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U.S. accuses Beijing of undermining regional security in South China Sea

World

Federal prosecutors urge judge to keep March 4 trial in Trump election case

Politics & Policy

Macy's reportedly receives $5.8 billion buyout offer

Business

Bronny James makes USC debut nearly 5 months after cardiac arrest

Sports

Trump will no longer testify in his own defense in N.Y. civil fraud case

Walmart tops Fortune 500 list

10 Arkansas laws taking effect in August

Nearly 900 acts passed by the Arkansas Legislature earlier this year are set to become law on Tuesday.

News

Mapped: Arkansas' Alzheimer's rates

Caring for those with the disease cost an estimated $321 billion nationwide last year.

Health

Northwest Arkansas Council jumpstarts attainable housing project

At its annual meeting Tuesday, the NWA Council revealed its collaboration on a 77-unit apartment project that will permanently earmark 30 units for families earning below the area median income

The Agenda: On deck at city council

Here's what local governments plan to decide on Nov. 28.

Politics

Here&#x27;s what your local governments plan to decide tonight.

Bob Stafford wins open Fayetteville City Council seat

Stafford won 65% of the vote, according to unofficial results.

Fayetteville voters on Tuesday elected Bob Stafford, who serves on the city&#x27;s Arts Council and was a two-term member of the Urban Forestry Board, to fill an open seat on the City Council after a four-way race.By the numbers: Stafford won 65% of the vote, according to unofficial results from Washington County election officials. Katy Sager had 27%, David Phillips won about 6%, and S. Robert Smith gathered about 2%.

What we're sipping: Sake made in Arkansas

Food and Drink

I just learned we have sake being made here in Arkansas.Be smart: Sake is a Japanese rice wine. And Arkansas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="produces the most rice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.arfb.com/pages/arkansas-agriculture/commodity-corner/rice/#:~:text=Arkansas%20ranks%20first%20among%20rice,Louisiana%20to%20the%20Missouri%20borders." data-vars-content-id="d7917589-68e3-4bb8-b03b-6b9ec01cb229" data-vars-headline="What we&#x27;re sipping: Sake made in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arfb.com/pages/arkansas-agriculture/commodity-corner/rice/#:~:text=Arkansas%20ranks%20first%20among%20rice,Louisiana%20to%20the%20Missouri%20borders." target="_blank">produces the most rice</a> in the U.S.

Monday Munchies: Xuma Kitchens in downtown Fayetteville

Here's where you can have a variety of tacos on one plate.

Alex here. Allow me to introduce you to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Xuma Kitchens" data-vars-click-url="https://www.xumakitchens.com/" data-vars-content-id="3414037d-b69e-44a8-bf85-fa553d1351bf" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Xuma Kitchens in downtown Fayetteville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.xumakitchens.com/" target="_blank">Xuma Kitchens</a>, a bright and colorful Mexican restaurant in downtown Fayetteville where I want to be every day after work.The intrigue: You can mix and match your tacos here and create your ideal plate.

Attainable housing project set for Bentonville

Excellerate Housing, a part of the Excellerate Foundation, plans to build 200 housing units to rent between $450 and $800 in Bentonville.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Excellerate Housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/08/08/nonprofit-adds-affordable-housing-division" data-vars-content-id="4684fa08-f92e-4d72-8962-8a68ac3de5a9" data-vars-headline="Attainable housing project set for Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/08/08/nonprofit-adds-affordable-housing-division" target="_self">Excellerate Housing</a>, a part of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Excellerate Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.excelleratefoundation.com/" data-vars-content-id="4684fa08-f92e-4d72-8962-8a68ac3de5a9" data-vars-headline="Attainable housing project set for Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.excelleratefoundation.com/" target="_blank">Excellerate Foundation</a>, plans to build 200 housing units in Bentonville that will rent for $450 to $800 monthly.<ul><li>The projected prices are based on ranges from 30%-60% of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="area median income" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/09/18/median-income-pandemic-census" data-vars-content-id="4684fa08-f92e-4d72-8962-8a68ac3de5a9" data-vars-headline="Attainable housing project set for Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/09/18/median-income-pandemic-census" target="_self">area median income</a>, which is $28,000 to $55,000 for a family of four, according to Excellerate.</li></ul>Why it matters: NWA&#x27;s high cost of housing makes it challenging for lower- and middle-range wage earners — think teachers, police and health care workers — to afford to live in the area.

