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

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National

Buttigieg gambles on a different path for 2028

Politics & Policy

5-year probe by a journalistic nonprofit: "Dirty secret behind the farmed fish you eat"

Business

Here's why you might be getting a $90 check from Social Security

Exclusive: Anthropic breaches spark White House AI reporting mandate

Delta expects fuel bill to rise $6 billion this year

McCollum still in jail with increased bond

McCollum has been arrested twice in the past two months.

Politics

Former state representative and presumed incoming Benton County Judge Austin McCollum remained in the county jail Monday with an increased bond and stricter rules if he is released.Why it matters: He&#x27;s set to take the chief executive office of the county in January as the only candidate, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="despite calls for him to step aside" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/09/09/benton-county-judge-mccollum-moehring?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_nw_arkansas&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="a122c8fb-562b-4981-9e89-d7176e8ea9de" data-vars-headline="McCollum still in jail with increased bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/09/09/benton-county-judge-mccollum-moehring?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_nw_arkansas&amp;stream=top" target="_self">despite calls for him to step aside</a>.

Monday Munchies: The Purple Cow

The burger was cooked well and had the flavor of a patty that was made in-house, not at some faraway food factory.

Things to Do

Purple milkshakes don&#x27;t come from cows on a steady diet of lavender.<ul><li>It&#x27;s simply food dye for a gimmick that dates back to 1989, when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Purple Cow" data-vars-click-url="https://ilovepurplecow.com/" data-vars-content-id="9119f7ed-a190-49df-8ba4-ebaf63fcb93d" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: The Purple Cow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ilovepurplecow.com/" target="_blank">The Purple Cow</a> first opened in Little Rock.</li></ul>The latest: The 1950s-style diner expanded in recent years — say, the last 20 or so — through central Arkansas and finally opened in Rogers this March.

Haunted houses, pop-up bars and Halloween events in NWA

NWA has plenty of events, haunted experiences and places to get a spooky drink.

Halloween is fast approaching, and NWA has plenty of events, haunted experiences and places to get a spooky drink.Here are some of our picks.

Grants to boost trades in Arkansas

News

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.

Monday Munchies: Theatrical ramen

We went to one of the "stages" at Bentoville.

Food and Drink

One of Northwest Arkansas&#x27; most novel food experiences <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened" 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="c86ec3a9-9a8f-4d66-abbe-ffec5bfe5bf4" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Theatrical ramen" 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">opened</a> this year, and I got a ticket for some ramen.🍱 Catch up quick: After <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="offering bento boxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/12/07/bentoville-bento-boxes-bentonville" data-vars-content-id="c86ec3a9-9a8f-4d66-abbe-ffec5bfe5bf4" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Theatrical ramen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/12/07/bentoville-bento-boxes-bentonville" target="_self">offering bento boxes</a> without a brick-and-mortar restaurant for a few years, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bentoville Food Theater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bentoville.com/" data-vars-content-id="c86ec3a9-9a8f-4d66-abbe-ffec5bfe5bf4" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Theatrical ramen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bentoville.com/" target="_blank">Bentoville Food Theater</a> now shares a space with a newly expanded Onyx Coffee Lab in the spot formerly home to Pressroom in downtown Bentonville.

Monday Munchies: Top shelf tacos in Springdale

There is no official menu. Whoever hosts you at the door will recite what's on offer.

I don&#x27;t think it&#x27;s an exaggeration to say these are the best tacos I&#x27;ve ever eaten.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;So, I thought I might be overreacting the day we were there, but now I don&#x27;t think so,&quot; a buddy wrote to me in a text.<ul><li>&quot;My thought remains … there are lots of places that serve tacos. And there is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Los Cuatro Hermanos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/los_cuatro_hermanosnwa/" data-vars-content-id="317dcd30-61ae-4889-8e41-a344e3efab58" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Top shelf tacos in Springdale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/los_cuatro_hermanosnwa/" target="_blank">Los Cuatro Hermanos</a>. They serve TACOS.&quot;</li></ul>

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.

Walton-backed STEM university breaks ground

It will be called the Bentonville Institute of Technology.

