Good morning, Springdale.

La Popular NWA, a family-owned bakery in Rogers for 16 years, reopened after over a year of repairs from tornado damage in May 2024—fixing its roof, equipment, and electrical issues—and now serves fresh tamales, carnitas, and tortillas.

The University of Arkansas welcomed over 34,000 students for fall—setting record numbers with 16,600 from Arkansas and over 3,000 freshmen.

Provost Indrajeet Chaubey said the university will expand its research centers and programs to meet local workforce needs and boost economic growth.

Ozark Regional Transit is on track to set a new record for ridership in 2025 as it has already reached over 200,000 rides—big numbers compared to previous years.

The agency will install more than 20 new bus shelters and launch a CityMapper app to provide real-time bus updates in the area.

The Arkansas Razorbacks’ SEC opener revealed problems with pass rush and tackling in open space—Coach Pittman said the team must work on communication to stop leaving receivers open.

The team led the nation in third-down conversions and reviewed film on Monday to fix their defensive errors.

The Razorbacks lost to Ole Miss 41–35 in a close game where quarterback Taylen Green rushed for 115 yards and scored a touchdown—his performance marked by being the first to have such back-to-back rushing totals since 2004.

Coach Sam Pittman said his team will learn from the key late fumble and work hard as they prepare for more tough SEC games.

The 19th Walmart NW Arkansas Championship will take place in Rogers from September 19th to 21st—eight golfers including 2022 champion Jeeno Thitikul, Megan Khang, Ayaka Furue, Leona Maguire, Lilia Vu, Lexi Thompson, Charley Hull and Nelly Korda are set to compete.

The LPGA website also lists more entrants such as former and current Razorbacks and defending champion Jasmine Suwannapura.

The Razorback soccer program will host the 5th annual Brew Pig Sooie Beer Fest on Sunday, Oct.5 from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. The event will offer over 15 breweries, a five ounce tasting glass and a $30 ticket to the SEC game against Mississippi State — with local food trucks, a live DJ and the match starting at 6:00 p.m.

Monarch Flight Festival

12-4 p.m. — Walter Turnbow Park at Shiloh Square — Free entry — Celebrate the endangered Monarch Butterfly with local crafts and community fun.

Jones Center Bike Festival

9 AM – 5 PM — The Jones Center — Free entry — Celebrate cycling with community festivities and a kickoff barbecue at this fun-filled 2-day event.

Arkansas Symbols Day at Shiloh Museum

8:30 a.m. — Shiloh Museum — Volunteer opportunity — Help engage young students with the state bird, the Mockingbird, at this educational outreach event.