Good morning, Bentonville.

Delta Dental Arkansas has named Jimmy Anthony as its new president and CEO as outgoing CEO Kristin Merlo retires at the end of this year.

Anthony will take over on Jan. 1, 2027 (he has served as CEO of Bravere since Feb. 2025).

Gatik AI raised $200 million on Tuesday to expand its autonomous truck routes serving Arkansas markets and beyond.

The funding round, led by major investors such as the Qatar Investment Authority and Koch Disruptive Technologies, will bolster its partnerships with Walmart and Tyson Foods.

Northwest Arkansas National Airport board approved a $78 million bid for a 111,000 sqft Western Concourse on Tuesday; the project will add seven gates (a net gain of five) and is poised to boost passenger space with construction set to begin later this year.

State leaders are preparing to adjust Medicaid coverage as federal rejection of the waiver renewal casts uncertainty on benefits for over 220,000 Arkansans & DHS Secretary Janet Mann said the program will not end and a two-year extension is being requested to avoid disruption.

Seven healthcare startups in Northwest Arkansas have been selected to receive a share of $20,000 in Community Pilot Projects by HTA and NXTUS Inc.—Bentonville-based Huml Health will work with Arisa Health in a six-month post-discharge monitoring program for substance use disorder care.

Big on Bentonville is launching a 2½-hour walking food tour that begins Sept.

8 with departures at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Locals will enjoy five (chef-inspired) tastings and local history downtown while each ticket supports the Samaritan Community Center.

Fayetteville-based Collier & Associates said Tuesday, Aug.

25 that it reached a private-label partnership with Compass International Holdings to use its proprietary technology while keeping full ownership of its brand. The deal will boost agents' access to tools for client engagement and business growth.

Preseason polls of high school football rank Greenwood Bulldogs first in Class 5A and Mansfield Tigers second in Class 3A, while Bentonville Tigers hold No. 2 on their 92nd appearance + local teams continue record streaks ahead of a competitive season.

Defensive players Steven Soles and Carter Stoutmire described Tuesday's grueling camp at Reynolds Razorback Stadium (transfers from Kentucky and Colorado) and praised wide receiver Chris Marshall during an interview.

They said these tough practices are meant to build team strength for the season.