Date: October 10th, 2025

TOGETHER WITH Local Mail Billboard

In today’s NWA Today:

🚨 Top Story: NWA's Summit Ignites Affordable Housing Ideas!
🌟 NWA Digest: Community Bites
🏪 Local Business: NWA’s Business Buzz
📅 Upcoming Events: Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville
☀️ Weather: NWA Forecast
🏈 Sports: Razorback Update
🎵 Live Music and Entertainment

Daily NWA Trivia: In the early days of our region, what quirky connection links the naming of Benton County to a fiery debate over national banking in Missouri? (Answer at the end of the newsletter)

Let’s dive in!

— Andrew E

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The NWA community is optimistic after the recent Housing Summit in Bentonville, where 170 leaders, planners, and residents gathered to shape a brighter future for affordable living. Hosted by Groundwork at The Record event center, the event spotlighted successful models like Utah's community-driven reforms, emphasizing public choice in housing options. Inspiring speaker Ted Knowlton shared how engaging residents led to diverse homes, parks, and transit, creating desirable neighborhoods.

Attendees celebrated modular housing advancements, with experts highlighting Arkansas's potential to lead in efficient, prefabricated builds that meet rural needs. Awards went to local legislators for enabling accessory dwelling units, expanding options statewide. This collaborative spirit promises stabilized costs, broader access, and thriving communities as NWA's population heads toward one million by 2050. It's a heartwarming step toward inclusive growth in our beloved region!

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The NWA community is featuring Unbroken 2025, a free art gallery at Crystal Bridges Museum celebrating survivors' triumphs through creative expression. Dozens of artworks, from pottery to mixed media, showcase healing journeys, complemented by spoken word poetry and choreographed dances led by art therapist Cece Marie. Development Director Taylor McKinney, a survivor herself, beamed about the event's impact: "It's that sense of community, that connection." Honorees included Dr. Danna Grear, receiving the Beacon of Light Award for her compassionate advocacy.

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Excitement is rippling through Rogers as local angler Travis Fox claimed the top prize at the Major League Fishing Plains Division tournament on Lake of the Ozarks! Rallying on the final day with a 17-pound, 10-ounce catch, Fox's three-day total of 49 pounds, 10 ounces earned him $36,639—his first win at this elite level after over 150 events. Using clever tactics like jigs and worms on key docks, he adapted to tough conditions.

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The 2025 Faculty Teaching Awards celebrated mentorship and development at U of A, co-hosted by the Teaching Academy. This uplifting event recognizes educators shaping bright futures in NWA, from Fayetteville to the Ozarks!

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Fayetteville is shining bright as the University of Arkansas partners in the nation's first Lithium Technology Accelerator, fueling high-paying jobs and economic growth in NWA! This program dedicates resources to lithium and battery advancements, positioning Arkansas as a leader. With investments creating opportunities statewide, it's a boon for our innovative community, blending education and industry. The collaboration highlights U of A's role in driving progress, inspiring students and businesses alike in the Ozarks. Adding details from gifts, the Schoen Foundation's $1M donation expands scholarships, ensuring more Arkansans access education.

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With $193M in medical marijuana sales funding free student meals, Arkansas districts like those in NWA are expanding scratch cooking and gardens. This positive revenue stream supports local agriculture and businesses, nourishing kids and communities joyfully!

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Phantasma in the Ramble (Free) * The Ramble, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM An immersive experience in the Lower Ramble featuring laser lights and a silent disco on Friday. The spectacle continues Saturday with light jugglers and open public access. Runs through October 11.

Vintage Market Days of NW Arkansas ($) * Benton County Fairgrounds, Bentonville | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM An upscale vintage and vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, home décor, and more. Runs through October 12.

Square 2 Square Bike Ride (Fall) ($) * Starts at Upper Ramble, Fayetteville | 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM The fall edition of the popular community bike ride along the Razorback Greenway, connecting the downtown squares of Fayetteville and Bentonville.

Pea Ridge Mule Jump ($5 adults, $2 ages 6-12, under 5 free) * 975 Weston St., Pea Ridge | 9:00 AM The 36th annual event is a unique Ozark tradition. Watch as handlers try to coax their mules to jump over barriers, plus enjoy a car show, nearly 100 food and craft vendors, and kids' activities.

How to Speak so Children Listen (Free) * Bentonville Public Library in Haney Conference Room | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Leave with the practical evidence-based solutions that respect all family members. Discover what you want for your child, use curiosity, and help your child understand their feelings and behavior.

Focus on Neurodiversity in the Home (Free) * Bentonville Public Library in Haney Conference Room | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Leave with the practical evidence-based solutions that respect all family members. Exploring communication, emotional regulation, and sensory needs with flexible spaces and routines.

Ali Siddiq: In The Shadows ($) * Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM A stand-up comedy performance by acclaimed comedian Ali Siddiq.

Best Friends Super Adoption (Free) * Bentonville | All Day A large-scale pet adoption event aimed at finding forever homes for animals in need. Runs through October 12.

Terra Studios' 50th Birthday Party ($) * Terra Studios, Fayetteville area | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM A major celebration for the beloved local art park, featuring demonstrating artists, vendors, a silent auction, scavenger hunt, art activities, and more.

NWA Out of the Darkness Walk (Free) * Orchards Park Bentonville | 12:00 PM Supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The Arkansas Razorbacks are honing their edge after a productive bye week, as interim head coach Bobby Petrino shared insights on strategies to tackle the No. 12 Tennessee Volunteers in this key SEC battle. Focusing on bolstering the run game and secondary, the team aims to leverage home-state talent and fan energy for a potential upset in Knoxville. With recent practices emphasizing execution and resilience, this matchup highlights the Hogs' growth and determination to climb the standings. Fans can catch the action live, rooting for those signature plays that define Razorback spirit.

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Alex Warren w/ Maude Latour ($) * Walmart AMP, Rogers | 6:00 PM Pop and indie pop performance.

Happy Hour Concert with Oreo Blue + The Hardtops ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Blues and rock performance.

Jade Bird w/ Bre Kennedy, Ashtyn Barbaree ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 9:30 PM Indie folk and Americana performance.

Momentous (Festival) ($) * The Momentary, Bentonville | All Day Multidisciplinary festival celebrating contemporary performance, art, and music. Runs through October 11.

Payton Joy with Chris Arcana ($) * Meteor Guitar Gallery, Bentonville | 8:00 PM Live local music performance.

Jack Blocker ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:30 PM Alternative rock and folk pop performance.

Vampa ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:30 PM Electronic and dubstep performance.

Always Tired w/ Stressor and Big Drama ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Rock performance.

Benton County was named after Thomas Hart Benton, a Missouri senator and staunch opponent of the national bank, whose advocacy helped secure Arkansas's statehood in 1836.

Got a favorite spot in town or an event we missed? Email us at [email protected]—this is our newsletter!

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