Nonprofit Heartland Forward of Bentonville, focused on growing the Midwest's economy, launched an AI caucus this week to drive innovation and create job opportunities.

Why it matters: The middle of the U.S. is becoming a hub of data center construction and proponents of AI think the tech could boost the region's manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

• Policymakers are trying to figure out how to ensure the workforce is ready to meet the demands of the changing economy and benefit from AI.

Driving the news: Heartland Forward, which has a goal of generating $500 million of economic impact to the region by 2030, launched the Heartland AI Caucus on Tuesday at an Oklahoma City event co-hosted by Heartland Forward and the Rockefeller Foundation to discuss health and wellness, defense and economic growth.

• The caucus will be made up of a bipartisan group of state legislators and chief innovation officers from Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma and Tennessee, with plans to expand across the region.
• Arkansas state Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester (R-Cave Springs) will lead the caucus.

The caucus will work to identify AI policy priorities and develop model legislation for "responsible AI adoption," focusing on innovation, small businesses, education, workforce and health, per a press release shared with Axios.

• Other goals include strengthening the AI talent pipeline and convening regional leaders to share ideas and challenges.

Context: The caucus received funding from Google.org, the tech giant's philanthropic arm, to expand access to AI skills, the press release notes.

What they're saying: Heartland Forward said it will support the caucus by providing policy insights and research.

• For example, one of their recent polls showed that while 71% of respondents in the 20 states the organization represents believe employers should offer AI training, fewer than 1% report feeling proficient with AI tools in the workplace.

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Northwest Arkansas National Airport isn't one of the airports that could see 10% of their air traffic cut today, but it remains unclear how a continued shutdown might affect XNA travelers.

State of play: Air traffic control staff at XNA has not been affected because the air tower is privately operated, XNA spokesperson Olivia Tyler told Axios. The staff is contracted through CI Squared Aviation.

• Likewise, TSA officers have continued to show up to work with minimal disruption, she said.

Catch up quick: The Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday that 10% of air traffic at 40 "high traffic" U.S. airports will be cut today if the shutdown continues.

• The affected airports include several destinations with direct flights to XNA, according to the Associated Press. Among the destinations are Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Denver and Las Vegas.

Context: XNA is expecting to see a busy holiday travel season as air traffic has majorly ramped up at the airport in recent years, Tyler said. XNA saw a 12% increase in the number of times passengers boarded planes through the first 10 months of this year compared with the first 10 months of 2024.

What's next: While XNA hasn't seen significant delays or cancellations so far during the shutdown, it's unclear what air travel will look like if the FAA cuts back on air traffic. XNA is prioritizing safety and security first, Tyler said.

Go deeper: What to do if the FAA cuts or cancels your flight

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💰 The Arkansas National Guard estimates it will cost the state roughly $24,000 per day to deploy about 100 guard members to Washington, D.C. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

🫛 The Fayetteville City Council voted to create a food commission to advise the mayor and the council on food insecurity issues. (Fayetteville Flyer)

🚚 ArcBest Corp. of Fort Smith reported third-quarter income of $39.3 million, down nearly 61% from a year earlier. (Arkansas Business)

🍽️ Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the creation of the Arkansas Plate Initiative, a program designed to provide school lunchrooms with locally sourced food. (Governor's office)

It's starting to feel like the holidays.

🍁 Have a family fun night — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is hosting a fall-themed one tonight with crafts, games and treats. 6-8pm. Free.

🇺🇸 Honor veterans — Ahead of Veterans Day on Tuesday, there will be a Veterans Day Parade at 11am Saturday on Dickson Street in Fayetteville.

🛍️ Start shopping — The NWA Holiday Market is from 9am-8pm today and 9am-6pm Saturday at the NWA Convention Center in Springdale. The $5 admission fee goes to the Children's Safety Center of Washington County.

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