Illustration of a repeating pattern of houses made out of hundred dollar bills. 

Walton Enterprises: No connection between land purchases and Buffalo River coalition

Tied up with the controversy of the Buffalo National River is speculation that the Walton family wants to capitalize on a national park.

Tied up with the controversy of the Buffalo National River is speculation that the Walton family wants to capitalize on a national park and preserve designation. Driving the news: The Madison County Record <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first reported" data-vars-click-url="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2023/10/16/arkansas-group-floats-idea-of-buffalo-national-river-into-national-park-preserve/" data-vars-content-id="7528fbde-270f-4519-af09-df658928cf9c" data-vars-headline="Walton Enterprises: No connection between land purchases and Buffalo River coalition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2023/10/16/arkansas-group-floats-idea-of-buffalo-national-river-into-national-park-preserve/" target="_blank">first reported</a> that limited liability company Kings Creek has been buying land near the headwaters of the Buffalo River, south of Kingston.<ul><li>Kings Creek is controlled by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walton Enterprises" data-vars-click-url="https://www.linkedin.com/company/walton-enterprises-llc/" data-vars-content-id="7528fbde-270f-4519-af09-df658928cf9c" data-vars-headline="Walton Enterprises: No connection between land purchases and Buffalo River coalition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/walton-enterprises-llc/" target="_blank">Walton Enterprises</a> Inc., a business and philanthropic office of the Walton family.</li></ul>

Land donation OK'd for Bentonville teacher housing

The Bentonville school board on Tuesday approved a proposal to donate nearly 9 acres of its land to build affordable housing for teachers and staff.

The Bentonville school board on Tuesday approved a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposal to donate nearly 9 acres" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/07/25/bentonville-schools-teacher-affordable-housing" data-vars-content-id="28693e3f-adf7-469c-9d9f-de520cbbbf24" data-vars-headline="Land donation OK&#x27;d for Bentonville teacher housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/07/25/bentonville-schools-teacher-affordable-housing" target="_self">proposal to donate nearly 9 acres</a> of its land to build affordable housing for teachers and staff, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2023/nov/15/bentonville-school-board-in-5-1-vote-approves/?news-arkansas-nwa" data-vars-content-id="28693e3f-adf7-469c-9d9f-de520cbbbf24" data-vars-headline="Land donation OK&#x27;d for Bentonville teacher housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2023/nov/15/bentonville-school-board-in-5-1-vote-approves/?news-arkansas-nwa" target="_blank">reports</a>.<ul><li>Plans are for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Excellerate Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.excelleratefoundation.com/" data-vars-content-id="28693e3f-adf7-469c-9d9f-de520cbbbf24" data-vars-headline="Land donation OK&#x27;d for Bentonville teacher housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.excelleratefoundation.com/" target="_blank">Excellerate Foundation</a> of Rogers to build and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="manage the $25 million project" data-vars-click-url="https://go.boarddocs.com/ar/bentonville/Board.nsf/files/CTDT5H75B109/$file/BPS%20Progress%20Report%206.24.23.pdf" data-vars-content-id="28693e3f-adf7-469c-9d9f-de520cbbbf24" data-vars-headline="Land donation OK&#x27;d for Bentonville teacher housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ar/bentonville/Board.nsf/files/CTDT5H75B109/$file/BPS%20Progress%20Report%206.24.23.pdf" target="_blank">manage the $25 million project</a>.</li></ul>Why it matters: NWA&#x27;s high cost of housing makes it challenging for lower- and middle-range wage earners, like many teachers, to afford living in the area.

Taco Talk: Sam M. Walton College of Business' Brent Williams

Brent Williams and I connected at Taco & Tamale Co.'s newest spot in Fayetteville.

