Regions

USDA to dole $16 billion in disaster aid for farmers

The government shutdown is over and now more than $16 billion in Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) assistance will be provided to farmers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm…

Fayetteville-based Packaging Specialties to invest $24 million in expansion, add 100 jobs

Packaging Specialties Inc., a Fayetteville-based commercial printing and packaging company, announced Monday (Nov. 17) a $24 million expansion and plans to add more than 100 jobs over five years at…

More, better and ‘intentional’ downtown Fort Smith growth focus of panel discussion

There is growth in downtown Fort Smith, but more needs to be done to support small business investment, add quality residential space, and create “intentional collaboration” between public and private…

Gov. Sanders abides by court orders, sets new dates in two legislative special elections

Gov. Sarah Sanders on Sunday (Nov. 16) begrudgingly relented to two court orders requiring her to set new special election dates for Arkansas Senate District 26 in western Arkansas and…

Mickle Griffin firm marks 70 years, touts Fort Smith regional infrastructure work

More than 150 gathered Wednesday (Nov. 12) at the Fort Smith office of Mickle Griffin Engineers & Surveyors to mark the company’s 70th anniversary and recognize Pat Mickle and others…

Walmart shareholders earned big under McMillon; Furner faces high expectations

Walmart shareholders have experienced an average annual return of 14.53% during the past 12 years of CEO Doug McMillon’s tenure. There have been ups and downs, but the total return…

Northwest Arkansas Council celebrates 35 years, honors Simmons and Lindsey

The Northwest Arkansas Council at its recent annual meeting noted accomplishments over the past three and a half decades. The council also gave former Simmons Foods CEO Mark Simmons a…

Womack hopes funding approved by January, unsure on health insurance

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, hopes to not experience deja vu again. But there isn’t as much time as one might think for the recently reopened federal government to get…

Fort Smith Board to consider sanitation charges, capital project plan

Proposed rate changes in some sanitation services and a proposed ordinance to create a process to review large capital projects are two items the Fort Smith Board of Directors will…

Fort Smith Metro News Briefs: A toy toss, cancer forum, and Carol Ann Cross park award

Following are news brief items from the Fort Smith metro. Toy Toss The return of the UAFS Toy Toss will be 6 p.m., Nov. 18 at the University of Arkansas…

Philander Smith receives historic $19 million gift

Philander Smith University has received a $19 million unrestricted gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest single contribution in the Little Rock university’s 147-year history. “This gift is a resounding…

UA marks opening of ‘unique to the world’ $95 million semiconductor lab

More than 200 people, including University of Arkansas, state and federal leaders, celebrated on a mild Friday (Nov. 14) the opening of a $95 million semiconductor fabrication facility that’s the…

Arkansas River tonnage down 34.5% in October

High water levels, river system maintenance, and tariff uncertainty are key factors in an almost 19% drop in tonnage shipped on the Arkansas River system in the first 10 months…

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon to step down, John Furner will succeed (Updated)

Walmart will usher in its sixth company CEO in its 63-year history when Doug McMillon retires Jan. 31, 2026 — the end of the company’s fiscal year. John Furner, CEO…

Potential negative budget impacts noted by Fort Smith police chief

Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker recently emailed members of the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) informing them of his concerns that potential budget cuts jeopardize planned raises, staffing, vehicle…

Hybar officially opens in Osceola

Mississippi County officially has another steel producer. Hybar held its grand opening Wednesday (Nov. 12) for its sustainable rebar mill in Osceola. Since the startup company was formed a little…

Google, Treaty Oak announce solar power deal in Grant County

Treaty Oak Clean Energy LLC announced a 15-year power purchase agreement with Google for 100 megawatts from the 1,033-acre Redfield Solar Project located in southeastern Grant County in Arkansas. Google…

UAMS researcher leads $2.2 million project addressing youth health in Arkansas

Ann Chou, professor for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, is leading a $2.2 million community-based study that addresses access to…

Arkansas Senate, House district races shape up in the Fort Smith metro

All three of the Arkansas Senate districts in the Fort Smith metro will have either a contested primary or general election, and six of the 11 Arkansas House districts in…

Sales, profits rise for Dillard’s in Q3

Little Rock-based retailer Dillard’s reported Thursday (Nov. 13) higher sales and stronger profits over its year-ago third quarter. Total retail sales for the 13 weeks ending Nov. 1 were $1.401…