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National

Jensen Huang, an architect of the AI boom, resigns as Nvidia CEO

It's impossible to overstate how critical Huang is to Nvidia, to the AI buildout, to the stock market and to the economy.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jensen Huang" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/12/jensen-huang-nvidia-board" data-vars-content-id="a4604ee5-09a6-464d-990b-da94e8ef4efe" data-vars-headline="Jensen Huang, an architect of the AI boom, resigns as Nvidia CEO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/12/jensen-huang-nvidia-board" target="_self">Jensen Huang</a> resigned as CEO of Nvidia after he reportedly had two affairs, including one with a purported Chinese spy. Why it matters: It&#x27;s impossible to overstate how critical Huang is to Nvidia, to the AI buildout, to the stock market and economy.

Scoop: Meet the new GOP team plotting a Senate comeback

Moreno is bringing in top GOP brass to assess what went wrong and map a 2028 comeback.

Politics & Policy

Newly minted NRSC Chair Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) is stacking a team to claw back Senate seats for Republicans in 2028, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Moreno has the unenviable job of chipping away at a healthy Democratic majority in just two years, with an unhelpful map, an unpopular war and an unpredictable boss in the White House.

Super-low jobless claims expected to continue

Federal Reserve officials have pointed to the low jobless claims as evidence of a relatively strong job market.

Economy

The pace of layoffs has been historically low — and the latest data on weekly jobless claims points to the pattern continuing.Driving the news: Only 200,000 people filed new claims for unemployment benefits last week.<ul><li>That was the ninth consecutive week of claims being at or below 200,000, the first time that has happened in a data series that dates to 1967.</li></ul>

Zelensky says Musk-owned satellite system throttled again, Space X denies it

The slowdown happened as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

World

The Ukrainian government has asked the Pentagon and SpaceX to explain new restrictions it says are disrupting the satellite system its military uses to intercept Russian drones. Why it matters: This is the second time in recent weeks that Ukraine reported that Starshield, made by Elon Musk&#x27;s SpaceX, was impeded. <ul><li>The Ukrainian military uses Starshield — the military version of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SpaceX&#x27;s Starlink" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/14/elon-musk-spacex-starlink-ukraine-internet-russia" data-vars-content-id="e44e3e70-9bd4-4743-8f87-b754ae03fbdd" data-vars-headline="Zelensky says Musk-owned satellite system throttled again, Space X denies it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/14/elon-musk-spacex-starlink-ukraine-internet-russia" target="_self">SpaceX&#x27;s Starlink</a> satellite communications system — to control and operate its reconnaissance and to intercept drones.</li></ul>The other side: SpaceX respond Axios: &quot;This is false. There has been no change.&quot;Driving the news: Ukrainian President Zelensky said Thursday he was briefed by the minister of defense and the commander of the Ukrainian military that &quot;units have been recording significant disruptions to Starshield&#x27;s operations&quot; along the entire front line and in the parts of Ukraine occupied by Russia. <ul><li>&quot;The Ukrainian military have already investigated the circumstances, and these are not random errors but systematic speed restrictions,&quot; he wrote on X. &quot;We are trying to establish all the circumstances with the American side.&quot;</li></ul>Zoom in: A Ukrainian official said the restrictions have been happening for three days. <ul><li>&quot;On the first day there were 10% limitations, on the second day 50%, and today 100% of the missions fail because of restrictions,&quot; the official said. </li><li>Ukraine&#x27;s charge d&#x27;affaires to the U.S., Denys Sienik, said the Starshield system shuts down when drones fly at more than 100 miles per hour. </li><li>&quot;We don&#x27;t have clarification from SpaceX or Pentagon at the moment,&quot; he said. </li></ul>State of play: Zelensky said the new restrictions began shortly before President Trump&#x27;s envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met at the Kremlin with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. <ul><li>Kushner and Witkoff are expected to meet Zelensky later on Thursday in Dublin. </li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: The bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus said in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="statement" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/UkraineCaucus/status/2120904083963888042/photo/1" data-vars-content-id="e44e3e70-9bd4-4743-8f87-b754ae03fbdd" data-vars-headline="Zelensky says Musk-owned satellite system throttled again, Space X denies it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/UkraineCaucus/status/2120904083963888042/photo/1" target="_blank">statement</a> that it was &quot;extremely alarmed&quot; by the reports of a Starshield slowdown and &quot;demanding a full accounting&quot; from the Trump administration and SpaceX.Catch up quick: Ukraine relies on two SpaceX satellite services. Starlink, the commercial service, supports battlefield communications and logistics.<ul><li>Starshield is designed for government and military customers. Ukraine accesses it through a U.S. government agreement and uses it to operate reconnaissance drones and intercept Russian attack drones.</li><li>The Defense Department and SpaceX did not immediately return requests for comment.</li></ul>

