Proud @UArkansas grad. Battered @ArkRazorbacks fan
Articles by Brandon Howard
A historic house on the outskirts of Fayetteville goes on the market
The Thomas-Tharp House, which sits just west of Interstate Highway 49 along Old Farmington Road, is among the oldest structures in Fayetteville. It predates the Civil War by nearly a decade and served as a makeshift hospital during the Battle of Prairie Grove. In other years, it was a typical Northwest Arkansas farmhouse. The original occupants, the Thomas family, have a story as significant as the 172-year-old home.
McMillon Innovation Studio's Largest Cohort Presents at Demo Day
Photo by Sydney Acevedo Students in the U of A's McMillon Innovation Studio present at Demo Day last month, a bi-annual capstone that showcases a semester's worth of learning in the studio. The largest cohort in the history of the McMillon Innovation Studio presented their projects last week at Demo Day, the bi-annual capstone that showcases a semester's worth of learning in the studio.
UA Startup Altaris MedTech Finishes Fourth at Prestigious Rice Business Plan Competition
Submitted Lance Lockwood, left, and Joey Hobbs point to Altaris' placement in the semi-final round of the 2026 Rice Business Plan Competition, the world's largest and richest intercollegiate graduate student startup competition. Altaris MedTech, a U of A student startup developing an innovative pain-free strep test, won fourth place at the prestigious Rice Business Plan Competition, earning U of A's best since 2018. Altaris earned $5,000 for its fourth-place finish among the top seven finalists.
U of A Startups Altaris MedTech, Bubby Band Earn More Than $40,000 at Arkansas Governor's Cup
Submitted Members of Altaris MedTech and Bubby Band celebrate their winnings at the 25th annual Arkansas Governor's Cup last week at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. U of A startups earned more than $40,000 at the 25th annual Arkansas Governor's Cup, a startup competition open to students in seven states across the mid-south with a $141,000 cash prize pool.
Chance Meeting With U of A Entrepreneurship Office Leads to Two Internships for Upperclassman
Submitted Jack Gamble, a junior finance and real estate student, leveraged connections he made through U of A's Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation into winter and summer internships. One student's goal to get more involved outside of academics paid off with two internships after getting connected with the Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation (OEI). Jack Gamble, a junior finance and real estate student, planned to be more active outside the classroom during the fall semester.
Registration Open for Annual Arkansas Commercialization Retreat
Submitted Attendees at the Arkansas Commercialization Retreat make connections with other research-active faculty throughout the state. These interactions have fostered successful collaborations throughout the years. Need help exploring the world of intellectual property and patents? Want to understand the resources available for developing startup companies and licensing new innovations?
Made@UA Week to Celebrate Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Submitted Hosted by the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Made@UofA is a public, week-long showcase of student innovation and entrepreneurship. The week culminates with a pitch competition for an $8,000 prize pool and a Startup Expo at Razorback Stadium. The U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (OEI) is inviting the public to attend its inaugural Made@UofA Week, a capstone event highlighting campus entrepreneurship and innovation.
U of A Graduate Earns Innovation Pacesetter Award for HealthTech Startup
Submitted Joshua Upshaw, left, accepts the award for Innovation Pacesetter of the Year. Overseen by the Arkansas Business Publishing Group, the Arkansas Business of the Year Awards is designed to recognize outstanding businesses and nonprofit organizations from across the state. Hidalga Technologies, a startup with roots at the U of A, is dedicated to improving oncology care timelines and was recently named the 2026 Innovation Pacesetter by Arkansas Business.
UA's Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program Announces Spring 2026 Cohort
Submitted The Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program, or GORP, supports outdoor startups with workshop training, founder mentoring, university intern access and dedicated product/service development to help them scale globally. The Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program, U of A's outdoor recreation business incubation program, has launched the eighth cohort of its cohort incubator with six participating companies.
GORP Seeks Applications for Newest Outdoor Startups Cohort
The University of Arkansas’ flagship business incubator, the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Project (GORP), which supports startups focused on the outdoor recreation industry, is returning for spring 2026. Nearly 50 companies have participated in the previous cohorts, ranging from startups focused on cycling and climbing, to outdoor educational services and product manufacturing. GORP is returning thanks to a $1.4 million grant from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation.
