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Walmart tops Fortune 500 list

Business

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

NorthWest Arkansas Community College adds esports

Sports

NorthWest Arkansas Community College announced Thursday its second athletic offering will be esports.Background: NWACC launched its first intercollegiate sports programs in 2021 — men&#x27;s and women&#x27;s cross-country teams. The school&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first full-time athletic director" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/08/02/nwacc-athletic-director-brooke-brewer" data-vars-content-id="dbc3dd00-f058-4de1-8c8b-c49435701986" data-vars-headline="NorthWest Arkansas Community College adds esports" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/08/02/nwacc-athletic-director-brooke-brewer" target="_self">first full-time athletic director</a>, Brooke Brewer, started that job last month.

illustration of a sports fan waving a foam finger that is shaped like a computer cursor

BYU is ready to exact revenge on the Razorbacks

Revenge is a dish best served on the gridiron. At least that's what BYU is going for Saturday evening.

Things to Do

Revenge is a dish best served on the gridiron. At least that&#x27;s what Brigham Young University is going for Saturday evening.Driving the news: The Cougars head to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium looking to avenge a 52-35 loss to Arkansas last season.

Four sports bars to watch the Hogs play in NWA

Razorback football season is in full swing. If you didn&#x27;t make plans to tailgate or enjoy it from the stadium this year, here&#x27;s where you can still call those Hogs — food and drink in hand.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lucky Luke&#x27;s BBQ" data-vars-click-url="https://getluckyatlukes.com/index.html" data-vars-content-id="34495442-6496-4159-846b-590c014bd178" data-vars-headline="Four sports bars to watch the Hogs play in NWA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://getluckyatlukes.com/index.html" target="_blank">Lucky Luke&#x27;s BBQ</a><ul><li>It&#x27;s a small, unpretentious BBQ spot tucked inside a strip mall off Garland Avenue in Fayetteville.</li><li>The Lucky Luke&#x27;s special gets you a pulled pork BBQ sandwich with fries and a beer for $7.77.</li></ul>

Razorbacks travel for home season opener at War Memorial

About 40,000 tickets were purchased for Arkansas' first football game of the season as of Tuesday.

About 40,000 tickets were purchased for Arkansas&#x27; first football game of the 2023 season as of Tuesday, Whole Hog Sports <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2023/aug/29/war-memorial-ticket-sales-trending-toward-21-figure/" data-vars-content-id="58131d95-1212-48a7-a19b-5d8492c476e9" data-vars-headline="Razorbacks travel for home season opener at War Memorial" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2023/aug/29/war-memorial-ticket-sales-trending-toward-21-figure/" target="_blank">reports</a>.<ul><li>Stadium capacity is a little more than 54,000.</li></ul>What&#x27;s happening: The Arkansas Razorbacks square off with the Western Carolina Catamounts at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock on Saturday at noon.

NWACC hires first full-time athletic director

Brooke Brewer will lead the newly formed athletic department.

Education

NorthWest Arkansas Community College on Tuesday announced the selection of Brooke Brewer, a teacher at Bentonville West High School, as the first full-time leader of its newly formed athletic department.Why it matters: Intercollegiate athletics are not a guaranteed amenity at a community college, but the new hire signals they&#x27;re a priority for the region&#x27;s flagship community school.

Northwest Arkansas cities see mixed rankings on "best places to bike" list

NWA cities score high but don't necessarily rank as best places to bike.

Transit

Northwest Arkansas cities score high, but not necessarily high enough to rank among the nation&#x27;s best places to bike.Driving the news: PeopleForBikes recently released its seventh annual &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Places to Bike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.peopleforbikes.org/news/2023s-best-places-to-bike" data-vars-content-id="65f501b8-f556-4fab-bd72-bca993e910a7" data-vars-headline="Northwest Arkansas cities see mixed rankings on &quot;best places to bike&quot; list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.peopleforbikes.org/news/2023s-best-places-to-bike" target="_blank">Best Places to Bike</a>&quot; report, ranking 1,484 U.S. cities based on the quality of their bike network.

Pro soccer teams and a new 5,000-seat stadium are coming to Northwest Arkansas

"Ted Lasso" fans rejoice; professional soccer is coming to NWA.

&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ted Lasso" data-vars-click-url="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10986410/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" data-vars-content-id="44ad472d-c212-4e21-95af-a6af94de8f0f" data-vars-headline="Pro soccer teams and a new 5,000-seat stadium are coming to Northwest Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10986410/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Ted Lasso</a>&quot; fans rejoice — professional soccer is coming to Northwest Arkansas!Driving the news: USL Arkansas, led by founders Chris Martinovic of Rogers and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Warren Smith" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/story/2021-07-16/loyal-san-diego-soccer-president-warren-smith" data-vars-content-id="44ad472d-c212-4e21-95af-a6af94de8f0f" data-vars-headline="Pro soccer teams and a new 5,000-seat stadium are coming to Northwest Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/story/2021-07-16/loyal-san-diego-soccer-president-warren-smith" target="_blank">Warren Smith</a> of San Diego, announced Wednesday they plan to build a 5,000-seat stadium and bring professional men’s and women’s soccer to Rogers.