Nvidia shares dive, rattling tech stocks

The chipmaker's immense size gives it outsized influence over market-cap weighted indexes like the S&P 500.

Nvidia&#x27;s sell-off deepened early Thursday after co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang resigned. Why it matters: As the second-largest U.S. company by market capitalization, Nvidia has outsized influence over the market-cap-weighted indexes like the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100, which serve as cornerstones for many portfolios among professionals and individual investors alike.

Voters pass 3 of 4 Arkansas ballot issues

Election

Arkansas voters approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/10/13/ballot-initiatives-arkansas-2026-guide" data-vars-content-id="dab164df-6378-46c8-a21f-f7461e1342b5" data-vars-headline="Voters pass 3 of 4 Arkansas ballot issues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/10/13/ballot-initiatives-arkansas-2026-guide" target="_self">measures</a> on citizenship requirements for voting, gun rights and water-project financing Tuesday, but narrowly rejected a proposed economic development amendment.Why it matters: The votes will change the state Constitution and provide a financing mechanism for some of the state&#x27;s water and environmental needs.

Democrats gain ground in Arkansas Legislature and local government

Arkansas House republicans lost their supermajority.

Politics

Republicans in the Arkansas House of Representatives no longer have the supermajority they&#x27;ve held on to for a decade.Why it matters: Republicans will need Democratic votes to pass most state spending bills, and that will require approval from three-fourths of the House.

Sanders' budget proposes increases to Medicaid and school vouchers

Gov. Sanders' proposed Arkansas budget would increase spending by 3.94%.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders proposed a $6.97 billion <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="general-revenue budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28873436-2027-2029-balanced-budget-packet/" data-vars-content-id="2afdb2ad-3f1f-4ed7-b657-58ce09fd6811" data-vars-headline="Sanders&#x27; budget proposes increases to Medicaid and school vouchers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28873436-2027-2029-balanced-budget-packet/" target="_blank">general-revenue budget</a> to lawmakers Friday, increasing spending by 3.94% with the biggest boost going to Medicaid.

Optimistic Arkansas Dems outline next steps

Democrats flipped roughly twice as many state Legislature seats as they expected.

News

Arkansas Democrats flipped roughly twice as many state Legislature seats as they expected, and their chair blamed gerrymandering for their failure to win a federal seat.Why it matters: The gains give Democrats more leverage in the state House and renewed hope of winning congressional seats, despite losses at the statewide and federal levels.

Monday Munchies: Our first SoFresh

We tried the fast-casual chain in Rogers.

Food and Drink

Apparently, the world of fast-casual, health-focused restaurants sees a market in Northwest Arkansas, because at least the third chain of its kind has landed here within three years.🥗 State of play: Florida-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SoFresh" data-vars-click-url="https://sofresh.com/" data-vars-content-id="953e485a-2043-4d2d-ac59-43d700ba89e2" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Our first SoFresh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sofresh.com/" target="_blank">SoFresh</a> recently opened near the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion in Rogers, following <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Crisp &amp; Green" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/04/24/bentonville-fast-casual-salad-crisp-green" data-vars-content-id="953e485a-2043-4d2d-ac59-43d700ba89e2" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Our first SoFresh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/04/24/bentonville-fast-casual-salad-crisp-green" target="_self">Crisp &amp; Green</a> in Bentonville and Springdale and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SweetGreen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/01/05/sweetgreen-bentonville-walmart-monday-munchies" data-vars-content-id="953e485a-2043-4d2d-ac59-43d700ba89e2" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Our first SoFresh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/01/05/sweetgreen-bentonville-walmart-monday-munchies" target="_self">SweetGreen</a> on the Walmart campus and in Fayetteville. It&#x27;s SoFresh&#x27;s first Arkansas location, serving up salads and bowls.

