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National

Scoop: Generalist raises another $200 million for AI robotics

Business

Coffee chain Blank Street raises $105 million

Treasury's bond market intervention could grow

Economy

Communicators spotlight: Marie Sheehy of WME Group

California AG cancels Paramount settlement meeting

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.

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: Must-try sandwich food truck

Songbirds Sandwiches is at 8th Street Market in Bentonville.

Food and Drink

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.

Housing inventory swells in Northwest Arkansas

NWA homes spent a median 60 days on the market in June

Real Estate

June home listings in one of Arkansas&#x27; most expensive markets surged more than 42% from a year earlier, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis" data-vars-click-url="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/ACTLISCOU22220" data-vars-content-id="6b2c9bdf-a021-4934-8a55-a20a1659719c" data-vars-headline="Housing inventory swells in Northwest Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/ACTLISCOU22220" target="_blank">Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis</a>.Why it matters: More inventory can give buyers space to negotiate after years of expensive housing, higher mortgage rates and tight supply shaping who can afford to live in the area.<ul><li>It&#x27;s the most inventory in NWA since November 2019.</li></ul>

Waltons go BIG on new STEM university campus

The initial campus will include about 422,000 square feet across three buildings

Education

Members of the Walton family selected <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bjarke Ingels Group" data-vars-click-url="https://big.dk/" data-vars-content-id="e90cc191-5482-4946-8679-dd02673a5e0d" data-vars-headline="Waltons go BIG on new STEM university campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://big.dk/" target="_blank">Bjarke Ingels Group</a> (BIG) to design the new STEM-focused university planned for the former Walmart Home Office site in Bentonville.Why it matters: The future university plans to offer flexible pathways to jobs in automation, logistics, biotech and computing — fields crucial to Northwest Arkansas&#x27; future.

$1 million gift could transform university museum

The university is planning a more accessible future for its 7.5 million objects.

Much of the public might not know that they can access more than 7.5 million objects at the University of Arkansas Museum. A $1 million gift could change that.Why it matters: The museum is undergoing a process to determine what its future space, staffing and overall presence will be, with a goal of increasing the impact and accessibility of the collections, curator of education and engagement Laurel Lamb told Axios.

Grant to expand NWACC mentorship program

The program connects college student mentors with high school students.

A nearly $600,000 grant will help NorthWest Arkansas Community College expand a program geared toward mentoring high school students on college resources.Why it matters: The Learning, Improvement, Fun and Empowerment (LIFE) program targets students who may write off college as something that&#x27;s not for them because of finances, grades, immigration status or not having parents who went to college, program director Juanita Franklin told Axios.

Crystal Bridges Museum expansion set for June opening

This next chapter further positions it not just as a place to experience art, but as a year-round community space.

Local Brief

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will reveal its expanded campus on June 6, marking the most significant addition since the Bentonville landmark debuted in 2011.Why it matters: Founded by Walmart heir Alice Walton, the museum is a cultural anchor for Northwest Arkansas and a major tourism draw. This next chapter further positions it not just as a place to experience art, but as a year-round community space.

Plan your spring: Paint, pics and printing

Mark your calendars for these  arts and culture events happening across Northwest Arkansas this spring and early summer

Mark your calendars for these arts and culture events happening across Northwest Arkansas this spring and early summer:

 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.

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>

Walmart adding Apple Pay, other tap-to-pay options

The tap-to-pay option has long been a want of Walmart customers.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walmart" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/walmart-earnings-sales-revenue" data-vars-content-id="7fc5acb4-c947-4e62-92af-bb94dcbbfffb" data-vars-headline="Walmart adding Apple Pay, other tap-to-pay options" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/walmart-earnings-sales-revenue" target="_self">Walmart</a> announced Friday that some of its stores and Sam&#x27;s Club locations will add tap-to-pay options in the U.S. beginning Monday.Why it matters: Tap-to-pay has eluded Walmart customers, who instead had to rely on the company&#x27;s Walmart Pay system, which required scanning QR codes at checkout.

XNA has busiest month ever

The airport had its highest number of enplanements in a single month in July.

Northwest Arkansas National Airport had its highest-ever number of enplanements in a single month in July.The big picture: Airport officials have been trying to stay ahead of the expected increase in demand for years, as the formerly regional airport <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surpassed Little Rock&#x27;s airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/01/30/xna-flies-past-little-rock-first-time" data-vars-content-id="40051d8b-2e2c-4f78-98e1-c90b1273256b" data-vars-headline="XNA has busiest month ever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/01/30/xna-flies-past-little-rock-first-time" target="_self">surpassed Little Rock&#x27;s airport</a> in 2025, six years sooner than predicted.