Capital Scan Identifies Where Arkansas Startups Are Growing and Where Funding Gaps Remain
Venture capital investment in Arkansas startups remained steady in 2024, according to the newly released Arkansas Capital Scan. The report highlights continued concentration of investment activity in Northwest Arkansas and outlines opportunities to strengthen funding for young companies and new business formation across the state. The 2024 data reflect a mixed but resilient landscape. Early equity rounds declined meaningfully, yet founders advanced by drawing on a broader mix of funding sources.
U of A Entrepreneurship Grad Program Ranked Top 25 by Princeton Review
The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas has been ranked No. 22 by the Princeton Review's 2025 Top 50 Entrepreneurship Graduate Programs. This ranking moves the U of A up 10 spots from 2024. The university made its debut on Princeton’s list at No. 35 in 2023. The graduate entrepreneurship program ranking is the result of a strong collaborative effort spanning multiple colleges and units on campus.
Brandon Howard |
Student Teams Secure $18,000 in Funding at Seed Pitch Competition by | Jan 4, 2024 | Features, Research and Innovation, Student Awards & Achievements, Student Success Student Teams Secure $18,000 in Funding at Seed Pitch Competition BENTONVILLE — A student team aimed at thwarting the isolation some international students experience when arriving in the United States secured $3,000 at the fall 2023 Seed Funding Pitch Competition....
Arkansas Capital Scan Unveils Growth, Shortcomings in Investment Landscape
Venture capital dollars flowing into Arkansas-based startups have more than quadrupled annually since 2020, according to the 2022 Arkansas Capital Scan released today by the Northwest Arkansas Council. Arkansas witnessed a surge in venture capital investments in 2022, totaling $270.8 million across 26 companies – a 117% increase from the previous year. Northwest Arkansas continued to drive the majority of venture capital funding, representing 65.4% of all deals in the state.
Honors Students Gain Experience and Inspiration Through Venture Internship Program
Honors students, this semester, experienced the opportunity and challenges of entrepreneurship through the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (OEI) Venture Internship Program (VIP).
Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe
Mindbody, the leading technology platform for the wellness industry, recently launched its Virtual Wellness Platform which allows its tens of thousands of business partners the opportunity to offer their services to clients during this time – either through pre-recorded or live streaming content. Consumers have the opportunity to explore virtual wellness offerings via the app, including beauty and spa consultations, while doors remain closed.
Donate to Brandon Howard Campaign for Hopewell City Council
Gun Giveaway Goal 200 Currently at 18 Winner of the AR-15 from Liberty Firearms Bryan Rinn Contributions to Brandon Howard for Hopewell City Council I am randomly gifting this Panzer AR, Magazine feed, semiautomatic 12 gauge shotgun that comes with 2 five round magazines, sights and other accessories to one of my supports. The first 200 supports who donate $25.00 or more to my Campaign will be among those eligible to be gifted this handgun.
Multiple Raccoons Take Over The Library At Arkansas State
JONESBORO (AP) — An Arkansas State University alumnus says he was surprised to spot a few curious critters running around the campus library. Codie Clark, a math tutor, says he spotted at least two raccoons Sunday on the third floor of the university’s Dean B. Ellis Library while waiting for a student to arrive for a tutoring session. Clark says other students then cornered one raccoon.
Arizona Elected Official Accused of Adoption Fraud Suspended
Paul D. Petersen Paul D. Petersen PHOENIX (AP) — The governing board in Arizona’s most populous county has suspended an elected official accused of running a human smuggling scheme involving pregnant women from the Marshall Islands brought to the U.S. to give birth for adoptions. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Monday (Oct. 28) to suspend Assessor Paul Petersen without pay for up to 120 days.
Injunction Sought Against Arizona Attorney In Marshallese Adoption Scheme
FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — A Rogers attorney is asking for an injunction to keep Paul Petersen from acting on pending adoption cases in Washington County after Petersen was charged in federal court with running a sprawling adoption scheme involving Marshallese women. Josh Bryant filed the lawsuit Thursday (Oct. 10) in Washington County Circuit Court on behalf of 13 families who wish to remain anonymous. They are listed as John and Jane Does in court documents.
