Good morning, Bentonville.

Fayetteville-chartered Arvest Bank released the Skyline Report on Tuesday, April 8, showing that commercial vacancy in Benton and Washington counties fell to 5.8% in the second half of 2024 from 6.5% earlier while building permit values dropped by over 50% to $195.7 million—points that suggest strong leasing in office, retail and warehouse spaces despite the steep permit decline.

Bentonville officials said electric rates will go up by 4 to 8 percent because it costs more to make and deliver power due to inflation, plant closings in other states, and heavy snowstorms.

Pedaler's Pub owner Kevin Bennoch said small businesses have felt rising costs over his 11 years and the city council will decide how to share the extra costs — details are still unknown.

Thaden School broke ground on its new 1,000-seat basketball arena on Monday, April 7.

The new arena means the school's basketball and volleyball teams no longer travel off campus for their practices and games.

The Arkansas Senate approved a bill Tuesday—allowing parents and legal guardians to file civil lawsuits against social media companies if a design, algorithm or feature harms their minor child.

Arkansas women will have easier access to breast reconstruction surgeries after Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed Act 424 on April 3, which requires insurers to cover procedures like the DIEP flap that uses abdominal tissue to rebuild the breast.

The law will take effect Jan. 1 — easing the need to travel out of state, as state Sen. Joshua Bryant said many patients once had to go far for care.

Northwest Arkansas commercial real estate is in high demand because new vacant spaces are absorbed nearly as soon as they are built, according to a Skyline Report released Tuesday.

Arkansas basketball forward Adou Thiero said on social media Tuesday that he will enter the NBA Draft.

He becomes the second Razorback to declare after Boogie Fland, and the draft is set for June 25 to 26 in Brooklyn.

Northwest Arkansas Gem & Mineral Society Show

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Sat) & 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Sun) — Bentonville Armory — Entry details not specified — Explore a vibrant rock and mineral showcase featuring a variety of exhibits and activities.

Dr. Compton Native Tree & Plant Sale: Spring

7 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Compton Gardens and Arboretum — Free entry — Explore 70+ varieties of native plants and trees in support of local biodiversity.

Mountain Bike Jump Skills Clinic

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — North Bentonville Trail — Registration required — Learn the fundamentals of mountain bike jumping from World Champion Anneke Beerten.

Music on the Mountain Family Day

6-8 p.m. — Mount Sequoyah Center, Inc. — Donations welcomed — Celebrate Arkansas roots with live performances from talented local artists and family-friendly entertainment.

7th Annual Kid's Splash & Dash

2-3:30 p.m. — Bentonville Community Center — Registration required — A fun-filled race event for kids with a purpose to support MS research.

Certified Network Defense (CND) v3 Training

10 AM – 10 AM — Regus - Bentonville - Beau Terre — Tuition required — Enhance your skills with comprehensive ethical hacking training to prepare for the CEH exam.

Sessanta V 2.0: Primus, Puscifer & A Perfect Circle Live Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Walmart AMP — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night with iconic bands Primus, Puscifer, and A Perfect Circle on one stage.

Pedaler's Bash 2025

2 AM – 3 PM — Pedaler's Pub — Registration required — Experience an epic 44-mile endurance mountain bike race in the heart of Bentonville.

Garden Party Fundraiser

2-4 p.m. — Peel Museum & Botanical Garden — Support a noble cause — Celebrate with Bubbly & Bingo to aid children in need.