New online system seeks to simplify college applications

Students can apply to up to five institutions without fees.

Arkansas high school students now have a universal college application system, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced this week.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ACCESS portal" data-vars-click-url="https://araccessportal.adhe.edu/info" data-vars-content-id="a6a6c33d-bc01-4000-b6ca-91fefaf4df15" data-vars-headline="New online system seeks to simplify college applications" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://araccessportal.adhe.edu/info" target="_blank">ACCESS portal</a> is intended to create a streamlined system that allows high school seniors to apply to higher education institutions with one form, one login and no application fees for up to five colleges, according to a news release.

What could happen in Benton County judge race after nominee's arrest

Republican Austin McCollum is the only candidate on the November ballot.

Politics

Benton County is facing a conundrum as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="allegations of domestic violence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/03/mccollum-resignation-calls-arrest" data-vars-content-id="35b004c3-b84c-4932-81bb-b17846cccbc8" data-vars-headline="What could happen in Benton County judge race after nominee&#x27;s arrest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/03/mccollum-resignation-calls-arrest" target="_self">allegations of domestic violence</a> have prompted widespread calls for the only nominee for county judge to drop out of the race: State law doesn&#x27;t allow nominees to simply drop out.❓ State of play: Here are some of the possibilities of what&#x27;s next for former state representative and current county judge candidate Austin McCollum, who won the Republican nomination in March. No Democrats or independents are on the November ballot.

The Agenda: AI traffic signals, bond issue

Your local City Councils are back at it tonight.

Your local City Councils are back at it tonight.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bentonville" data-vars-click-url="https://bentonvillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1721/files/agenda/9058" data-vars-content-id="64f241f0-a900-4633-b927-1d48fad2ee0b" data-vars-headline="The Agenda: AI traffic signals, bond issue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bentonvillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1721/files/agenda/9058" target="_blank">Bentonville</a> will vote on:

Your weekend plans: Cocktails, free movie, music fest

Things to Do

Have a great weekend, NWA.🍸 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bentonville Cocktail Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://pourtaste.com/pages/bentonville-cocktail-festival?srsltid=AfmBOoqwNVPpRKY2QFYp1i5W4hRdORxPaCyL31Q2PJJOtEF_FOTRpwL8" data-vars-content-id="3ee2a395-500b-46b2-b16d-52b23e463903" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Cocktails, free movie, music fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pourtaste.com/pages/bentonville-cocktail-festival?srsltid=AfmBOoqwNVPpRKY2QFYp1i5W4hRdORxPaCyL31Q2PJJOtEF_FOTRpwL8" target="_blank">Bentonville Cocktail Festival</a> — More than 40 cocktails will be available to try from 6-10pm Saturday at The Record in downtown Bentonville. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Get tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://pourtaste.com/pages/bentonville-cocktail-festival?srsltid=AfmBOoqwNVPpRKY2QFYp1i5W4hRdORxPaCyL31Q2PJJOtEF_FOTRpwL8#tickets" data-vars-content-id="3ee2a395-500b-46b2-b16d-52b23e463903" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Cocktails, free movie, music fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pourtaste.com/pages/bentonville-cocktail-festival?srsltid=AfmBOoqwNVPpRKY2QFYp1i5W4hRdORxPaCyL31Q2PJJOtEF_FOTRpwL8#tickets" target="_blank">Get tickets</a> for $75.

Your weekend plans: Music, balloons, art market

The annual Soar NWA festival is this weekend.

Get out this weekend.🎈 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soar NWA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.soarnwa.com/" data-vars-content-id="bf9ed943-15c9-45f1-9682-6b39ad816869" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Music, balloons, art market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.soarnwa.com/" target="_blank">Soar NWA</a> — The hot air balloon festival includes tethered rides, helicopter rides, live music, food and a car exhibit.

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>

Your weekend plans: Free community events

You don't need to break the bank to have a good time this weekend.

