wright&#x27;s top locations was at the corner of North Crossover Road and Joyce Boulevard in Fayetteville.<ul><li>A new truck recently settled in the same space, and the aroma from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hook, Line and Smoker" data-vars-click-url="https://hooklinesmoker.com/" data-vars-content-id="b8ec9799-8870-4310-971e-538c2567259a" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Hook, Line and Smoker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hooklinesmoker.com/" target="_blank">Hook, Line and Smoker</a> enticed me to check it out.</li></ul>

Monday Munchies: Big Daddy's Burgers

The place is in an old gas station with the former double-bay garage serving as the dining room.

The best hamburger I&#x27;ve ever eaten was from a roadside stand in Southwest Oklahoma that operated for 90-ish years. Sadly, fire closed its doors.<ul><li>I&#x27;m pretty sure the cook would&#x27;ve sneered at the hype the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oklahoma Smash Burger" data-vars-click-url="https://grillnationbbq.com/2023/05/11/the-oklahoma-onion-smashburger/" data-vars-content-id="06333ecb-634f-4834-ab88-69a2b180b6fc" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Big Daddy&#x27;s Burgers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://grillnationbbq.com/2023/05/11/the-oklahoma-onion-smashburger/" target="_blank">Oklahoma Smash Burger</a>&quot; received in recent years.</li><li>I snicker myself when I sit down in an East Coast eatery and an &quot;Okie Burger&quot; gets top billing on the menu.</li></ul>

Monday Munchies: 4 great Northwest Arkansas burgers

A steakhouse burger can either feel like an afterthought or a flex.

There&#x27;s nothing like a really good burger. Here are four Northwest Arkansas spots serving some of the best we&#x27;ve tried lately.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gaskins on Emma" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/03/02/monday-munchies-lunch-at-gaskins-on-emma" data-vars-content-id="1d524a5d-4fc4-470c-b47c-6a44743680b7" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: 4 great Northwest Arkansas burgers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/03/02/monday-munchies-lunch-at-gaskins-on-emma" target="_self">Gaskins on Emma</a></h2>Downtown Springdale keeps getting cooler, and Gaskins is part of the reason why. The restaurant feels upscale without being stiff, making it just as good for a casual lunch as a nicer meal out.

Monday Munchies: Betel in Springdale

This place is serving a menu of Puerto Rican and Salvadoran staples.

Every now and then, I stumble across a restaurant I haven&#x27;t heard much buzz about and get legitimately upset I&#x27;ve missed out this whole time.🇵🇷 🇸🇻 State of play: That&#x27;s what happened at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Betel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/betel.restaurant_/" data-vars-content-id="0b4ed0a0-29b7-40f7-9e90-3c62d55aad6b" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Betel in Springdale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/betel.restaurant_/" target="_blank">Betel</a>, a place in an unassuming strip mall just to the east of Interstate 49 in Springdale serving a straightforward menu of Puerto Rican and Salvadoran staples.

Monday Munchies: Centerton sushi

Here's where to get decent, reasonably priced sushi in Centerton.

Yes, you can get decent, reasonably priced sushi in Centerton.🍣 State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Takashi Hibachi &amp; Sushi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/takashihibachi.nwa/" data-vars-content-id="0f7fb5f1-629b-4e47-8527-06ef7c87da92" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Centerton sushi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/takashihibachi.nwa/" target="_blank">Takashi Hibachi &amp; Sushi</a> is serving a full menu inside a strip mall where you can stop by the next time you need a reliably good, quick sushi lunch or dinner.

Food and Drink 🍽

Monday Munchies: 1834 Tavern Lafayette

Monday Munchies: Must-try sandwich food truck

Mark your calendars: Bentonville Restaurant Week

Monday Munchies: Pizza Lottie's

Monday Munchies: Indian takeout in Bentonville