Worth here. I recently connected with Brent Williams, interim dean of the University of Arkansas&#x27; Sam M. Walton College of Business, at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taco &amp; Tamale Co" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2022/04/14/bentonville-taco-and-tamale-co-review" data-vars-content-id="0cd65f56-b92b-4d8a-8246-aac58a69a7b3" data-vars-headline="Taco Talk: Sam M. Walton College of Business&#x27; Brent Williams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2022/04/14/bentonville-taco-and-tamale-co-review" target="_self">Taco &amp; Tamale Co</a>.&#x27;s newest spot in Fayetteville&#x27;s South Yard.The setup: The chain started several years ago in Little Rock, then expanded with a spot on the Bentonville square before coming to Fayetteville. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="menu" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/631b561464bc4e70505b1b94/t/651c25189c69cd59d2ffebff/1696343322945/Fayetteville+Taco+Food+Menu+-+June+2023.pdf" data-vars-content-id="0cd65f56-b92b-4d8a-8246-aac58a69a7b3" data-vars-headline="Taco Talk: Sam M. Walton College of Business&#x27; Brent Williams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/631b561464bc4e70505b1b94/t/651c25189c69cd59d2ffebff/1696343322945/Fayetteville+Taco+Food+Menu+-+June+2023.pdf" target="_blank">menu</a> touts that it serves &quot;Ark-Mex&quot; fare.

Investors look to bring a Michelin star to Northwest Arkansas, starting with bento boxes

Silicon Valley tech-preneurs are using their start-up know-how to land Arkansas its first Michelin star.

Silicon Valley tech-preneurs are using their startup know-how to land Arkansas its first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin star" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/11/08/michelin-guide-awards-new-2023-star-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="a28ca04d-4c25-48c8-b12e-781ec2ff3a4d" data-vars-headline="Investors look to bring a Michelin star to Northwest Arkansas, starting with bento boxes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/11/08/michelin-guide-awards-new-2023-star-restaurants" target="_self">Michelin star</a>.State of play: Nine investors behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bentoville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/12/07/bentoville-bento-boxes-bentonville" data-vars-content-id="a28ca04d-4c25-48c8-b12e-781ec2ff3a4d" data-vars-headline="Investors look to bring a Michelin star to Northwest Arkansas, starting with bento boxes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/12/07/bentoville-bento-boxes-bentonville" target="_self">Bentoville</a> — including two chefs who&#x27;ve previously earned stars — are working to open a brick-and-mortar Japanese restaurant in Bentonville late next year.

Animated illustration of three chef hats popping up out of nowhere, one after another.

Festivities, NYT reporters and more things to do in NWA this weekend

Things to Do

🎄 Go to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bentonville Christmas Parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.downtownbentonville.org/event/parade" data-vars-content-id="0157d7cf-16da-4fe1-af3f-3f3b4fcef887" data-vars-headline="Festivities, NYT reporters and more things to do in NWA this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.downtownbentonville.org/event/parade" target="_blank">Bentonville Christmas Parade</a> beginning at 6pm Saturday at 8th and Main streets downtown.🛍 Shop for holiday gifts during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Street Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/806005687964834/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D%5C" data-vars-content-id="0157d7cf-16da-4fe1-af3f-3f3b4fcef887" data-vars-headline="Festivities, NYT reporters and more things to do in NWA this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/806005687964834/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D%5C" target="_blank">Winter Street Fair</a> at Oli + Meg in downtown Bentonville; hours are 1-5pm Sunday.📰 Hear from journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey of The New York Times, who broke the Harvey Weinstein sexual-abuse story, at 6pm today at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Get tickets " data-vars-click-url="https://tickets.crystalbridges-themomentary.org/70417/70418?_gl=1*th0ik4*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MDEzNzI5OTMuQ2owS0NRaUFncUdyQmhEdEFSSXNBTTVzMF9tNzdSZVl4b2dJaEFCQ2lpWXhOQlE2bVZMYmdRLTBJdDhaOVNER1FJSHJ0SDI5VzlST1hHQWFBaGFqRUFMd193Y0I.*_gcl_au*Mjc2NTU2MTE3LjE2OTU4NDUwODI.*_ga*MjA5NTE3NTkzMC4xNjMwMjU3MDk3*_ga_6QT0JNVM9W*MTcwMTk3OTIxNS4yMzQuMS4xNzAxOTc5MjMwLjQ1LjAuMA.." data-vars-content-id="0157d7cf-16da-4fe1-af3f-3f3b4fcef887" data-vars-headline="Festivities, NYT reporters and more things to do in NWA this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tickets.crystalbridges-themomentary.org/70417/70418?_gl=1*th0ik4*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MDEzNzI5OTMuQ2owS0NRaUFncUdyQmhEdEFSSXNBTTVzMF9tNzdSZVl4b2dJaEFCQ2lpWXhOQlE2bVZMYmdRLTBJdDhaOVNER1FJSHJ0SDI5VzlST1hHQWFBaGFqRUFMd193Y0I.*_gcl_au*Mjc2NTU2MTE3LjE2OTU4NDUwODI.*_ga*MjA5NTE3NTkzMC4xNjMwMjU3MDk3*_ga_6QT0JNVM9W*MTcwMTk3OTIxNS4yMzQuMS4xNzAxOTc5MjMwLjQ1LjAuMA.." target="_blank">Get tickets </a>for $30.

