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2 Supreme Court rulings treat the Fed as an exception

Monday's rulings say President Trump can't fire Fed governor Lisa Cook but can fire FTC leaders.

Economy

The Federal Reserve is different. That&#x27;s the upshot of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supreme Court&#x27;s rulings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/supreme-court-legal-decisions" data-vars-content-id="a86a9dd4-49f8-47d4-ae6e-bb219f9b9dce" data-vars-headline="2 Supreme Court rulings treat the Fed as an exception" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/supreme-court-legal-decisions" target="_self">Supreme Court&#x27;s rulings</a> Monday morning.Why it matters: President Trump can&#x27;t fire Fed governor Lisa Cook for now, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a 5-4 court majority held" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/trump-supreme-court-fed-lisa-cook" data-vars-content-id="a86a9dd4-49f8-47d4-ae6e-bb219f9b9dce" data-vars-headline="2 Supreme Court rulings treat the Fed as an exception" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/trump-supreme-court-fed-lisa-cook" target="_self">a 5-4 court majority held</a>, alongside an opinion that offers a sweeping defense of the central bank&#x27;s independence. <ul><li>But the ruling is narrow enough that Trump and future presidents have latitude to fire Fed governors if they can establish legal cause more carefully than Trump did in the Cook case.</li></ul>

Scoop: Gallego faces federal probe over campaign spending

The investigation stems from a whistleblower complaint alleging he improperly used the funds for trips to Disney World and Disneyland with his wife and children.

Politics & Policy

Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ruben Gallego " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/gallego-senate-ethics-luna-eric-swalwell" data-vars-content-id="618c30e6-a0e4-4a24-ab36-facf30031592" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Gallego faces federal probe over campaign spending" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/gallego-senate-ethics-luna-eric-swalwell" target="_self">Ruben Gallego </a>(D-Ariz.) is under federal investigation for suspected campaign finance violations, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The investigation — which Gallego&#x27;s team cast as a partisan attack by a weaponized Justice Department — could cast a shadow over the freshman senator&#x27;s political future as he eyes a potential 2028 run for president.

Supreme Court upholds grace period for late-arriving mail-in ballots

Supreme Court upholds grace period for mail-in ballots

The Trump administration backed the law's challengers.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supreme Court" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/10/supreme-court-trump-elections-midterms-immigration" data-vars-content-id="c8a98045-834b-4f4c-9825-6f0d7204f7f4" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court upholds grace period for late-arriving mail-in ballots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/10/supreme-court-trump-elections-midterms-immigration" target="_self">Supreme Court</a> upheld a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mississippi law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/10/supreme-court-mississippi-mail-in-ballots" data-vars-content-id="c8a98045-834b-4f4c-9825-6f0d7204f7f4" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court upholds grace period for late-arriving mail-in ballots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/10/supreme-court-mississippi-mail-in-ballots" target="_self">Mississippi law</a> Monday that allows mailed ballots to be counted if they&#x27;re postmarked on or before the date of the election and received within five business days. The big picture: The justices&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ruling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1260_g3cn.pdf" data-vars-content-id="c8a98045-834b-4f4c-9825-6f0d7204f7f4" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court upholds grace period for late-arriving mail-in ballots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1260_g3cn.pdf" target="_blank">ruling</a> could protect voting in states with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="similar laws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/table-11-receipt-and-postmark-deadlines-for-absentee-mail-ballots" data-vars-content-id="c8a98045-834b-4f4c-9825-6f0d7204f7f4" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court upholds grace period for late-arriving mail-in ballots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/table-11-receipt-and-postmark-deadlines-for-absentee-mail-ballots" target="_blank">similar laws</a> this November and is sure to feed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="c8a98045-834b-4f4c-9825-6f0d7204f7f4" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court upholds grace period for late-arriving mail-in ballots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/mail-in-voting-trump-pew-poll" data-vars-content-id="c8a98045-834b-4f4c-9825-6f0d7204f7f4" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court upholds grace period for late-arriving mail-in ballots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/mail-in-voting-trump-pew-poll" target="_self">frequent</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="criticism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/18/trump-mail-in-voting-putin" data-vars-content-id="c8a98045-834b-4f4c-9825-6f0d7204f7f4" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court upholds grace period for late-arriving mail-in ballots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/18/trump-mail-in-voting-putin" target="_self">criticism</a> of voting by mail.

