Good morning, Fayetteville.

Arkansas casinos earned nearly $183 million in the first quarter, a 2.86% gain from the same period last year (a slow March lowered typical revenue).

A homeless man pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for choking 37-year-old Sonia Corbin to death in a warming tent at 7 Hills Day Center in 2024—he received a sentence of 30 years in prison with 10 years suspended.

Kathleen DuVal—a Fayetteville High School graduate—was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in History for her book 'Native Nations: A Millennium in North America' that tells the story of indigenous peoples.

She graduated in 1988 and is a member of the Fayetteville Public Schools Hall of Honor.

Downtown's historic Porter Produce warehouse will become an art gallery programmed by Walton Arts Center after over 1 million dollars was spent on exterior restoration, and interior renovations costing about 950,000 dollars will begin this month (finishing by fall) to ready the space for exhibits. Renamed Porter Art Warehouse, the 2,500-square-foot gallery will host community art shows and the center’s annual regional showcase during the next season.

Today, Fayetteville updated its policies to clarify payroll deadlines, leave payouts at termination, and payroll deductions.

University news highlights include a video of a graduating senior overcoming obstacles, a $500,000 gift from alumni to create a scholars fund for Walton College, a commencement address by former UCLA coach Valorie Kondos Field, new UAPD officer graduates, and Xinde Zhang earning a teaching excellence award — a mix of changes and achievements shaping local education.

Thaden School in Bentonville won the 2025 Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize for its innovative design that integrates natural landscape and community values — the award was presented at S.

R. Crown Hall in Chicago and honors the work of local Marlon Blackwell Architects in collaboration with other firms. The school, supported by the Walton Family Foundation’s Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program, has been expanding its campus since opening.

Arkansas softball earned its highest ranking in program history — a No.1 spot in the Softball America poll — after winning its sixth straight SEC series that included a victory over LSU on May 3.

Head coach Courtney Deifel said the team is focused on the SEC Tournament and is set to play the second-round winner at 1 p.m. today after receiving a first-round bye.

After sweeping Texas last weekend, the Arkansas baseball team was ranked No. 1 by The New York Times while the softball team holds the top spot ahead of SEC Tournament play—Coach Dave Van Horn said his squad will work to secure a national seed as they face LSU on Friday and prepare for more tough series later this week.

Sunday Patio Series with Cody Rawlings

3-5 p.m. — Waystone Pizza Co. — Enjoy great eats and cold drinks while listening to live music.

Fuel For Your Health Demo Day

5-9 p.m. — Heartland Whole Health Institute — Free entry — Celebrate the culmination of health tech innovation with dynamic presentations and a lively afterparty.

Open House at the 34th Annual Eureka Springs Studio Walk

Come by 15 White Street to check out our Open House from 4p-10p. We'll be featuring 4 artists and will have free appetizers/beverages and a free drawing for a chance to Win a $100 Gift Certificate to Ermilios.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay

8:30-9:30 p.m. — TheatreSquared — Tickets available — Experience a stunning candlelight concert featuring a string quartet performing Coldplay's greatest hits.

Ashtyn Barbaree and Shannon Wurst Live Performance

9 AM – 3 PM — Airship Coffee at the Pumphouse — Free entry — Enjoy live acoustic music from two talented local artists recognized in the Arkansas Country Music Awards.

MJ The Musical

7 p.m. — Walton Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the King of Pop with a stunning musical tribute to Michael Jackson's legacy.

MJ - The Musical

8:00-9:30 PM — Walton Arts Center — Recommended for ages 8 and up — Experience the unparalleled artistry of Michael Jackson in this Tony Award-winning musical.

Joseph Scott Elliott Band Live Performance

8 PM — Nomads Trailside — Ticket Info TBA — Enjoy a night of music featuring the Joseph Scott Elliott Band along with local acts.

May AI Meetup

6-8 p.m. — UofA Collaborative — Free food and drinks — Explore the exciting world of AI with engaging presentations and networking opportunities.

Payton Joy Live Performance

6-8 PM — Six Twelve Coffeehouse & Bar — Free entry — Enjoy a live Country-Rock performance and connect over favorite snacks.