Good morning, Springdale.

A new proposal suggests a statewide online exchange to match retiring small-town business owners with high school students preparing to take over operations; the plan offers owner financing + mentorship to secure local economic stability.

Springdale-based 7 Brew will sell its new canned coffee and energy drinks in 4,400 Walmart stores starting in August.

The expansion follows a successful test in Arkansas and includes distribution at 42 local Walmart locations such as Springdale.

Arvest Bank said on Wednesday that Chris Evans is its new CFO and Jon Mattingly is promoted to president and CEO of its Mortgage Division (with CFO Karla Payne retiring early 2027).

Evans has 20 years at the bank while Mattingly led its Consumer Lending Division.

The Springdale-based company 7 Brew will launch canned coffee in 4,400 Walmart stores and energy drinks in 1,100 stores starting in August, with 42 Walmart locations in Arkansas carrying the energy drinks.

A panel discussion at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville on Thursday night examined Marshallese culture, history, and language access challenges.

Leaders, including one of only two Marshallese physicians in the U.S., shared insights to deepen local understanding of the Marshallese community.

More than 50 healthcare groups sent a letter Thursday asking federal officials to extend ARHOME, Arkansas' hybrid Medicaid program, for two years to help 214,000 beneficiaries + providers transition before the current waiver expires Dec.

31.

State officials now endorse Medicaid reimbursement for doulas & lactation consultants, set for payment effective Sept.

1 under the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act. The measures now head to the Legislative Council for a final vote today.

State legislators and health advocates at the Arkansas Maternal Health Roundtable on Thursday prioritized extending postpartum Medicaid to help mothers during the upcoming legislative session.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who joined the event, did not mention the proposal (citing concerns over duplicative programs).

Arkansas football coach Ryan Silverfield will kick off the Hawgs Illustrated Sports Club's fall luncheon series on Aug.

27 at Home2 Suites by Hilton in Springdale at 11:45 a.m. The event will recognize the Prep Rally Program and Player of the Week—adding extra flair to the series.

The Arkansas soccer team lost 2-0 to No. 7 North Carolina at Razorback Field on Thursday, Aug.

20. Coach Colby Hale said the team showed grit despite the loss and will build on lessons as they prepare for a home game against Clemson next Thursday at 7 p.m.