You don&#x27;t need to break the bank to have a good time this weekend.🎷 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Weekend Starts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/event-detail/?event_id=weekend-starts-in-the-upper-ramble&amp;theme=fayetteville&amp;date=2026-08-07-17-30&amp;cities=fayetteville&amp;clipToBounds=0&amp;embedded=1&amp;radius=100000&amp;tags=Fayetteville&amp;theme=fayetteville" data-vars-content-id="4e45ff06-68a0-4aaf-af18-511355edabef" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Free community events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/event-detail/?event_id=weekend-starts-in-the-upper-ramble&amp;theme=fayetteville&amp;date=2026-08-07-17-30&amp;cities=fayetteville&amp;clipToBounds=0&amp;embedded=1&amp;radius=100000&amp;tags=Fayetteville&amp;theme=fayetteville" target="_blank">Weekend Starts</a> — This free festival series at the Upper Ramble in downtown Fayetteville includes art and music. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="5:30-7:30pm today" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=11749" data-vars-content-id="4e45ff06-68a0-4aaf-af18-511355edabef" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Free community events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=11749" target="_blank">5:30-7:30pm today</a>.

Fayetteville's Overland Hotel eyes opening

The hotel will keep exterior room entrances but add new finishes, a pool courtyard and a grill area.

A former Motel 6 on North College Avenue is being transformed into the independent, boutique Overland Hotel Fayetteville, which is expected to open in late fall.Why it matters: The project revives a prominent 2.8-acre property and adds a boutique option as Northwest Arkansas&#x27; hotel supply expands.

Your weekend plans: Listen, watch and dance

Make the first weekend of August count.🎤 Music festivals — A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reggae festival" data-vars-click-url="https://stubs.net/event/7792/reggae-fest" data-vars-content-id="0f4bd06a-e84a-4b00-817c-56078b1fddc5" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Listen, watch and dance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stubs.net/event/7792/reggae-fest" target="_blank">reggae festival</a> tonight and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="funk festival" data-vars-click-url="https://stubs.net/event/7793/funk-fest" data-vars-content-id="0f4bd06a-e84a-4b00-817c-56078b1fddc5" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Listen, watch and dance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stubs.net/event/7793/funk-fest" target="_blank">funk festival</a> Saturday night are set for downtown Rogers as part of the Railyard Live lineup at Butterfield Stage. General admission is free.

 FemPAQ turns to AI for retail edge

Fayetteville-based femPAQ launched its web app, femPAQ Health, this month.

With little cash and no coding background, femPAQ founder April Roy used AI to build an online women’s health platform in less than 90 days. She’s hoping it will draw shoppers to her $1.97 period kits at Walmart.Why it matters: Roy’s approach shows how a small brand can use AI to develop sophisticated digital marketing and compete for consumer attention.

Northwest Arkansas travelers pay extra to fly

Business travelers often book closer to departure and have less flexibility, contributing to higher average fares.

Yes, it costs more to fly from XNA.Why it matters: Northwest Arkansas travelers often pay a premium for the convenience of departing from Northwest Arkansas National Airport instead of driving to larger airports with more competition.

Veterans program targets skilled trades shortage

The U.S. needs more skilled tradespeople — an estimated 2.1 million trades jobs could go unfilled by 2030.

A veteran-focused organization graduated its first group from a new skilled trades school in Gentry last week, launching an effort aimed at addressing a national shortage of trades workers.Why it matters: The program builds on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Unlock Human Potential" data-vars-click-url="https://uhp.com/" data-vars-content-id="eaf16cca-86ae-411f-9c97-00fad3fab466" data-vars-headline="Veterans program targets skilled trades shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://uhp.com/" target="_blank">Unlock Human Potential</a>&#x27;s mission to help veterans transition from hyper-structured military life to the comparative disorder of civilian life, giving them a softer landing in the workforce.

Swarm Aero dispute exposed gaps in NDA policies

The Fayetteville dispute raised broader questions about transparency.

Most Northwest Arkansas cities lack written policies governing nondisclosure agreements, according to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) responses reviewed by Axios.Why it matters: NDAs can protect trade secrets before a company goes public. They can also limit what residents know before a project enters the city approval process.

Northwest Arkansas' office vacancy well under U.S. trend

Compared with Sage's Q1 report, the midyear snapshot shows a market that is still tight but loosening in spots.

Northwest Arkansas&#x27; office vacancy rate is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="up slightly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/02/12/northwest-arkansas-office-vacancy-may-be-tightest-in-us" data-vars-content-id="9de0f570-7020-49f4-8781-67af953e44a2" data-vars-headline="Northwest Arkansas&#x27; office vacancy well under U.S. trend" 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/northwest-arkansas-office-vacancy-may-be-tightest-in-us" target="_self">up slightly</a> in Q2, but is still slaying with a 5.3% rate, compared to 20.2% nationally, per a new report from Cushman &amp; Wakefield Sage Partners.Why it matters: Commercial property trends signal momentum, reinforcing Northwest Arkansas as an economic outlier in a soft national office market.<ul><li>Yes, but: Tight supply can limit expansion and push rents higher.</li></ul>

Arkansas football legend Jim Lindsey dies

After graduating with a degree in math, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings and spent his signing bonus on 137 acres in Fayetteville.