Small-town USA's July 4th fireworks dreams are going up in smoke

The USA's 250th birthday bash is getting expensive for local budgets.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s 250th" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/america-250-freedom-250-national-mall-white-house-drama" data-vars-content-id="a9fa569a-d3fe-488d-8461-f975c8e5eff5" data-vars-headline="Small-town USA&#x27;s July 4th fireworks dreams are going up in smoke" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/america-250-freedom-250-national-mall-white-house-drama" target="_self">America&#x27;s 250th</a> birthday is shaping up to be a red, white and blue <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fireworks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/25/heres-everything-we-know-about-dcs-massive-july-4-fireworks-show" data-vars-content-id="a9fa569a-d3fe-488d-8461-f975c8e5eff5" data-vars-headline="Small-town USA&#x27;s July 4th fireworks dreams are going up in smoke" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/25/heres-everything-we-know-about-dcs-massive-july-4-fireworks-show" target="_self">fireworks</a> bonanza — for towns that can afford it.Why it matters: As cities compete for bigger, brighter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anniversary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/07/dc-america-250-events-locals-guide" data-vars-content-id="a9fa569a-d3fe-488d-8461-f975c8e5eff5" data-vars-headline="Small-town USA&#x27;s July 4th fireworks dreams are going up in smoke" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/07/dc-america-250-events-locals-guide" target="_self">anniversary</a> displays, smaller municipalities are getting priced out — or learning there simply aren&#x27;t enough crews or equipment to go around.

Lawsuit accuses AI security company of publishing hallucinated findings

Lawsuit accuses AI company of publishing hallucinated findings

How much responsibility do cyber researchers have for the impact of their findings?

Technology

MeetingTV, an online videoconferencing and webinar startup, is suing Palo Alto Networks and recently acquired threat-intelligence firm Koi Security over a security research report that linked its infrastructure to a Chinese <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hacking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/ai-hacking-found-google-report" data-vars-content-id="c538bb24-21b9-4f0e-a465-8c2720f5b238" data-vars-headline="Lawsuit accuses AI security company of publishing hallucinated findings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/ai-hacking-found-google-report" target="_self">hacking</a> operation.Why it matters: MeetingTV alleges that a hallucinated finding is behind the mix-up — raising questions about how companies are using AI in threat intelligence and who bears responsibility for the impact of security research.

The Agenda: Sewers, roads and elections

City governments will decide how to spend taxpayer money

Politics

Your local city governments have purchases to consider at tonight&#x27;s city council meetings.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bentonville" data-vars-click-url="https://bentonvillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2098/files/agenda/8944" data-vars-content-id="e4a0c744-6f85-4459-a716-476404ce9c8d" data-vars-headline="The Agenda: Sewers, roads and elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bentonvillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2098/files/agenda/8944" target="_blank">Bentonville</a> will vote on:🚽 An amendment to a contract with Olsson increasing the payment by $977,277 for design services related to a 2026 sewer model expansion.🔌 Waiving the bidding process and spending $450,000 to reserve production slots for three future substation transformers. The city notes: &quot;the need to make this purchase is immediate,&quot; and an emergency is hereby declared.🚧 A supplemental agreement with Burns &amp; McDonnell for $267,774 to expand design work on Greenhouse Road improvements. Funding will be provided through a block grant program through the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Springdale " data-vars-click-url="https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3541/Springdale/3151c307-ee34-4c57-a908-45f8bbc03f6a/Official-City-Council-Agenda-Packet-6.23.26.pdf?disposition=inline" data-vars-content-id="e4a0c744-6f85-4459-a716-476404ce9c8d" data-vars-headline="The Agenda: Sewers, roads and elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3541/Springdale/3151c307-ee34-4c57-a908-45f8bbc03f6a/Official-City-Council-Agenda-Packet-6.23.26.pdf?disposition=inline" target="_blank">Springdale </a>will vote on:<ul><li>🗳️ Calling a Nov. 3, 2026, special election to fill the vacant Ward 2, Position 2 council seat. Candidate filing would run from noon July 29 to noon Aug. 5.</li><li>🚂 An agreement with A&amp;M Railroad for crossing gate and signal improvements tied to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sunset Avenue Extension" data-vars-click-url="https://www.springdalear.gov/page/sunset-ext" data-vars-content-id="e4a0c744-6f85-4459-a716-476404ce9c8d" data-vars-headline="The Agenda: Sewers, roads and elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.springdalear.gov/page/sunset-ext" target="_blank">Sunset Avenue Extension</a> project for up to $393,520, plus change orders of up to 10% of the original contract price.</li><li>🛠️ An agreement with Clements &amp; Associates/Architecture for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rabbit Foot Lodge Phase III" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/you-ask-we-answer/you-ask-we-investigate-the-future-of-the-rabbit-foot-lodge/" data-vars-content-id="e4a0c744-6f85-4459-a716-476404ce9c8d" data-vars-headline="The Agenda: Sewers, roads and elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/you-ask-we-answer/you-ask-we-investigate-the-future-of-the-rabbit-foot-lodge/" target="_blank">Rabbit Foot Lodge Phase III</a> restoration project. The design fee is $53,188, based on an estimated $664,854 construction budget</li></ul>If you go: 6pm at Bentonville and Springdale city halls

