Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
Good morning, Bentonville.
Bentonville-based Single Parent Scholarship Fund earned a $1 million Mabee Foundation challenge grant on May 21 by meeting its fundraising goal.
It will use the funds for its Building for Success campaign and start constructing a new 13,000 sqft headquarters in Springdale this year, with move-in planned by early 2028.
Benton tried to break the Hot Wheels world record during its Third Thursday Event last night with a 2,616 ft track running from the Life Center of First Baptist Church to the first red light, but the final car lost speed before finishing (the record remains 2,606 ft).
High gas prices over $4 and a rainy forecast mean many Arkansans will travel close to home this Memorial Day weekend, choosing local attractions while state police step up highway patrols + encourage safe driving on busy highways.
Walmart, based in Bentonville, posted strong first-quarter sales with online orders up 26% and in-store sales rising 4.1% (forecasting modest growth next quarter) amid cautious consumer spending and higher fuel and transportation costs.
The Arkansas Beef Council awarded $132,000 for 13 proposals to fund beef promotion & research.
J.B. Hunt president Brad Hicks sold $2M in shares on May 15, & the state’s index fell to 1,113.50 on Thursday, reflecting shifts in market activity.
The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees approved a nearly 4% tuition and fee increase for the Fayetteville campus, setting in-state tuition at $10,916 for 30 credits for the 2026-27 year.
Officials confirmed the change is not linked to athletics funding.
The Bentonville Lady Tigers will face Springdale Har-Ber today at 4 p.m. at Majestic Park, Hot Springs in the Class 6A state softball finals.
Bentonville seeks its third state title & a second three-peat as it builds on a close rivalry with Har-Ber.
The Razorbacks beat the Volunteers by a score of 8 to 4 in the SEC tournament on Wednesday as Zack Stewart contributed strong hitting and Tate McGuire delivered effective pitching.
They will face Texas today at 3:00 p.m. at The Hoover Met on SEC Network.
Arkansas softball coach Courtney Deifel and players Ella McDowell, Dakota Kennedy, and Kailey Wyckoff previewed the NCAA super regional matchup vs Duke at a Thursday press conference + they discussed goals ahead of the game.
Arkansas women's spring sports shine as softball coach Courtney Deifel leads her team into an 11 a.m. NCAA Game 1 super regional against Duke at Bogle Park and golf coach Shauna Taylor guides her squad into the NCAA Championships at 2:45 p.m. in Carlsbad (weather permitting).
Arkansas will face Texas today at Hoover in the SEC Tournament as left-hander Hunter Dietz (an All-SEC selection on extra rest) takes the mound while Texas starts right-hander Cody Howard in place of Dylan Volantis, who may pitch later.
RØDE House Happy Hour Trivia Night
5-9 p.m. — The Momentary — Free entry — Enjoy drink specials and test your knowledge with trivia hosted by Joshie Simmons.
Glow Run
8:45-10:00 p.m. — Memorial Park — Entry fee applies — Experience a vibrant night run with glowing participants under the stars in Bentonville.
Dam Slam Pickleball Tournament
All day — Osage Park — $40 — Compete in this thrilling pickleball tournament featuring men's, women's, and mixed doubles.
Nike Volleyball Camp at University of Arkansas
9 a.m.-3 p.m. — University Recreation + Wellness (HPER Bldg.) — $455 — Girls ages 10-14 can elevate their volleyball skills through expert instruction and engaging classroom sessions in a fun environment.
Courtyard Sessions | Orquesta Afinke
7-8:30 p.m. — The Momentary — Free entry — Relax with live salsa, cumbia, and bachata from the vibrant Orquesta Afinke.
Community Concert with Big Piph & Tomorrow Maybe
6-11:59 p.m. — The Momentary Green — Free entry — Experience a vibrant evening of Hip Hop, soul, and funk with family-friendly activities.
Summer Camp | Puppet Makers (Ages 5-7)
1:30 p.m. — Eleven at Crystal Bridges — $200 ($160 for members) — Young artists will explore painting techniques through messy, fun creativity.
USPA Tested and Open 2026 Ozark Open
All day — The J Street Gym — No refunds — Compete in both Tested and Non-Tested Divisions at this official powerlifting event.
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