MoArk News Now will launch in October 2026 as a regional digital news service covering communities throughout the Missouri-Arkansas Ozarks. The coverage area will include Branson, Hollister, the Tri-Lakes region, Springfield, Harrison, north-central Arkansas and surrounding communities.
The region crosses the Missouri-Arkansas state line and includes cities, small towns and rural areas connected by highways, county roads, rivers and lakes. Residents routinely travel between communities for employment, education, healthcare, shopping, government services and recreation.
Local government across the region is divided among two states, multiple counties and numerous municipalities. School districts, courts, law enforcement agencies, fire protection districts, health departments and emergency management offices also operate within their own jurisdictions.
Because those jurisdictions frequently meet at county and state boundaries, a single regional story can involve several public agencies. Severe weather, road closures, water conditions, criminal investigations, elections and major development projects can affect more than one community at the same time.
MoArk News Now reporters will work in the field throughout the coverage area. Reporting will include attendance at public meetings, interviews conducted in the communities involved and coverage from the locations where news is occurring.
The newsroom will cover city and county government, public safety, courts, education, business, healthcare, community events, weather and local sports. Coverage will also include decisions involving public money, changes to local services and projects that affect residents or businesses.
Reporters will monitor meeting agendas, public notices, government records and announcements from regional agencies. When breaking news occurs, reporting will be updated as information is confirmed by officials, documents or reporters at the scene.