Monday Munchies: Betel in Springdale

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

Food and Drink

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.

Arkansas news headlines from 75 years ago

Lots of folks got in trouble around this time in 1951, per the Northwest (Fayetteville) Arkansas Times.

History

Lots of folks got in trouble around this time 75 years ago, per the June 19, 1951, edition of the Northwest (Fayetteville) Arkansas Times:🛒 Little Rock grocer H.V. Hickinbotham was arrested eight times in nine weeks for keeping his store open on Sundays in violation of an old state &quot;blue&quot; law.

National summit targets disaster gaps

In six and a half years as governor, Beshear has led Kentucky through 15 federally declared weather disasters, the pandemic and other emergencies

News

National disaster leaders gathered in Bentonville this week with a blunt message: Communities cannot keep responding to bigger, more complex crises with fragmented systems and siloed aid.Why it matters: As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disasters stack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/" data-vars-content-id="3b2c41e5-a887-4ac8-9e74-c35cdd5f7b96" data-vars-headline="National summit targets disaster gaps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/" target="_blank">disasters stack</a> up and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal disaster capacity" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/fema-staff-cuts-kristi-noem-winter-storm-fern-1b3a4ea77c6f299abda3f5046a6b24e5" data-vars-content-id="3b2c41e5-a887-4ac8-9e74-c35cdd5f7b96" data-vars-headline="National summit targets disaster gaps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/fema-staff-cuts-kristi-noem-winter-storm-fern-1b3a4ea77c6f299abda3f5046a6b24e5" target="_blank">federal disaster capacity</a> is thinner than it was before, summit speakers warn, emergency response will increasingly hinge on whether businesses, governments and nonprofits know how to work together before the next storm — or cyber attack or fire — hits.

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.

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.

Northwest Arkansas commercial real estate remains steady

The vacancy rate dropped from 7.2% to 6.3% in the second half of 2025.

Business

Northwest Arkansas&#x27; commercial real estate vacancy rate dropped slightly from 7.2% to 6.3% in the second half of 2025, according to the biannual Arvest Skyline Report released Tuesday.Why it matters: Commercial vacancy rates are an indicator of the area&#x27;s economic vitality. Low rates often signal strong demand but can drive up rents and limit space for businesses.<ul><li>Generally, rates between 5% and 10% are considered healthy, Skyline authors note in the report.</li></ul>

Higher-ed counties lead Arkansas in AI usage

Washington County had an estimated 45.2% AI user share, the highest in Arkansas.