Education

Bentonville&#x27;s planned private STEM university broke ground Friday on land that was formerly home to the Walmart headquarters.Why it matters: The Bentonville Institute of Technology is a major investment for the future of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and for development in the region.

Grant boosts Dolly Parton's literacy program in NWA

The Imagination Library received $60,000.

A $60,000 grant will help establish long-term support for Dolly Parton&#x27;s Imagination Library in Benton and Washington counties.Why it matters: The investment will help the Arkansas Imagination Library sustain monthly book delivery for children while building the capacity to reach more families in the region, according to a news release.

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:

Nonprofit launches maternal health data tool

The Maternal Resiliency Index is designed to help policy makers.

Bentonville-based Heartland Forward recently launched a beta version of the Maternal Resiliency Index, an interactive online tool.Why it matters: Policymakers can use the tool to examine maternal health statistics by county and estimate how policy changes could affect outcomes, Rachel Morrow, director of the Maternal and Child Health Center for Policy and Practice, told Axios.

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>.

Nonprofit opens second attainable housing project

Development

The nonprofit behind the recently opened affordable Bentonville housing development that includes school employees just opened another housing project in Rogers.State of play: Excellerate Foundation&#x27;s new housing project, Walnut Commons, is a 60-unit apartment complex with one-, two- and three-bedroom units for people who make under 60% of the area median income, which is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="roughly $64,000" data-vars-click-url="https://ami-lookup-tool.fanniemae.com/amilookuptool/" data-vars-content-id="f0ccd703-5cf6-4519-9e13-f2b618e2e5c0" data-vars-headline="Nonprofit opens second attainable housing project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ami-lookup-tool.fanniemae.com/amilookuptool/" target="_blank">roughly $64,000</a>, spokesperson Ali Johnson told Axios.<ul><li>The monthly rent for the apartments is $400-$900, Johnson said.</li></ul>

$55M bond issue on ballot for Siloam Springs

The city is asking for a sales tax to cover wastewater improvements.

Siloam Springs voters will decide in November whether they want a 0.625% sales tax to pay for $55 million in wastewater improvements.Why it matters: The city needs to upgrade and repair its wastewater treatment plant and replace some pipes with larger ones. Some of the work is needed to meet updated environmental requirements, Siloam Springs finance director Christina Petriches and public works director Josh Napier told Axios.

The Agenda: License plate readers on Fayetteville's radar

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fayetteville City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://fayettevillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1642/overview" data-vars-content-id="8d89acd9-1789-4422-8510-65dbbbe72675" data-vars-headline="The Agenda: License plate readers on Fayetteville&#x27;s radar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fayettevillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1642/overview" target="_blank">Fayetteville City Council</a> meets tonight and will take up:📸 Prohibiting the use of city funds or property for automated license plate readers like Flock cameras.

Arkansas will receive $10 million for maternal health

Olivia Walton announced her nonprofit will give $10M to Arkansas and $10M to Kentucky.

Health

A nonprofit c0-founded by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art chairperson Olivia Walton <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="will give $10 million to improve maternal health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/10/01/3373371/0/en/healthy-moms-healthy-babies-america-hmhba-announces-20-million-in-state-grants-for-arkansas-and-kentucky.html" data-vars-content-id="20c41aab-28f5-4f69-a8d2-21ac5b67bf15" data-vars-headline="Arkansas will receive $10 million for maternal health" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/10/01/3373371/0/en/healthy-moms-healthy-babies-america-hmhba-announces-20-million-in-state-grants-for-arkansas-and-kentucky.html" target="_blank">will give $10 million to improve maternal health</a> in Arkansas.Why it matters: The state has some of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s worst outcomes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/03/31/heartland-forward-targets-maternal-mortality-but-arkansas-lags" data-vars-content-id="20c41aab-28f5-4f69-a8d2-21ac5b67bf15" data-vars-headline="Arkansas will receive $10 million for maternal health" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/03/31/heartland-forward-targets-maternal-mortality-but-arkansas-lags" target="_self">nation&#x27;s worst outcomes</a>, including high mortality rates, for new moms and babies.

Donation expands free offerings at Crystal Bridges

Temporary exhibitions are free for people 25 and younger.

