Dustin Staggs is a features writer for the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, focusing on arts, entertainment, and community stories that highlight the vibrant culture of Northwest Arkansas. A University of Arkansas graduate, he joined the Democrat-Gazette features team in July 2024.

During his university years, Dustin earned recognition as a Story of the Year finalist in the “In-Depth News Story” category by the Associated Collegiate Press, the only Arkansas college student to receive this honor that year. At the Democrat-Gazette, he has built strong ties within the local arts and entertainment scene, enjoying the opportunity to showcase the region’s creative talents and inspiring stories.