Northwest Arkansas is the state&#x27;s top AI adoption hot spot, according to recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="county-level data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/topics/ai-economy-institute/reports/us-ai-adoption-2026-q1/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslogin&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="c478e9fc-363c-4855-8ab6-d019a5d996aa" data-vars-headline="Higher-ed counties lead Arkansas in AI usage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/topics/ai-economy-institute/reports/us-ai-adoption-2026-q1/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslogin&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">county-level data</a> from Microsoft&#x27;s AI Economy Institute.Why it matters: Microsoft says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="c478e9fc-363c-4855-8ab6-d019a5d996aa" data-vars-headline="Higher-ed counties lead Arkansas in AI usage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">AI</a> adoption is spreading quickly but unevenly, with higher use in metro areas, college towns and counties with more knowledge-based jobs. The divide could shape who benefits first from the next wave of workplace technology.

Arkansas sees improvements in kids' well-being but still lags

Arkansas ranked No. 43 in the U.S. in the latest annual report.

Arkansas remains <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="near the bottom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/06/09/arkansas-child-wellbeing-report" data-vars-content-id="b386b9df-0951-4b73-a9df-cb8af440e4f5" data-vars-headline="Arkansas sees improvements in kids&#x27; well-being but still 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/2025/06/09/arkansas-child-wellbeing-report" target="_self">near the bottom</a> nationally for child well-being, with health outcomes driving some of the state&#x27;s worst marks in the 2026 Kids Count Data Book.The big picture: The annual report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation tracks 16 indicators across poverty, education, health and family conditions, all of which signal how prepared children are to learn, stay healthy and eventually enter the workforce.

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: 4 great Northwest Arkansas burgers

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

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

Your Northwest Arkansas Pride guide

Northwest Arkansas Pride Weekend starts with a Trans March pre-rally.

Things to Do

Pride Month is drawing to a close, but there&#x27;s still plenty happening if you want to celebrate and advocate for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LGBTQ+ community" data-vars-click-url="https://nwapride.org/pride-events/" data-vars-content-id="011a9f5c-4c2a-4450-ac00-1bc2356238e6" data-vars-headline="Your Northwest Arkansas Pride guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nwapride.org/pride-events/" target="_blank">LGBTQ+ community</a>.Here&#x27;s how to take part.

The South is escaping America's youth implosion

Meanwhile, the U.S. is running out of children

America&#x27;s child population fell by 1.8 million from 2020 to 2025 — with the under-18 population shrinking in every region but the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/30/tennessee-population-growing-faster-than-nation" data-vars-content-id="e4bbc5f1-7f3a-4b0a-aae3-2da6fb46833d" data-vars-headline="The South is escaping America&#x27;s youth implosion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/30/tennessee-population-growing-faster-than-nation" target="_self">South</a>.Why it matters: Most of America is preparing for fewer students and young families, while the South faces the opposite problem: crowded classrooms, new housing pressure and rising political stakes.

Whole Health Institute looks to grow residencies

Many Arkansas-trained physicians leave the state for their residency, lowering the odds they return to practice here.

Health

Arkansas is training more doctors than it can keep.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="physician shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/03/12/nwa-gain-residency-slots-doctors-specialty" data-vars-content-id="f5d7568e-24da-45df-bfa3-d946a827c002" data-vars-headline="Whole Health Institute looks to grow residencies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/03/12/nwa-gain-residency-slots-doctors-specialty" target="_self">physician shortage</a> is already straining access to care, especially in rural communities, and the bottleneck is about to get tighter as Bentonville&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alice L. Walton School of Medicine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/07/21/alice-walton-medical-school-opens-bentonville" data-vars-content-id="f5d7568e-24da-45df-bfa3-d946a827c002" data-vars-headline="Whole Health Institute looks to grow residencies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/07/21/alice-walton-medical-school-opens-bentonville" target="_self">Alice L. Walton School of Medicine</a> begins graduating about 48 students a year in 2029.