Temporary exhibitions at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art are now free for people 25 and younger.State of play: A $15 million gift from the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation is raising the age limit for free admission, museum senior director Jill Wagar told Axios in an email through a spokesperson.

Your weekend plans: Motorcycles and salsa

Enjoy the first weekend of October.🏍️ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bikes, Blues &amp; BBQ" data-vars-click-url="https://bikesbluesandbbq.org/" data-vars-content-id="12f18a45-4b8b-46c5-82b5-f9f83b3bf838" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Motorcycles and salsa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bikesbluesandbbq.org/" target="_blank">Bikes, Blues &amp; BBQ</a> — They&#x27;re baaaaack. This year&#x27;s motorcycle rally continues through Saturday night with live music, food and vendors with events in downtown Rogers, Pig Trail Harley Davidson in Rogers and spots in Eureka Springs. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="See the full schedule" data-vars-click-url="https://bikesbluesandbbq.org/event-schedule/" data-vars-content-id="12f18a45-4b8b-46c5-82b5-f9f83b3bf838" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Motorcycles and salsa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bikesbluesandbbq.org/event-schedule/" target="_blank">See the full schedule</a>.

Monday Munchies: AQ Chicken House

A beloved restaurant that went out of business is back under new ownership.

The good news/bad news situation: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beloved restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/07/24/springdale-aq-chicken-house-investors" data-vars-content-id="93866a36-d0df-4518-aea0-1b89dd9a2f2b" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: AQ Chicken House" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/07/24/springdale-aq-chicken-house-investors" target="_self">beloved restaurant</a> that went out of business is back under new ownership.<ul><li>But it&#x27;s only good if the new version of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AQ Chicken House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aqchicken.com/" data-vars-content-id="93866a36-d0df-4518-aea0-1b89dd9a2f2b" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: AQ Chicken House" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aqchicken.com/" target="_blank">AQ Chicken House</a> is like the original, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dates back to 1947" data-vars-click-url="https://aymag.com/aq-chicken-house-new-chapter/" data-vars-content-id="93866a36-d0df-4518-aea0-1b89dd9a2f2b" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: AQ Chicken House" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://aymag.com/aq-chicken-house-new-chapter/" target="_blank">dates back to 1947</a>; it&#x27;s bad if they don&#x27;t pull it off. </li></ul>

Your weekend plans: Golf, fair, books

Make it a good weekend.🏌️‍♀️ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ladies Professional Golf Association Walmart NW Arkansas Championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lpga.com/tournaments/walmartnwarkansaschampionshippresentedbypg/overview" data-vars-content-id="2f7160fb-9dca-4ca5-a650-627fb24c7cbc" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Golf, fair, books" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lpga.com/tournaments/walmartnwarkansaschampionshippresentedbypg/overview" target="_blank">Ladies Professional Golf Association Walmart NW Arkansas Championship</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BITE NWA" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47574846.5105/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaXRlbndhLmNvbS8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9ud19hcmthbnNhcyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/6086302c5fff7145e15f7ce8Bb8118bee" data-vars-content-id="2f7160fb-9dca-4ca5-a650-627fb24c7cbc" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Golf, fair, books" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47574846.5105/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaXRlbndhLmNvbS8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9ud19hcmthbnNhcyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/6086302c5fff7145e15f7ce8Bb8118bee" target="_self">BITE NWA</a> — The golf championship and food festival are happening all weekend at the Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Bentonville

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Axios Social Club is bringing readers together for dinner to downtown Bentonville on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Northwest Arkansas is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Your NWA fall events guide

We've got a food festival, a book market, motorcycles and more.

Mark your calendars for some of Northwest Arkansas&#x27; biggest fall events.🌮 Sept. 25-27: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BITE NWA" data-vars-click-url="https://bitenwa.com/" data-vars-content-id="6fc293d9-ccb7-4d69-aa1c-8c63afeb110d" data-vars-headline="Your NWA fall events guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bitenwa.com/" target="_blank">BITE NWA</a> — This food festival takes place in conjunction with the Ladies Professional Golf Association Walmart NW Arkansas Championship at the Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Get tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://bitenwa.com/tickets" data-vars-content-id="6fc293d9-ccb7-4d69-aa1c-8c63afeb110d" data-vars-headline="Your NWA fall events guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bitenwa.com/tickets" target="_blank">Get tickets</a>.

