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National

"National security" becomes Trump's executive sledgehammer

Press bans. AI. Greenland. Trump is invoking the same rationale for all three.

Politics & Policy

What do a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="White House ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-ban-cnn-ms-now-politico-white-house" data-vars-content-id="2e43e9f0-60ce-4e0c-8005-6d87872bf4fe" data-vars-headline="&quot;National security&quot; becomes Trump&#x27;s executive sledgehammer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-ban-cnn-ms-now-politico-white-house" target="_self">White House ban</a> on journalists, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250-foot arch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/15/trump-arlington-arch-comment-deadline" data-vars-content-id="2e43e9f0-60ce-4e0c-8005-6d87872bf4fe" data-vars-headline="&quot;National security&quot; becomes Trump&#x27;s executive sledgehammer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/15/trump-arlington-arch-comment-deadline" target="_self">250-foot arch</a> near the nation&#x27;s capital and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greenland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/22/trump-greenland-nato-europe-winners" data-vars-content-id="2e43e9f0-60ce-4e0c-8005-6d87872bf4fe" data-vars-headline="&quot;National security&quot; becomes Trump&#x27;s executive sledgehammer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/22/trump-greenland-nato-europe-winners" target="_self">Greenland</a> have in common?<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="2e43e9f0-60ce-4e0c-8005-6d87872bf4fe" data-vars-headline="&quot;National security&quot; becomes Trump&#x27;s executive sledgehammer" 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</a> needs all of them for national security purposes, he and his administration have argued.</li></ul>Why it matters: As he&#x27;s unilaterally shattered presidential norms, Trump has justified his sweeping policy priorities with a familiar two-word rationale: national security.

Paramount reaches historic settlement with states, clearing way for WBD deal

The settlement ends what has been one of the most expensive, drawn-out and dramatic merger fights in U.S. history.

Business

Paramount Skydance agreed to a highly anticipated settlement with 12 state attorneys general that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sued to block" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/13/paramount-warner-bros-discovery-state-antitrust" data-vars-content-id="16e8c9de-f4de-4dfd-b69a-d97f333fa873" data-vars-headline="Paramount reaches historic settlement with states, clearing way for WBD deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/13/paramount-warner-bros-discovery-state-antitrust" target="_self">sued to block</a> its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="confirmed" data-vars-click-url="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.474157/gov.uscourts.cand.474157.244.0.pdf" data-vars-content-id="16e8c9de-f4de-4dfd-b69a-d97f333fa873" data-vars-headline="Paramount reaches historic settlement with states, clearing way for WBD deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.474157/gov.uscourts.cand.474157.244.0.pdf" target="_blank">confirmed</a> in a filing Monday. Why it matters: The settlement clears the path for the creation of one of the biggest TV and movie behemoths in the world and ends what has been one of the most expensive, drawn-out and dramatic merger fights in U.S. history.

Trump inaudible during TV blackout: What the press pool does

The fallout from Trump's media ban was visible — and audible — Monday.

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="f30bb9b7-0011-4da7-8aca-a7a0488b6aab" data-vars-headline="Trump inaudible during TV blackout: What the press pool does" 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</a> was inaudible during a press conference Monday after the TV pool suspended coverage, with White House-provided video carrying no usable audio of his remarks.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a remarkable and immediate ramification of Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attempt to limit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-ban-cnn-ms-now-politico-white-house" data-vars-content-id="f30bb9b7-0011-4da7-8aca-a7a0488b6aab" data-vars-headline="Trump inaudible during TV blackout: What the press pool does" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-ban-cnn-ms-now-politico-white-house" target="_self">attempt to limit</a> pool access.

OpenAI proposes AI standards after U.S., China talks

Sam Altman readies a global AI safety pitch for the UN.

