Good morning, Springdale.

First responders in Rogers have prepared for the Bikes, Blues & BBQ rally as more than 300,000 visitors and 80,000 motorcycles are expected, and local agencies are coordinating with state partners—such as the Arkansas National Guard—to manage increased traffic, emergencies and incidents. The event will run through Saturday night.

Walmart said Wednesday that it will remove synthetic food dyes and 30 other additives from about 1,000 store brand items by January 2027—this change follows consumer calls for healthier ingredients.

The update will affect Great Value, Marketside, and Freshness Guaranteed products, and it is set to offer cleaner food for shoppers.

Tyson Foods paid $85M to settle a lawsuit that accused it of inflating pork prices by limiting supply—according to a 35-page court filing from Oct.

1 after seven years of litigation—making it the largest settlement among several pork industry claims.

Arkansas Classical Theatre will host an experiential performance of 'The Madness of Edgar Allan Poe: A Love Story' at the Headquarters House on Dickson Street in Fayetteville—starting October 16 and running until October 31.

Co-directed by Betsy Jilka and Steven Marzolf, local actors will perform works by Poe including 'The Telltale Heart' to offer a fresh look at his legacy.

The federal government shutdown is delaying USDA payments to Arkansas farmers during harvest season—about $2.4 million in Agriculture Risk Coverage payments, $29 million in Price Loss Coverage payments, and $10 million in disaster assistance funds will be paused until the shutdown ends.

A Washington County judge ruled that Tontitown Mayor Angela Russell misused public funds to pay a private law firm for work that only benefited individual petitioners in a suit against the Eco-Vista Landfill expansion—she was also ordered to pay $1,500 in attorney fees.

Bentonville West sophomore running back VJ Warren made his first start last Friday against Fayetteville after starting running back Braden Nash was injured—he gained nearly 200 yards and three touchdowns even though the Wolverines won.

He will play against Springdale at 7 p.m. on Friday as his team looks to bounce back.

Farmington overcame an injury to its starting setter to win 3-1 over Shiloh Christian in a 5A-West Conference volleyball match on Tuesday night in Springdale.

The sets ended with scores of 25—16, 20—25, 25—22, and 25—22.

Matt Jones and Ethan Westerman discussed Bobby Petrino’s interim era and detailed the Razorbacks baseball season-opening schedule in a recent podcast, with Jared Schrom from the Texas Rangers’ REV Entertainment offering insights — the team will soon face Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech and