Good morning, Bentonville.

Pea Ridge is asking community members to volunteer on Saturday to install temporary projects aimed at reducing speed on local streets—an effort to make traffic safer for everyone.

The work will use temporary measures that may slow down vehicles.

Arkansas Blue Cross is exploring a strategic affiliation agreement with Cambia Health Solutions to share resources and speed innovation—this is not a merger and discussions are subject to future regulatory approval.

Members will keep their current coverage and provider networks if the agreement moves forward.

Northwest Arkansas Council extended its Onward FX program to central Arkansas on Thursday (to support local businesses) and said it will bring new opportunities for economic growth (future investments planned) in the region.

America’s Car-Mart Inc. closed on a new five-year, $300 million loan from Silver Point Capital to simplify its balance sheet and support long-term growth—the deal also grants Silver Point the option to buy up to 10% of its shares until Oct.

30, 2031.

Arkansas’ 2% tourism tax revenue in January-June 2025 dropped nearly 3% from last year to $13.122 million—while hospitality tax collections from 17 cities fell by 1.87%, even as August set a record monthly total of $2.857 million.

Arkansas Razorbacks men’s basketball players Darius Acuff Jr.—D.J.

Wagner and Karter Knox were named to the All-SEC third team by coaches on Thursday. Wagner and Knox earned media selection on Oct. 13 while Acuff and Knox were added to award watch lists earlier this week.

Gravette senior Porter Bird returned to football in summer 2024 and now plays offense and defense for the Lions, making 44 tackles, a sack, and an interception returned for a touchdown — he plays with his younger brother Calvin.

He helped his wrestling team win two state championships and will compete in track this spring — the team hopes to win a conference title in today’s big game with Elkins.

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.

Ozark Society Fall Meeting

6 PM-10 PM — Courtyard by Marriott Bentonville — Attendees can explore the Ozark region with recreational activities and a chance to honor the society's founder.

The Rise Challenge Series

7-10 a.m. — Coler Mountain Bike Preserve — $50 — Tackle Coler’s legendary 185-step climb in a thrilling race to the top and bottom.

An Evening with Ree Drummond

6-7:30 p.m. — Arend Arts Center — Ticket purchase includes a signed cookbook — Engage in culinary conversation with The Pioneer Woman and explore her essential recipes.

The Tell Tourney

12-3 p.m. — The Quiver Archery Range — Entry fee to be confirmed — Test your aim in an exciting archery challenge inspired by the legendary shot of William Tell.

Painting with a Purpose - Spay Arkansas

7-9 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Cost varies — Unleash your creativity with friends as you paint and support a worthy cause.

Bentonville Enduro

Two-day event — Fri, Nov 21 – Sun, Nov 23 — Hand Cut Hollow — Entry fee required — Race through 70 miles of epic trails in the adrenaline-pumping finale of the Arkansas Enduro Series.

Winter Market

4-10 p.m. — 507 SE E St, Bentonville, AR — Free entry — Enjoy a festive shopping experience with local crafts and cocoa.