Good morning, Springdale.

Federal Judge Timothy L.

Brooks sentenced Salvador Fautino Caracena-Zarates Jr. from Fort Smith to 25 years in prison and four years of supervised release for distributing more than 50 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine—making him the final member of a Northwest Arkansas drug trafficking organization, while three Fayetteville members were previously sentenced.

Springdale police arrested Rexston Liles (36) on July 17 after he assaulted a woman around 1 a.m. at a residence and reportedly tried to choke a police K9 when officers arrived, according to court documents.

Northwest Arkansas is hosting a busy weekend of events with pro bull riding in Springdale at Parsons Stadium today from 8—10 PM and a free kids dance party in Bentonville at Lawrence Plaza today.

Other events include an ice cream crawl in downtown Bentonville from July 18—20, a local makers market and anniversary celebration in Rogers today, plus a free bluegrass show at Fayetteville Public Library on July 20.

The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine welcomed its first class of 48 students earlier this week by opening its new building at the Crystal Bridges Campus and hiring three new clinical leaders + the school will blend doctor training with art and whole health ideas.

School District Superintendent Jared Cleveland said that frozen federal funding for education caused budgetary chaos during a Tuesday School Board meeting in Springdale.

He warned that the funding freeze—affecting school programs and staff—could lead to cuts later.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services launched a website to fight SNAP fraud and urged recipients to change their PINs for account security—officials said they are working with state and federal partners to protect EBT benefits before new funds load around the 4th.

The Arkansas Supreme Court allowed three Arkansas parents to file a brief challenging the constitutionality of the state's Educational Freedom Accounts program.

Their legal filing may shape debates in education policy & will likely lead to further court proceedings & additional legal arguments.

Coach Sam Pittman said senior quarterback Talen Green has grown his skills despite a lingering knee injury and now shows improved pre-snap reads—raising hopes that the Razorbacks can cut turnovers this season.

Transfer receiver Ismael Cisse injured his wrist during spring workouts and will likely miss the season—adding a challenge as the team works to improve ball security.

Furniture Friends Fundraiser Ballgame

7:05-9 p.m. — Arvest Ballpark — $12 per person — Enjoy an exciting baseball game while supporting local charity efforts.

Author Talk: Connie Cottingham

2-3 p.m. — Fayetteville Public Library — Free entry — Discover local activities with author Connie Cottingham as she shares insights from her book about Bentonville and Rogers.