Good morning, Bentonville.

Juli McWhorter, a leader with over 30 years at Springdale-based Northwest Health, was named in July to her current role at Northwest Medical Center — Bentonville after serving as CEO at hospitals in Johnson and Fayetteville.

She said caring one patient at a time leads to success in health care.

The Northwest Arkansas Business Journal announced its 2025 C-Suite Award winners chosen by peers in sectors such as banking, education, and real estate.

The honorees will be recognized today at the annual luncheon — held at the 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Bentonville.

Arkansas lawmakers approved a contract with EXCEL Services Corp. on Sept.

26 to study nuclear energy generation in the state. The study—set to be completed in 10 months—will review safety protocols, technology, and economic factors to guide future energy decisions.

Bentonville is accepting applications from local residents to serve on the Public Art Advisory Committee or the Tree and Landscape Advisory Committee—these groups will advise city staff, the mayor and city council for a three-year term starting January 1, with applications due by November 7.

CDC data shows Arkansas recorded 626 suicide deaths in 2023—an increase of more than 12% from 2022—while limited mental health care, high substance use and lingering COVID-19 effects were key factors.

Dr. Bala Simon from the Arkansas Department of Health said community partnerships and efforts to reduce stigma are being promoted to address the crisis.

The University of Arkansas announced it will end the Arkansas Edge program on Oct.

15—following a July ruling that now lets universities work directly with athletes on NIL deals—and ended Blueprint Sports’ role on Oct. 6, shifting responsibility to its new Director of NIL Strategy with support from Learfield. This change streamlines opportunities for student-athletes under the updated NIL framework.

On WholeHogSports Daily, Chris Low spoke with Matt Jones about his article on Bobby Petrino and the Razorbacks' coaching search, outlining key points for the team's future direction.

Christina Long also joined today to review Petrino’s weekly news conference—she explained how many FBS coaches are connected to the Razorbacks.

Today the University of Arkansas Athletics Department announced it will cut ties with Blueprint Sports by October 15 — the company that managed the Razorbacks’ NIL collective since November 2023 — after new NIL rules allowed the department to take over all athlete agreements on July 1. The athletics group will now work directly with student-athletes while Learfield continues discussions on future opportunities.

Second Saturday: Story Time Celebration

11 a.m.-4 p.m. — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art — Free entry — Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with bilingual stories, artmaking, and gallery adventures for the whole family.

Life Time Little Sugar MTB

8:20 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. — Coler Mountain Bike Preserve — Check website for registration details — Experience a thrilling mountain biking event with scenic trails.

Concert by Lucius

7-8:30 p.m. — The Momentary — Tickets start at $36 — Enjoy a captivating live performance by the indie-pop duo Lucius at this local venue.

Blues Traveler Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Momentary — Tickets starting at $56 — Enjoy a night of live blues music with Blues Traveler in Bentonville.

Wagoneer LYXE and Buckshot Princess Concert

7-11:59 p.m. — Meteor Guitar Gallery — Check event page for details — Come have some fun with Wagoneer LYXE and Buckshot Princess rocking the Meteor.

Arkansas Bioinformatics Consortium Conference

10 AM – 1 PM — Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas - Hotel, Spa & Convention Center — Registration required — Explore transformative technologies shaping the future of bioinformatics.

Gramps Morgan Country Reggae Concert

8-11:30 p.m. — Meteor Guitar Gallery — Ticket prices vary — Experience a vibrant blend of reggae and country music featuring Gramps Morgan and friends.