Monday Munchies: Bentoville boxes

Bentoville — note, there's no "n" — is a restaurant concept without physical space.

<blockquote>Fresh food made to go</blockquote><blockquote>Simple, elegant, pleasing</blockquote><blockquote>Try Bentoville soon </blockquote>The Japanese form of poetry, haiku, is tricky. There are strict rules — it requires intense discipline and minimalistic artistry.<ul><li>It&#x27;s easy to make a hot mess of it, like I did above.</li></ul>Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bentoville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bentoville.com/" data-vars-content-id="63741a48-46f0-4555-9bb1-fba837427ab1" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Bentoville boxes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bentoville.com/" target="_blank">Bentoville</a> — note, there&#x27;s no &quot;n&quot; — a restaurant concept without physical space, currently makes the culinary equivalent of haiku.

Venture capital interest jumps in Arkansas

Venture capitalists invested more than $270 million in Arkansas companies in 2022.

Venture capitalists invested more than $270 million in Arkansas companies in 2022, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arkansas Capital Scan" data-vars-click-url="https://online.flippingbook.com/view/537929553/" data-vars-content-id="0e1972df-806f-4e0d-bd8b-359e38668c5a" data-vars-headline="Venture capital interest jumps in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://online.flippingbook.com/view/537929553/" target="_blank">Arkansas Capital Scan</a> released Wednesday.Context: This is the third such report compiled by the University of Arkansas&#x27; Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (OEI) and the Northwest Arkansas Council.

Restaurant wage growth in Northwest Arkansas better than U.S. average

Year-over-year wage growth for restaurant workers in Northwest Arkansas rose 5.6% in October, from 4.2% in September.

Year-over-year wage growth for restaurant workers in Northwest Arkansas rose by 5.6% in October — up from 4.2% in September, Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick and Alice Feng report.<ul><li>That&#x27;s down from a peak of 39% in November 2018.</li><li>The data comes by way of Square&#x27;s new third-quarter restaurant industry<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" report" data-vars-click-url="https://squareup.com/us/en/press/restaurant-industry-report-post-pandemic-dining-traffic-stabilizes" data-vars-content-id="6a4a6976-c06d-4a2d-ae8e-830b0dd8937a" data-vars-headline="Restaurant wage growth in Northwest Arkansas better than U.S. average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://squareup.com/us/en/press/restaurant-industry-report-post-pandemic-dining-traffic-stabilizes" target="_blank"> report</a> and includes base wages, tips and overtime.</li></ul>

The Shift: Black Paper Party faces the Sharks

Inspired by the cultural flashpoints of 2020 that included the pandemic and murder of George Floyd, three NWA women decided to launch Black Paper Party.

