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

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Trump takes credit for Walmart price cuts

The company framed the move as a summer savings push.

Politics

Walmart said Monday it is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cutting prices" data-vars-click-url="https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2026/07/06/walmart-and-sams-club-lower-prices-to-help-customers-make-the-most-out-of-summer" data-vars-content-id="ed2a07d9-bc7f-42f5-af23-39a0b7d24e71" data-vars-headline="Trump takes credit for Walmart price cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2026/07/06/walmart-and-sams-club-lower-prices-to-help-customers-make-the-most-out-of-summer" target="_blank">cutting prices</a> on thousands of grocery, household and seasonal items at its stores, online and Sam&#x27;s Clubs, news that President Trump sought credit for in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Truth Social post" data-vars-click-url="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116874984393383550" data-vars-content-id="ed2a07d9-bc7f-42f5-af23-39a0b7d24e71" data-vars-headline="Trump takes credit for Walmart price cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116874984393383550" target="_blank">Truth Social post</a>.Why it matters: The nation&#x27;s largest retailer is again at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="center of the affordability fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/17/trump-walmart-tariffs" data-vars-content-id="ed2a07d9-bc7f-42f5-af23-39a0b7d24e71" data-vars-headline="Trump takes credit for Walmart price cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/17/trump-walmart-tariffs" target="_self">center of the affordability fight</a>, with Trump under pressure to show progress on prices heading into the midterms.

New startup fund lands in Northwest Arkansas

Renaissance Philanthropy plans to make its first investments during Q4.

Business

Nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Renaissance Philanthropy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.renaissancephilanthropy.org/" data-vars-content-id="2b8af6fe-608a-482f-b387-8a8794f313d9" data-vars-headline="New startup fund lands in Northwest Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.renaissancephilanthropy.org/" target="_blank">Renaissance Philanthropy</a> of New York is expected to announce a fund to invest in early-stage companies and develop local startup talent on Wednesday.Why it matters: The $7.5 million Northwest Arkansas Innovation Fund is aimed at a familiar gap in NWA&#x27;s startup scene: very early capital for founders who are not yet ready for traditional venture investment.

Arkansas wins federal waiver on education rules

The waiver lets Arkansas write one plan for using federal money instead of several

Education

Arkansas can merge four federal education funding streams and cut some federal reporting requirements under waivers approved Tuesday by U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon.The big picture: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders says the change is &quot;about education, not paperwork&quot; and will free districts to spend more time and money on students. Critics say it could weaken federal guardrails meant to make sure money reaches high-need students.

Gov. Sanders leans on first term in reelection pitch

Sanders is running for a second term against Democratic state Sen. Fred Love and Libertarian Colt Shelby.

Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that if she&#x27;s reelected, her next term would largely build on the policies she&#x27;s put in motion, with education, another tax cut and public safety still at the center.Why it matters: Sanders is framing a potential second term less around new promises than proving her first-term agenda works.

Monday Munchies: 4 great Northwest Arkansas burgers

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

Food and Drink

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.

Arkansas agri community monitors screwworm return

The New World screwworm (NWS) threatens cattle, pets and wildlife.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flesh-eating pest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/11/new-world-screwworms-myiasis-texas-usda-humans" data-vars-content-id="05309f9c-059a-4115-9372-882f7127bf14" data-vars-headline="Arkansas agri community monitors screwworm return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/11/new-world-screwworms-myiasis-texas-usda-humans" target="_self">flesh-eating pest</a> eradicated from the U.S. decades ago is back, with several confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico and federal officials racing to keep it from spreading in livestock.Why it matters: New World screwworm (NWS) threatens cattle, pets and wildlife by laying eggs in wounds, where larvae feed on living tissue.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="USDA says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-continues-lead-coordinated-response-new-world-screwworm-new-case" data-vars-content-id="05309f9c-059a-4115-9372-882f7127bf14" data-vars-headline="Arkansas agri community monitors screwworm return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-continues-lead-coordinated-response-new-world-screwworm-new-case" target="_blank">USDA says</a> it is not a food-safety issue, but a wider outbreak could disrupt cattle movement, add costs for producers and put more upward pressure on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beef prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/30/food-prices-summer-grilling-beef-chicken-turkey" data-vars-content-id="05309f9c-059a-4115-9372-882f7127bf14" data-vars-headline="Arkansas agri community monitors screwworm return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/30/food-prices-summer-grilling-beef-chicken-turkey" target="_self">beef prices</a>.</li></ul>

Bentoville Food Theater now booking

The offerings run through June 29 on all three stages and will be followed by a midsummer menu.