OpenAI on Monday released international <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="e7e14a7f-a629-44e6-80d5-8a03e884f60d" data-vars-headline="OpenAI proposes AI standards after U.S., China talks" 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> safety standards as world leaders, namely the U.S. and China, weigh how to mitigate risk.Why it matters: The U.S. approach to coordinating on AI risk with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="China " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/china" data-vars-content-id="e7e14a7f-a629-44e6-80d5-8a03e884f60d" data-vars-headline="OpenAI proposes AI standards after U.S., China talks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/china" target="_self">China </a>will be heavily informed by industry recommendations.

Behind the Curtain: Trump's future foretold

President Trump feels and acts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="invincible" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/18/trump-iran-war-power-no-limits" data-vars-content-id="90a1f2f9-435b-4ebd-9a23-71108e8ae1f0" data-vars-headline="Behind the Curtain: Trump&#x27;s future foretold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/18/trump-iran-war-power-no-limits" target="_self">invincible</a>: He acts on whims, however he pleases, precedent and restraints be damned.<ul><li>But Trump&#x27;s vincibility is being exposed. Courts restrain him more. GOP candidates criticize him more. The public turns on him more.</li></ul>Why it matters: Time, power and support wane for all lame-duck presidents. But it&#x27;s new for Trump and will only grow more true and more torturous, assuming Democrats win Capitol power in the midterms, 43 days from now.

Alice Walton plans Bentonville hospital and cancer center

The 120-acre campus will bring major specialty care services to Northwest Arkansas.

Health

Walmart heir Alice Walton announced Thursday that her planned Bentonville <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health care campus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/02/19/alice-walton-foundation-walmart-land-purchase-health-care-campus" data-vars-content-id="1a5207b2-9eeb-46ca-adbe-41dc01122f8e" data-vars-headline="Alice Walton plans Bentonville hospital and cancer center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/02/19/alice-walton-foundation-walmart-land-purchase-health-care-campus" target="_self">health care campus</a> will include a hospital and a &quot;world-class&quot; cancer center.Why it matters: Walton&#x27;s vision is for the 120-acre AWSOM Whole Health Campus to be a game changer not only for Northwest Arkansas but for the state and the broader Heartland.

Arkansas flunks free speech on campus

Students are self-censoring at high rates amid intense political pressure.

Education

The University of Arkansas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="received an F" data-vars-click-url="https://rankings.fire.org/campus/106397-university-of-arkansas?demo=all&amp;year=2026&amp;csfs=false&amp;neutrality=false&amp;spotlight=yellow" data-vars-content-id="ac7f0dd0-c1b6-4652-8650-9d72d4867004" data-vars-headline="Arkansas flunks free speech on campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rankings.fire.org/campus/106397-university-of-arkansas?demo=all&amp;year=2026&amp;csfs=false&amp;neutrality=false&amp;spotlight=yellow" target="_blank">received an F</a> for its campus <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free speech" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/24/fiu-students-ice-free-speech-aclu-florida" data-vars-content-id="ac7f0dd0-c1b6-4652-8650-9d72d4867004" data-vars-headline="Arkansas flunks free speech on campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/24/fiu-students-ice-free-speech-aclu-florida" target="_self">free speech</a> climate, ranking 242nd out 261 schools in a national analysis.Why it matters: The grade comes during a turbulent year for speech at the state&#x27;s flagship institution, including controversies over its law school dean search and a professor&#x27;s pro-Palestinian posters.

Monday Munchies: Top shelf tacos in Springdale

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

Food and Drink

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>

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>.

Monday Munchies: Cura Osteria left us wanting more

The spot serves tasty dishes, but the small portions come at a steep price.

Downtown Rogers has a newish spot serving contemporary Northern Italian cuisine.💸 State of play: I spent just under $150 on dinner for two at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cura Osteria" data-vars-click-url="https://www.curaosteria.com/" data-vars-content-id="b0bd2f45-a24c-4ca1-8c64-6353ed369543" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Cura Osteria left us wanting more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.curaosteria.com/" target="_blank">Cura Osteria</a> and still had to grab food elsewhere afterward because we were both still hungry.

