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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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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;

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.

Monday Munchies: Zelli Deli

The prosciutto and fig sandwich seemed to defy physics.

Food and Drink

🍝 Alex checked out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zelli Pasta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/02/23/homemade-pasta-zelli-springdale-local" data-vars-content-id="39d1707b-182f-4ce2-b38a-1eb85a9783c1" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Zelli Deli" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/02/23/homemade-pasta-zelli-springdale-local" target="_self">Zelli Pasta</a> as take-it-home-and-cook-it-yourself, but they&#x27;ve since started serving sandwiches, which is more my style.The setup: Downtown Springdale may soon become my fave lunchtime location — there are tons of options, it&#x27;s easy for me to get to, and the crowds aren&#x27;t yet insane (if you can find a parking spot!).

What to know about the March election

Early voting begins Tuesday. See what's on your ballot.

A few powerful offices will be up for grabs in November, and the primary elections are set for March 3 with early voting starting Tuesday.Why it matters: The primary elections decide who the final candidates will be, and in some cases, effectively elect candidates to office because candidates of only one party are running.<ul><li>Several nonpartisan judicial races and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local decisions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/02/12/voters-consider-local-ballot-issues-march-2026" data-vars-content-id="d8d67d83-3e91-4c13-bfc8-b656860600b8" data-vars-headline="What to know about the March election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/02/12/voters-consider-local-ballot-issues-march-2026" target="_self">local decisions</a> including a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$375.5 million bond issue in Fayetteville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/02/12/fayetteville-voters-decide-375-million-bond-issue" data-vars-content-id="d8d67d83-3e91-4c13-bfc8-b656860600b8" data-vars-headline="What to know about the March election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/02/12/fayetteville-voters-decide-375-million-bond-issue" target="_self">$375.5 million bond issue in Fayetteville</a> are also on the ballot.</li></ul>

Your October guide to Halloween

Pop-up bars, trick or treating, scary movies — NWA is spooky.

Things to Do

We&#x27;re more than a week into October, making it officially spooky season. Here&#x27;s how to avoid missing out this year.

Top chefs turn out for Apple Seeds farm-to-table dinner

Farm-to-table dinner supports nutrition education for Arkansas students.

Local Brief

A multi-course dinner curated by chef Matt Cooper of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Conifer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/05/23/bentonville-dinner-conifer-james-beard-matthew-cooper" data-vars-content-id="4d79aabc-01ae-49e7-98ee-4dad403614d9" data-vars-headline="Top chefs turn out for Apple Seeds farm-to-table dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/05/23/bentonville-dinner-conifer-james-beard-matthew-cooper" target="_self">Conifer</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RYN" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/04/11/bentonville-ryn-matthew-cooper-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="4d79aabc-01ae-49e7-98ee-4dad403614d9" data-vars-headline="Top chefs turn out for Apple Seeds farm-to-table dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/04/11/bentonville-ryn-matthew-cooper-restaurant" target="_self">RYN</a>, and chef Jacob Burrell of Conifer will be served at Gulley Park in Fayetteville in October. The big picture: Proceeds from the annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Evening at the Farm" data-vars-click-url="https://appleseedsnwa.org/events/evening-at-the-farm-2025" data-vars-content-id="4d79aabc-01ae-49e7-98ee-4dad403614d9" data-vars-headline="Top chefs turn out for Apple Seeds farm-to-table dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://appleseedsnwa.org/events/evening-at-the-farm-2025" target="_blank">Evening at the Farm</a> support Apple Seeds Teaching Farm&#x27;s hands-on nutrition education programs, which reach more than 16,000 Arkansas students annually.

