Good morning, Fayetteville.

The Northwest Arkansas Council and Apprenticely will host a startup hiring event on July 16 at the UA Collaborative (700 S.E.

Fifth St.) in Bentonville. The event features a networking breakfast at 9 a.m. and interviews at 10 a.m. with applications due by July 10.

Crenlo moved its headquarters from Minneapolis to Bentonville, leasing office space on Ledger — planning to add over 20 local employees by early 2027 as it grows its cab manufacturing operations for heavy-duty equipment.

At the Arkansas Folklife Festival in Argenta this weekend, a Freedom Truck — a mobile museum showing a whitewashed view of American history — will appear in a nearby parking lot by the Department of Heritage.

Director Rachel Reynolds said the truck is meant to spark conversation.

Multiple fireworks displays are planned for 4th of July weekend, including a municipal-sponsored show at NW Arkansas Mall on July 4 and a Fayetteville Sound Bites event on July 3 in the Upper Ramble.

Community events in nearby areas also feature music, food and fun for families.

This weekend, Fayetteville hosts NWA Pride with parades, vendor fairs and live music events.

Highlights include the Pride Family Zone opening Saturday at 11 a.m. at Walton Arts Center, a parade at 6 p.m., and family activities at Botanical Garden of the Ozarks.

In mid-April, the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas and Stone Bank released a report on Arkansas women’s economic choices, finding that many lack confidence in financial decisions and rural women face more hardship covering unexpected expenses.

The study surveyed over 800 women and highlighted challenges from childcare costs and limited capital.

On Thursday, the School Board voted to name the new middle school after Thelma Thomason— the district's longest-tenured educator— as Woodland Junior High is set to convert into a middle school in fall.

Today, the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research launched the Watershed Grants Program to support interdisciplinary research in health, robotics, and AI — with a Proposers' Day on June 30, proposals due 5 p.m. Monday, July 13, and funding starting Aug.

15.

Norman Hord has been named the new director of the U of A School of Human Environmental Sciences and will begin his role July 1 (bringing extensive leadership experience from his previous positions at Oklahoma State and Oregon State).

A meeting Thursday discussed merging the Boston Mountain and Benton County waste districts, which would require a 26-member board and a smaller executive committee for daily management.

Members will send concerns to Charlotte Pitt (The Recycling Partnership) and Sarah Page Tacker (environmental lawyer) with feedback expected in 2½ weeks.

Three Razorbacks were selected in the NBA draft this week.

Darius Acuff Jr. went seventh overall to the Sacramento Kings — Meleek Thomas and Trevon Brazile were picked in the second round.

Arkansas defensive back commitment John Catlin ran a 10.51-second 100-meter dash and a 21.2-second 200-meter time before choosing the Razorbacks over multiple offers, and he plans to enhance his skills for the team next season (he has always loved track).

Arkansas baseball coach Dave Van Horn gave updates on the offseason and the transfer portal during a Thursday press conference.

Arkansas athletics signed a $70 million, 13-year deal with CommunityAmerica Credit Union to rename its football stadium, with multimedia rights starting this season and the new name taking effect on July 1 (the largest deal of its kind) at the on-campus venue.

Pirates of Dinosaur Island!

12-2 p.m. — Gear Gaming - Fayetteville — Bring your water bottle — Adventure awaits with pirates and dinosaurs on a tropical island!

Summer Art Workshop: Drop-In Artsy Craftsy

1-3 p.m. — Fayetteville Public Library — Free entry — Create your own masterpiece with provided art supplies in a fun drop-in session.

Bob Dylan Concert

6:00-8:30 p.m. — The Walmart AMP — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary Bob Dylan live in concert.

I LOVE R&B Party

8-11 p.m. — Ozark Music Hall — From $22.29 — Experience the ultimate celebration of R&B with throwbacks, dance floors, and good vibes.

Rock 101 Camp

9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — School of Rock — Tuition required — A fun-filled week of music exploration for budding rockstars aged 8-11.

Bryan Bielanski Live

7-11 p.m. — Prairie Street Live! — Entry fee unknown — Enjoy the captivating sounds of singer-songwriter Bryan Bielanski as he delivers a blend of rock and folk music.

Full House

7-10 p.m. — Railyard Live at Butterfield Stage — Check for ticket prices — Experience Fayetteville's premiere horn band covering legends from Wilson Pickett to Bruno Mars.

Lord Huron Concert

6-9 p.m. — The Momentary — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting sounds of Lord Huron, led by Ben Schneider, in a captivating performance.