Arkansas sues Roblox and Discord over child safety

The complaint says Roblox and Discord violated Arkansas public nuisance law.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin filed a lawsuit against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roblox" data-vars-click-url="https://www.roblox.com/home" data-vars-content-id="87920e1e-5ddd-4365-a4ce-8c56f47fff80" data-vars-headline="Arkansas sues Roblox and Discord over child safety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.roblox.com/home" target="_blank">Roblox</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Discord" data-vars-click-url="https://discord.com/" data-vars-content-id="87920e1e-5ddd-4365-a4ce-8c56f47fff80" data-vars-headline="Arkansas sues Roblox and Discord over child safety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://discord.com/" target="_blank">Discord</a> earlier this month, saying the companies designed products that helped predators target children.Why it matters: The suit takes aim at two popular online platforms used by kids and teens, arguing their design choices created a pipeline for grooming, sextortion and sexual abuse while misleading parents about safety.

Bentonville is Arkansas' best place to bike

This year's ratings use a stricter methodology tied to the 2025 NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide.

Sports

Bentonville, the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mountain Bike Capital of the World" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxnews.com/video/6398071944112" data-vars-content-id="38b38487-b356-417b-bcc6-7103d39b2dd5" data-vars-headline="Bentonville is Arkansas&#x27; best place to bike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxnews.com/video/6398071944112" target="_blank">Mountain Bike Capital of the World</a>,&quot; climbed to Arkansas&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No. 1 spot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/07/17/northwest-arkansas-cities-ranked-on-best-places-to-bike-list" data-vars-content-id="38b38487-b356-417b-bcc6-7103d39b2dd5" data-vars-headline="Bentonville is Arkansas&#x27; best place to bike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/07/17/northwest-arkansas-cities-ranked-on-best-places-to-bike-list" target="_self">No. 1 spot</a> on PeopleForBikes&#x27; annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best place to bike" data-vars-click-url="https://cityratings.peopleforbikes.org/" data-vars-content-id="38b38487-b356-417b-bcc6-7103d39b2dd5" data-vars-headline="Bentonville is Arkansas&#x27; best place to bike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cityratings.peopleforbikes.org/" target="_blank">best place to bike</a> list, but NWA has ground to cover under a tougher new national standard.Why it matters: The rankings track whether people can realistically use bikes for everyday transportation, not just as recreation.<ul><li>There are more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="200 miles" data-vars-click-url="https://findingnwa.com/areas-of-interest/bike-cycling/" data-vars-content-id="38b38487-b356-417b-bcc6-7103d39b2dd5" data-vars-headline="Bentonville is Arkansas&#x27; best place to bike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://findingnwa.com/areas-of-interest/bike-cycling/" target="_blank">200 miles</a> of paved trails in NWA, and local governments have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spent heavily on trail connections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2022/04/02/nwa-trail-system-expansion-greenway-connectivity?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="38b38487-b356-417b-bcc6-7103d39b2dd5" data-vars-headline="Bentonville is Arkansas&#x27; best place to bike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2022/04/02/nwa-trail-system-expansion-greenway-connectivity?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_self">spent heavily on trail connections</a> and bike infrastructure for years.</li></ul>

Experience Fayetteville opens its tourism playbook

The plan is organized around Fayetteville's 10-year Destination Master Plan, a roadmap for sustainable tourism growth.

Experience Fayetteville for the first time this week is making its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marketing and sales plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28266711-2026-marketing-and-sales-plan-presentation-1/" data-vars-content-id="b34ab462-ae01-4093-af33-14bf72606977" data-vars-headline="Experience Fayetteville opens its tourism playbook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28266711-2026-marketing-and-sales-plan-presentation-1/" target="_blank">marketing and sales plan</a> public, a move meant to make the city&#x27;s tourism strategy more transparent.Why it matters: Experience Fayetteville is funded by half of Fayetteville&#x27;s 2% hotel, motel and restaurant tax — more than $5 million in recent years — and overseen by the city&#x27;s Advertising and Promotion Commission.

Arkansas' main May tax drivers

Individual income tax collections were nearly 13 times corporate collections in May.

Arkansas collected about $316 million in sales and use taxes in May, outpacing $254.1 million in individual income taxes and $19.9 million in corporate income taxes.Why it matters: May shows a more typical post-tax-deadline pattern after April&#x27;s income tax surge, when individual collections spiked to nearly $597 million.

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>

Applications to open for $7M in e-bike vouchers

The Arkansas Tri-Region E-Bike Incentive Program will distribute at least 5,844 vouchers.

