More foreign-born immigrants are moving to the center of the U.S. than in the past, according to a new report by Heartland Forward.

Why it matters: With population growth in the U.S. slower than it has been for the last 100 years, both high-skilled and lower-skilled industries across America have come to rely more on immigrants to power their workforces.

• Many states' populations would be shrinking if not for immigrants, the New York Times reported last year.
• The report's findings counter perceptions that immigrants tend to settle on the coasts "because they're not welcome" in the middle of the country, Ross DeVol, president and CEO of Heartland Forward, tells Axios.
• Heartland Forward is a Bentonville think tank focused on improving economic performance in the 20-state region it calls the "heartland."

By the numbers: The report found the overall foreign-born population who live in the 20-state region has risen from 23.5% in 2010 to 31% in 2019.

What they're saying: Eldon Alik, consul general of the Marshallese Consulate General in Springdale, said the community of Marshall Islanders have been welcomed and largely assimilated into the community.

• He attributes this partly to a shared Christian faith.
• Pew Research Center found in 2017 that most Muslims (55%) in the U.S. feel Americans are generally friendly toward them and most (70%) say they can get ahead with hard work.

What's next: Heartland America believes that further educating mayors, business leaders and governors about immigration benefits may create a grassroots effort to diversify populations with buy-in from the communities.

The bottom line: Those invested in the region believe there's a case for attracting immigrants of all skill levels to the country's geographic middle.

• "This could be part of the formula for fostering stronger job creation and growth overall in heartland communities," DeVol says.

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Yes, you did just read a few days ago that more direct flights are coming our way — and now, we've got a couple more new Florida destinations added to the list.

What’s happening: Allegiant announced yesterday that direct flights from XNA to St. Petersburg will begin July 2, and direct flights to Fort Lauderdale will kick off Oct. 8.

• Just last week, Breeze Airways announced it would offer nonstop service to Tampa starting June 17 and nonstop flights to New Orleans and San Antonio starting July 15.

🧳 Why it matters: With all the new additions, XNA will now offer nonstop flights to 23 destinations, giving local travelers more options.

• In recent years, XNA has started offering direct flights to more cities, such as Austin, Nashville and Phoenix. Other expansion plans are in the works.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced yesterday that the state will offer incentives for people who get their first COVID-19 vaccines from here on out.

💉 Why it matters: Arkansas has a lower vaccination rate than most other states, with 38.8% of the population having received at least one dose as of Tuesday, according to the CDC.

• That’s the eighth-lowest vaccination rate in the country.
• About 33% of people in Benton and Washington counties are fully vaccinated, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. About 9% of people in each county are partially vaccinated.

The state is spending $2 million on incentives to get people vaccinated out of the Health Department's vaccine distribution budget.

• People who get their vaccines can choose between a $20 lottery ticket or two $10.50 gift certificates to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission that will pay for a fishing license and a small game hunting license.

And people who get vaccinated this Saturday at three state parks will be entered in a drawing for two nights of lodging at any Arkansas state park. Those clinics are set for:

• 10am-1pm at DeGray Lake Resort State Park
• 9am-12pm at Mississippi River State Park
• 9am-2pm at Petit Jean State Park

It's safe to say Eric Musselman is a darling in the eyes of Razorback fans across the state.

• He coached the men's Arkansas basketball program all the way to the Elite Eight this postseason, then negotiated a five-year, $20 million contract.

• A man of passion and action, he's already looking to next season with the hiring of Gus Argenal and Keith Smart as assistant coaches.

So when he's not courtside, how does he spend his screen time? Here's what he told us:

• 📱 Device of choice: iPad
• ⏰ First tap of the day: His alarm clock at 6am
• 📰 Go-to news source: The Athletic
• 🎧 Podcast of choice: Coaching U
• 🎼 Favorite music: R&B
• 🏋️‍♂️ Workout music: Beyonce
• 📖 Reading list: "The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance"
• 🐦 Most-used app: Twitter

What better time to launch a bike business than National Bike Month? And what better location than downtown Bentonville?

What's happening: Oz E-Bikes opened its trailer doors at 218 N. Main St. early in May, renting electric pedal-assist bikes.

• Rates start at $20 for an hour and run to $55 for a full day.
• An electric bike requires the rider to pedal but gives an extra oomph, especially up hills.
• The startup has a fleet of 16 with various makes to fit your outing. Guided tours are available by arrangement.

Our thought bubble: E-bikes are a great way to enjoy cycling, even if you're not in great shape or are thinking about it as a pastime.