WESTERN ARKANSAS

May 11 2026POLITICS

Montana Republicans face off in a crowded race for Congress

Western Montana’s Republican voters now have a tough choice to make in June. After Congressman Ryan Zinke announced a surprise retirement, a pack of candidates rushed to claim his spot in the House. The district covers 16 counties, stretching from the Idaho border to the Canadian line. What started

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May 09 2026EDUCATION

New Dean Leads Arkansas State Nursing College

Arkansas State University has officially named Stacy Walz the dean of its College of Nursing and Health Professions, ending her interim status that began in 2025. Walz, who has a long history with the college as associate dean and chair of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, will take over full responsibi

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May 08 2026POLITICS

How Arkansas politics is shaping what students learn in college

Arkansas colleges are facing growing pressure from state lawmakers to drop programs and remove professors they disagree with. In one recent case, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock agreed to cut its gender studies minor after Republican lawmakers threatened to block its budget. They argued th

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Apr 27 2026CRYPTO

Western Union’s New Digital Dollar Could Speed Up Global Transfers

Western Union, the 175‑year‑old money‑transfer giant, is ready to launch its own stablecoin, a digital dollar that could change how it moves money worldwide. The company said the coin, called USDPT, will be issued through Anchorage Digital and run on the Solana blockchain. The launch is expected nex

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

How the US and EU plan to shake up the minerals trade

Western powers are stepping up their game to reduce their heavy reliance on a single player for vital raw materials. The United States and the European Union have just signed a fresh deal to work together on securing supplies of critical minerals. These minerals are the backbone of modern industries

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Apr 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Mississippi River’s Changing Flow: What’s Endangering Wisconsin’s Waters?

Western Wisconsin’s rivers and streams are facing growing problems, and experts warn the situation could get worse. Heavy rains and melting snow don’t just fill up creeks—they carry pollution, dirt, and even salt from roads straight into the Mississippi River. That extra water isn’t always harmless.

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Apr 14 2026EDUCATION

Arkansas steps up in vet education to keep experts local

Arkansas has always relied on farming—poultry, cattle, and crops pump billions into the state’s economy and keep rural towns alive. Yet for years, the veterinarians who safeguard this backbone were scarce because most new vets had to leave Arkansas just to study. The result? The state spent years tr

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Mar 16 2026SPORTS

High‑School Stars Shine in Western North Carolina

Western North Carolina high schools are buzzing after a week of exciting sports. Students and fans alike can now vote for the top female athlete who delivered an outstanding performance last week. The voting deadline is Thursday noon. The winner of last week’s spot was Lilly Lossiah from Cherokee,

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Mar 15 2026EDUCATION

New Outdoor Learning Hub Opens for Arkansas Tech Students

Arkansas Tech University is expanding its hands‑on teaching options with a fresh outdoor program. A former graduate has donated $50, 000 to create a fund that will help students pay for trips to Crooked Creek Ranch, a 500‑acre site near Yellville. The ranch sits next to the Arkansas Game and Fish Co

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Feb 13 2026WEATHER

Eugene-Springfield: Bracing for a Chilly Surprise

Western Oregon, including Eugene and Springfield, might see a rare snow event next week. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a forecast that includes the possibility of freezing temperatures and light snowfall from February 16 to February 18. This weather pattern is expected to bring a mix

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