A $7 million subsidy program aiming to drive electric bicycles beyond recreation and into everyday transportation for three of the state&#x27;s largest metros will launch in July.The big picture: The goal is to give residents more transportation choices in a region with long distances between cities, challenging topography, and a growing active-transportation network, Tim Conklin, executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission (NWARPC), tells Axios.

What to know about the Bentonville Film Festival

The 12th annual festival runs Tuesday-Sunday, with tickets and passes on sale now.

The Bentonville Film Festival <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="returns this week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/05/14/bentonville-film-festival-reveals-lineup-and-stars" data-vars-content-id="ddd64ab2-6cdd-4117-ac25-8cafb4f001a7" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Bentonville Film Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/05/14/bentonville-film-festival-reveals-lineup-and-stars" target="_self">returns this week</a> with a mix of celebrity events, competition films, free outdoor screenings and family programming.The big picture: Chaired by Geena Davis, the festival focuses on work by women, nonbinary people, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and people with diverse body types.<ul><li>It&#x27;s become one of Northwest Arkansas&#x27; most visible entertainment events.</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.

Your weekend plans: Crystal Bridges, festivals

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art expansion opens to the public this weekend.

Have a great weekend, NWA.😎 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bentonville First Friday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1434668158169181" data-vars-content-id="9fc86eb0-f1c1-4447-91cf-c944d2b72d75" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Crystal Bridges, festivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1434668158169181" target="_blank">Bentonville First Friday</a> — Enjoy live music and vendors at this free festival on the downtown square from 3-9pm today.

Crystal Bridges unveils major museum expansion

The museum has a 114,000-square-foot addition.

Nearly 15 years after Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art opened, the museum that put Bentonville on the map for arts and culture destinations has majorly expanded.Why it matters: The museum&#x27;s permanent collection has always been free to visit, and leaders and its architect say they wanted to bring in even more people with a 114,000-square-foot addition of galleries, learning space and room for public gatherings.

Crystal Bridges adds to collection ahead of expansion

The expansion is set to open to the public June 6.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is expanding its craft collection ahead of its expansion set to debut next month.State of play: The museum has acquired about 140 works from about 60 artists in ceramics, glass, fiber, metal and wood, according to a news release from the museum.

Fayetteville sued over Swarm Aero NDA

Swarm announced its 80,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing center adjacent to Drake Field and said its Arkansas operations could produce thousands of UAVs.

A Fayetteville resident is asking a judge to force the city to look harder for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="missing nondisclosure agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/04/02/arkansas-drone-deal-sparks-ethical-and-safety-concerns" data-vars-content-id="b990ad52-a820-4c53-b308-dd7d05194d62" data-vars-headline="Fayetteville sued over Swarm Aero NDA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/04/02/arkansas-drone-deal-sparks-ethical-and-safety-concerns" target="_self">missing nondisclosure agreement</a> tied to drone maker Swarm Aero.Why it matters: The lawsuit raises questions about whether the city has fully disclosed records tied to a major economic development project with a defense contractor dating back to November 2023.

Key takeaways from Walmart Associates Week

Walmart leaders highlighted the company's plans to increase its use of AI and technology.

Walmart leaders highlighted the company&#x27;s plans to increase its use of AI and technology at Walmart Associates Week, its annual Northwest Arkansas gathering of employees from all over the world.🍌 A new scanning tool at self-checkout will recognize produce and prompt customers to confirm what it is and how many there are. Previously, customers had to scan a barcode or look up the item and then weigh it.

Walmart adds restaurant delivery

Some shoppers can now order Subway meals from their local Walmart.

Some shoppers can now order Subway meals from their local Walmart through Walmart&#x27;s website and app.Why it matters: The company wants to make it convenient for shoppers to order their groceries or other items alongside a prepared meal, Walmart eCommerce executives Greg Cathey and Tracy Poulliot told reporters on Thursday during Associates Week.

Walmart announces disaster relief boost

Walmart is donating $10.8 million to an organization it works with on disaster relief efforts.Why it matters: The money will help Ohio-based Matthew 25: Ministries purchase seven new trailers where people affected by disaster can use the restroom and shower and have their laundry done. The organization currently has three vehicles that can offer such services, Ben Williams of Matthew 25: Ministries told Axios.