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 housing-permit rates ranks among top nationally

The housing supply cooled prices, but at the same time, higher mortgage rates slowed residential construction nationally.

Northwest Arkansas permitted new housing at one of the fastest rates in the country in the past year, a small indicator the region is on track to reach <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1 million residents by 2050" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/04/02/northwest-arkansas-population-million" data-vars-content-id="8e88ebba-29c2-42e2-b251-ff69150c375d" data-vars-headline="NWA housing-permit rates ranks among top nationally" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/04/02/northwest-arkansas-population-million" target="_self">1 million residents by 2050</a>.Why it matters: More supply has helped <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="slow home-price" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/21/report-real-estate-inventory-stabilizes-pricing" data-vars-content-id="8e88ebba-29c2-42e2-b251-ff69150c375d" data-vars-headline="NWA housing-permit rates ranks among top nationally" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/21/report-real-estate-inventory-stabilizes-pricing" target="_self">slow home-price</a> growth and shift leverage toward buyers.

How Trump's tariffs hit in Arkansas

Arkansas importers paid an estimated $1 billion in Trump tariffs through June.

States bear wildly different estimated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tariff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/economy/tariffs" data-vars-content-id="cfe14e67-af89-4812-80f7-150ebda2d4d8" data-vars-headline="How Trump&#x27;s tariffs hit in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/economy/tariffs" target="_self">tariff</a> burdens from President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="cfe14e67-af89-4812-80f7-150ebda2d4d8" data-vars-headline="How Trump&#x27;s tariffs hit in Arkansas" 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">Trump&#x27;s</a> trade actions since the start of 2025, from California&#x27;s<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" $62.8 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://tariffs.org/" data-vars-content-id="cfe14e67-af89-4812-80f7-150ebda2d4d8" data-vars-headline="How Trump&#x27;s tariffs hit in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tariffs.org/" target="_blank"> $62.8 billion</a> share to Wyoming&#x27;s $107 million.Why it matters: Local industries dictate how and how hard communities have been hit, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/07/11/michigan-trump-tariff-costs" data-vars-content-id="cfe14e67-af89-4812-80f7-150ebda2d4d8" data-vars-headline="How Trump&#x27;s tariffs hit in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/07/11/michigan-trump-tariff-costs" target="_self">Michigan&#x27;s</a> auto industry to Virginia&#x27;s aerospace sector.

Entergy loses bid to block Google deal reporting

A federal judge denied a request to block news outlets from publishing more details about a data center deal.

A federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="judge denied" data-vars-click-url="https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/sep/02/federal-judge-denies-entergy-arkansas-request-for/?lid=0fvn355myp4n&amp;utm_source=id&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=breaking_adg&amp;utm_content=2026-09-02" data-vars-content-id="3df91ed5-2522-4a49-90ba-72300f04ef39" data-vars-headline="Entergy loses bid to block Google deal reporting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/sep/02/federal-judge-denies-entergy-arkansas-request-for/?lid=0fvn355myp4n&amp;utm_source=id&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=breaking_adg&amp;utm_content=2026-09-02" target="_blank">judge denied</a> Entergy Arkansas&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="request to block" data-vars-click-url="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2026/09/02/judge-denies-effort-to-block-arkansas-outlets-from-publishing-details-about-data-center-agreement/" data-vars-content-id="3df91ed5-2522-4a49-90ba-72300f04ef39" data-vars-headline="Entergy loses bid to block Google deal reporting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2026/09/02/judge-denies-effort-to-block-arkansas-outlets-from-publishing-details-about-data-center-agreement/" target="_blank">request to block</a> the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Arkansas Times from publishing more details about its Google <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center deal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/09/01/google-pay-716-million-data-center-power" data-vars-content-id="3df91ed5-2522-4a49-90ba-72300f04ef39" data-vars-headline="Entergy loses bid to block Google deal reporting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/09/01/google-pay-716-million-data-center-power" target="_self">data center deal</a>.Why it matters: The ruling reinforces a high legal bar for companies seeking to stop news organizations from publishing government records they say were mistakenly released.

