Good morning, Bentonville.

On Dec. 17, Bentonville hosted the Demo Day for the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator.

Three companies showcased innovative lithium and battery technologies—including the Menen Group—while recruitment for the next accelerator cohort is expected to begin early next year.

Thousands of passengers are expected to travel through Northwest Arkansas National Airport this holiday week.

The airport nears the end of a major renovation that expanded exterior areas and baggage claim - one final section remains under construction.

Eight River Valley natives were among 49 recruits who graduated as new state troopers at the Benton Event Center last Thursday.

They were selected from 430 applicants and will begin field training for duty across the state soon.

More than 20 state senators issued a statement Friday, Dec.

19 supporting the University of Arkansas’ review into the King Fahd Center for Middle East Studies after its director was dismissed at Fayetteville. Lawmakers urged a thorough inquiry to address concerns about the center.

Forty local organizations will receive funding from a $15-million grant program after over 500 applications were reviewed.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Legislative Council approved the awards, with funds to be dispersed in January.

Arkansas has been awarded $35.8M in federal funding over four years to boost registered apprenticeship programs in more than 120 manufacturing roles.

The application portal opens Jan. 28, and employers will earn $3,500 per apprentice after a 90-day probation period.

University of Arkansas women's basketball coach Kelsi Musick led the Razorbacks to wins while adapting to Taleyah Jones missing two games.

Jones returned on Wednesday off the bench with a season-high 24 points, & the team will host Stephen F. Austin today at Walton Arena at 1 p.m.

Today, the No. 14 Arkansas men's basketball team tips off at 4:30 p.m. in Newark — where junior guard D.J.

Wagner returns to his New Jersey roots as the team hosts No. 8 Houston following a 93-86 win over Texas Tech in Dallas.

Local high school basketball saw varied scores Friday — the action continues Saturday in Bentonville as the XNA Showcase features games including Bryant vs. Bentonville at 12:30 p.m. and Bentonville West vs. Springfield Kickapoo at 2 p.m.

Noon Year's Eve Celebration

10 AM-1 PM — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art — Free entry — Celebrate the New Year with artmaking, live music, and a festive noon countdown for families.