Good morning, Fayetteville.

On June 27, the city will hold its 18th annual CDBG In the Park community picnic at Walker Park from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Residents will enjoy hot dogs, drinks, and activities while learning about local resources provided by groups (such as Black Hills Energy and UAMS Mobile Health Services).

Leadership Arkansas is now accepting applications for Class XX— a program that develops emerging and established business and civic leaders.

Applicants must apply by Aug. 4 and tuition for the 2025-2026 program year is $3,500.

Bentonville police arrested 23-year-old Jay Simmermon on June 14 after he allegedly set his grandfather on fire, causing severe burns that led to his death days later in Springfield, Missouri — and his family later filed a petition for his guardianship amid concerns over his mental health.

A former Washington County sheriff's deputy from Fayetteville, Stevon Grindstaff, had his murder charge amended to manslaughter earlier this week and now faces aggravated assault and a sentencing enhancement for using a firearm—he is set for trial Monday in Washington County Circuit Court.

On Wednesday, the SEC announced Arkansas’ men’s basketball opponents for the 2025-26 season; the Razorbacks will play home-and-home matchups — LSU, Missouri and Auburn — while hosting Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt and traveling to games at Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Oklahoma. Conference play begins Jan. 3 and runs through March 7.

Arkansas' assistant coach Bobby Wernes jumped off the dugout rail on Wednesday to cheer a key decision to keep Gabe Gaeckle in the game, but the Razorbacks lost 6-5 to LSU in a close College World Series semifinal.

Coach Dave Van Horn said he felt mixed emotions after the loss and urged his players to learn from the mistakes as they move forward.

On June 18, the Arkansas Razorbacks were eliminated from the College World Series at Omaha after several errors in the bottom of the ninth allowed LSU to rally for a 6 to 5 win.

LSU will advance to the finals to face Coastal Carolina in a best of three series—adding to the Razorbacks' challenges as they have lost to LSU twice already in the tournament.

Ozark Valley Triathlon

Saturday, Jun 21st — Lake Wedington Recreation Area — Registration fees apply — Experience thrilling off-road triathlons and duathlons set in beautiful NW Arkansas.

Ladies of Legacy - An Evening of Jazz Piano

7 p.m. — Walton Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy captivating jazz piano performances from acclaimed artists Champian Fulton, Youngjoo Song, and Miki Yamanaka.

Banjo Brunch with Clarke Buehling's Carousel Orchestra

10:30 a.m. — Nomads Trailside — Free entry — Enjoy lively tunes and delicious food at a toe-tappin' musical experience.

Switchfoot Live Concert

8:00-9:30 PM — JJ's Live — Tickets available online or at the door — Enjoy drinks while catching Switchfoot with support from Fox Royale on their 2025 tour.

Happy Hour Concert with Earl & Them

6-8 p.m. — George's Majestic Lounge — Cost TBD — Enjoy an evening of uplifting live music in a beloved local venue.

Folk Music Workshop: Makin' Progress

1-2:30 p.m. — Folk School of Fayetteville — Cost info not provided — Explore and update folk songs for modern themes with Simon Flory.