 Monday Munchies: 1834 Tavern Lafayette 

A good steak should be a simple layup for any place with a decent grill and good meat; it was for 1834's staff.

Fayetteville&#x27;s new(ish) fine dining and date-nighting spot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1834 Tavern Lafayette" data-vars-click-url="https://1834tavernlafayette.com/" data-vars-content-id="ee421488-b6df-4d42-82fc-2f7bd12aed22" data-vars-headline=" Monday Munchies: 1834 Tavern Lafayette " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://1834tavernlafayette.com/" target="_blank">1834 Tavern Lafayette</a> offers Belgian-inspired cuisine.<ul><li>The menu is focused on a few items but still manages to bridge gaps between varying appetites.</li></ul>

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.

Northwest Arkansas' July real estate hotness index 

July Northwest Arkansas real estate hotness index

Sellers listed their homes in July for less than they did last year in 43% of Northwest Arkansas&#x27; ZIP codes.Why it matters: Some home buyers could be getting better deals than they did last year when mortgage rates were at comparable levels.

University freshman boom outpaces campus housing

The University of Arkansas has 7,100 freshmen.

The University of Arkansas has its largest-ever freshman class and is again contracting with off-campus apartments to house them.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a necessary step, with two additional dorms not set to open for a few more years.

Dolly Parton's literacy program to continue and needs NWA support

The program sends books in the mail each month to children under 5 years old.

Parenting

The Arkansas branch of Dolly Parton&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="children&#x27;s literacy program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/27/dolly-parton-philanthropy-donations" data-vars-content-id="e33fe340-acaa-4a68-8c42-1592e7dfd280" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton&#x27;s literacy program to continue and needs NWA support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/27/dolly-parton-philanthropy-donations" target="_self">children&#x27;s literacy program</a> is continuing after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="star&#x27;s death" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/31/dolly-parton-dollyfest-nashville-london-memorial" data-vars-content-id="e33fe340-acaa-4a68-8c42-1592e7dfd280" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton&#x27;s literacy program to continue and needs NWA support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/31/dolly-parton-dollyfest-nashville-london-memorial" target="_self">star&#x27;s death</a>, but Northwest Arkansas needs a local organization to help raise money.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arkansas Imagination Library" data-vars-click-url="https://arkansasimaginationlibrary.org/" data-vars-content-id="e33fe340-acaa-4a68-8c42-1592e7dfd280" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton&#x27;s literacy program to continue and needs NWA support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkansasimaginationlibrary.org/" target="_blank">Arkansas Imagination Library</a> utilizes local partners — typically by county — to help cover the costs of books for children under 5.

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:

Your NWA fall events guide

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

Things to Do

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>.

Monday Munchies: Theatrical ramen

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

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.

Heartland Whole Health Institute tests ways to expand health care

The institute is testing ways to expand access and lower costs.

The Heartland Whole Health Institute wants to create playbooks for making health care more affordable and accessible that other institutions can follow.Why it matters: Most Americans are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerned about affording and accessing health care" data-vars-click-url="https://news.gallup.com/poll/707732/healthcare-reclaims-top-spot-among-domestic-worries.aspx" data-vars-content-id="15f92fbd-3425-4c74-b3d5-12d532b25fd5" data-vars-headline="Heartland Whole Health Institute tests ways to expand health care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/707732/healthcare-reclaims-top-spot-among-domestic-worries.aspx" target="_blank">concerned about affording and accessing health care</a>, and rural states like Arkansas face unique struggles in reaching patients.

State plans home health coverage for waitlisted Arkansans with disabilities

More than 2,400 Arkansans are on a waitlist.