NWA wedding costs trail U.S. average

The national average cost of a wedding is $32,899.

Money

Wedding season is here, and so is the bill.💰 The big picture: The average wedding in NWA cost about $27,900 last year, lower than the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national average" data-vars-click-url="https://wedding.report/action/wedding_statistics/view/market/id/00/idtype/s/location/United_States/" data-vars-content-id="26a68d6c-4468-4ce4-a424-4067d8c64bb8" data-vars-headline="NWA wedding costs trail U.S. average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wedding.report/action/wedding_statistics/view/market/id/00/idtype/s/location/United_States/" target="_blank">national average</a> of about $32,900, per wedding industry research firm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Wedding Report" data-vars-click-url="https://wedding.report/action/wedding_statistics/view/market/id/22220/idtype/m/location/Fayetteville_Springdale_Rogers__AR_MO/" data-vars-content-id="26a68d6c-4468-4ce4-a424-4067d8c64bb8" data-vars-headline="NWA wedding costs trail U.S. average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wedding.report/action/wedding_statistics/view/market/id/22220/idtype/m/location/Fayetteville_Springdale_Rogers__AR_MO/" target="_blank">The Wedding Report</a>.

Fayetteville to weigh data center regulations

Council is expected to consider tougher rules requiring Planning Commission approval on future data centers.

Fayetteville City Council is expected to consider next week tougher rules that would require Planning Commission approval on future data centers, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fayetteville Flyer reports" data-vars-click-url="https://fayettevilleflyer.com/2026/06/09/fayetteville-council-eyes-further-regulations-in-light-of-data-center-surge/" data-vars-content-id="548e198d-b3a7-4bf6-a5a6-ac401333f7f6" data-vars-headline="Fayetteville to weigh data center regulations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fayettevilleflyer.com/2026/06/09/fayetteville-council-eyes-further-regulations-in-light-of-data-center-surge/" target="_blank">Fayetteville Flyer reports</a>.Why it matters: Arkansas has made itself <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attractive" data-vars-click-url="https://senate.arkansas.gov/senate-news/posts/2025/05/legislature-approves-package-of-economic-development-bills/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="548e198d-b3a7-4bf6-a5a6-ac401333f7f6" data-vars-headline="Fayetteville to weigh data center regulations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://senate.arkansas.gov/senate-news/posts/2025/05/legislature-approves-package-of-economic-development-bills/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">attractive</a> to data centers through tax incentives and utility law changes, seeing them as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.arkansasedc.com/news-events/newsroom/detail/2026/01/12/avaio-digital-announces-new-large-scale-ai-ready-data-center-and-power-campus-in-little-rock--arkansas?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="548e198d-b3a7-4bf6-a5a6-ac401333f7f6" data-vars-headline="Fayetteville to weigh data center regulations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arkansasedc.com/news-events/newsroom/detail/2026/01/12/avaio-digital-announces-new-large-scale-ai-ready-data-center-and-power-campus-in-little-rock--arkansas?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">economic development</a> prizes.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cities and counties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock-approves-data-center-ordinance/91-cebdc637-89c4-421f-a57a-67205038c61a" data-vars-content-id="548e198d-b3a7-4bf6-a5a6-ac401333f7f6" data-vars-headline="Fayetteville to weigh data center regulations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock-approves-data-center-ordinance/91-cebdc637-89c4-421f-a57a-67205038c61a" target="_blank">Cities and counties</a> are meanwhile trying to protect utility customers, water supplies and local control.</li></ul>

Charted: Arkansas' tax on 'sin'

Fiscal year totals for alcohol were about $60.5 million, but tobacco was more than double: about $148.2 million

Taxes collected on tobacco and alcohol sales account for less than 3% of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$7.13 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-nw-arkansas-01cccf80-4e3c-11f1-9cd2-6356b11cc255.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_nw_arkansas&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="a990492e-3842-4867-902e-374bf189bcf1" data-vars-headline="Charted: Arkansas&#x27; tax on &#x27;sin&#x27;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-nw-arkansas-01cccf80-4e3c-11f1-9cd2-6356b11cc255.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_nw_arkansas&amp;stream=top" target="_self">$7.13 billion</a> in gross general revenue collected in Arkansas during the first 10 months of fiscal 2026, almost $209 million.The big picture: The state&#x27;s &quot;sin taxes&quot; could be — what we&#x27;ve heard some CFOs describe it — a rounding error.

