We'll All Float On

Ready to hit the river? Check out this list of top paddling spots in Northwest Arkansas, from adrenaline-filled rapids to tranquil waters and stunning bluffs. 

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NWA Daily
April 15, 2024

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Outdoors

Where to Float in Northwest Arkansas

Ready to hit the river? Check out this list of top paddling spots in Northwest Arkansas, from adrenaline-filled rapids to tranquil waters and stunning bluffs. 

  • Ride the Rapids: Experience the thrill of the Mulberry River or challenge yourself on the Buffalo River for intermediate paddlers looking for an adrenaline rush. 

  • Beginner-Friendly: For those new to floating, the Kings River and Illinois River offer gentle waters and breathtaking scenery, with plenty of chances to spot wildlife along the way. 

Floating is a quintessential Arkansas activity, so if you haven’t been yet this year, send this around to your friends and start planning your next float trip!

Regional News

Northwest Arkansas Council Announces Regional Growth Strategy

The Northwest Arkansas Council recently announced plans for a regional growth strategy, acknowledging the need for change to sustain the area's status as a top place to live and work. 

  • Doubling up: With a projected population increase of 400,000 by 2050, the region must address issues such as traffic congestion, affordable housing, and preserving green space. 

  • Making space: To effectively accommodate growth, the region must consider policy changes and education efforts to promote more efficient land usage and walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods. 

See the full story HERE. 

Downtown Springdale's 2024 LIVE! At Turnbow Concert Series Starting This Month

LIVE! at Turnbow Concert Series returns this month, bringing a dynamic lineup of musicians to Downtown Springdale.

  • Set Free: The free outdoor concerts happen on the last Thursday of each month from Apr-Sep at Turnbow Park. The community can hear various local and regional musicians while enjoying the Downtown Outdoor Dining District.

  • Jazzy Fresh: From country and bluegrass to gospel and jazz, this year’s lineup brings some stellar talent to Turnbow. The series starts with a jazzy evening featuring the Latin-influenced sound of Los Veleros and the Afro-Caribbean salsa-infused jazz style of MEZCLAVE on Apr 25.

Find the full concert schedule HERE.

Education

John Brown University To Launch Bachelor’s Program In Artificial Intelligence

John Brown University in Siloam Springs announced plans this week to offer a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence beginning in fall 2024.

  • Artificial Intelligence: While many colleges offer AI as a concentration or certificate, few offer it as a full bachelor’s degree. JBU is the first Christian university in the nation to offer a bachelor’s degree in AI.

  • In The Real World: The program aims to provide a deep understanding of how to harness the power of AI for real-world applications such as improving healthcare, making education more accessible, improving economic health, increasing online child safety, and much more.

Connect with admissions staff to learn more HERE.

Housing

The latest Skyline Report by Arvest Bank revealed a decline in home sales across Northwest Arkansas. Still, a rise in new construction suggests a shifting preference towards newer properties, potentially influenced by higher interest rates.

  • Staying Put: Home sales in Northwest Arkansas saw a 2.1% decline in the latter half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 and a significant drop of 22.5% compared to the latter half of 2021.

  • Building Out: New construction homes accounted for 39.9% of all homes sold in Northwest Arkansas during the latter half of 2023, marking the highest percentage since the inception of the Skyline Report in 2004.

Find the full report in Talk Business & Politics HERE.

NWA Daily Picks

In other news…

  • 🎵 Take Notes: Gather with family and friends over an excellent selection of German-inspired beer and delicious wood-fired pizzas at GoatLab Brewery. Don't miss this week's Note-able Wednesday featuring live music, great beer, and strong communal vibes.*

  • ☀️ Summer Camp SZN: Unplug, connect, and explore with Thaden School's day camps and experience camps such as 'Food and Farm' or 'Stop Motion Storytelling'. Prices range from $250-$350 per week.*

  • 🎯🍻 Get the bag: Toss some bags in the 2nd Annual Main Street Siloam Springs Cornhole Tournament at Creekside Taproom on Apr 20 at 2p.

  • 🌟 Star student: Bentonville High's Valedictorian, Chandra Suda, isn't just Ivy League-bound; he's changing lives with a smartphone app that detects tuberculosis simply by the sound of a cough.

  • 📅 NWA Calendar: Stay up to date with events mentioned in the newsletter, or post your own upcoming events on our Events Calendar!

  • 🚀 Launch Your Message: Share your message with our growing community of 35,000+ readers. We have several advertising opportunities to help you share your story with Northwest Arkansas.

*Content is sponsored

Employment

Cool Jobs In NWA

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