Monday Munchies: Bella Vista breakfast

Early birds with somewhere to be can rejoice because a Bella Vista food truck is serving breakfast starting at 6am.

Early birds with somewhere to be can rejoice because a Bella Vista food truck is serving breakfast starting at 6am.🥓 State of play: I tried <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Driftwood Kitchen and Bakery&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/driftwoodkitchennwa/" data-vars-content-id="3ee5d762-26d2-48b0-9338-886f8929d7ba" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Bella Vista breakfast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/driftwoodkitchennwa/" target="_blank">Driftwood Kitchen and Bakery&#x27;s</a> signature French toast sandwich ($8) — an ordinary egg, bacon and cheese sandwich made extraordinary by two slices of French toast instead of plain old bread. This was a delightful sweet and savory mashup.

Attainable housing project opens in Bentonville

McAuley Place includes designated cottages for Bentonville Public Schools employees.

A development intended to offer affordable housing to Bentonville School District employees and others making under a certain income is open, with plans for the first residents to move in this week.Why it matters: The McAuley Place project serves as a blueprint for how housing can be offered to residents below market rate as Northwest Arkansas has seen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing prices rise sharply" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/01/20/housing-prices-jumped-nwa-series" data-vars-content-id="92719f4e-1501-4194-9b45-c143c996d149" data-vars-headline="Attainable housing project opens 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/2026/01/20/housing-prices-jumped-nwa-series" target="_self">housing prices rise sharply</a> in recent years.

Developer urges small projects for growth

Small spaces can carry higher rents per square foot while keeping tenants' payments within their budgets.

Northwest Arkansas can put its regional growth strategy into action by helping local developers reuse overlooked properties and create smaller spaces for homes and businesses, Texas developer Monte Anderson said Wednesday.Why it matters: Plans and zoning codes do not produce projects on their own. The region needs local developers, entrepreneurs, lenders and investors willing to take on smaller projects, Anderson said.

NWACC moves forward on recreation as part of campus expansion

The community college has big plans for amenities.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College is making headway on the recreational amenities in its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="master plan that was approved last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/04/15/nwacc-master-plan-sports-facilities-classrooms-housing" data-vars-content-id="d6fc7247-31d1-4e05-b5e6-4bb62dd11801" data-vars-headline="NWACC moves forward on recreation as part of campus expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/04/15/nwacc-master-plan-sports-facilities-classrooms-housing" target="_self">master plan that was approved last year</a>, with some of the first projects coming to campus.Why it matters: The long-term plan stands to significantly increase offerings and amenities at the region&#x27;s growing flagship community college, which also offers non-degree programs geared toward filling needed jobs in the area.

Grants to boost trades in Arkansas

Finance-focused organization BlackRock is giving $1 million to Bentonville-based nonprofit Heartland Forward and $850,000 to Goodwill Arkansas to support the trades.Why it matters: The goal is to help people who want to pursue skilled labor and improve local economies as businesses need to hire tradespeople, Arielle Gurman, executive director of the BlackRock Future Builders initiative, told Axios.

Holiday markets offer more Northwest Arkansas options

These temporary shopping stops offer more chances to find local gifts

Local Brief

These temporary shopping stops offer more chances to find gifts from local artists, makers and small businesses this season:<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NWA Boutique Show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nwaboutiqueshow.com/" data-vars-content-id="e391a6d6-ee64-496e-a093-a78140eeed05" data-vars-headline="Holiday markets offer more Northwest Arkansas options" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nwaboutiqueshow.com/" target="_blank">NWA Boutique Show</a>, Nov. 20–21: More than 185 merchants at the Rogers Convention Center at Embassy Suites. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="General admission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nwaboutiqueshow.com/timesandtickets" data-vars-content-id="e391a6d6-ee64-496e-a093-a78140eeed05" data-vars-headline="Holiday markets offer more Northwest Arkansas options" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nwaboutiqueshow.com/timesandtickets" target="_blank">General admission</a> is $10; children 12 and younger get in free.</li></ul>

Where to shop local for holiday gifts 

Support local businesses this holiday season

A book, a bottle or a couple&#x27;s night out can take care of someone on your holiday gift list while supporting a Northwest Arkansas business.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s a starter list with shops to explore.</li></ul>

Walton Family Foundation backs NWA entrepreneurship program

A $475,000 grant will support a yearlong pilot program.