The Shift: Smith brothers take alternative angle on bike industry

Squires Smith recognized a need for a portable bike stand for on-the-fly bike maintenance and repair.

Squires Smith recognized a need for a portable bike stand for on-the-fly bike maintenance and repair.<ul><li>But it was a fouled fix while a buddy held his bike in the air — blowing his shot at a criterium race in Denver — that spurred him to action.</li><li>&quot;I&#x27;m extremely frustrated,&quot; Smith told me. Rather than take a rest day, &quot;I&#x27;m like, &#x27;All right, I&#x27;m building something that we can bring to all of our races.&#x27;&quot;</li></ul>Driving the news: Soon after, he launched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AltAngle" data-vars-click-url="https://altanglecycling.com/" data-vars-content-id="89950646-3b44-4537-9bd8-ec1dd467c143" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Smith brothers take alternative angle on bike industry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://altanglecycling.com/" target="_blank">AltAngle</a>, which makes light and portable bike hangers so enthusiasts don&#x27;t have to rely on large, cumbersome racks.The big picture: The cycling industry in the U.S. was valued at $5.3 billion in 2021, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the NPD group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npd.com/news/blog/2021/the-cycling-market-pedals-ahead-in-2021/" data-vars-content-id="89950646-3b44-4537-9bd8-ec1dd467c143" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Smith brothers take alternative angle on bike industry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npd.com/news/blog/2021/the-cycling-market-pedals-ahead-in-2021/" target="_blank">the NPD group</a>. Accessories like AltAngle made up more than $900 million of those sales.How it works: There are variations of AltAngle&#x27;s stands, but they essentially allow one to use an existing object — a fencepost or a door jamb — as a counterbalance to clamp onto while elevating a bike with another clamp.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hangar Connect" data-vars-click-url="https://altanglecycling.com/products/hangar-connect" data-vars-content-id="89950646-3b44-4537-9bd8-ec1dd467c143" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Smith brothers take alternative angle on bike industry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://altanglecycling.com/products/hangar-connect" target="_blank">Hangar Connect</a> weighs only 3 pounds and sells for $225.</li><li>The invention is easily packed in the trunk of a car for quickie repairs on excursions or a simple way for apartment dwellers to do simple maintenance.</li></ul>Zoom out: Smith moved his family and business to NWA from Houston in September.<ul><li>The decision was easy after he visited for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rule of Three" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ruleofthree.bike/" data-vars-content-id="89950646-3b44-4537-9bd8-ec1dd467c143" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Smith brothers take alternative angle on bike industry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ruleofthree.bike/" target="_blank">Rule of Three</a> bike race, he said.</li><li>Smith is the company visionary and self-taught product design engineer.</li><li>His brother, Scott Smith, drives the company&#x27;s finances and splits his time between NWA and Houston.</li></ul><figure><img alt="" height="2320" id="645f98d6-8b57-4635-9246-a48667603122" src="https://images.axios.com/3Xhc5Td0PbCCgDL2QLmyCzjYW3A=/2023/07/11/1689087443265.jpg" width="3432"/><figcaption>The Hangar Connect in action. Photo: Jared Hall, courtesy of AltAngle</figcaption></figure>The bottom line: The duo wouldn&#x27;t share figures but said sales have been brisk. They&#x27;ve only recently been able to accumulate stock in their Rogers warehouse.<ul><li>The two have self-funded the venture, but are open to talking with potential investors, they told Worth.</li></ul>🚲The Shift is a regular feature to catch up quick on what&#x27;s happening in Arkansas&#x27; economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Two men standing side-by-side, one with his arm around the other; one holding an orange tubular contraption and the other a bottle of beer. 

Top Northwest Arkansas Bike Month performers

Challenge organizers finally parsed the data so we can see what organizations and individuals performed the best during May.