Inspired by the cultural flashpoints of 2020 that included the COVID-19 pandemic and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="murder of George Floyd" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/07/tou-thao-george-floyd-criminal-charges-prison-sentence" data-vars-content-id="e1e92e98-8e58-4018-a9ed-62202b88e7b8" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Black Paper Party faces the Sharks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/07/tou-thao-george-floyd-criminal-charges-prison-sentence" target="_self">murder of George Floyd</a>, three NWA women decided to launch <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Paper Party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.blackpaperparty.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAsburBhCIARIsAExmsu6OF82VVIBGSX9cagWqKdeXrfNATNMRudmyL7PrmAuuND02iOuh72MaAtvMEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="e1e92e98-8e58-4018-a9ed-62202b88e7b8" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Black Paper Party faces the Sharks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.blackpaperparty.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAsburBhCIARIsAExmsu6OF82VVIBGSX9cagWqKdeXrfNATNMRudmyL7PrmAuuND02iOuh72MaAtvMEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Black Paper Party</a>.<ul><li>The partners&#x27; initial concept was to make Christmas wrapping paper with illustrations of Black people — a simple notion that&#x27;s been largely overlooked by the traditional gift-giving industry.</li></ul>Driving the news: The trio — Jasmine Hudson, J&#x27;Aaron Merchant and Madia Willis — will appear on ABC&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shark Tank" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbc.com/shark-tank" data-vars-content-id="e1e92e98-8e58-4018-a9ed-62202b88e7b8" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Black Paper Party faces the Sharks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbc.com/shark-tank" target="_blank">Shark Tank</a>&quot; at 7pm Friday.

Group files proposal to put sunshine law on Arkansas ballot

Arkansas Citizens for Transparency submitted a ballot title and popular name for the "Arkansas Government Transparency Act," this week.

Arkansas Citizens for Transparency this week submitted a ballot title and popular name for the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arkansas Government Transparency Amendment" data-vars-click-url="https://arkansasadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FOIA-Constitutional-Amendment-Ballot-Title-PDF.pdf" data-vars-content-id="9b3e8db6-a420-4712-8d5e-f97561b45d76" data-vars-headline="Group files proposal to put sunshine law on Arkansas ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FOIA-Constitutional-Amendment-Ballot-Title-PDF.pdf" target="_blank">Arkansas Government Transparency Amendment</a>.&quot;<ul><li>It&#x27;s a companion to a proposed amendment <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="submitted last week" data-vars-click-url="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2023/11/27/first-ballot-language-submitted-for-arkansas-government-transparency-amendment/" data-vars-content-id="9b3e8db6-a420-4712-8d5e-f97561b45d76" data-vars-headline="Group files proposal to put sunshine law on Arkansas ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2023/11/27/first-ballot-language-submitted-for-arkansas-government-transparency-amendment/" target="_blank">submitted last week</a> that would create a right to government transparency.</li></ul>Why it matters: The state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Freedom of Information Act" data-vars-click-url="https://arkansasag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022-FOIA-Handbook-20th-Edition.pdf" data-vars-content-id="9b3e8db6-a420-4712-8d5e-f97561b45d76" data-vars-headline="Group files proposal to put sunshine law on Arkansas ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkansasag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022-FOIA-Handbook-20th-Edition.pdf" target="_blank">Freedom of Information Act</a> protects the public&#x27;s right to access many government documents and is frequently used to hold officials accountable for taxpayer dollars.

Venture capital moves — slowly — to middle of the country

Venture capital investment in heartland companies more than tripled in a decade.

Venture capital investment in heartland companies more than tripled in a decade, reaching $55 billion by the end of 2021, according to a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heartland Forward" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/11/09/heartland-summit-bentonville-boris-johnson-matthew-mcconaughey" data-vars-content-id="b3dffbad-13a5-49f4-b636-d764528f44f2" data-vars-headline="Venture capital moves — slowly — to middle of the country" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/11/09/heartland-summit-bentonville-boris-johnson-matthew-mcconaughey" target="_self">Heartland Forward</a> report.Why it matters: The jump means more startups in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="20-state region" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/27259554.3567/aHR0cHM6Ly9oZWFydGxhbmRmb3J3YXJkLm9yZy8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9ud19hcmthbnNhcyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/60745e98f259136e9e4c81f2Df1da5810" data-vars-content-id="b3dffbad-13a5-49f4-b636-d764528f44f2" data-vars-headline="Venture capital moves — slowly — to middle of the country" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/27259554.3567/aHR0cHM6Ly9oZWFydGxhbmRmb3J3YXJkLm9yZy8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9ud19hcmthbnNhcyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/60745e98f259136e9e4c81f2Df1da5810" target="_blank">20-state region</a> of the nation&#x27;s midsection. New companies tend to spur clusters, or hubs, of related firms — creating more jobs, attracting talent and generating economic activity.