A $475,000 Walton Family Foundation grant will spur a yearlong pilot program to ramp up opportunities for entrepreneurs in Northwest Arkansas and beyond.Why it matters: The programming will help &quot;all stages of innovators,&quot; including new startups, and connect industry decision-makers to founders in retail and supply chain, Kathryn Carlisle of grant recipient Arkade told Axios.

Abortion ban challenge survives dismissal bid

In the ruling, the judge dismissed Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the state as defendants, citing sovereign immunity.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Cara Connors <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ruled Friday" data-vars-click-url="https://arkansasadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Waldorf-Order-Defendant-MTD.pdf" data-vars-content-id="0cd0f23a-82b9-4a30-892f-1a950153b3eb" data-vars-headline="Abortion ban challenge survives dismissal bid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Waldorf-Order-Defendant-MTD.pdf" target="_blank">ruled Friday</a> that a lawsuit challenging Arkansas&#x27; near-total abortion ban can proceed.The big picture: The ban remains in force as the suit progresses, but Connors has yet to rule on three constitutional claims brought by six women and an OB-GYN.

Several NWA races head to runoffs Dec. 1

Election season is not over for many Northwest Arkansans as several local offices remain undecided, requiring voters to return to the polls.How it works: Early voting for runoffs begins Nov. 24, with Election Day on Dec. 1. Check the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arkansas Secretary of State&#x27;s website" data-vars-click-url="https://www.voterview.ar-nova.org/VoterView" data-vars-content-id="2a082696-12a5-4b71-ad87-b5858e13805c" data-vars-headline="Several NWA races head to runoffs Dec. 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.voterview.ar-nova.org/VoterView" target="_blank">Arkansas Secretary of State&#x27;s website</a> to find your polling places.

The Agenda: Banning high speed vehicles on trails, Shiloh museum renovations

Bentonville and Springdale city councils meet tonight.

Here&#x27;s a preview of what your city councils plan to discuss tonight.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bentonville" data-vars-click-url="https://bentonvillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2310/files/agenda/9320" data-vars-content-id="001d5ac6-62e2-4eab-a70d-3a1461be23eb" data-vars-headline="The Agenda: Banning high speed vehicles on trails, Shiloh museum renovations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bentonvillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2310/files/agenda/9320" target="_blank">Bentonville</a> will vote on:🏍️ Banning high-speed electric-powered vehicles on city trails and sidewalks.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders wins reelection

Sanders will serve a second four-year term.

Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is set to serve a second four-year term after the AP called the race at 9:40pm yesterday.State of play: Sanders had about 54% of the vote as of early this morning with 99% of votes counted, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the AP" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/arkansas-governor-results/" data-vars-content-id="92f40def-3369-4c87-8c80-49ceb94ee47c" data-vars-headline="Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders wins reelection" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/arkansas-governor-results/" target="_blank">according to the AP</a>. She defeated Democratic state Sen. Fred Love, who had about 39% of the vote, and Libertarian candidate Colt Shelby, who had about 8%.

Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton wins reelection in Arkansas

The win reinforces the state's Republican stronghold despite signs that Democrat Hallie Shoffner posed a challenge.

