Good morning, Fayetteville.

Two years after the Memorial Day tornadoes of 2024, widespread repairs have restored many parts of Northwest Arkansas while rebuilding continues in Benton + Madison counties.

Local data shows significant recovery progress, though some impacts continue to affect communities.

Arkansas wildlife officials urged caution in bear country after two fatal black bear attacks in 2025, advising residents to learn warning signs of aggressive behavior (such as a bear with ears pinned back) and to keep food stored safely while roughly 5,000 bears roam nearby.

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission and gener8tor have launched gALPHA, a four-week startup program for entrepreneurs building businesses statewide.

Participants will receive hands-on coaching, workshops + community activities with applications open until June 7 and the program starting June 17.

FirstLight Home Care of Fort Smith won its 2025 Quality Assured and Growth Awards — franchise owner Keith Plummer said the Northwest Arkansas office reached $1 million in growth while the South Tulsa branch earned $2 million, with the company employing 190 staff including 50 Arkansans.

Arkansas turkey hunters checked 13,591 birds by the season’s end on May 10—the highest spring harvest since 2006.

Wildlife officials credit conservative seasons and improved weather for the record count.

The Arkansas Razorbacks beat the Auburn Tigers 2-1 in Hoover to reach the SEC Tournament championship against the Georgia Bulldogs.

The team will play on Sunday at 1 p.m. on ABC, with coach Dave Van Horn saying the win came after a lengthy rain delay.

NCAA baseball committee chair Michael Alford said Arkansas baseball did not get to host the regional due to lower metrics like strength of schedule and rankings compared to Mississippi State after the SEC Tournament.

Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said the team was surprised by the decision.

Arkansas baseball coach Dave Van Horn met with media yesterday to preview the Razorbacks trip to the NCAA Lawrence Regional — the team aims to advance in the tournament.

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.

Big K.R.I.T. Album Release Event

10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. — Ozark Music Hall — Cost info unavailable — Celebrate the release of Big K.R.I.T.'s new album '4eva Is A Mighty Long Time'.

Nike Volleyball Camp at University of Arkansas

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — University Recreation + Wellness — $455 — A girls volleyball camp for ages 10-14 focusing on skill development and leadership.

AdventureCon 2026: Board Game and Tabletop Convention

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Rogers Convention Center — $10 – $85 — A family-friendly gathering filled with over 300 games for board game enthusiasts of all ages.

The Smokehouse Players Benefit Performance of On Golden Pond

1-2:30 p.m. — Ozark Mountain Smokehouse — Donations accepted — Enjoy a heartfelt performance exploring love and forgiveness in later years.

Bats and Bluegrass Festival

5-9 p.m. — Illinois River Watershed Partnership — Free admission — Experience the magical emergence of gray bats alongside live bluegrass music in a unique Ozark celebration.