May was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Bike Month" data-vars-click-url="https://bikeleague.org/content/bike-month-dates-events-0" data-vars-content-id="6d879eba-8ad6-4235-94cc-3451d64ab2fb" data-vars-headline="Top Northwest Arkansas Bike Month performers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bikeleague.org/content/bike-month-dates-events-0" target="_blank">National Bike Month</a>, when the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="League of American Bicyclists" data-vars-click-url="https://bikeleague.org/" data-vars-content-id="6d879eba-8ad6-4235-94cc-3451d64ab2fb" data-vars-headline="Top Northwest Arkansas Bike Month performers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bikeleague.org/" target="_blank">League of American Bicyclists</a> encouraged all to make short trips without a car.What happened: There&#x27;s an annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Bike Challenge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lovetoride.net/usa" data-vars-content-id="6d879eba-8ad6-4235-94cc-3451d64ab2fb" data-vars-headline="Top Northwest Arkansas Bike Month performers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lovetoride.net/usa" target="_blank">National Bike Challenge</a>, wherein riders can tap into their competitive edge as single cyclists or as part of a group.Driving the news: Challenge organizers finally <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parsed the data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lovetoride.net/nw-arkansas/event_results/346/top_riders?locale=en-US" data-vars-content-id="6d879eba-8ad6-4235-94cc-3451d64ab2fb" data-vars-headline="Top Northwest Arkansas Bike Month performers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lovetoride.net/nw-arkansas/event_results/346/top_riders?locale=en-US" target="_blank">parsed the data</a> so we can see which organizations and individuals performed best during May.By the numbers: Michael Gerwig, a member of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boston Mountain Cyclists/Walmart Cycling Team" data-vars-click-url="https://ridebmc.com/" data-vars-content-id="6d879eba-8ad6-4235-94cc-3451d64ab2fb" data-vars-headline="Top Northwest Arkansas Bike Month performers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ridebmc.com/" target="_blank">Boston Mountain Cyclists/Walmart Cycling Team</a>, tops all NWA individuals, completing 1,532 miles in only 29 trips during May (average 53 miles for each ride).<ul><li>Kristen Beasley of &quot;the transexual menace&quot; group completed the most trips in May — 64 — but rode just under 200 miles, an average of three miles per trip.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Women of OZ NWA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.woznwa.com/" data-vars-content-id="6d879eba-8ad6-4235-94cc-3451d64ab2fb" data-vars-headline="Top Northwest Arkansas Bike Month performers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.woznwa.com/" target="_blank">Women of OZ NWA</a> took the top spot for most commute days — 51.</li><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BMC/Walmart Cycling Team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lovetoride.net/nw-arkansas/groups/979" data-vars-content-id="6d879eba-8ad6-4235-94cc-3451d64ab2fb" data-vars-headline="Top Northwest Arkansas Bike Month performers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lovetoride.net/nw-arkansas/groups/979" target="_blank">BMC/Walmart Cycling Team</a> had the most total rides at 1,870, as well as most miles (48,268) and collective days (57) ridden.</li><li>Springdale Bike Club had the most riders (82) and the most commute miles (1,332).</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: League of American Bicyclists holds a similar friendly competition for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cycle September" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lovetoride.net/nw-arkansas?locale=en-US" data-vars-content-id="6d879eba-8ad6-4235-94cc-3451d64ab2fb" data-vars-headline="Top Northwest Arkansas Bike Month performers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lovetoride.net/nw-arkansas?locale=en-US" target="_blank">Cycle September</a>. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Registration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lovetoride.net/nw-arkansas/signups/new" data-vars-content-id="6d879eba-8ad6-4235-94cc-3451d64ab2fb" data-vars-headline="Top Northwest Arkansas Bike Month performers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lovetoride.net/nw-arkansas/signups/new" target="_blank">Registration</a> is open for individuals and teams.

A cyclist rides by a sign that reads: Bicycle Friendly Community.

Highland Gravel Classic grinds into town this week

If you've got what it takes to compete, registration is still open.

<figure><img alt="A group of gravel cyclists take off from the starting line at a race. " height="771" id="4147c078-b535-4e4f-b159-6a40a9f21ea6" src="https://images.axios.com/QVLGKf34UsbTubtz2Z2fFj0nKVg=/2023/06/16/1686936148203.jpg" width="848"/><figcaption>Riders at the 2022 Highlands Gravel Classic. Photo: Marvin Winston/RBS PICS</figcaption></figure>Gear up. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2023 Highlands Gravel Classic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.highlandsgravelclassic.com/Race/HighlandsGravelClassic/Page-4" data-vars-content-id="acdd53b1-a0b4-4efc-b527-8ed36acb89dd" data-vars-headline="Highland Gravel Classic grinds into town this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.highlandsgravelclassic.com/Race/HighlandsGravelClassic/Page-4" target="_blank">2023 Highlands Gravel Classic</a> is Saturday.Why it matters: The Highlands race is the only <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. qualifier" data-vars-click-url="https://granfondodailynews.com/uci-gravel-world-championship-race-calendar/" data-vars-content-id="acdd53b1-a0b4-4efc-b527-8ed36acb89dd" data-vars-headline="Highland Gravel Classic grinds into town this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://granfondodailynews.com/uci-gravel-world-championship-race-calendar/" target="_blank">U.S. qualifier</a> for the Union Cycliste Internationale Gravel World Championships this year, set for Italy in September.

Sports 🏅