Arkansas voters reelected Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tom Cotton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/09/23/u-s-sen-tom-cotton" data-vars-content-id="31a144c3-8fda-43c0-8e7d-7c5ec7916cd8" data-vars-headline="Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton wins reelection in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/09/23/u-s-sen-tom-cotton" target="_self">Tom Cotton</a> despite a challenge from Democrat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hallie Shoffner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/09/23/senate-hallie-shoffner-democrat-candidate-arkansas" data-vars-content-id="31a144c3-8fda-43c0-8e7d-7c5ec7916cd8" data-vars-headline="Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton wins reelection in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/09/23/senate-hallie-shoffner-democrat-candidate-arkansas" target="_self">Hallie Shoffner</a> that some saw as competitive, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the AP" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/arkansas-us-senate-results/" data-vars-content-id="31a144c3-8fda-43c0-8e7d-7c5ec7916cd8" data-vars-headline="Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton wins reelection in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/arkansas-us-senate-results/" target="_blank">according to the AP</a>.Why it matters: The win reinforces the state&#x27;s Republican stronghold as Democrats <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gained control of the House and Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/03/election-day-midterm-trump-democrats-republicans" data-vars-content-id="31a144c3-8fda-43c0-8e7d-7c5ec7916cd8" data-vars-headline="Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton wins reelection in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/03/election-day-midterm-trump-democrats-republicans" target="_self">gained control of the House and Senate</a>, flipping seats in red states like Texas and Kansas.

Rogers voters approve bond issues and sales tax

A 1% sales tax will pay for a range of projects in the city.

Rogers voters approved a $457 million bond issue and kept a 1% sales tax to pay for projects, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="final but unofficial results from Benton County" data-vars-click-url="https://bentoncountyar.gov/vote/wp-content/documents/sites/37/2026/11/Preliminary.pdf" data-vars-content-id="89258a30-e06e-4132-803f-273e4395f5ae" data-vars-headline="Rogers voters approve bond issues and sales tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bentoncountyar.gov/vote/wp-content/documents/sites/37/2026/11/Preliminary.pdf" target="_blank">final but unofficial results from Benton County</a>.All six issues passed:💰 Refinancing $118 million in bonds, with 58% of the vote.

Democrat Dana Deree wins Washington County judge

He will be the new county judge, defeating Republican Tim Shepard.

Democrat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dana Deree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/10/01/democratic-candidate-dana-deree-washington-county-judge" data-vars-content-id="c99cb752-f651-47c3-a910-664526eeb415" data-vars-headline="Democrat Dana Deree wins Washington County judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/10/01/democratic-candidate-dana-deree-washington-county-judge" target="_self">Dana Deree</a> will be the new Washington County judge, according to unofficial election results from the county.By the numbers: Deree, a former Navy officer, high school teacher, diplomat and Marine Corps veteran, defeated Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tim Shepard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/10/01/republican-candidate-tim-shepard-washington-county-judge" data-vars-content-id="c99cb752-f651-47c3-a910-664526eeb415" data-vars-headline="Democrat Dana Deree wins Washington County judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/10/01/republican-candidate-tim-shepard-washington-county-judge" target="_self">Tim Shepard</a> with about 54% of the vote.

Walmart AMP plans expansions for artists and club members

The Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion plans to expand its hospitality complex for private members and events and its artists wing for performers.Why it matters: The region&#x27;s largest concert venue wants artists to have a good experience so they are more likely to return, Walmart AMP vice president Brian Crowne said in a news release.

Monday Munchies: Fayetteville's Saltine

There's just no way to pick a favorite. Every bite was fantastic; every dish was unique and refreshingly bespoke.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Saltine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/saltinefood/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="1d1ebe88-c1ac-4e89-844c-dad6ca4cc928" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Fayetteville&#x27;s Saltine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/saltinefood/?hl=en" target="_blank">Saltine</a> may be the most &quot;Fayetteville&quot; of all the &quot;Fayetteville&quot; food spots in Fayetteville.What to expect: Saltine is a bakery/cafe, but also a lunchtime sandwich place, meaning it closes at 2pm, so it&#x27;s a first-half-of-the day hangout.

Take a look: This Bentonville supermarket is made of felt

We checked out an art exhibition at The Momentary in Bentonville.

Things to Do

A replica of an entire supermarket — except all made of felt with no touching allowed — is on display at The Momentary in Bentonville.🛒 State of play: I checked out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;The Beginning of Convenience&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://themomentary.org/calendar/lucy-sparrow-the-beginning-of-convenience/" data-vars-content-id="6e708afd-154a-4ba0-b6c4-703fe9e4c631" data-vars-headline="Take a look: This Bentonville supermarket is made of felt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://themomentary.org/calendar/lucy-sparrow-the-beginning-of-convenience/" target="_blank">&quot;The Beginning of Convenience&quot;</a> by Lucy Sparrow a few months into its nearly yearlong stint. It includes aisles of more than 20,000 replicas of grocery products and other items you&#x27;d see in a typical supermarket, like toiletries and magazines.

