Good morning, Springdale.

This weekend, Northwest Arkansas celebrates Juneteenth with free family events across communities.

Siloam Springs hosts a noon cookout Friday, Fayetteville offers music and games Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., and Springdale holds its Freedom Festival Saturday from 3 to 10 p.m.—each event designed to educate and unite.

Tyson Foods announced that former COO Devin Cole (after more than 22 years) stepped down on June 15 and will receive a $10.578 million payment while retired Wes Morris takes over as COO ahead of a planned CEO transition in October.

CACHE launched Take Action today to invest $130,000 in artists and arts organizations in Benton and Washington counties — individual artists can apply for $1,000 and nonprofits can request $5,000 for business support until funds run out by Dec.

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The podcast Small Town Girl released today an episode featuring Dr. Alejandra Campos discussing her family’s immigration journey from Springdale to Notre Dame and back, along with her work as a political science professor at UA — her story ties personal history to local identity and education.

Northwest Arkansas students earned top academic honors this season as over 200 were named to Who's Who Among Students and Phi Kappa Phi, while high school delegates completed Boys State and competed in a BBB video contest.

Christopher Sullivan of Lowell also joined Lionel University's honor roll.

University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles F.

Robinson will speak at the League of Women Voters’ free Drinks and Dialogue event on Wednesday, July 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Crisis Brewing in Fayetteville, where he will discuss the nation’s 250th anniversary from his perspective as a historian.

Thaden School is expanding its after-school performing arts program by taking over Ovations+ initiatives and adding new dance, theater, and movement classes for all students.

Audition registration for the Community Youth Orchestra is now open.

The NWA Dinner Club will host its Summer Solstice celebration on June 20 at the Medium in Springdale, offering food sculptures, small bites, cocktails & music by DJ Girlfriend.

Tickets are available for $28.52.

Two high-profile transfers were added to the Razorbacks when shortstop Ben Cleary from Santa Clara & pitcher Connor Udland from Houston joined the team on Wednesday, pushing Arkansas to the No. 1 spot on transfer rankings tracked by 64Analytics.

Lucinda Williams Concert

6:00-8:30 p.m. — The Walmart AMP — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of three-time Grammy Winner Lucinda Williams on her current tour.

Midland RockHounds vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals

7:05-8:05 p.m. — Arvest Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting baseball showdown as the RockHounds take on the Naturals.