What to do in NWA this week

Enjoy your week. Here are things to do in the area.🌿 Get crafty ahead of the holidays<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christmas tree workshop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/729177709251893/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="316574d2-b687-4024-b314-e3641ea01a8e" data-vars-headline="What to do in NWA this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/729177709251893/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Christmas tree workshop</a> with snacks and wine — 6pm Tuesday at Oil + Meg in Bentonville.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mistletoe-arranging" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/221989867581558?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="316574d2-b687-4024-b314-e3641ea01a8e" data-vars-headline="What to do in NWA this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/221989867581558?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Mistletoe-arranging</a> at 6:30pm Wednesday, The Botanical at 8th &amp; A in Bentonville.</li></ul>🤣 Have a good laugh at a comedy night

How to give back this holiday season

Here's a starter list of where you can put gratitude into action.

There is no shortage of philanthropic efforts or organizations in Northwest Arkansas, but there are still people in need.<ul><li>Chances are you already have a personal cause and a plan to give.</li></ul>Yes, but: If you need a little help, here&#x27;s a starter list of where you can put gratitude into action:

Holiday lights and more can't-miss events to celebrate the season

Go see "A Christmas Carol," winter pop-up bars and more.

Here&#x27;s how to maximize your holiday cheer in Northwest Arkansas this year.🎄 Marvel at holiday lights<ul><li>Downtown Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville — Wander the streets while they&#x27;re lit up for the season.</li></ul>

Your weekend plans: Christmas parades are here

Here's your guide to a festive weekend in NWA. Dec. 1-3.

At least three Christmas parades are happening this weekend.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rogers Christmas Parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.destinationrogers.com/things-to-do/events/rogers-christmas-parade/" data-vars-content-id="3556c13c-546d-4ba6-8d77-e621e824880b" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Christmas parades are here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.destinationrogers.com/things-to-do/events/rogers-christmas-parade/" target="_blank">Rogers Christmas Parade</a> — Watch the parade beginning at 5:30pm tonight at 5th and Poplar streets. Shop local vendors and have the kids&#x27; pictures taken with Santa.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lowell Christmas Parade" data-vars-click-url="http://www.lowellarkansas.gov/mobile/christmasParade.aspx" data-vars-content-id="3556c13c-546d-4ba6-8d77-e621e824880b" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Christmas parades are here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.lowellarkansas.gov/mobile/christmasParade.aspx" target="_blank">Lowell Christmas Parade</a> — Catch the parade, tree lighting and holiday market at 5:30pm Saturday at Ward Nail Park.

Illustration of a shop inside a snowglobe. 

The Red Ryder BB gun from "A Christmas Story" is made in Northwest Arkansas

The official Red Ryder air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time is made by Daisy Outdoor Products of Rogers.

The official &quot;Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time&quot; is made by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Daisy Outdoor Products" data-vars-click-url="https://www.daisy.com/" data-vars-content-id="dda987ed-304a-4393-9fc0-354df778ca47" data-vars-headline="The Red Ryder BB gun from &quot;A Christmas Story&quot; is made in Northwest Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.daisy.com/" target="_blank">Daisy Outdoor Products</a> of Rogers.<ul><li>Variations of protagonist Ralphie Parker&#x27;s breathless description of his holy grail are repeated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 30 times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/red-ryder-bb-gun-movie-prop/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20iconic,30%20times%20throughout%20the%20movie." data-vars-content-id="dda987ed-304a-4393-9fc0-354df778ca47" data-vars-headline="The Red Ryder BB gun from &quot;A Christmas Story&quot; is made in Northwest Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/red-ryder-bb-gun-movie-prop/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20iconic,30%20times%20throughout%20the%20movie." target="_blank">nearly 30 times</a> in the holiday cult classic &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A Christmas Story" data-vars-click-url="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085334/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_a%2520christma" data-vars-content-id="dda987ed-304a-4393-9fc0-354df778ca47" data-vars-headline="The Red Ryder BB gun from &quot;A Christmas Story&quot; is made in Northwest Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085334/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_a%2520christma" target="_blank">A Christmas Story</a>.&quot;</li></ul>