Free training prepares restaurant workers

Grant-funded programs through Brightwater seek to prepare students for the workforce.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College&#x27;s culinary school is offering programs aimed at quickly training up people for restaurant jobs — for free.Why it matters: Northwest Arkansas has hundreds of available restaurant jobs at any given time, and these eight-week programs are designed to quickly train people for the workforce, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brightwater" data-vars-click-url="https://brightwater.nwacc.edu/index.html" data-vars-content-id="209d3be8-f1aa-4ad3-9046-cd755d73df9e" data-vars-headline="Free training prepares restaurant workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://brightwater.nwacc.edu/index.html" target="_blank">Brightwater</a> executive director Marshall Shafkowitz told Axios.

Democratic candidate Dana Deree runs for Washington County judge

Voters will choose between Deree and Republican candidate Tim Shepard.

Washington County Judge Democratic candidate Dana Deree emphasized practical solutions and told Axios he&#x27;s running in part because he feels for vulnerable and working people.Case in point: Deree wants to reinstate the Justice Coordination Committee, which has been defunct since 2023, on Day 1 to bring together criminal justice entities and stakeholders to come up with recommendations.

Republican candidate Tim Shepard runs for Washington County judge

Voters will choose between Shepard and Democratic candidate Dana Deree.

Election

Washington County Judge Republican candidate Tim Shepard emphasized partnerships with community organizations in light of the county&#x27;s limited budget, saying he won&#x27;t raise taxes.Case in point: The county needs to work better with local organizations like the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission to help get state and federal grants for infrastructure like roads, Shepard told Axios.

What's in the $457 million Rogers bond issue

The city is asking voters to extend a 1% sales tax to afford a range of projects.

Rogers voters will decide in November whether to extend an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="existing 1% sales tax to pay for a range of projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rogersar.gov/1601/2026-Bond-Issue" data-vars-content-id="14deb629-12a5-4206-8bff-6eef55ee5e5b" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s in the $457 million Rogers bond issue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rogersar.gov/1601/2026-Bond-Issue" target="_blank">existing 1% sales tax to pay for a range of projects</a>.The big picture: The city is asking for a considerable amount on the front end to afford construction projects, street maintenance and equipment.

Democratic candidate Hallie Shoffner challenges Sen. Tom Cotton

Shoffner wants to write farm policy that incentivizes a diverse crop industry.

U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Hallie Shoffner is focusing on the cost of living and agriculture, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stating the decision to close her family farm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hallieshoffner.com/" data-vars-content-id="909764de-0f46-4c6a-bf3c-a5d777648269" data-vars-headline="Democratic candidate Hallie Shoffner challenges Sen. Tom Cotton" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hallieshoffner.com/" target="_blank">stating the decision to close her family farm</a> last year came after a &quot;devastating year of rising costs, bad markets, new tariffs and no meaningful Farm Bill relief.&quot;State of play: We sat down with Shoffner ahead of the election and asked her stances on several issues.

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton runs for reelection

Cotton wants Congress to allocate another $350 billion for defense-industry infrastructure and weapons production.

Republican Sen. Tom Cotton is making national security the centerpiece of his case for a third term, tying military investment to the state&#x27;s economy.State of play: We sat down with Cotton ahead of the election and asked why Arkansans should vote for him.

Libertarian candidate Jeff Wadlin runs for U.S. Senate

He supports balanced budgets and gun rights alongside universal health coverage and progressive taxation

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Libertarian Jeff Wadlin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kait8.com/2026/05/19/libertarian-candidate-announces-bid-arkansas-us-senate-seat/" data-vars-content-id="7d32fef0-9aa0-4c9a-8b8a-df83dc10bce8" data-vars-headline="Libertarian candidate Jeff Wadlin runs for U.S. Senate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kait8.com/2026/05/19/libertarian-candidate-announces-bid-arkansas-us-senate-seat/" target="_blank">Libertarian Jeff Wadlin</a>&#x27;s pitch to voters is an &quot;us&quot; campaign for U.S. Senate, arguing affordability and stronger communities matter more than party loyalty or Washington&#x27;s culture wars. State of play: We sat down with Wadlin ahead of the election and asked why members of either party should send him to Congress.

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