Regions

Fort Smith named a finalist in the Tunnel Vision challenge

From the “You don’t know until you ask” category, the city of Fort Smith is one of 16 finalists in a challenge that could result in a 12-foot-diameter tunnel built…

Conagra plans $220 million expansion at its Fayetteville plant

Chicago-based food company Conagra Brands said Friday (March 6) that it will invest about $220 million to expand its chicken production capacity at its Fayetteville plant. The investment is expected…

UAFS promotes ‘Lion’s Share’ scholarship program

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith wants to provide almost $3 million in scholarships through its “Lion’s Share” program, but prospective students must submit applications online by June 1….

Fayetteville to host 3 new events in 2026

Experience Fayetteville, the city’s tourism marketing agency, and Downtown Fayetteville Coalition are working together to launch three new events that will take place this year in the Upper Ramble in…

Freeman Health System in Joplin, Mo., to acquire Northwest Health for $112 million

Joplin, Mo.-based Freeman Health System said Thursday (March 5) that it has agreed to purchase Springdale-based Northwest Health, a subsidiary of Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems. Freeman will pay $112…

Fuel Accelerator launches new HealthTech cohort with 8 startups

The Fuel Accelerator, a program of Fayetteville-based Startup Junkie Foundation and an innovation hub for new technologies, recently announced its fourth HealthTech cohort and a new entrepreneur in residence. A…

Fort Smith building permit values up 85% in February

Building activity in the Fort Smith metro area rebounded in February. Permit values in Fort Smith, Greenwood, and Van Buren totaled $25.078 million in February, 81.6% higher than $1.81 million…

Dr. Bill W. Benson Memorial Scholarship established at A-State Vet School

A $100,000 donation from Nancy Benson Ward will support future veterinary students at Arkansas State University through the newly established Dr. Bill W. Benson Memorial Scholarship. The endowed scholarship honors…

Walmart begins again the ‘Open Call’ process

Walmart merchant and sourcing teams are hitting the road in search of products made, grown, or assembled in the United States. The retail giant will make 8 regional stops between…

Tyson Foods inks deal to support Razorback athletics

Springdale-based Tyson Foods and the University of Arkansas inked a five-year deal to sponsor all varsity sports played at the state’s flagship university. Terms of the deal designed to help…

Then and Now: Adventure underlies Lauren Blanco’s decisions

Lauren Blanco, co-founder and owner of Markham & Fitz Chocolate, views life as an adventure. “It underlies a lot of decisions and how we’ve lived our lives so far,” she…

Downtown Fort Smith pub crawl cups to feature Isaiah Joe, Jaylin Williams

The downtown Fort Smith St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl will have a bit of thunder this year. Fort Smith natives Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams, members of the Oklahoma City…

Simon wins Senate District 26 race, Fite and King win primary races

Paris businessman Brad Simon survived what has been an unusual election cycle, with voters giving him the nod to be the next District 26 senator. Former Rep. Charlene Fite was…

Fayetteville voters approve $375 million bond issue

Fayetteville voters approved a $375.5 million bond issue for sewer plant and infrastructure upgrades, street and park improvements, and a new aquatic center, fire station and animal shelter. All nine items…

Key county races decided in Crawford, Sebastian counties; DeLay re-elected as circuit court judge

Several key county primary races in Crawford and Sebastian counties were settled Tuesday, with voters supporting all incumbents. Tuesday also saw Sebastian County Circuit Judge Gunner DeLay win another six-year…

UA Football Coach Silverfield tells LR Rotary that players are ‘ALL IN’

New University of Arkansas Head Football Coach Ryan Silverfield wants to create a culture where players are “ALL IN.” While he can’t predict how many games the Razorbacks will win,…

Greenwood, Van Buren voters approve sales tax questions

Voters in Greenwood approved the 10-year extension of a 0.75% sales tax to fund more safety, infrastructure, and parks projects, and Van Buren voters approved a new 0.5% sales tax…

$1 billion Fayetteville project to include 2,400 homes, 1.3 million square feet of medical, commercial space

Fayetteville-based Specialized Real Estate Group announced Tuesday (March 3) that it’s leading the development of Drake Farms, a $1 billion mixed-use project that will be completed over 15 years along…

3 pro-bono design projects come to Northwest Arkansas

Community leaders, stakeholders and residents will soon take part in pro-bono design projects in Cave Springs, Elm Springs and Rogers. The Legacy Projects are part of the ramp-up for the…