Feds: Harrison Man Chatted Online About Harming Young Boys
Jon English FORT SMITH, Ark. (KFSM) — A Harrison man who allegedly chatted online with multiple people about actively or potentially harming young boys has pleaded not guilty to federal child pornography charges. Jon Clayton English, 46, was arraigned Monday (Oct. 7) in U.S. District Court on three counts of receiving child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.
Washington Co. Sheriff’s Deputy Named Arkansas Officer Of The Year
FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — A Washington County sheriff’s deputy who survived a shootout following a traffic stop and later helped apprehend the suspect has been named Arkansas Officer of the Year. “We already knew he was a hero,” said Sheriff Tim Helder. “Glad (Attorney General Leslie Rutledge) and rest of the state agree.” Thompson was among a record 672 officers nominated for this year’s award, which was given out Tuesday (Oct. 1) by Rutledge during the 2019 Arkansas Law Enforcement Summit in Benton.
Local Firefighter Arrested For Online Enticement Of Minor
FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — A local firefighter is accused of trying to meet who he thought was a 14-year-old girl sex. Scott Royal was arrested Tuesday (Sept. 24) by agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in connection with attempted online enticement of a minor. Royal was snarred in a joint operation between HSI and Arkansas State Police to target online predators during Bikes, Blues and BBQ motorcycle rally.
Mayors Say Boosting Infrastructure, Regional Collaboration Key To Economic Growth
Talk Business & Politics Talk Business & Politics FORT SMITH (TB&P) — Regional mayors joined in a panel discussion on collaborating to improve the Fort Smith metro, including doing more to improve regional infrastructure. The discussion was part of the second annual Invest Fort Smith summit held Sept. 19.
Former River Valley CEO Pleads Guilty In Tax Fraud Scheme
FORT SMITH (KFSM) — The former CEO of White Dairy, Inc., one of the oldest businesses in Van Buren, has pleaded guilty to falsifying his corporate and personal tax records in 2013. Donald Tankersley, 75, waived indictment Thursday (Sept. 19) in U.S. District Court on two counts of making and subscribing a false tax return. Tankersley faces up to three years in prison and a $100,000 fine. He’s free on a $50,000 bond. A sentencing hearing hasn’t been set.
Barling Doctor Linked To ‘Pill Mill’ Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug Charge
FORT SMITH (KFSM) — One of two River Valley doctors accused of running a “pill mill” has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of distributing a controlled substance. Dr. Donald E. Hinderliter pleaded guilty Tuesday (Sept. 10) in U.S. District Court. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency have accused Dr. Hinderliter and Dr. Cecil W.
Tyson Ventures Invests In Company With Plant-Based Shrimp
Talk Business & Politics Talk Business & Politics SPRINGDALE (TB&P) — Tyson Ventures, the venture capital fund owned by Tyson Foods, announced an investment in San Francisco-based New Wave Foods. Tyson said New Wave focuses on plant-based shellfish and is working on a shrimp alternative protein for food service slated for launch by early 2020. Tyson Foods did not disclose the amount of this investment, or any other details about the deal.
Walmart Works To Move Last On Tariff Price Hikes; Reviews Each Product For Options
BENTONVILLE (TB&P) — Through the first three lists of products to be impacted by tariffs in the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China, Steve Bratspies, chief merchandising officer at Walmart, said the impact has been manageable with little impact to customers. Bratspies, speaking at Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference in Boston on Wednesday (Sept. 4), said the fourth list goes deeper and it will be tougher to keep prices stable.
Arkansas Corn Harvest Could Be Protracted, Sorghum Fields Nearly Gone
Talk Business & Politics Talk Business & Politics LITTLE ROCK (TB&P) — Arkansas corn farmers planted the second largest acreage in the state’s history this year and the erratic weather patterns during the planting season could prolong the crop’s harvest. About 810,000 acres were dedicated to the crop in the Natural State, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Arkansas, Midwest U.S. Economic Growth Stalls In August Amid Tariff, Trade Turmoil
Talk Business & Politics Talk Business & Politics LITTLE ROCK (TB&P) — The highly watched economic indicator for Arkansas and several other midwest states slumped to its lowest level in nearly three years amid concerns that ongoing tariffs and trade issues are being fully absorbed into the U.S. economy. Creighton University’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index for August reported Tuesday (Sept. 3) that the regional indicator fell below growth neutral for the first time since November 2016.
