Good morning, Bentonville.

CEO Doug McMillon announced two new AI leadership roles at Walmart to boost innovation and speed up the use of technology.

Daniel Danker is named EVP of AI Acceleration, Product, and Design—while the new EVP of AI Platforms will report to CTO Suresh Kumar.

Amazon extended its summer Prime Day sale to give shoppers more time to find deals, but many spent more on Walmart during its weeklong Deals event that ended July 13.

Data shows Walmart’s spending grew 24% from last year (with online traffic up 14% and app use up 22%) while Amazon’s numbers stayed almost the same.

Walmart Inc. created two executive roles to manage its AI tools that help answer questions for customers and employees.

Daniel Danker was hired as executive vice president of AI acceleration — he will report to CEO Doug McMillon while the company looks for an executive vice president of AI platforms who will report to global chief technology officer Suresh Kumar.

Tony Millar, 44 (from East McNelly Road, Bentonville) was arrested Wednesday for domestic battering and Juan Perez-Arellano, 31 (from North 24th Street, Rogers) was arrested Wednesday for forgery; both are held in the Benton County Jail with no bond set.

Weird Al Yankovic, 65, will perform on his 'Bigger & Weirder' tour at 8 p.m. on Aug.

3 at Walmart AMP in Rogers and will entertain the crowd with his famous parodies and debut originals, backed by his eight-piece band and special guest Puddles Pity Party—he has already sold out shows in San Francisco, London and Las Vegas.

Bentonville City Council member Bill Burckart objected Thursday to a new policy that requires recording conversations between council members and city staff to comply with Act 505 and said he will take legal and legislative action if the rule goes into effect on August 5 — he urged Mayor Orman to withdraw the policy within 10 business days.

City Council member Bill Burckart objected to the planned policy to record conversations with city staff—he argued it threatens council independence and oversteps the separation of powers.

He asked Mayor Stephanie Orman to withdraw the measure before Aug. 5 and noted that Councillor Cindy Acree shared similar concerns.

The City of Bentonville broke ground on July 25 for a Razorback Greenway improvement project near Bentonville High School that will create a tunnel and extended trail for safe access directly to the Walmart Home Office campus—completely separated from traffic.

The project is funded by a state transportation grant and the city’s capital improvement fund and is expected to improve safety and connectivity throughout the area.

Local clinics warn that rising summer heat in Northwest Arkansas—where the heat index exceeds 100 degrees—can soon lead to dangerous heat-related illnesses if residents do not stay hydrated and seek shade.

Families in Fayetteville are cooling off at splash pads, and the Salvation Army will open cooling stations for those without air conditioning.

How to Increase Mountain Biking Endurance

5:30-7 p.m. — Coler Mountain Bike Preserve Grove — $40 — Boost your mountain biking endurance with practical fitness strategies and mileage tips.

Brain Health Initiative Mindful Triathlon

8 AM – 1 PM — Thaden School, Bentonville, AR — Free entry — Participate in a triathlon focused on improving brain health with expert-led seminars and community resources.

Still Woozy Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Momentary — $37-212 — Experience the vibrant psychedelic melodies of Still Woozy at this outdoor concert featuring local opener MODELING.

Headshots Event in Bentonville

9-11 a.m. — Ledger Bentonville — $125 for a professional headshot — Book your discounted headshot appointment on the first Tuesday of every month downtown.

Coffee & Canvas: Let Your Light Shine

12:30-2:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Affordable entry — Unleash your creativity and take home a custom piece of art while enjoying refreshments.

Anvil Fest 2025 Pre-Party

6-8 p.m. — The Momentary — Free entry — A community event connecting local artists with resources and featuring DJ GIRLFRIEND.

Backstage Pass: A Cocktail Tour

6-7:30 p.m. — The Momentary — $25 ($20 for members) — Experience art and cocktails handcrafted by master mixologists while touring fascinating exhibitions.

MWF Presents: Sky High

5-10 p.m. — Benton County Fairgrounds & Expo — Admission info TBA — Experience the thrill of hot air balloon activities and community festivities.

Infant Safety & CPR Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Northwest Medical Center - Bentonville — Registration required — Gain essential life-saving skills for your little ones in a hands-on workshop.

Cocktail Tour: A Night with Frank Lloyd Wright

6-7:30 p.m. — Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House — $25 ($20 for members) — Experience a unique blend of cocktail crafting and architectural insights inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.