Your long-weekend plans: Start shopping

Here's how to shop small the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Hopefully, you get to spend some time this week eating your favorite food and spending time with family and friends. When you&#x27;re ready to emerge, here&#x27;s how to spend the post-Thanksgiving weekend.Consider supporting a small business while you&#x27;re shopping for gifts. Here&#x27;s a few ideas for Small Business Saturday.

Illustration of the ribbons around a gift tied up without an actual gift box.  

Journalists who sparked #MeToo Movement to speak at Crystal Bridges

Investigative journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey are set to speak at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, the investigative journalists who exposed years of sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein, will discuss their experiences Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.Details: The Pulitzer Prize winners will take the stage Dec. 8 at 6pm.

Your weekend plans in NWA: ✨ All lit up

Make it a dreamy weekend and see two downtown squares all lit up.

Benton County leads in EV commuting in Arkansas

Benton County saw an estimated 63 electric vehicle miles driven per 1,000 residents on a typical weekday in the second quarter of 2023.

Benton County saw an estimated 63 electric vehicle miles driven per 1,000 residents on a typical weekday in the second quarter of 2023, Alex Fitzpatrick and Kavya Beheraj report from data shared with Axios.<ul><li>About 42 miles per 1,000 residents were driven during the typical weekday in Washington County.</li></ul>Zoom out: The crown for large U.S. counties went to Marin County, California, which averages 1,942 miles per day.

Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season

Holidays

It&#x27;s time to go shopping. Here&#x27;s how you can keep your dollars in NWA.🥘 Give a gift card to someone on your list to introduce them to a new local restaurant.<ul><li>This is an easy way to check off a couple or a family by buying them a night out.</li></ul>📚 Skip Amazon and buy a book from a local bookstore.<ul><li>Try <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pearl&#x27;s Books" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pearlsbooks.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pearlsbooks.com/" target="_blank">Pearl&#x27;s Books</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Más Libritos Bookstore" data-vars-click-url="https://mas-libritos-bookstore.square.site/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mas-libritos-bookstore.square.site/" target="_blank">Más Libritos Bookstore</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Underbrush Books" data-vars-click-url="https://underbrushbooks.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://underbrushbooks.com/" target="_blank">Underbrush Books</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Two Friends Books" data-vars-click-url="https://www.twofriendsbooks.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.twofriendsbooks.com/" target="_blank">Two Friends Books</a>.</li></ul>🍫 Get them some NWA treats.<ul><li>Try coffee beans from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Airship Coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://airshipcoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://airshipcoffee.com/" target="_blank">Airship Coffee</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Onyx Coffee Lab" data-vars-click-url="https://onyxcoffeelab.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://onyxcoffeelab.com/" target="_blank">Onyx Coffee Lab</a>; popcorn from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hill City Popcorn Co." data-vars-click-url="https://hillcitypopcorn.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hillcitypopcorn.com/" target="_blank">Hill City Popcorn Co.</a>; chocolate from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kyya Chocolate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kyyachocolate.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kyyachocolate.com/" target="_blank">Kyya Chocolate</a>; macarons from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alchemy Macarons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.alchemymacarons.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.alchemymacarons.com/" target="_blank">Alchemy Macarons</a>; tea from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Savoy Tea Co." data-vars-click-url="https://savoytea.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://savoytea.com/" target="_blank">Savoy Tea Co.</a>; cookies from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rick&#x27;s Bakery" data-vars-click-url="https://ricksbakery.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ricksbakery.com/" target="_blank">Rick&#x27;s Bakery</a>; goodie baskets from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Noble Graze" data-vars-click-url="https://www.noblegraze.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.noblegraze.com/" target="_blank">Noble Graze</a>; or wine from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sassafrasspringsvineyard.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sassafrasspringsvineyard.com/" target="_blank">Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery</a>.</li></ul>🖼 Support local artists and buy locally made goods.<ul><li>Spend any Saturday morning this winter shopping the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Market at Record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.downtownbentonville.org/event/market-at-record" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.downtownbentonville.org/event/market-at-record" target="_blank">Market at Record</a> in downtown Bentonville or check out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="craft events" data-vars-click-url="https://fayettevilleflyer.com/2023/11/29/local-holiday-markets-coming-up-in-fayetteville/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fayettevilleflyer.com/2023/11/29/local-holiday-markets-coming-up-in-fayetteville/" target="_blank">craft events</a> in Fayetteville.</li></ul>🎟 Give the gift of experiences.<ul><li>Think concerts, plays or sporting events.</li><li>Check out the lineup at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion" data-vars-click-url="https://amptickets.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://amptickets.com/" target="_blank">Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="JJ&#x27;s Live" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jjslive.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jjslive.com/" target="_blank">JJ&#x27;s Live</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George&#x27;s Majestic Lounge" data-vars-click-url="https://georgesmajesticlounge.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://georgesmajesticlounge.com/" target="_blank">George&#x27;s Majestic Lounge</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walton Arts Center" data-vars-click-url="https://waltonartscenter.org/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://waltonartscenter.org/" target="_blank">Walton Arts Center</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TheatreSquared" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theatre2.org/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theatre2.org/" target="_blank">TheatreSquared</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Razorbacks" data-vars-click-url="https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/" target="_blank">Razorbacks</a>. Or even get them a yearlong membership to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art" data-vars-click-url="https://crystalbridges.org/membership/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://crystalbridges.org/membership/" target="_blank">Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Momentary" data-vars-click-url="https://themomentary.org/membership/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://themomentary.org/membership/" target="_blank">The Momentary</a>.</li></ul>

