Good morning, Fayetteville.

Farmington’s Creekside Park will open a new biking and walking trail and parking lot in about seven months, connecting to Fayetteville’s trail system.

The four-year project aims to boost local outdoor recreation.

Professor Ryan Neville-Shepard was named the 2026 Michael M.

Osborn Teacher-Scholar Award recipient by the Southern States Communication Association, honoring his decade of teaching at the University. He was celebrated on April 12 in Birmingham (Ala) for excellence in political communication and mentoring.

UA set a record in research spending at $252.9 million in 2025—an increase of over $90 million in four years.

The university plans to focus its research on semiconductors, advanced materials, and metabolic health to drive future discoveries.

Three U of A employees were honored at the Geren-Koski Awards reception on April 23 for their commitment to graduate education.

Michael Hevel, Sandra Ward, and Kerry Cole each received a monetary award and have had their names inscribed on a permanent plaque outside the GSIE Dean’s Office in Gearhart Hall.

The Plant Pathology Graduate Student Association will host its annual Tomato Plant Sale on May 1-2 at the Cralley-Warren greenhouses at 2601 N.

Young Ave in Fayetteville — limited quantities of tomato and pepper plants will be available for preorder with pickups from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fay Jones School will hold its Spring Commencement at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, in Barnhill Arena at the U of A campus.

Alumna Sloan Aulgur (a designer and playwright born in Arkansas) will deliver the address.

The U of A School of Law is named among the top 100 by U.S. News & World Report, rising 15 spots and earning specialty rankings in Legal Writing and Tax Law.

Dean Cynthia Nance said the ranking shows the school’s focus on quality legal education and strong graduate outcomes.

Forty-five U of A supply chain management majors were inducted this spring into Sigma Chi Mu Tau, the honor society that recognizes top students meeting strict academic criteria (minimum 3.25 GPA and high class ranking) at Sam M.

Walton College of Business.

The tourism panel has approved up to $30,000 to support a fireworks display planned for Fourth of July at NWA Mall to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

Commissioners also set aside funds for Prairie Street Block Party on Saturday and TogueCon in October.

The Planning Commission approved a 274-unit rental project near Underwood Park that will offer one- to four-bedroom homes and more than six acres set aside as park land (managed by Next Chapter Neighborhoods).

The development now moves forward following city planning.

The Razorbacks host Northwestern State today at 6 p.m. at Baum-Walker Stadium.

Arkansas, ranked 22nd, will start pitcher Tate McGuire & Northwestern State will use Carter White, with cloudy skies and possible thunderstorms before 10 p.m.

On Monday, the Bulldogs won against Fort Smith Southside at Forsgren Field+ they kept their spot in the 6A-West Conference and sustained playoff hopes as the season continued.

Arkansas athletics had a busy weekend as the Razorbacks won baseball and softball series against Missouri and saw four draft picks and six free agent signings.

The team posted strong track performances, added a women’s basketball transfer, and will end its tennis programs after 2026 (support provided for affected athletes).

Ole Miss Rebels vs Arkansas Razorbacks Baseball

6-7 p.m. — Baum–Walker Stadium — Cost not specified — Experience a thrilling college baseball matchup featuring the Rebels and Razorbacks.

Candlelight Concert: The Best of Hans Zimmer

6:30–7:30 p.m. — Fayetteville Public Library — Ticketed event — Experience the iconic music of Hans Zimmer performed by Listeso String Quartet under candlelight.

Chefs in the Garden

5:00–8:30 p.m. — Botanical Garden of the Ozarks — Ticketed event — Experience a delightful evening of culinary creativity amid beautiful garden scenery.

Coheed and Cambria Concert

10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. — Ozark Music Hall — $70/ea — Experience a day filled with music from the iconic band Coheed and Cambria.

Bingo Loco Music Trivia Night

6:00-9:30 p.m. — Ozark Music Hall — 21+ event — Experience a high-energy, interactive bingo night filled with music trivia, dance-offs, and exciting prizes.

Emmanuel Cortes Live

7-10 p.m. — Ozark Music Hall — Tickets start at $93 — Emmanuel Cortes promises an unforgettable live performance in Fayetteville.

Irish Session

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Folk School of Fayetteville / Fayetteville Roots — Free entry — A lively gathering of musicians where Irish tunes and songs are played in harmony.