Bethel Heights Avoids Criminal Charge Over Wastewater Issues - For Now
BETHEL HEIGHTS (KFSM) — The Benton County prosecutor has, for now, declined to pursue criminal charges against the city of Bethel Heights regarding its ongoing issue with wastewater disposal.
UA Economist Says Tariffs, Less Global Coordination Hurting Efforts To Avoid Recession
Talk Business & Politics Talk Business & Politics FAYETTEVILLE (TB&P) — University of Arkansas Walton College of Business economist Mervin Jebaraj said that the lack of global coordination among world leaders isn’t helping efforts to avoid a U.S. or worldwide recession. He also contends that it is nearly impossible for U.S. business interests to quickly find new suppliers outside of China after decades of building long-term relationships.
Farmington Foster Parents Arrested After Boy Found Frail, Malnourished
Veronica Hall, Brien Hall Veronica Hall, Brien Hall FARMINGTON (KFSM) — Police have arrested two foster parents accused of leaving a 7-year-old boy extremely malnourished and denying him doctor’s visits for nearly a year. Brien Reed Hall, 40, and Veronica Lynn Hall, 39, were arrested Tuesday (Aug. 27) in connection with first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor — a Class D felony.
Another Lawsuit Filed Over Fatal Greyhound Bus Crash In Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A second passenger has sued the Greyhound bus company and a driver who authorities say fell asleep before the bus careened off a road in the Utah desert two years ago, killing a 13-year-old girl and injuring 12 other people.
Arkansas Governor Forms Panel To Promote Census Count
A New York federal judge has issued an order definitively blocking the Trump administration from adding a citizenship question to the 2020 census in any form, despite the administration's insistence it has abandoned plans to add a question on the census.
Home Sales In NWA Up 7%; Lot Inventory Down In First Half Of 2019
FAYETTEVILLE (TB&P) — Home sales in Benton and Washington counties totaled 4,747 homes in the first half of 2019, up 7% from the same period in 2018. That was the third-highest total since 2005, according to a new report on residential real estate. Meanwhile, the available number of lots on which to build new homes continues to decline while the average price of homes sold rises. Fayetteville-chartered Arvest Bank released Tuesday (Aug.
Arkansas Pump Prices Falling Ahead Of Long Labor Day Weekend
FAYETTEVILLE (TB&P) — As Labor Day weekend nears, summer vacationers are expected to see the cheapest pump prices in three years as international crude oil prices continue to slide on international trade concerns, according to AAA. In Arkansas, Labor Day motorists will see some of the lowest gas prices in the nation heading into the fall as the seasonal demand for high-grade gasoline wanes and refiners switch over to winter-blend fuels.
Tyson Foods, Poultry And Meat Industries Applaud Trade Deal With Japan
SPRINGDALE (TB&P) — The U.S. poultry and egg sectors applauded the trade deal announced by the Trump administration on Monday (Aug. 26) between the U.S. and Japan. The National Chicken Council said the deal stands to benefit the poultry industry.
Vape Shops Propose 2% Sales Tax On Their Products
LITTLE ROCK (TB&P) — Licensed vaping shops are proposing a 2% sales tax on e-liquids, the Arkansas Vape Advocacy Alliance announced Sunday (Aug. 25). The Alliance’s executive director, Bradley Phillips, told Talk Business & Politics that his association presented the 2% tax plan during this year’s legislative session while Senate President Pro Tempore Jim Hendren, R-Gravette, was presenting a bill to enact a wholesale tax on e-liquids.
Fayetteville Woman Ordered To Repay More Than $400,000 Stolen From Springdale Church
Andra Smith FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — A Fayetteville woman was sentenced Friday (Aug. 23) to 20 years probation and ordered to repay more than $400,000 she embezzled from a Springdale church. Andra Smith, 41, pleaded guilty in Washington County Circuit Court to theft of property after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors. Smith must pay $50,000 upfront while the remaining $363,000 will be paid out in monthly installments. Smith must also remain on good behavior during her probation.
