Asa Hutchinson joins 2024 race for the White House

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

Asa Hutchinson officially launched his presidential campaign Wednesday (April 26) in front of the Benton County Courthouse in downtown Bentonville.

In an ABC television interview earlier this month, the former Arkansas governor, mentioned as a possible candidate for nearly a year, declared that he would run for president in 2024. He spoke for 23 minutes at Wednesday’s rally in front of several hundred people. He framed the occasion as a time when the nation’s future and his personal story come together.

“Bentonville is a big part of my life story,” he said. “But, so is Gravette, where I grew up on a farm and learned the importance of family, faith, and community. I also learned hard work from my dad by cleaning out chicken houses and building fences. And my life story also includes Springdale, where I was inspired by teachers who pushed me to learn, and it was in Springdale where my political awareness began with the nation’s divide over the Vietnam War and the struggle for civil rights.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/04/asa-hutchinson-joins-2024-race-for-the-white-house/

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson officially launched his presidential campaign Wednesday (Aug. 26) with a campaign rally in downtown Bentonville.

Marijuana Card Holder Sues Over Job Loss

by Mark Friedman

A medical marijuana card holder is suing a northwest Arkansas hospital system for withdrawing a job offer after he tested positive for pot, and he says he’s not alone.

Balance “Lance” Reed of Washington County is seeking class-action status against Northwest Arkansas Hospitals LLC of Springdale, which operates several hospitals including Willow Creek Women’s Hospital and Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville.

Under the law, employers can decide not to hire a medical marijuana patient for a “safety-sensitive position,” such as being a truck driver or manufacturing explosives.

https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/136016/marijuana-card-holder-sues-over-job-loss

Crystal Bridges Plans Expansion; Will Double in Size by 2024

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art announced on Wednesday (April 7) plans to double its size.

According to a news release, the Bentonville museum will expand from 100,000 to 200,000 square feet. According to the release, the expansion will showcase the museum’s growing collection and welcome more visitors.

Envisioned to support Crystal Bridges’ commitment to free access to art for all, the new space will increase capacity for presenting art and exhibitions, educational and outreach initiatives, cultural programming, and community events.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/crystal-bridges-plans-expansion-will-double-in-size-by-2024/

Moshe Safdie, founder of Safdie Architects, and Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art founder and board chairperson, inside the museum’s Great Hall in Bentonville.