Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of May.
Good morning, Fayetteville.
🚧 Accidents
A forklift hit a gas line at the Walmart Supercenter on Mall Avenue on Wednesday afternoon—employees evacuated the store as firefighters shut off the gas and Black Hills Energy was alerted.
💼 Business
Northwest Arkansas National Airport will offer nonstop flights to Pensacola starting Sept.
4 with Breeze Airways flying a 1-hour 46-minute trip priced from $49 one-way. The new service departs at 10:48 a.m. and arrives at 12:34 p.m. on select Sundays and Thursdays and will use a new Airbus A220-300 with premium seating and high-speed Wi-Fi.
🎭 Culture
Fayetteville High School student Audrey Redwine won Best Actress at the first Diamond Awards on Sunday for her role as Cinderella in Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella.
She will travel to New York City in June to compete at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards.
🎓 Education
More than 1,000 engineering degrees will be awarded on Saturday at two commencement ceremonies—Bud Walton Arena at 8:30 a.m. + Barnhill Arena at noon will host the events.
The ceremonies will honor former dean John R. English and Outstanding Senior Jenova Kempkes, who will earn her bachelor's in biomedical engineering and plan to serve as a U.S. Army physician.
The Honors College recognized 23 graduating Path Program scholars at a year-end event in April at the U of A for their academic and community achievements.
The program, which provides scholarships and mentorship to underrepresented students, will begin its 12th year this fall.
Drew Holland, a Greenwood High School student set to graduate on May 16, earned the Black and Reeder Scholarship and will study biomedical engineering at U of A—he was inspired by the care he received during early treatment for leukemia.
Madison Leckbee, a senior majoring in biological and agricultural engineering at U of A, balanced her rigorous studies with her passion for twirling and won a national baton twirling championship — she will graduate in May and start as an associate engineer in water resources at Olsson in Fayetteville to work on stream restoration projects.
🏛️ Government
On Tuesday, May 7, Fayetteville City Council approved code changes that allow homes to face parks, trails or alleys and permit accessory dwelling units to be built more flexibly with a 5-3 and 7-1 vote respectively—moves that address local housing needs.
A proposal to update prefabricated housing was tabled until May 20 with Mayor Molly Rawn casting the tie-breaking vote—council members will revisit the issue at the next meeting.
🏈 Sports
Fayetteville clinched the No. 2 seed for next week's Class 6A state baseball tournament after a 10 to 1 win over Bentonville West on Wednesday at Bulldog Field.
🎉 Fayetteville Events
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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.
🏠 Fayetteville Real Estate
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💼 Fayetteville Job Board
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