Arkansas' split-screen rankings reality

The state ranks well on some measures, but poorly on others, including health and wages.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="touted" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/SarahHuckabee/status/2042378027439456661" data-vars-content-id="884f28d3-1a41-45dd-b6ce-d96c8a8d842a" data-vars-headline="Arkansas&#x27; split-screen rankings reality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/SarahHuckabee/status/2042378027439456661" target="_blank">touted</a> a run of No. 1 rankings for Arkansas, saying: &quot;We are blessed by God to live in the best state, in the best country, in the history of the world.&quot; But it&#x27;s only part of the picture.The big picture: Broad claims about where Arkansas stands nationally depend heavily on which metrics are used. The state ranks well on some measures, but poorly on others, including health and wages.

Bipartisan panel highlights maternal health needs

The reported U.S. maternal death rate doubled over 20 years, and more than 80% of those deaths were preventable.

Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Maryland&#x27;s Democratic governor and the Crystal Bridges museum&#x27;s chair on NBC&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meet the Press" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbc.com/meet-the-press/video/it-has-to-be-bipartisan-governors-find-solutions-on-maternal-health/NBCN071301594" data-vars-content-id="c3a1a580-45f6-4b24-8d0c-5a1f720834bb" data-vars-headline="Bipartisan panel highlights maternal health needs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbc.com/meet-the-press/video/it-has-to-be-bipartisan-governors-find-solutions-on-maternal-health/NBCN071301594" target="_blank">Meet the Press</a>&quot; on Mother&#x27;s Day to talk about maternal health.The big picture: The maternal health issue is a rare area of bipartisan agreement. Answers include earlier maternal health care, better <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="postpartum support" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/04/13/mental-health-maternal-mortality-data-gap-arkansas" data-vars-content-id="c3a1a580-45f6-4b24-8d0c-5a1f720834bb" data-vars-headline="Bipartisan panel highlights maternal health needs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/04/13/mental-health-maternal-mortality-data-gap-arkansas" target="_self">postpartum support</a>, and more locally rooted systems to help people navigate pregnancy and birth, the panelists said.

Amy Coney Barrett talks Constitution in Bentonville

The Supreme Court justice is part of a speaker series on the Crystal Bridges campus.

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett discussed her views on the high court&#x27;s role during a talk Saturday night at Heartland Whole Health Institute on the Crystal Bridges campus in Bentonville.What they&#x27;re saying: Barrett, who was appointed by President Trump in 2020, said she views the Constitution as a foundational document and herself bound to apply its texts, describing it as a &quot;bare bones&quot; document that leaves much up to the democratic process.

Gov. Sanders signs income tax cuts into law

Homeowners will be eligible for a tax credit of $675, up from $600.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders lowered the income tax rate Wednesday for the fourth time since she took office and ceremonially signed a bill to increase the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homestead property tax credit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/arkansas-assessment-coordination-division/real-property/property-tax-relief/" data-vars-content-id="dbb0ebc1-d923-4b2f-93f9-e18df154c5b3" data-vars-headline="Gov. Sanders signs income tax cuts into law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/arkansas-assessment-coordination-division/real-property/property-tax-relief/" target="_blank">homestead property tax credit</a> by $75.How it works: For individuals, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FBills%2F2026S1%2FPublic%2FSB1.pdf" data-vars-content-id="dbb0ebc1-d923-4b2f-93f9-e18df154c5b3" data-vars-headline="Gov. Sanders signs income tax cuts into law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FBills%2F2026S1%2FPublic%2FSB1.pdf" target="_blank">new law</a> keeps a graduated structure, with lower-income brackets taxed from 0% to 3.7% and a bracket adjustment for taxpayers with net income between $94,701 and $97,600.

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