Tyson Foods launches tech at new Virginia plant

Hourly employees of a new chicken plant will wear a Fitbit-like device on their arms to monitor productivity and help keep them safe.

Hourly employees of a new chicken plant will wear a Fitbit-like device on their arms to monitor productivity and help keep them safe. What&#x27;s happening: Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King celebrated the opening of the company&#x27;s newest fully cooked chicken plant in Danville, Virginia, Tuesday morning.

Northwest Arkansas' literary scene is gaining traction

In just the past three years, at least five new independent bookstores have opened brick-and-mortar shops in NWA.

Culture

Northwest Arkansas is into books.What&#x27;s happening: Independent bookstore owners told Axios they&#x27;re responding to a hunger for locally owned brick-and-mortar bookstores, book clubs and events focused on books.

The Shift: Slow Southern Steel

In the back of a warehouse in south Fayetteville, Jesse Turner is carving out a niche business building custom steel bicycles.

In the back of a warehouse in south Fayetteville, Jesse Turner is carving out a niche business building custom steel bicycles.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Slow Southern Steel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sss.bike/" data-vars-content-id="2ea5fae8-8878-46af-ab68-eeb418679bf1" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Slow Southern Steel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sss.bike/" target="_blank">Slow Southern Steel</a> is an example of the many bike-centric businesses driving NWA&#x27;s shift to a diversified economy. It leans into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outdoor recreation industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/02/21/arkansas-walton-sanders-colorado-outdoor-recreation" data-vars-content-id="2ea5fae8-8878-46af-ab68-eeb418679bf1" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Slow Southern Steel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/02/21/arkansas-walton-sanders-colorado-outdoor-recreation" target="_self">outdoor recreation industry</a> — a logical next step for many in the state.

Heartland Summit brings Boris Johnson, Matthew McConaughey to Bentonville

Yes, the former Prime Minister of the U.K. and the Oscar award-winning actor.

In perhaps the most improbable pairing imaginable, Boris Johnson and Matthew McConaughey headlined an event opener in Bentonville last night.<ul><li>Yes, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom and the Oscar award-winning actor.</li></ul>

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