Parents and teachers across the state are concerned how the COVID-19 pandemic is effecting their students as they navigate attending school virtually and in person, along with limiting contact with friends.

• Stay Positive Arkansas is offering free crisis counseling, with a mission to improve the quality of life of all Arkansans by protecting the vulnerable, fostering independence, and promoting better health.
• Listen to the full story on KUAF.

Many businesses across the state have struggled financially more this year than ever before due to the weight of the pandemic. Wage increases may appear progressive, but for some it is the tipping point.

• On Jan. 1, 2021, minimum wage will increase by $1 from $10 to $11 per hour, according to the Arkansas Department of Labor.
• Jamie Thornton, co-owner of Natural State Smoothies in Fayetteville says, “We definitely didn’t have the foresight when we voted this bill into law two years ago... we opened our first smoothie business in 2009 during the recession and we thought that was tough… that has nothing on what we’re going through now.” -KNWA/Fox 24
• The state voted on the law in 2018 and increases went into effect in 2019.

• Arkansas WR/RB TJ Hammons has announced he is returning for a sixth season at Arkansas, along with tight end Blake Kern and four other seniors. -KNWA/Fox 24
• Linebacker Grant Morgan, wide receiver De’Vion Warren, offensive linemen Ty Clary and Myron Cunningham are also returning for another senior season.
• Arkansas fans are invited to join the Best in Sight & Sound Band and the Razorback Spirit Squads for a public send-off celebration on Tuesday, December 29 at 12:30 p.m. as the Razorbacks head to Houston for the Mercari Texas Bowl. -Arkansas Razorback Football

Whether you are celebrating the end of 2020 at home or itching to get out on the town, there are plenty of events happening in NWA to ring in the New Year your way.

• The Odd Soul in Springdale and Moonbrach in Rogers are both hosting NYE parties. Bars are open until 11pm in Arkansas due to COVID-19 restrictions and reservations are recommended.
• For those wanting to kick-off new year's resolutions, sign up for the New Year's Day ride at Blowing Springs Park.
• For a full list of restaurants offering specialty dine-in and pickup dinners and brunches, click HERE.

As the population in Fayetteville has almost doubled since 1990, so has the frequency of violent crimes in the city.

• Fayetteville Police Department Sergeant Tony Murphy said year-to-date, aggravated assault is up 27%, homicide is up 40%, and total violent crime is up 25% this year. -KNWA/Fox 24
• In 2020, Fayetteville saw seven murder/homicides, up from five in 2019. The chance of becoming victim of a violent crime in the city is 1 in 168 and 1 in 184 in Arkansas, according to NeighborhoodScout.