Good morning, Bentonville.

At its Bentonville headquarters, Walmart is launching an Associate to Optician program that trains associates in optical science via its Live Better U program.

The effort offers fully funded degrees and coaching with licensed opticians earning $33.75 per hour instead of $18.25, aiming to meet growing local eye care needs.

Buc-ee's held a three-day hiring event on Tuesday in Little Rock to recruit over 200 full-time workers for its new Benton location (opening Aug.

17) at the site on Interstate 30 and AR 229, offering pay between $20 and $25 per hour.

Joseph Reece, managing partner at RMP Law, leads one of Arkansas' fastest-growing firms with 46 lawyers and offices including Bentonville.

He plans further growth while focusing on employee support and a culture of excellence (his outlook is based on a Christian worldview).

Arkansas received a federal education waiver to cut paperwork and testing, announced in Hot Springs by U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Jul.

7. The waiver merges four funding streams — freeing $8.8 million and saving about $13 million over four years.

Arkansas officials are confident ARHOME, the state's Medicaid expansion program, will continue serving low-income Arkansans after Centene will leave in 2027 and shift coverage to Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield.

The state Department of Human Services will notify recipients of the upcoming changes.

Arkansas freshman defensive back Tay Lockett made an impact during spring practices in Fayetteville as he joined the Razorbacks—he committed last summer as a birthday gift for his parents after starring at Conway High.

Lockett said playing for the Hogs feels like home with his high football IQ on display.

Longtime high school official JaSon Harris, who has spent over 30 years refereeing basketball and football games, will be honored at the Arkansas Officials Association Hall of Fame ceremony at Horner Hall + Hot Springs Convention Center on Friday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m. Six officials, including Harris, are being inducted to celebrate their contributions.

Arkansas’ men’s basketball team will play in a summer exhibition series in the Bahamas from July 31 to Aug.

4. Coach John Calipari revealed a projected starting five that includes Jordan Smith, Jeremiah Wilkinson, Billy Richmond, Miikka Muurinen + Cooper Bowser, with Richmond expected to expand his role.

Local coaches have predicted conference champions for the high school football season, with Bentonville favored in 7A-West and Greenwood and Mansfield expected to repeat (Hooten’s Arkansas Football magazine released the rankings).

The season begins Aug. 27.

Tour de Frida: Bike Celebration

2-6 p.m. — The Momentary — Free entry — Celebrate culture and community with local artists, food, and a vibrant fashion show.

On the House with Morgan Johnston

5-9 p.m. — The Momentary — Free entry — Enjoy free live music by Nashville-based artist Morgan Johnston in a vibrant setting.

Vinyl Listening Party with Tiff Bogan

7-8:30 p.m. — The Momentary — Free entry — Explore the legacy of groove through an immersive vinyl listening experience.

Rebels & Realms Book Convention 2026

10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Rogers Convention Center — Free entry — Step into beloved worlds and meet favorite authors and narrators at this exciting book convention.

Lord Huron Live Concert

6-9 p.m. — The Momentary — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating sound of Lord Huron led by artist Ben Schneider in an unforgettable live performance.

ISI Brotherhood Roundtable Event

8-10 a.m. — Go Rogue Studio — Free entry — Engage with local Christian entrepreneurs for masterminding and networking.