Regions

Cherokee Nation touts annual economic impact of $3.1 billion

The Tahlequah, Okla.-based Cherokee Nation — which includes part of the Fort Smith metro — announced Wednesday (April 2) it contributes $3.1 billion annually to the Oklahoma economy. An economic…

Fort Smith spring clean-up campaign begins April 5

Fort Smith is preparing to get clean. The city has scheduled its clean-up on Saturday (April 5) and April 12. The annual clean-ups in April and October of each year are…

2 Bentonville chefs named nominees for 2025 James Beard Award

The James Beard Foundation announced Wednesday (April 2) the 2025 James Beard Awards nominees, and the shortlist includes two Bentonville chefs. Matthew Cooper of Bentonville-based Conifer and Rafael Rios of…

$7.5 million gift to UAFS to create Center for Nonprofits

One of the largest gifts in the history of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) will help support the region’s nonprofit sector. UAFS officials have announced a $7.5…

UAFS announces $85 million ‘Intrepid Ambition’ fundraising campaign (Updated)

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) on Wednesday (April 2) announced an $85 million “Intrepid Ambition” campaign, which is the largest fundraising initiative in the institution’s history. The…

The Supply Side: Cargo theft to rise 25% in 2025; $35 billion lost in supply chain

Cargo theft is a costly problem for the retail and supply chain industries. In 2024, incident rates hit an all-time high. Industry leaders estimate cargo theft will rise 25% from…

Ritter Communications executive chairman Alan Morse retiring

Ritter Communications, announced the retirement of executive chairman Alan Morse, effective April 30. He joined the company as president in 2014, was promoted to chief executive officer in 2019, and…

Diaper vending machines installed in XNA restrooms

Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) recently collaborated with Diaper Concierge to install diaper vending machines in the men’s and women’s restrooms near gate A3, which is after the security checkpoint….

NWA Council to host education roundtable

The Northwest Arkansas Council will host an event in April to discuss education’s role in the workforce and economic growth in the region. The event will take place from 11…

Sue’s Kitchen

Sue Williams had a problem. She operated the kitchen and dining room for Citizens Bank in downtown Jonesboro, and did catering jobs on the side. When her boss asked her…

Here We Crumb

Belinda Hensley had a number of career options in mind when she was growing up. At one point she wanted to be a lawyer, and then she worked as a…

Gen 4 Jets

Garrett Lassiter’s great-grandfather was a pilot who helped to ferry aircraft to Europe during World War II. When he returned home he became one of the first crop dusting pilots…

ARPets Hospital

Dr. Kristin Sullivan always knew what she wanted to do as a career. Sullivan loved animals and, starting in high school, she worked toward her goal of becoming a veterinarian….

No public meetings set for Fort Smith Public School superintendent search

The Fort Smith Public School Board of Education began Tuesday (April 1) interviewing finalists to fill the highest office in the district. The board has decided to not have opportunities…

Walmart investing $6 billion in Mexico expansion by 2030

Walmart has announced plans to expand its business in Mexico over the next five years with a $6 billion investment to add 1,500 new stores. This will add to the…

HTP Contractors building multiple Wingstop locations

Fayetteville-based construction company HTP Contractors is completing multiple projects in Northwest Arkansas for Dallas-based Wingstop restaurant franchisee Vibe Restaurants Group. HTP Contactors is building its second and third Wingstop restaurants…