Jim Lindsey, a leader on the Arkansas Razorbacks&#x27; 1964 national championship team, former chairman of the university&#x27;s Board of Trustees, and NWA real estate magnate, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="died Sunday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2026/jul/20/jim-lindsey-razorback-icon-and-member-of-1964-national-champion-team-has-died/" data-vars-content-id="adc693db-4fdc-4bd5-9c7e-f2dd6d934671" data-vars-headline="Arkansas football legend Jim Lindsey dies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2026/jul/20/jim-lindsey-razorback-icon-and-member-of-1964-national-champion-team-has-died/" target="_blank">died Sunday</a>. He was 81.Flashback: Lindsey starred on the Forrest City High School football team before signing with Frank Broyles at the University of Arkansas in 1962. He then became a captain and team leader during one of the program&#x27;s peak eras.

Pornhub wants to come back to Arkansas screens

Many states have passed laws requiring that porn sites verify users' ages.

Pornhub is asking states, including Arkansas, to reconsider laws that require the site to verify users&#x27; ages.Catch up quick: Arkansas is one of many states in recent years to implement policies requiring that porn websites verify that those viewing their content are at least 18 years old.

Court records detail more abuse allegations against McCollum

Former state Rep. Austin McCollum was arrested over the weekend.

Days after former state Rep. and current Benton County judge candidate Austin McCollum <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was arrested" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/05/austin-mccollum-resigns-arkansas-house-arrest" data-vars-content-id="521b0922-81d0-4e97-941d-ac413bd11f7f" data-vars-headline="Court records detail more abuse allegations against McCollum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/05/austin-mccollum-resigns-arkansas-house-arrest" target="_self">was arrested</a>, his wife accused him of a pattern of domestic violence in court records filed Thursday.The latest: An order of protection obtained by Axios prohibits Austin McCollum, 35, from contacting his wife, Ragen McCollum, 34, and grants her temporary custody of their 4- and 2-year-old children, according to an order signed by Benton County Circuit Judge Xollie Duncan.

Scholarship options expand for trades

Voters in 2024 opted to allow lottery proceeds to pay for scholarships at vocational schools.

Students pursuing trades now have more options for where they can use lottery-funded scholarships.Why it matters: The change gives a financial boost to Arkansans pursuing careers in high-demand fields like construction trades, advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology and logistics.

Arkansas Rep. McCollum resigns after arrest

His resignation creates a vacancy in House District 8.

State Rep. Austin McCollum (R-Bentonville) has resigned from his House seat following his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weekend arrest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/03/mccollum-resignation-calls-arrest" data-vars-content-id="00e3882b-4033-478f-8b48-d1e4ce250667" data-vars-headline="Arkansas Rep. McCollum resigns after arrest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/03/mccollum-resignation-calls-arrest" target="_self">weekend arrest</a> and calls from Republican leaders to step down.Why it matters: The resignation leaves a vacancy for the seat that represents District 8, encompassing Pea Ridge and parts of Bentonville and Rogers.

Domestic violence allegations roil judge race

The only candidate for Benton County judge was arrested over the weekend.

State Rep. and Benton County judge candidate Austin McCollum (R-Bentonville) faced mounting calls Monday to resign from office and withdraw from the judicial race after his weekend arrest.The big picture: The arrest has thrown one of Northwest Arkansas&#x27; most high-profile local races into uncertainty because McCollum is the only candidate on the November ballot. County judges in Arkansas are the chief executives over county governments.

The Agenda: NDAs, trees and housing

The meeting starts at 5:30pm at Fayetteville City Hall Room 219.

Tonight the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fayetteville City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://fayettevillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3508/overview" data-vars-content-id="7c5922fe-71b5-49ca-afcb-be66e24c4f82" data-vars-headline="The Agenda: NDAs, trees and housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fayettevillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3508/overview" target="_blank">Fayetteville City Council</a> plans to vote on:<ul><li>🔎 A transparency ordinance that would bar city staff from entering nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements that restrict disclosure of public records or public business beyond what state or federal law allows. The ordinance was tabled to tonight&#x27;s meeting.</li></ul>

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