Good morning, Springdale.

Officials announced that JJ’s Live changed its name to Ozark Music Hall—chosen by a community-wide vote—and upgraded its restrooms, bars, seating and VIP areas.

The venue will offer a $20 all-in ticket sale for upcoming concerts, including shows with DaBaby on Aug.15.

Act 565 went into effect Aug.

5 and gives teachers power to remove violent students from class until administrators, parents, and teachers meet to plan their return. State Rep Richardson said he introduced the law after many teachers reported classroom violence — prompting talks on extra support for educators.

The Springdale School Board approved contracts to replace the Westwood and Jones elementary schools, with Nabholz Construction Corporation handling Westwood and Baldwin and Shell Construction Company handling Jones, and also approved an updated master plan that covers other school projects. The district will send out applications next week for an AI task force that will meet in the first week of September to study artificial intelligence in education — with plans to pilot ideas by December.

Emma Clay, a Springdale assistant principal from Southwest Junior High School, was named to the prestigious National Institute for Excellence in Teaching’s fellows program+ she is one of 11 educators chosen from a national pool to join a one-year cohort that will boost local teaching practices+ her nine years of education experience, including time as an instructional facilitator and fifth grade teacher, support her appointment.

Today, Rogers starts work on the final phase of the Poplar Street Parkway to make walking and biking safer — the project will add traffic calming features and a safe crossing at South Dixieland Road and West Cypress Street — with work between 15th and 21st streets ending by mid-2026.

Bentonville think-and-do tank Heartland Forward announced Tuesday that Zoe Maddox, Ph.D., has been named director of its Maternal and Child Health Center for Policy and Practice—she will lead efforts to implement Arkansas’ maternal health plan and expand care to rural areas.

Her background in economic development and fintech supports new strategies to improve health outcomes in the heartland.

Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams said the second-team defense struggled early in a closed scrimmage—giving up three long plays and needing to work faster and improve communication for the upcoming season.

The Razorbacks will continue practice ahead of their first game on Aug. 30 against Alabama A&M.