Hi'ya, NWA. It's Monday.

☀️ Sun today with highs in the low 70s.

• 🦫 Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter weather, so enjoy.

Today's newsletter is 914 words — a 3.5-minute read.

Mervin Jebaraj, one of the state's top economists, said Friday he's "tariff-ied" by the possibility of trade retaliations.

• Puns aside, the director of the University of Arkansas' Center for Business and Economic Research is generally bullish on the state's economic outlook for 2025.

The big picture: The annual business forecast luncheon helps Arkansas' business leaders and policymakers set expectations for the year ahead.

• Speakers included Rupal Poltack, CEO of Walton Enterprises; Dana Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board; Sam Khater, chief economist at Freddie Mac; and Jebaraj.

What they're saying: Some key takeaways from the forecast:

• Global GDP is expected to continue growing, led by China, India and the U.S., but at a slower pace over the next couple of years, Peterson said.
• Wealth in the U.S. has gained $50 trillion over the past five years and consumers continue to spend, according to Kather.
• Yes, but: Much of that is in housing and stock equity, meaning the bottom half of the population is losing ground, he said.

Both Peterson and Khather agreed that inflation is decelerating but will likely be higher than it was pre-pandemic.

Friction point: Attainable housing continues to be a concern across the U.S. and in NWA because inventory increases slowly and the types of homes being built aren't intended for entry-level buyers.

Threat level: Showing a standoff scene from "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," Jebaraj pointed out Arkansas' steel, advanced weapons and aircraft manufacturing are among leading exports.

• All three of the industries along with agricultural products are major Arkansas exports to Canada and Mexico, so retaliatory tariffs could impact the state's economy.

Sad, but true: Noting the impact of avian influenza on poultry and eggs, Jebaraj suggested avocados could be more affordable to hide this Easter.

The bottom line: Jebaraj expects the population to continue growing in the 10,000 to 13,000 range.

• Job growth should be nearly 6,000 in NWA this year, roughly on par with the past two years.

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J.B. Hunt Transport Services said last week a 40-acre solar farm near Gentry will offset 80% of its Lowell corporate headquarters' power use.

Why it matters: Even as corporate America's environmental, social and governance (ESG) pendulum swings back to the right and President Trump's promise to "drill baby drill" a finite resource begins, disastrous weather caused by climate change remains in the public discourse.

• Walmart's new corporate headquarters made sustainability — energy efficiency, building materials — a priority.

State of play: Nearly 18,000 solar panels capture sunlight, which is then converted into electricity. The power is transmitted to Carroll County Electric's grid, making up for power used by J.B. Hunt in Lowell.

• The solar facility will generate about the same amount of energy each year that's used by 1,200 homes, the company said.

The bottom line: J.B. Hunt has stated a goal of reducing its carbon emission intensity 32% by 2034 from a baseline year of 2019.

• It reported that it's more than halfway there in its 2023 sustainability report.

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👩‍⚖️ Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Karen Baker said a claim by Associate Justice Nicholas Bronni that he contacted Baker and asked her to correct what he described as misstatements she made to a legislative panel were false. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

🚵‍♂️ NWA bikepacking routes will be included in a future episode of documentary series "The Impossible Route." Filming will likely take place in May. (Fayetteville Flyer)

🚚 Net income for freight and logistics company ArcBest Corp. of Fort Smith dropped 40% during its fourth quarter due to lower volume. (Arkansas Business)

Beaver Watershed Alliance presents “Smart Growth for Water Resources” April 2-3.

What to expect: The event will address the challenges of flooding and stormwater management in Northwest Arkansas.

• Listen to the podcast featuring area leaders discussing growth and water resources.

The deets.

Burgers? I'm in.

The setup: My hope was that Old Guys Burgers in Fayetteville would be my new Curt's Place, which closed years ago. A spot to go on a stressful day, away from co-workers and the phone, and enjoy a simple, juicy burger.

• I'm a fan of Old Guys' truth in advertising — only burgers, fixings and drinks are on the menu with the exception of one chicken offering.
• My single burger combo with onion rings and cheddar cheese ($12) came with a Coke.

The food: It could've been the day. It could've been my order and insisting my burgers weren't swimming in ketchup and mustard. Or it could've been my bougie taste in burgers.

• I found the overall burger dry and the bun too dense.
• "I thought the burger was OK. The idea of the King's Hawaiian bun seems good, but the burger should be the star of the show," my friend said.

We both agreed the onion rings were aces.

Check it out: Open 11am-8pm Monday-Saturday, closed on Sunday. Located at 1218 Garland Ave. in Fayetteville.

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Knowledge is power, and we believe in empowering our community through reliable, local journalism.

Join our membership program for just $50+ a year, and you can support our efforts to keep you in the know of what's happening around town.

• You'll get insider notes and other perks as a thanks.

Together, we can ensure our neighbors stay informed.

🏀 Game night — The Arkansas Razorback women's basketball team takes on the Florida Gators tonight at 6pm in Bud Walton Arena. Buy tickets from $10.

🧭 Cool kids — The Peel Compton Foundation hosts a Coler Kid's Nature Class on Tuesday from 9am-11am to learn some outdoor basics. The cost is $20 and more classes will be held in March and April.

🎨 Arts live — A Picasso-inspired art experience called Paint your Mate will be at The Medium in Springdale on Friday, February 7. Tickets start at $39.

The Arkansas Razorbacks rocked Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky Saturday night, besting the No. 12-ranked Kentucky Wildcats 89-79.

• It was the first time head coach John Calipari faced his previous employer since he jumped to coach Arkansas.

"The only emotion I had was we needed to win the game," Calipari said.

Northwest Arkansas residents can be confident in their drinking water.

How it works: In compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, Beaver Water District tests and monitors water at various phases of the treatment process before it leaves the facility.

Check out the latest water quality report.

Thanks to Fadel Allassan for editing this newsletter.

🗻 Alex is out today. Worth imagines she's hiking at Torres del Paine.

🥘 Worth is excited to hear Stonebreaker is starting all-day service starting today.