Arkansas Natural Gas Sales, Production See Steady Decline
Talk Business & Politics Talk Business & Politics LITTLE ROCK (TB&P) — Despite the highly publicized exits of Southwestern Energy Inc. and BHP from the Fayetteville Shale, severance tax revenues from the Arkansas play have remained steady as consumption and demand for natural gas in the power sector continues to set new highs. However, natural gas production levels in Arkansas have seen a slow decline without any rig activity in the Arkansas shale play.
Market Watchers Raising Expectations On Full-Year Earnings For Walmart
BENTONVILLE (TB&P) — Walmart delivered a strong one-two punch in the second quarter, according to retail analyst Walter Loeb, who said the strength of digital sales combined with quick delivery boosted sales and earnings ahead of Wall Street estimates. Loeb said the solid 2.8% domestic comp sales and 37% e-commerce growth confirm the consumer’s trust in the company and validate management’s drive to serve customers more efficiently.
Rep. Andy Davis Not Seeking Re-Election To House Seat
ROLAND (TB&P) — Rep. Andy Davis, R-Roland, announced Tuesday (Aug. 20) that he won’t seek re-election to his legislative seat. Davis, who is in his fourth term and challenged for Speaker of the House, said it was time to return to the private sector and find other ways to serve. In a statement provided to Talk Business & Politics, Davis said: “After much prayer and reflection with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election to the Arkansas House of Representatives in the 2020 election cycle.
Plant-Based Food Demand Pushes Tyson Foods Toward Product Innovation
SPRINGDALE (TB&P) — Tyson Foods is the largest U.S. food company with annual revenues expected around $42.93 billion this year. The bulk of that revenue will come from meat sales, but the company says the business is more than meat protein. “We don’t think it has to be either-or at Tyson,” said Justin Whitmore, chief sustainability officer at Tyson Foods.
Walmart Calls First Year Of Flipkart Deal A Success; Deal Still Weighs On Income
BENTONVILLE (KFSM) — It’s been one year since Walmart completed its $16 billion acquisition of Flipkart – a bold investment in Indian retail. The deal gave Walmart an 81% stake in Flipkart, with the retail giant retaining partners Tencent, Tiger Global, Microsoft and company co-founder Binny Bansal, who maintains a 3.52% stake in the company. Walmart International CEO Judith McKenna said Monday (Aug 19) Walmart has accomplished a lot with Flipkart in the inaugural year.
NWA Orthodontist Indicted In Fraud, Bribery Scheme Involving Former State Senator
FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — A former Northwest Arkansas orthodontist has been indicted in a bribery and fraud scheme involving former state Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson.
Racing Commission Puts Pope County Casino Bids Back On Roulette Wheel
LITTLE ROCK (TB&P) — The proposed $225 million Pope County casino parlay is back on again, so says the seven commissioners at the Arkansas Racing Commission. The Arkansas Racing Commission on Thursday (Aug. 15) kicked off a special meeting by denying a lone appeal from Gulfport, Miss.-based Gulfside Casino Partnership to build a multimillion-dollar hotel and gambling complex in Pope County.
Dillard’s Posts $40.7 Million Loss On Weak Sales
Talk Business & Politics Talk Business & Politics LITTLE ROCK (TB&P) — Little Rock-based Dillard’s, Inc. went backwards in the second quarter as the upscale retailer saw a decline in same-store and total merchandise sales as increasing markdowns and lukewarm purchases of ladies’ apparel and accessories cut into profits. For the 13-week period ended Aug.
Trucking Industry Welcomes Proposal To Change Hours Of Service Regulation
Talk Business & Politics Talk Business & Politics LITTLE ROCK (TB&P) — Trade organizations in the trucking industry praised the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for looking to change to the hours of service rule as a means to improve highway safety and flexibility for drivers. The federal agency published Wednesday (Aug. 14) proposed changes to the rule after receiving more than 5,200 public comments to revise it.
Walmart Call Center Opens In Springdale; Provides Glimpse Of Retailer’s ‘Next Generation’
Talk Business & Politics Talk Business & Politics SPRINGDALE (KFSM) — The construction of Walmart’s new corporate campus in Bentonville will take years to be achieved, and is just now in the early stages of development. On Wednesday (Aug. 14), company officials provided a glimpse into what some elements of that design may one day look like. Walmart held a grand opening for its new contact center at 2800 S. Thompson St. in Springdale.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Brandon
Contact Brandon, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack