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Development

Benton A&P Commission Set to Hear Proposal for Potential Commercial Development at Exit 114

Benton may soon sell its 30 acre parcel of land located at the corner of Arkansas Highway 229 and the north frontage road at Interstate 30.

• Mysterious buyer: One company bid for the land, a travel center based in Pearland, Texas. Hmm...

• Impact on Benton: The city is expecting $1.2 million in annual economic impact, $275,000 in property taxes and 5 million visitors a year.

Catch a recap of the stream from the Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission meeting HERE.

Health

Investigating the Impact of School Meal Policies on Behavioral Disorders in Youth

UAMS's Center for the Study of Obesity will lead an extensive 3-year $1.2 million study on the effects of school meal availability on the mental and behavioral status of youths.

• Take aim: Led by Dr. Michael Thomsen with the help of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, the project will focus on gender, ethnicity, age and socio-economic backgrounds.

• Big picture: The results of this study may have implications for understanding the bigger picture of school meal policies, mental health and even the criminal justice system.

Read more on the study HERE.

Arts & Culture

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Sets Out Program of Engaging Theatrical Productions and Concerts for 2023

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts announced an all-ages season of performing arts offerings. From puppet shows to theatre and music performances, there's something for everyone.

• Family-friendly fun: The Emmy-Award-winning company Manual Cinema brings Mo Willems' books to life in a unique and lively puppet show, perfect for children ages 3+.

• High-flying antics: The Fourth Wall Ensemble brings music, theatre, dance, and acrobatics together to create a hybrid art form that's sure to entertain!

Book your tickets HERE!

Politics

Little Rock Mayor Outlines Sales-Tax Proposal To Fund City Priorities

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. presented a 10-year, 1 percent sales tax plan to the city board with the goal of raising $600 million for capital and operating expenses and now awaits their approval before a Nov. 14 referendum.

• Big ticket plans: Highlights include a $128 million indoor-outdoor sports complex at War Memorial Park, $30 million for Hindman and War Memorial Park improvements, $70 million in infrastructure improvements, and $40.75 million in resurfacing and sidewalk improvements.

• Voting day: If the city board approves Scott's plan, a vote will be held November 14. If not, the next available dates are the March 5, 2024, primary election and the November 5, 2024, general election.

Read about the plan HERE.

Little Rock Daily Picks

In other news…

• Awarded: 18 Arkansas artists received $5,000 awards from the Arkansas Arts Council for achievements in a variety of art forms.

• "I'm going to Disney World": A UALR grad will be going to Disney World as cast member on an internship through February of next year.

• Sake party: Origami Sake is hosting a launch party for its first ever tasting on Aug 12 at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.

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