News

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Tuesday announced that Arkansas plans to offer supportive living services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are on a waitlist.Why it matters: Supportive living services help people with disabilities live at home by paying for in-home care, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news release" data-vars-click-url="https://governor.arkansas.gov/news_post/sanders-announces-framework-to-assist-families-on-ces-waitlist/" data-vars-content-id="fae0fd87-aa9c-4355-8158-f96d72d54e4d" data-vars-headline="State plans home health coverage for waitlisted Arkansans with disabilities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://governor.arkansas.gov/news_post/sanders-announces-framework-to-assist-families-on-ces-waitlist/" target="_blank">news release</a> from Sanders&#x27; office.

The Agenda: Fayetteville aquatic center location

Voters approved a bond issue to build an aquatic center.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fayetteville City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://fayettevillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1653/files/agenda/5478" data-vars-content-id="f0a0c150-1ad2-4c6d-bfd3-9dc8e43528e2" data-vars-headline="The Agenda: Fayetteville aquatic center location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fayettevillear.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1653/files/agenda/5478" target="_blank">Fayetteville City Council</a> meets tonight and plans to take up:🏊 Reserving up to $75,000 of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aquatics/recreation center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/4504/Aquatic-Recreation-Center" data-vars-content-id="f0a0c150-1ad2-4c6d-bfd3-9dc8e43528e2" data-vars-headline="The Agenda: Fayetteville aquatic center location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/4504/Aquatic-Recreation-Center" target="_blank">aquatics/recreation center</a> bonds for further site evaluation and study related to the location of the planned aquatics/recreation center.

Arkansas' high courts fall short on representation

39 states have a smaller share of justices of color on their high courts than the share of people of color in their population.

Arkansas has no justices of color on its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supreme Court" data-vars-click-url="https://arcourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/justices" data-vars-content-id="2bffd5ae-67f0-450a-8cc1-716da8d675e8" data-vars-headline="Arkansas&#x27; high courts fall short on representation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arcourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/justices" target="_blank">Supreme Court</a>, though about a third of the state&#x27;s residents are people of color, per an Axios analysis of new Brennan Center for Justice data. Why it matters: State high courts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shape major" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/09/09/missouri-congressional-map-hoskins-contempt" data-vars-content-id="2bffd5ae-67f0-450a-8cc1-716da8d675e8" data-vars-headline="Arkansas&#x27; high courts fall short on representation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/09/09/missouri-congressional-map-hoskins-contempt" target="_self">shape major</a> decisions on voting, abortion, civil rights and criminal justice, yet their benches often don&#x27;t reflect the communities they serve.

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.

Benton County judge urges McCollum to not take office

Former state Rep. Austin McCollum is facing felony charges.

Politics

Benton County Judge Barry Moehring urged presumed judge-elect and former state Rep. Austin McCollum during a press conference Wednesday to not take office in January amid McCollum&#x27;s ongoing legal battles.Why it matters: Moehring stressed that while McCollum has not been convicted of a crime, he does not have the trust and confidence of the public, county employees or elected officials given the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="domestic violence allegations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/06/austin-mccollum-domestic-violence-history" data-vars-content-id="d5232263-a5d1-4f04-8e55-8891db888e39" data-vars-headline="Benton County judge urges McCollum to not take office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/06/austin-mccollum-domestic-violence-history" target="_self">domestic violence allegations</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="criminal charges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/09/01/mccollum-faces-three-felony-charges" data-vars-content-id="d5232263-a5d1-4f04-8e55-8891db888e39" data-vars-headline="Benton County judge urges McCollum to not take office" 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/mccollum-faces-three-felony-charges" target="_self">criminal charges</a> against him.

Razorback Stadium set to rock in May

Fayetteville is on the band's stadium tour.

Metallica will play at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on May 26, 2027, as part of a 12-city North American stadium run.The big picture: The tour puts Fayetteville alongside Vancouver, British Columbia; San Diego, Calif.; Kansas City, Mo., and other major-market stops, with Limp Bizkit and Avatar joining the bill.

