Good morning, Springdale.

Crafton Tull, a Rogers-based engineering and design firm, invested $150k in cycling and active transportation at its Rogers office to create The Brake Room for bike storage and showers—completing a new 30-foot trail connection for safer access.

The firm also acquired Bentonville's Laneshift earlier this year to boost its active transportation projects and strengthen its culture—helping employees use e-bikes for meetings and local travel.

More than 5,000 Northwest Arkansas homes were sold in the first half of 2025—a 5.2% increase from last year and only the fourth time sales exceeded that mark since 2004—with average prices rising to $471,427 in Benton County and $417,489 in Washington County.

The report also noted Springdale’s rental vacancy rate has tightened to 1.7 while local officials prepare to address growing infrastructure challenges.

John Brown University earned national praise as it was ranked the No. 1 regional university in Arkansas for the 10th consecutive year by U.S. News and World Report—placing it No. 16 among 135 universities in the South.

The school also moved up to No. 14 in overall Best Value Schools and saw its teacher education program rank No. 18 for the first time.

Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva told lawmakers his office must change funding due to lower federal payments for the Childcare — Development Block Grant, which led some lawmakers to urge a delay of the changes from Oct 1 to November 1.

Childcare providers have raised concerns about the short notice while new copay rules will take effect today and reimbursement rate reductions are postponed until November 1.

The Skyline Report released Tuesday shows that over 5,000 homes sold in Northwest Arkansas in the first half of 2025—up 5.2% from the same period last year—and prices in Benton and Washington counties also rose.

The report notes that new home sales made up 36.5% of total sales and listings increased sharply, raising concerns about local infrastructure.

Consensus 2026 3-star Arkansas safety commit Adam Auston reopened his recruitment on Tuesday after coach Sam Pittman and three defensive assistants were fired following a 56—13 loss to Notre Dame.

The Class 7A sports conference has shifted as Central teams, led by Bryant's run of titles, now challenge the once-dominant West teams – with Bentonville West and others making early season pushes.

This week, Rogers faces Fayetteville in a key matchup that could influence who contends for a state championship.

SMU coach Rhett Lashlee, a Springdale native, said he is happy with his job at SMU and is not focused on rumors linking him to the Arkansas coaching vacancy—he praised his team’s work and promising recruiting classes as they prepare for a home game against Syracuse.

His comments come after his team started 2-2 and highlighted plans for greater success ahead.

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.

Fall Fun at Farmland Adventures

3-9 p.m. — Farmland Adventures — Ticket required — Enjoy a giant corn maze, pumpkin picking, pony rides, and family-friendly activities this fall.

35th Annual Ozark Regional Arts & Crafts Festival

9 AM – 8 PM — Northwest Arkansas Convention Center — $18.6M predicted spend — Celebrate local artistry with a wide array of handcrafted goods at this beloved festival.

Halloween Boxing Show

6-10:30 p.m. — Springdale Civic Center — Costumes encouraged — Experience a night of boxing, community fun, and trick-or-treat festivities.