Your theater plans: What's on stage this season

Theater-goers are in luck. These plays are hitting the stage this season.👨👨👨 Now through Sept. 7: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Ken Ludwig&#x27;s The Three Musketeers&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theatre2.org/the-three-musketeers" data-vars-content-id="e436039d-0472-420f-b60a-fa5d455b01a9" data-vars-headline="Your theater plans: What&#x27;s on stage this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theatre2.org/the-three-musketeers" target="_blank">&quot;Ken Ludwig&#x27;s The Three Musketeers&quot;</a> — The tale on stage at TheatreSquared in Fayetteville. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Get tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://tix.theatre2.org/events?_gl=1*l1zxk2*_gcl_au*MTAxNDQ4NDA4OS4xNzU1MjcwNDQ2*_ga*MTc4NDI5OTYwNy4xNzU1MjcwNDQ2*_ga_1GWSKWBZ3K*czE3NTYzODgwMTYkbzUkZzAkdDE3NTYzODgwMTYkajYwJGwwJGg4MjU2NzM1Nw.." data-vars-content-id="e436039d-0472-420f-b60a-fa5d455b01a9" data-vars-headline="Your theater plans: What&#x27;s on stage this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tix.theatre2.org/events?_gl=1*l1zxk2*_gcl_au*MTAxNDQ4NDA4OS4xNzU1MjcwNDQ2*_ga*MTc4NDI5OTYwNy4xNzU1MjcwNDQ2*_ga_1GWSKWBZ3K*czE3NTYzODgwMTYkbzUkZzAkdDE3NTYzODgwMTYkajYwJGwwJGg4MjU2NzM1Nw.." target="_blank">Get tickets</a> for $36-$60, with some $15 tickets for people under 30.

Game night to get surreal in Northwest Arkansas

Live auctions, games and surreal twists hit Fayetteville on Oct. 25.

Fenix Arts&#x27; annual fundraiser also raised eyebrows last year with its Surreality Ball. This year will be a twist on classic TV game shows.Why it matters: Proceeds from the Surreality Show, held in October, will help cover operating expenses and support programming for the Fayetteville nonprofit arts group.

Your guide to NWA's biggest summer festivals and events

Make plans so you don't miss what Northwest Arkansas has to offer this season.

The unofficial start of summer — Memorial Day weekend — is just one week away. And that means it&#x27;s time to mark your calendar and make plans so you don&#x27;t miss what NWA has to offer this season.Here are our ideas:

Best patios in Northwest Arkansas for food and drinks 2025

Discover the best patios across NWA for eating and drinking outdoors—from rooftop cocktails in Fayetteville to dog-friendly breweries in Bentonville.

A cocktail and some small plates on the patio at downtown Fayetteville&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Theo&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theosfayetteville.com/" data-vars-content-id="ee03e787-c364-4263-bb9e-9bdec2d1ea52" data-vars-headline="Best patios in Northwest Arkansas for food and drinks 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theosfayetteville.com/" target="_blank">Theo&#x27;s</a> had me appreciating a sunny day, especially thanks to the fried cauliflower and the Cubano Mojito.We&#x27;ve got several months of warm weather ahead of us, so don&#x27;t forget to slow down and enjoy it on one of the many outdoor patios at NWA restaurants, bars and breweries.

11 spring break camps you can still sign the kids up for

The kids only have two more full weeks of school until Spring Break on March 24-28.

The kids have just two more full weeks of school before Spring Break from March 24-28. Here are a few ideas to keep them entertained if you stay in town.⛸ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jones Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thejonescenter.net/daycamps" data-vars-content-id="eed47582-dfed-4daa-8ed8-0827e09c9361" data-vars-headline="11 spring break camps you can still sign the kids up for" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thejonescenter.net/daycamps" target="_blank">Jones Center</a> in Springdale — Set them free to swim, ice skate, play games and see art performances.

How to start a fitness journey in Northwest Arkansas for the new year

There are plenty of options to start, or ramp up, your fitness routine in 2025.

If you&#x27;re looking to move more or ramp up your fitness routine in 2025, here&#x27;s how to do that in NWA.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Get started</h2>🤸‍♂️ If you&#x27;re not sure what workout is right for you and don&#x27;t want to commit to an activity that might not be a good fit, consider checking out low-cost community centers that often offer traditional gym equipment, plus walking tracks, sports, swimming pools and a variety of fitness classes.

How to volunteer in Northwest Arkansas this holiday season

Organized volunteering and informal helping are both rising after COVID-era dips, a new AmeriCorps report finds.