 Your weekend plans: Art exhibit, quilts, free festival

Get out this weekend.😎 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Weekend Starts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/event-detail/?event_id=weekend-starts-in-the-ramble&amp;theme=fayetteville&amp;date=2026-09-11-17-30&amp;cities=fayetteville&amp;clipToBounds=0&amp;embedded=1&amp;radius=100000&amp;tags=Fayetteville&amp;theme=fayetteville" data-vars-content-id="e07656e3-0c68-4168-af52-dbb6d493e986" data-vars-headline=" Your weekend plans: Art exhibit, quilts, free festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/event-detail/?event_id=weekend-starts-in-the-ramble&amp;theme=fayetteville&amp;date=2026-09-11-17-30&amp;cities=fayetteville&amp;clipToBounds=0&amp;embedded=1&amp;radius=100000&amp;tags=Fayetteville&amp;theme=fayetteville" target="_blank">Weekend Starts</a> — Kick off the weekend with this free festival with live music from 5:30-7:30pm today at The Ramble in downtown Fayetteville.

Condoleezza Rice, Norah O'Donnell join speaker series

Both events will be livestreamed by Arkansas TV.

Culture

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and journalist Norah O&#x27;Donnell will headline the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Building Bridges" data-vars-click-url="https://crystalbridges.org/es/building-bridges" data-vars-content-id="7e32e57c-0a8a-4cf3-9f36-65e5569e2c22" data-vars-headline="Condoleezza Rice, Norah O&#x27;Donnell join speaker series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://crystalbridges.org/es/building-bridges" target="_blank">Building Bridges</a> series this fall, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art said Wednesday.Why it matters: The events continue a civic dialogue series that has brought former President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Barack Obama" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/12/02/barack-obama-bentonville-crystal-bridges-american-spirit-lecture" data-vars-content-id="7e32e57c-0a8a-4cf3-9f36-65e5569e2c22" data-vars-headline="Condoleezza Rice, Norah O&#x27;Donnell join speaker series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/12/02/barack-obama-bentonville-crystal-bridges-american-spirit-lecture" target="_self">Barack Obama</a>, filmmaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ken Burns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/02/19/crystal-bridges-speaker-series-ken-burns" data-vars-content-id="7e32e57c-0a8a-4cf3-9f36-65e5569e2c22" data-vars-headline="Condoleezza Rice, Norah O&#x27;Donnell join speaker series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/02/19/crystal-bridges-speaker-series-ken-burns" target="_self">Ken Burns</a> and Supreme Court Justice <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amy Coney Barrett" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/05/10/amy-coney-barrett-talks-constitution-bentonville" data-vars-content-id="7e32e57c-0a8a-4cf3-9f36-65e5569e2c22" data-vars-headline="Condoleezza Rice, Norah O&#x27;Donnell join speaker series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/05/10/amy-coney-barrett-talks-constitution-bentonville" target="_self">Amy Coney Barrett</a> to Bentonville.

Your weekend plans: Razorbacks, theater, free festival

For those not traveling or hanging at the lake, here&#x27;s how to enjoy Labor Day weekend.🚬 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;The Outsiders&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://waltonartscenter.org/tickets/series/broadway-series-2026-27/the-outsiders/?performanceId=32910" data-vars-content-id="df8378ae-ef2b-41f8-be73-dfc1152709ff" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Razorbacks, theater, free festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://waltonartscenter.org/tickets/series/broadway-series-2026-27/the-outsiders/?performanceId=32910" target="_blank">&quot;The Outsiders&quot;</a> — The Broadway musical version of this classic story set in 1960s Oklahoma is on stage at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville this weekend. Showtimes are 7:30pm tonight, 2pm and 7:30pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Get tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://waltonartscenter.org/tickets/series/broadway-series-2026-27/the-outsiders/?performanceId=32913" data-vars-content-id="df8378ae-ef2b-41f8-be73-dfc1152709ff" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Razorbacks, theater, free festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://waltonartscenter.org/tickets/series/broadway-series-2026-27/the-outsiders/?performanceId=32913" target="_blank">Get tickets</a> ranging from $60-$165.

