Good morning, Fayetteville.

This weekend, Dec. 19 to 21, Fayetteville will host live music and holiday festivities at various local venues (from the Public Library to downtown square), featuring family-friendly outings, cocktail classes, art shows, and rides.

Residents should check event details to plan their visits.

Chandler Capital Group, formerly Chandler Equipment, invested $14 million on Monday, Dec.

15 to expand its operations by acquiring 50,000 sqft in Springdale and new facilities in Lowell. The family-owned company also updated its leadership team to support its automotive+adventure brands.

Weaver, an A.P.R.N. at Pat Walker Health Center's GYN Clinic and longtime college teacher, will retire on Jan.

7. She plans to stay in the area — hiking, kayaking and spending more time with family.

Former dean Matt Waller now teaches a leadership course at UA after leaving his administrative role in 2023 — his legacy includes a 42% enrollment jump and key academic program launches that helped many students.

He continues to focus on uplifting others through his work.

Fayetteville residents voiced opposition to SWEPCO’s proposed 13.8% rate hike during a Dec.

4 public hearing at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Springdale. City officials said higher rates will worsen hardship for low-income households and urged SWEPCO to seek more affordable energy solutions.

HealthCatalyst NWA will launch in January with a $500,000 grant from the Walton Family Foundation to help local startups test new technology tools.

NXTUS and HTA plan to work with community health providers to develop solutions that boost health and economic growth.

Trout fishing proved a welcome bonus during a fall float trip on the White River below Beaver Dam, with prepared baits attracting fish and vibrant autumn views enjoyed by Kathy McAlister and Alan Bland as they floated from Beaver Dam to Bertrand access on Nov.

7.

Arkansas football is preparing for a shorter NCAA transfer portal window that opens Jan.

2 and closes Jan. 16 — the Razorbacks plan an official visit for defensive back Kanye Thompson on Jan. 3 as they work quickly to secure new talent.

Anglers can apply for a 2026 alligator gar trophy tag by submitting a $5 entry through Dec.

31 and may keep fish longer than 36 inches on a catch-and-release basis; the drawing will occur on Jan. 2 and winners will be notified via email.

Local sports saw strong performances as Subiaco Academy boys outpaced Atkins 79-51 on Monday, Fayetteville girls secured a 90-58 win over Greenwood during the Hoopin in the Wood Classic, while Van Buren and Searcy starred in regional high school matchups + set momentum for upcoming contests.

Arkansas basketball rallied in Dallas as Trevon Brazile scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to help the Razorbacks edge Texas Tech 93-86 on Saturday, Dec.

13. The team now stands 8-2 and will host Queens at 8 p.m. today at Bud Walton Arena.

MeatEater Live: The Christmas Tour

7 PM – 12 AM — Ozark Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holidays with Steven Rinella and the MeatEater crew in a night filled with laughs and outdoor insights.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-7:29 p.m. — TheatreSquared — $51.4 — Experience the magic of Christmas carols performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

Time Travel Half-Marathon and 5k/10k

9 AM — MY-T-BY-DESIGN Therapeutic Art Studio — Family-friendly race — Lace up for a race that promises a dash through time and fun.