Good morning, Springdale.

Ordinal, a Bentonville startup offering AI research assistants for government agencies, secured a $1 million seed round led by Plains Ventures on Aug.

28 — with additional support from Winrock International and The Venture Center Arkansas Fund. The company will use the funding to expand its customer base and improve its chatbot as it brings its platform to more cities across the U.S.

Alex Beasley, a survivor of the 1998 Westside Middle School shooting in Craighead County, spoke about his grief after a deadly church shooting in Minneapolis injured many and false active shooter calls on college campuses—such as at the University of Arkansas—caused lockdowns and fear. He said these hoax calls reawaken old trauma and that police are investigating the reports.

Gov. Sanders visited Walmart's new Global Security Operations Center in Bentonville on August 28 with local leaders and emergency officials for a ribbon-cutting—she said the facility’s real-time tracking and 24/7 monitoring help boost emergency response during natural disasters.

The center will offer resources like timely aid and updated tracking of global assets to help communities during crises.

A Springdale property auction on Aug.

20 raised over $1.1 million when 139 registered bidders bought 51 tax-delinquent parcels at the Holiday Inn and NWA Convention Center—commissioner Tommy Land said most owners redeem their property by paying overdue taxes. The sale will return parcels to county tax rolls while funds support local governments and school districts.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced new work policies for state employees that will end regular remote work starting Oct.

1—remote work will be allowed only when supervisors approve. The plan also extends office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and expands the Infant at Work program for employees with young children.

The planned expansion of Arkansas Children's Northwest in Springdale received a $500,000 grant from the Schmieding Foundation and will honor the donation by naming its pharmacy.

The project will add 40 inpatient beds, extra operating rooms and upgraded clinical areas in a 72,000 square foot facility to better serve local children.

WelcomeHealth, a Fayetteville clinic offering free dental, medical and pharmaceutical care, has named Cambre Horne-Brooks as its new executive director—replacing retired Dr. Monika Fischer-Massie after 23 years of service.

Horne-Brooks brings 12 years of leadership from the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation and Community Clinic in Springdale to further the clinic’s commitment to quality care for everyone.

Monarch Flight Festival

12-4 p.m. — Walter Turnbow Park at Shiloh Square — Free entry — Celebrate the endangered Monarch Butterfly with local crafts and community fun.