The much-anticipated, Japanese-inspired <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bentoville Food Theater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/03/05/bentonville-food-theater-to-spotlight-diverse-cuisine" data-vars-content-id="9408c75c-f668-433b-bf5e-cd2c109a04bc" data-vars-headline="Bentoville Food Theater now booking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/03/05/bentonville-food-theater-to-spotlight-diverse-cuisine" target="_self">Bentoville Food Theater</a> is now open in downtown Bentonville.State of play: For those not familiar, there are three &quot;stages&quot; where one can eat, meaning there are essentially three different restaurants inside.

Monday Munchies: Written by the Seasons in Bentonville

The Michelin-recommended Dallas restaurant has a new location.

A Michelin-recommended Dallas restaurant has a new location in downtown Bentonville.🍽️ The vibe: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Written by the Seasons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.writtenbytheseasons.com/" data-vars-content-id="de14b357-67bd-4c24-a66c-1d37163985e2" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Written by the Seasons in Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.writtenbytheseasons.com/" target="_blank">Written by the Seasons</a> is a dinner-only, upscale restaurant with a space in the same complex as also-newish <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mezzaluna Pasteria &amp; Mozzarella Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/03/24/mezzaluna-pasta-bentonville-monday-munchies" data-vars-content-id="de14b357-67bd-4c24-a66c-1d37163985e2" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Written by the Seasons in Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/03/24/mezzaluna-pasta-bentonville-monday-munchies" target="_self">Mezzaluna Pasteria &amp; Mozzarella Bar</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wu Zhao" data-vars-click-url="https://zhaobentonville.com" data-vars-content-id="de14b357-67bd-4c24-a66c-1d37163985e2" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Written by the Seasons in Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://zhaobentonville.com" target="_blank">Wu Zhao</a>. I&#x27;m sensing a pattern.

Monday Munchies: Ice cream flight in Bentonville

Dumont Creamery and Café is serving up sweet treats.

Winter — I mean, summer and its scorching temperatures — is coming.🍨 State of play: That means you should keep cold treats in mind, like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dumont Creamery &amp; Café" data-vars-click-url="https://dumont.us" data-vars-content-id="cd446c3a-39a3-40d5-908c-5c395258b089" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Ice cream flight in Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dumont.us" target="_blank">Dumont Creamery &amp; Café</a> in downtown Bentonville.

Craft beer industry going strong in Arkansas

Nationally, beer production is declining.

News

Arkansas breweries made more craft beer in 2025 compared to 2024, according to new data from the national Brewers Association.Why it matters: The state continues to buck a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/14/craft-beer-production-breweries-2025" data-vars-content-id="0970b909-690d-4a62-829e-13476e29f72a" data-vars-headline="Craft beer industry going strong in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/14/craft-beer-production-breweries-2025" target="_self">national decline</a> in craft beer production and sales.

Monday Munchies: Hideaway Pizza comes to Rogers

Until now, Hideaway's nearest Arkansas location was in Fort Smith.

The cluster of restaurants in the Pinnacle Hills area of Rogers has a new addition, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hideaway Pizza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hideawaypizza.com" data-vars-content-id="c17eab65-57ae-4635-843d-aaedb96963d9" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Hideaway Pizza comes to Rogers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hideawaypizza.com" target="_blank">Hideaway Pizza</a>.🌎 Catch up quick: Hideaway is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longtime Oklahoma spot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hideawaypizza.com/history" data-vars-content-id="c17eab65-57ae-4635-843d-aaedb96963d9" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Hideaway Pizza comes to Rogers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hideawaypizza.com/history" target="_blank">longtime Oklahoma spot</a> that expanded into Arkansas in 2016. Until now, the nearest Arkansas location was in Fort Smith.

Monday Munchies: Bentonville's Sestina

Billed as a Tuscan steakhouse, Sestina's street-level location is anything but pedestrian.

With the December opening of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sestina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sestinabentonville.com/" data-vars-content-id="13b020b6-275d-4473-987b-7cca94bd0323" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Bentonville&#x27;s Sestina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sestinabentonville.com/" target="_blank">Sestina</a> inside the Compton hotel, downtown Bentonville scored yet another fine-dining option for Northwest Arkansans.The vibe: Anyone who appreciates a modern spin on midcentury modern architecture (at least that&#x27;s what my layman&#x27;s mind thinks to call it) will dig walking through the hotel lobby. It&#x27;s airy and bright, but simultaneously warm and homey.

Food and Drink 🍽

Monday Munchies: 4 great Northwest Arkansas burgers

Monday Munchies: Betel in Springdale

Monday Munchies: Centerton sushi

Arkansas agri community monitors screwworm return

Bentoville Food Theater now booking