Your weekend plans: Food fests, county fair

A Filipino food festival is coming to downtown Springdale.

NWA has you covered this weekend.🇵🇭 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Barrio Fiesta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.downtownspringdale.org/events#calendar-d1ef8e2e-51e3-46e4-bbd7-9b21baec2e28-event-22f1b90b-7d80-4836-bf7a-4a4772148912" data-vars-content-id="dd83b961-802b-44c9-b3ef-57fcb68f27a2" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Food fests, county fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.downtownspringdale.org/events#calendar-d1ef8e2e-51e3-46e4-bbd7-9b21baec2e28-event-22f1b90b-7d80-4836-bf7a-4a4772148912" target="_blank">Barrio Fiesta</a> — This Filipino food festival also includes music and dance. 3-7pm Saturday at Shiloh Square in downtown Springdale.

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.

Google will pay $716M for data center power

Details came from documents a resident obtained through an Arkansas Freedom of Information Act request.

Google will pay Entergy Arkansas $526 million to help build <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cypress Solar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.entergy.com/news/entergy-arkansas-announces-vendor-fair-for-potential-jefferson-power-station-cypress-solar-contractors" data-vars-content-id="23ab102d-dd71-499c-af3d-21a293cf72f6" data-vars-headline="Google will pay $716M for data center power" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.entergy.com/news/entergy-arkansas-announces-vendor-fair-for-potential-jefferson-power-station-cypress-solar-contractors" target="_blank">Cypress Solar</a> near Pine Bluff, plus another $190 million for transmission upgrades, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/aug/31/google-to-pay-entergy-arkansas-526-million-for/?utm_fy=content_for_you" data-vars-content-id="23ab102d-dd71-499c-af3d-21a293cf72f6" data-vars-headline="Google will pay $716M for data center power" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/aug/31/google-to-pay-entergy-arkansas-526-million-for/?utm_fy=content_for_you" target="_blank">reported</a> first.Why it matters: The disclosure puts numbers on a deal that has stayed mostly confidential and lands as Entergy faces a separate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rate case" data-vars-click-url="https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/small-arkansas-businesses-could-suffer-costs-entergy-commercial-rate-increase/" data-vars-content-id="23ab102d-dd71-499c-af3d-21a293cf72f6" data-vars-headline="Google will pay $716M for data center power" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/small-arkansas-businesses-could-suffer-costs-entergy-commercial-rate-increase/" target="_blank">rate case</a> before the Arkansas Public Service Commission (PSC) that will impact 730,000 customers, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing objections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/small-arkansas-businesses-could-suffer-costs-entergy-commercial-rate-increase/" data-vars-content-id="23ab102d-dd71-499c-af3d-21a293cf72f6" data-vars-headline="Google will pay $716M for data center power" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/small-arkansas-businesses-could-suffer-costs-entergy-commercial-rate-increase/" target="_blank">drawing objections</a> from Walmart and other business groups.

Walton College doubles down on real-world experience

The college has launched a five-year plan.

The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas is launching a five-year plan to ensure that students graduate with practical entrepreneurial experience and that faculty have expanded research opportunities.Why it matters: The college, which is 100 years old this year and has more than 10,000 students, must offer education that evolves as &quot;business changes at an unprecedented pace,&quot; such as in artificial intelligence and analytics, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news release" data-vars-click-url="https://news.uark.edu/articles/82775/walton-college-marks-centennial-with-new-strategic-plan" data-vars-content-id="7e8bf7c3-e5bf-48d2-b77a-b4e7f37d3b27" data-vars-headline="Walton College doubles down on real-world experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.uark.edu/articles/82775/walton-college-marks-centennial-with-new-strategic-plan" target="_blank">news release</a>.

