Good morning, Fayetteville.

A Washington County judge ordered that certain material in a lawsuit against Fayetteville-based Slim Chickens by a franchisee group may be handled as confidential—limiting public access to some details.

The ruling does not resolve the suit but signals a move to protect sensitive information.

Northwest Arkansas Audio Theater will present an audio play of Sherlock Holmes at 2 p.m. Oct.

18 at the Fayetteville Public Library. Director Scott Anderson created the show to use dialogue—sound effects and music—to bring a 1930s radio drama experience to life and to spotlight strong female roles.

Oklahoma composer Lauren Sonder brings her introspective show Felt Piano Dreams to The Medium on Oct.

1 (7 p.m.) as part of the Creative Exchange Fund Mixtape Music Series. The free event will let audience members relax by bringing yoga mats or chairs to listen to her unique piano sound created with felt placed between the hammers and strings.

Local bar owner Bo Counts will start his annual Halloween event, Nightmare on Block Street, on Sept.

26 at Pinpoint bar on Block Avenue—where themed drinks, special events like a skull vessel painting on Sept. 30, and classic pinball machines will light up the celebration—marking a month-long festive season.

The University of Arkansas moved up in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings to join the top 100 public universities and set records for enrollment, student success and research.

It will open a new MUSiC semiconductor research facility later this year, continuing its push to raise scholarship funding and boost economic impact.

The City of Fayetteville’s Housing and Community Services Department is hosting a mandatory grant workshop on Oct.

1 for organizations applying for Community Development Block Grant funding for 2026. The workshop runs (2:00-4:00 p.m.) at Room 101 of City Hall (113 W. Mountain St.) and attendees will receive the application to be submitted by Oct. 31.

The Highfill City Council approved a settlement agreement with the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport Authority on Wednesday that ended years of litigation and allows the airport to detach from the city—official records confirm the agreement settles long-running disputes.

Fayetteville is now accepting proposals for mixed-income housing projects on four city-owned plots as the city works to use underutilized land for affordable housing—developers can purchase or lease these properties with long-term affordability commitments—to help serve renters earning below 60% of the area median income. The deadline for proposals is Nov. 18.

Yesterday the Arkansas Joint Energy Committee approved an up-to-$305,000 contract with Maryland Excel Services Corporation—hired to study the feasibility of nuclear energy generation in the state.

Officials will use the study to guide future energy plans.

Assistant professor Jian Zhang received a $1.82 million award from the National Institutes of Health to study how physical forces shape cell movement and disease spread — his research builds on work begun in 2024 with support from the AIMRC to develop new tools for studying tissue development.

Boundless Book Society Meeting

5-6 p.m. — Fayetteville Public Library — Free entry — A pressure-free book club exploring diverse titles with the opportunity to meet the author next month.

Cut Worms Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Ozark Music Hall — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with Cut Worms as they bring their music to Fayetteville.

Ziggy Marley and Burning Spear Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Momentary — $72 General Admission — Experience the legends of reggae live on stage in an outdoor setting with unforgettable music.

Yoke Lore Concert

8:30-11:30 p.m. — George's Majestic Lounge — Tickets available online or at the door — Enjoy great music from Yoke Lore and Wells Ferrari with your favorite drinks.

Fayetteville Tequila Fest

3-7 p.m. — Mount Sequoyah Center, Inc. — VIP tickets required — Discover agave spirits and enjoy live music at the 2nd Annual Fayetteville Tequila Fest.

Preschool Story Time with Zeke Peña

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Fayetteville Public Library — Free entry — Explore the world of comics and illustration with award-winning artist Zeke Peña.

Heart of the Ozarks Craft Fair & Fall Festival

9 AM – 6 PM — Washington County Fairgrounds — Free entry — Explore over 300 booths, enjoy live music, delicious food, and family fun.

Lily Rose: I Know What I Want Tour

7-9:30 p.m. — Ozark Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with Lily Rose as she performs her latest tour hits.

Heart of the Ozarks Craft Fair & Fall Festival

9 AM – 6 PM — Washington County Fairgrounds — Free entry — Celebrate local crafts and enjoy food, music, and family fun.

Irie Lions & My Nextdoor Neighbor Sunday Show

5:30-9 p.m. — Prairie Street Live! — General Admission + Fees — Experience an evening of original reggae vibes and dynamic prog rock performances.