Good morning, Fayetteville.

CASA of Northwest Arkansas is recruiting volunteers during Foster Care Awareness Month to advocate for children caught in a tight spot amid a local foster home shortage (applicants must be 21 or older).

At a forum held Tuesday at 8 a.m. at the Northwest Food Bank headquarters in Lowell, President Taylor Speegle said hunger is growing as the bank served 95,000 food-insecure people last year (Washington, Benton, Carroll, Madison).

He warned rapid local growth could push up food costs and worsen access.

Fayetteville-based design firm modus studio is using a $258,000 grant from the Softwood Lumber Board and USDA Forest Service to develop a mass-timber storm shelter prototype (including ICC 500 testing) that meets federal safe-room standards.

Fridays on the Lawn returns at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts starting Friday, May 8, offering free lawn games, mingling, and snow cones (boozy or virgin) from 5 to 8 p.m. every Friday in May except May 1; AMFA’s pink dog Flurffy will be on hand for younger guests.

Two Razorbacks were awarded the Fulbright Teaching Assistantship Scholarships to teach English abroad; senior Maddie Gwinner will leave for Germany in August while alumna Daisy Rehbock travels to Madrid in September, with both programs running until June 2027.

Starting Friday, the University of Arkansas will hold commencement ceremonies for over 6,500 graduates at Bud Walton Arena and other campus venues on Saturday, featuring speakers such as U.S. Rep. Steve Womack.

Free parking and livestreaming are available (tickets are not required due to a clear bag policy).

Former Governor Asa Hutchinson is writing his autobiography to be published by University of Arkansas Press, sharing details of his political journey and personal life.

It is set to be released in the coming months.

A Fayetteville-based affiliate of Bloodhound Capital purchased a 13-unit townhome property on West Mount Comfort Road for $6.18 million, which equals $475,384 per unit on a 1.17-acre lot.

Additional local deals in Pine Hollow, Westwood and East Fiji Street reflect ongoing real estate investment in the area.

Greene County Tech guard Kinsley Patterson (22) was featured as an in-state prospect flying under the radar of college coaches; he played in the state tournament semifinals on Saturday, Mar.

7 in Farmington where his team lost 64-56.

Matt Jones and Ethan Westerman discussed Dave Van Horn’s remarks at Monday’s Swatters Club and the Razorback softball team’s series win over Texas during the WholeHogSports Daily Podcast.

Their conversation shared key sports insights for local fans.

The Arkansas softball team finished the regular season ranked No. 5 after winning a series at Texas on Tuesday and will face either Kentucky or Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament today at about 1:00 p.m.

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.

Summer Reading Kickoff!

9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Fayetteville Public Library — Free entry — Celebrate the start of summer with fun activities, food, and performances for all ages.