McCollum pleads not guilty

McCollum is accused of domestic violence against his wife.

Former state Rep. Austin McCollum, the only candidate for Benton County judge, pleaded not guilty to three felony charges during his arraignment Tuesday in Benton County Circuit Court.Why it matters: Benton County voters are on track to have a county judge who has unresolved criminal charges after McCollum, 35, was accused of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="domestic violence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/06/austin-mccollum-domestic-violence-history" data-vars-content-id="33640d62-7832-4d98-8960-173cf09daa2a" data-vars-headline="McCollum pleads not guilty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/06/austin-mccollum-domestic-violence-history" target="_self">domestic violence</a> against his wife.

 McCollum faces three felony charges

Austin McCollum is accused of domestic violence against his wife.

Prosecutors have formally charged <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former state Rep." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/05/austin-mccollum-resigns-arkansas-house-arrest" data-vars-content-id="df100f17-76e6-42e3-a8ea-7c4bc131df15" data-vars-headline=" McCollum faces three felony charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/05/austin-mccollum-resigns-arkansas-house-arrest" target="_self">former state Rep.</a> and current Benton County Judge candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin McCollum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/06/austin-mccollum-domestic-violence-history" data-vars-content-id="df100f17-76e6-42e3-a8ea-7c4bc131df15" data-vars-headline=" McCollum faces three felony charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/06/austin-mccollum-domestic-violence-history" target="_self">Austin McCollum</a> with three felonies a month after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="he was accused of domestic violence against his wife and arrested" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/03/mccollum-resignation-calls-arrest" data-vars-content-id="df100f17-76e6-42e3-a8ea-7c4bc131df15" data-vars-headline=" McCollum faces three felony charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/03/mccollum-resignation-calls-arrest" target="_self">he was accused of domestic violence against his wife and arrested</a>, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="court documents" data-vars-click-url="https://caseinfonew.arcourts.gov/opad/case/04CR-26-1362" data-vars-content-id="df100f17-76e6-42e3-a8ea-7c4bc131df15" data-vars-headline=" McCollum faces three felony charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://caseinfonew.arcourts.gov/opad/case/04CR-26-1362" target="_blank">court documents</a>.Why it matters: McCollum, who won the Republican nomination for county judge in March, remains the only candidate on the ballot. If he takes office in January and is later convicted of a felony, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="he will be removed from office per state law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/13/what-could-happen-in-benton-county-judge-race-after-nominee-s-arrest" data-vars-content-id="df100f17-76e6-42e3-a8ea-7c4bc131df15" data-vars-headline=" McCollum faces three felony charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/08/13/what-could-happen-in-benton-county-judge-race-after-nominee-s-arrest" target="_self">he will be removed from office per state law</a>.

Arkansas set to receive portion of $17 billion Meta settlement

Arkansas expects to receive about $172.5 million.

Arkansas expects to receive about $172.5 million from Meta in a $17 billion multi-state settlement after states accused the parent company of Facebook and Instagram of harming children, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced.Why it matters: This is social media&#x27;s version of the landmark 1990s tobacco settlement, one that effectively reshapes the industry and how young Americans experience some of their favorite platforms, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Nathan Bomey writes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/meta-lawsuit-settlement-states-facebook" data-vars-content-id="211725a1-1930-42b4-b4d3-8c7d2236d0fc" data-vars-headline="Arkansas set to receive portion of $17 billion Meta settlement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/meta-lawsuit-settlement-states-facebook" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Nathan Bomey writes</a>.

Advocates push to extend postpartum Medicaid

Arkansas is the last state without one-year postpartum Medicaid.

Advocates are urging Arkansas to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from the current 60 days to a full year like all 49 other states.Why it matters: Physical and mental health problems can still occur more than 60 days after giving birth, says Camille Richoux, health policy director for Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.

New online system seeks to simplify college applications

Students can apply to up to five institutions without fees.

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

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

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

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

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