Retro Halloween movie rec: "Coma" 

The plot of someone deliberately putting patients in a coma so their organs could be stolen and sold is perhaps more terrifying now

My anesthesiologist at a recent medical procedure read the fear creeping in on my face as he riffed on a well-practiced patter about how he uses fentanyl. &quot;What&#x27;s wrong?&quot;<ul><li>&quot;I just watched the movie &#x27;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Coma" data-vars-click-url="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077355/?ref_=fn_t_1" data-vars-content-id="1fd6933f-0387-4bdf-af13-a1da62269072" data-vars-headline="Retro Halloween movie rec: &quot;Coma&quot; " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077355/?ref_=fn_t_1" target="_blank">Coma</a>.&#x27; You&#x27;re not gonna put me down and harvest my organs, are you?&quot;</li></ul>

Your weekend plans: Oktoberfest, art, crafts

Have a good weekend, NWA.🧶 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="War Eagle Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://wareaglefair.com/" data-vars-content-id="472a4137-9a68-4d46-be93-140ce3984549" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Oktoberfest, art, crafts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wareaglefair.com/" target="_blank">War Eagle Fair</a> — Check out the craft fair in Hindsville and get ahead on holiday shopping.

Crystal Bridges opens outdoor play area

The Ozark Discovery Canopy is not a traditional playground.

The Crystal Bridges campus has a new outdoor playscape for all ages: the Ozark Discovery Canopy.The big picture: The playscape opens on the heels of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major expansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/06/01/crystal-bridges-unveils-major-museum-expansion" data-vars-content-id="1d42309b-ed28-4d4b-94ea-f73fa6c0f377" data-vars-headline="Crystal Bridges opens outdoor play area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/06/01/crystal-bridges-unveils-major-museum-expansion" target="_self">major expansion</a> this year.

Your weekend plans: A market, comedy and a festival

Enjoy the weekend, NWA.🛍️ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vintage Market Days" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vintagemarketdays.com/market/nw-arkansas/index.php" data-vars-content-id="0dd41ed3-d288-4309-a065-bff7fb1c7236" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: A market, comedy and a festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vintagemarketdays.com/market/nw-arkansas/index.php" target="_blank">Vintage Market Days</a> — Those who want to get an early start to holiday shopping can check out vintage jewelry, art and home decor from 10am-5pm today and Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Bentonville. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Get a weekend pass for $10" data-vars-click-url="https://events.humanitix.com/vmdnwar/tickets" data-vars-content-id="0dd41ed3-d288-4309-a065-bff7fb1c7236" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: A market, comedy and a festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://events.humanitix.com/vmdnwar/tickets" target="_blank">Get a weekend pass for $10</a>.

NWA home sales trend slightly up

Northwest Arkansas homeowners sold 0.3% more homes in September than they did a year ago.

Northwest Arkansas homeowners sold 0.3% more homes in September than they did a year ago, new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Redfin data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/data-center/downloads/" data-vars-content-id="a80975e1-6cd9-40e1-b9c8-1bbab5be9483" data-vars-headline="NWA home sales trend slightly up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/data-center/downloads/" target="_blank">Redfin data</a> show.Why it matters: NWA home sales rose even as sales declined 4.3% nationally.

Key takeaways from the 2026 State of the Northwest Arkansas Region report

The region saw job and population growth in 2025.

Northwest Arkansas added about 8,300 jobs last year, but its residents are still struggling to buy a home, with the median price up 65% since 2020.Why it matters: After years of soaring home prices, Northwest Arkansas is showing signs of relief for buyers. But homes remain expensive and rents continue climbing.

Walmart, Sam's Club bundle memberships for $120

Bentonville-based Walmart is offering customers a new deal that combines Walmart+ and Sam&#x27;s Club Plus memberships at a discount.Why it matters: The total cost of both annual memberships is about $100 cheaper than before, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walmart news release" data-vars-click-url="https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2026/10/meet-your-120-life-hack" data-vars-content-id="af021c14-776f-470c-baa9-965a44c38b97" data-vars-headline="Walmart, Sam&#x27;s Club bundle memberships for $120" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2026/10/meet-your-120-life-hack" target="_blank">Walmart news release</a>.

