Good morning, Springdale.

Walmart hosted over 300 workplace experts at its Bentonville headquarters to launch its Skills-First Workforce Initiative and assess current training for truck drivers and maintenance technicians+ the company will introduce an AI skills course with OpenAI next year to help workers adapt as jobs evolve.

Bikes, Blues, and BBQ is setting up for its 25th annual motorcycle rally that will begin on October 1 in downtown Rogers and continue in Eureka Springs.

The nonprofit event will feature live music, demo rides, BBQ contests and a free car and motorcycle show hosted by Rogers Heritage High School — it will highlight local youth and community talent.

Northwest Technical Institute in Springdale is planning to add more ammonia training courses to get more instructors and fill job openings—tackling challenges finding the right people for the jobs.

Morgan Wyatt—a nature center educator with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission—advised local residents to leave snakes alone if they encountered one after safely touching a king snake at the Hunt Family Nature Center on Aug.

23.

Northwest Arkansas will host a series of free and low-cost outdoor events in the coming weeks—such as a guided bike ride at Lake Fayetteville starting Wednesday at 8 a.m., a grass carp fishing tournament on Oct.

11 in Bella Vista with a $50 team entry fee and a $2,000 top prize, and a free Dutch oven cooking lesson in Fort Smith on Oct. 21—that aim to boost outdoor fun and conservation. Additional activities include hikes, paddling festivals and wildlife programs for local residents to enjoy and learn about the region’s natural resources.

On Monday, Arkansas fired Travis Williams and named former Houston Roughnecks coach Chris Wilson as interim defensive coordinator—Che Hendrix will coach the safeties and Kolby Smith will assume offensive coordinator duties.

Anglers in Northwest Arkansas are reporting an increase in top-water bass in local rivers and lakes, which could lead to a busier fishing season ahead.

Experts say they will provide more updates as conditions change.

Jones Center Bike Festival

9 AM – 5 PM — The Jones Center — Free entry — Celebrate cycling with community festivities and a kickoff barbecue at this fun-filled 2-day event.

Arkansas Symbols Day at Shiloh Museum

8:30 a.m. — Shiloh Museum — Volunteer opportunity — Help engage young students with the state bird, the Mockingbird, at this educational outreach event.

Fall Fun at Farmland Adventures

3-9 p.m. — Farmland Adventures — Ticket required — Enjoy a giant corn maze, pumpkin picking, pony rides, and family-friendly activities this fall.

35th Annual Ozark Regional Arts & Crafts Festival

9 AM – 8 PM — Northwest Arkansas Convention Center — $18.6M predicted spend — Celebrate local artistry with a wide array of handcrafted goods at this beloved festival.