Good morning, Springdale.

Farmers market season is underway in the region.

Fayetteville Farmers Market opens today at downtown Fayetteville Square while Bentonville, Rogers, Eureka Springs, Siloam Springs and Van Buren host local markets on upcoming Saturdays and Thursdays through May.

Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro) ranked as the ninth fastest-growing U.S. metro area after its population grew 2.4% to 622,177 by July 1, 2025, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

This marks the first time the region has been in the top 10 since at least 2020.

Arkansans can share public feedback on proposed changes to Educational Freedom Account rules until Tuesday — the state Board of Education is set to vote on revisions at its Thursday meeting; if approved, changes for tuition and activity fees could take effect for the 2026-27 school year.

The state Department of Human Services announced that SNAP recipients who work under 20 hours weekly must join the SNAP Employment and Training program to boost job skills; exemptions include those aged 17 or younger, 60 or older, pregnant, disabled, or caring for children under 14.

The No. 9 Razorbacks gymnastics team advanced to the NCAA Lexington Regional final after finishing first on Friday at Kentucky’s Historic Memorial Coliseum with a 197.175 team score, edging Missouri, Maryland and NC State.

They will face the Tigers and others in Sunday's final beginning at 4 p.m.

Today at 4 p.m., the Razorbacks host Auburn at Bogle Park in Fayetteville for a three-game softball series.

The games continue Sunday at 3 p.m. and Monday at 6 p.m. on SEC Network+ as Arkansas builds on its strong performance while Auburn aims for an upset.

Arkansas forward Karter Knox will enter the transfer portal after a season marred by injuries that limited him to 22 games with averages of 8.1 points and 4.5 rebounds; the portal opens April 7 and closes April 21.

Arkansas softball started the season with a 30-5 record and will face Auburn this weekend at a local venue, plus podcast hosts Matt Jones and Ethan Westerman discussed the team's momentum ahead of the game.

Arkansas faced Auburn Friday at 6 p.m. at Plainsman Park in Auburn (Razorbacks 19-12 overall, 4-6 SEC and Tigers 21-8 overall, 5-5 SEC) amid forecasts of showers.

The teams will meet again Saturday at 2 p.m.

NWA Naturals Home Opener

7:05-9 p.m. — Arvest Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the arrival of spring with high-energy baseball and post-game fireworks.

Hogeye Marathon & Relays

7 AM - 9 AM — Springdale Arkansas — Fundraising event for local charities — Celebrate the 50th annual marathon with a scenic 26.2-mile course.

Wichita Wind Surge vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals

7:05-8:05 p.m. — Arvest Ballpark — Tickets available — Enjoy an exciting minor league baseball matchup under the spring sky.

Swan Lake

7-9:30 p.m. — Pat Walker Theater — Celebrate the first locally produced Swan Lake in Northwest Arkansas performed by the Ozark Ballet Theater.

Swan Lake Performance

2-4:30 p.m. — Pat Walker Theater — Tickets from $36 to $42 — Experience the magic of this classic ballet performance.