Walmart picks up new products

Entrepreneurs pitched their ideas at the company's annual open call event.

Walmart and Sam&#x27;s Club awarded 54 entrepreneurs &quot;Golden Tickets&quot; to sell their products through the retail giants following last week&#x27;s pitch event in Bentonville.Why it matters: The selections give small businesses a chance to reach Walmart&#x27;s massive customer base and expand beyond their existing markets.

Report: Variety needed as NWA's economy grows 

Experts say economic diversification will be key.

Economic diversification will be critical to Northwest Arkansas retaining its success, according to a new report from economics-focused organizations.Why it matters: While growth at large employers like Walmart, Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt has contributed significantly to NWA&#x27;s economy, the region shouldn&#x27;t rely too heavily on a few major employers, Ross DeVol, founder of consulting firm Encore Economics, told Axios.

Arkansas lags in EV readiness

Nationally, 56% of drivers say gas prices have raised their interest in EVs.

Transit

Arkansas is near the bottom of the pack for EV charging and readiness, even as public charging expands nationwide.Why it matters: While U.S. public charging options grew 13% since last year, that growth hasn&#x27;t been evenly distributed, according to HERE Technologies and SBD Automotive&#x27;s<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" annual ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.here.com/ev-index-2026" data-vars-content-id="4416c792-6327-4267-9e45-1d202c3fac6a" data-vars-headline="Arkansas lags in EV readiness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.here.com/ev-index-2026" target="_blank"> annual ranking</a>.

NWA voters decide on small-town mayors and local issues

Austin McCollum, who is facing felony charges related to domestic violence allegations, was officially elected as Benton County judge.

Here&#x27;s our roundup of local decisions from Tuesday&#x27;s election you may have missed.

No winner declared in Arkansas' 2nd District congressional race

The race is for the 2nd District, which covers eight counties in central Arkansas and includes Little Rock.

Republican U.S. Rep. French Hill held a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="4,402-vote lead" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/arkansas-us-house-results/#2" data-vars-content-id="2a21ffca-ba34-4ef7-8787-790bd7f9f608" data-vars-headline="No winner declared in Arkansas&#x27; 2nd District congressional race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/arkansas-us-house-results/#2" target="_blank">4,402-vote lead</a> over Democrat Chris Jones at 2pm Wednesday in an Arkansas congressional race that remained too close to call.<ul><li>The race is for the 2nd District, which covers eight counties in central Arkansas and includes Little Rock.</li></ul>Why it matters: A Jones victory would make him the state&#x27;s first Black member of Congress and break Republicans&#x27; hold on Arkansas&#x27; congressional delegation.

What to know on Election Day

Tuesday's election results will shape the immediate future of NWA, the state and the country.

It&#x27;s the last day to make your voice heard, with local, state and federal offices up for grabs.Why it matters: The results will determine who represents Northwest Arkansas in state and local government and will help decide which party controls Congress.

Arkansas report calls for paid leave for more workers, caregivers

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families conducted interviews with focus groups across the state.

Advocates recommend Arkansas make policy changes to expand paid leave from work after interviewing focus groups, educators and nurses from across the state.Why it matters: The consensus was that paid leave for new parents, other family caregiving responsibilities and illness was essential for family and financial stability, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aradvocates.org/publications/paid-family-and-medical-leave-for-arkansas-an-investment-in-workers-families-communities-and-the-economy/" data-vars-content-id="6da2557f-fdbc-4895-b894-8b702a092b83" data-vars-headline="Arkansas report calls for paid leave for more workers, caregivers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aradvocates.org/publications/paid-family-and-medical-leave-for-arkansas-an-investment-in-workers-families-communities-and-the-economy/" target="_blank">Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families</a>.

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Walton Family Foundation backs NWA entrepreneurship program

Abortion ban challenge survives dismissal bid

Several NWA races head to runoffs Dec. 1

The Agenda: Banning high speed vehicles on trails, Shiloh museum renovations

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