The 2021 Bentonville Bike Festival, presented by Pyure, will take place on June 18-20, 2021, and will feature a number of races, workshops, art and more.

• The three day event is completely free and offers incredible opportunities to witness world-class action. Pro riders including freeride pioneer Hans Rey, and Perrine Devahive, a World Cup top 3 trials rider, are set to make an appearance.
• Sponsors include Body Armor, WD40, Vizzy, Vital Proteins, JUNK Brands, Mojo Cycling, Supernola, Live Gnar, Milo's Tea Company, Boost Oxygen, Impossible Foods, Dig Clothing Company, and many more. -Arkansas Outside
• Want in on the action? Sign up for the Van Dessel Gravel Ride or take advantage of the free access to a variety of demo bikes at the pumptrack.

According to a recent study by a UA dean and his research team, young adults who spend five to six hours a day or longer on social media are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than others. -The Arkansas Traveler

• Dr. Brian Primack and four other researchers are the first to find a direct correlation between long-term social media use and depression in a national study.
• The study, which began in 2018, followed 1,000 subjects of diverse backgrounds and stated that their personal identities did not affect their likelihood of becoming depressed.
• University directors are encouraging students to unplug from social media periodically to avoid the constant consumption of negative messages.
• "Consciousness of the connection between depression and social media use can cause individuals to recognize the importance of balance in their personal and social lives," Primack said. -Arkansas Traveler

The Create Arkansas Community Hub & Exchange (CACHE) program has launched a community survey intended to assess the needs of the NWA arts and culture industry.

• Responses will be used to develop programming and resources to address the disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey will also include a specific focus on racial equity in the arts and economic stability.
• The survey is open to nonprofits, businesses, and individuals who self-identify as an artist, creative or cultural bearer in Benton, Washington, Carroll and Madison counties. -NWA Council
• The survey deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 10. Eligible respondents will be compensated for participating in the survey.

The Washington County Quorum Court announced Thursday that $7.1 million will go towards helping people in Washington County in need of rental assistance.

• County Judge Joseph Wood said Washington County applied for the $7.1 million as part of the federal COVID-19 relief legislation.
• The county will partner with the Fayetteville Housing Authority and Hark, a non-profit that provides rental assistance in NWA.
• Applications for rental assistance will be available over the next one to two weeks for those interested to apply through Hark and FHA.

Har-Ber High School in Springdale will be the first school in the country to test a disinfecting robot called "Breezy One" on campus.

• The robot will be able to disinfect a building the size of Har-Ber High School in about two hours. R2-D2 is that you?
• Domino Effect: After watching a demonstration of the robot disinfecting the building, district and school administrators are considering purchasing more.
• Kimberly Corbitt, Head of Consumer Engagement for Build With Robots, said the manufacturer chose Springdale because the school district is " innovative and forward-thinking." -5 News