After an anxiety-inducing triple-overtime battle, the Razorbacks secured a 55-53 win at the Autozone Liberty Bowl against Kansas last week.

• On edge: Despite a thinned-out roster and losing Rocket Sanders to a first-quarter injury, the Hogs dominated the first half and early third quarter, eventually leading 38-13, until the Jayhawks answered with an impressive 25-point comeback sending the game into overtime.
• Big time: Key playmakers for the Hogs were AJ Green, Rashod Dubinion, and game MVP KJ Jefferson, who passed for 287 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

Catch all the game highlights HERE.

A first-generation student whose parents immigrated from El Salvador, Sergio Herrara grew up in Springdale, studied food science at the U of A, and is now an executive chef at Tyson Foods. Still, he hasn't forgotten his community despite his success.

• Future foodies: Herrara has visited local high schools as part of a program that provides local students up to 30 hours of culinary credits through NWACC, presenting cooking demos and promoting food science, business, and education.
• Finding hope: As a non-traditional minority student who has experienced success, Herrara uses his story to encourage others to cultivate discipline and take advantage of available opportunities.

Read more on the story HERE.

Benton County got a shoutout as Arkansas's best county on a list of Best Parts of Every State to Live In, citing the area's incredible mix of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and economic opportunities.

• Home to greats: The article recognized Benton county's role as host to significant corporations like Walmart, J.B. Hunt, and Tyson Foods, as well as mentioning attractions such as Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Pea Ridge National Military Park.
• By the numbers: The list ranked counties according to statistics from Niche, which reported Benton County's population at 258,980, median home value at $172,000, median rent at $873, and median household income at $64,141.

Find the complete list of top counties HERE.

Northwest Arkansas's big four collected $102.68m in sales tax revenue in 2022, a 12.84% increase over 2021. That's the highest combined amount in NWA history and its second-highest year-over-year growth rate.

• Contributors: The primary reasons for the increase are likely inflation and Washington and Benton Counties' combined population growth, which has increased from 446,834 to 548,125 over the past decade. 
• By the numbers: Rogers had total 2022 revenue of $26.87m, up 12.97% over 2021. Bentonville reported $22.78m, an 8.77% increase. Fayetteville brought in $29.96m, up 10.49%. Springdale collected $23.06m, an increase of 20.46%.

Read more from Talk Business and Politics HERE. 

Walton Arts Center will display 100 Photographs by Andrew Kilgore in the Joy Pratt Markham Gallery from Jan 6 - Mar 19, welcoming the public to enjoy a free exhibit of one of Arkansas's most distinguished photographers.

• Worth 1,000 words: Since he opened a studio in Fayetteville in 1971, Andrew Kilgore has captured the dignity and diversity of Arkansans on film, intentionally highlighting some of the state's most marginalized groups.
• Hear the stories: The exhibit will be open 10a-2p on weekdays from Jan 6 - Mar 19, with a free opening reception on Jan 6 from 5-7p and a public conversation with Kilgore on Feb 26 at 6p.

Learn more about the artist HERE.