Organized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="volunteering" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/15/fill-the-calendar-and-soul-with-volunteering" data-vars-content-id="790b8e16-996b-43b7-9929-fc98c35474c3" data-vars-headline="How to volunteer in Northwest Arkansas this holiday season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/15/fill-the-calendar-and-soul-with-volunteering" target="_self">volunteering</a> and informal helping are both rising after COVID-era dips, a new AmeriCorps report finds.Why it matters: Volunteer work is a bedrock of American civic life: assisting those in need and providing purpose to those who can help, Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="writes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/20/americans-volunteer-rate" data-vars-content-id="790b8e16-996b-43b7-9929-fc98c35474c3" data-vars-headline="How to volunteer in Northwest Arkansas this holiday season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/20/americans-volunteer-rate" target="_self">writes</a>.Driving the news: About 28.3% of Americans volunteered through a formal organization at least once between September 2022-23, per the biennial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.americorps.gov/sites/default/files/document/CEV2023_HeadlineReport_11052024_final_508.pdf" data-vars-content-id="790b8e16-996b-43b7-9929-fc98c35474c3" data-vars-headline="How to volunteer in Northwest Arkansas this holiday season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.americorps.gov/sites/default/files/document/CEV2023_HeadlineReport_11052024_final_508.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>, which is based on survey data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau.<ul><li>Arkansas was in line with the national average at 28.2%.</li></ul>Zoom in: There is no shortage of philanthropic efforts in Northwest Arkansas. Chances are you already have a personal cause and a plan to give, but if you need a little help, here&#x27;s a starter list:<ol><li>The Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas — From serving meals to helping out in a thrift store, there are plenty of opportunities. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Find them here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.justserve.org/salvationarmynwa" data-vars-content-id="790b8e16-996b-43b7-9929-fc98c35474c3" data-vars-headline="How to volunteer in Northwest Arkansas this holiday season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.justserve.org/salvationarmynwa" target="_blank">Find them here</a>.</li><li>7hills Homeless Center — This Fayetteville organization always needs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="volunteers" data-vars-click-url="https://7hillscenter.org/volunteer/" data-vars-content-id="790b8e16-996b-43b7-9929-fc98c35474c3" data-vars-headline="How to volunteer in Northwest Arkansas this holiday season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://7hillscenter.org/volunteer/" target="_blank">volunteers</a>.</li><li>Little Free Pantry — Launched from Fayetteville, this is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a movement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.littlefreepantry.org/what-we-do" data-vars-content-id="790b8e16-996b-43b7-9929-fc98c35474c3" data-vars-headline="How to volunteer in Northwest Arkansas this holiday season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.littlefreepantry.org/what-we-do" target="_blank">a movement</a> to help the food insecure <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="all over the country" data-vars-click-url="http://mapping.littlefreepantry.org/" data-vars-content-id="790b8e16-996b-43b7-9929-fc98c35474c3" data-vars-headline="How to volunteer in Northwest Arkansas this holiday season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://mapping.littlefreepantry.org/" target="_blank">all over the country</a>.</li><li>Goodwill Industries of Arkansas — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Donate or shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.goodwillar.org/" data-vars-content-id="790b8e16-996b-43b7-9929-fc98c35474c3" data-vars-headline="How to volunteer in Northwest Arkansas this holiday season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.goodwillar.org/" target="_blank">Donate or shop</a> for gently used gifts.</li><li>Pedal it Forward NWA — This Rogers organization could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="use help" data-vars-click-url="https://pedalitforward.org/volunteer/" data-vars-content-id="790b8e16-996b-43b7-9929-fc98c35474c3" data-vars-headline="How to volunteer in Northwest Arkansas this holiday season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pedalitforward.org/volunteer/" target="_blank">use help</a> getting bikes to those in need.</li><li>The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank — Food comes in and goes out every day, so there&#x27;s always <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opportunity to help out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nwafoodbank.org/what-we-do#OurProgramsNew" data-vars-content-id="790b8e16-996b-43b7-9929-fc98c35474c3" data-vars-headline="How to volunteer in Northwest Arkansas this holiday season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nwafoodbank.org/what-we-do#OurProgramsNew" target="_blank">opportunity to help out</a>.</li></ol>The bottom line: Time is tight during the holidays, so financial donations are always an option.

Guides

What to know about the March election

Your October guide to Halloween

Top chefs turn out for Apple Seeds farm-to-table dinner

Your theater plans: What's on stage this season

Game night to get surreal in Northwest Arkansas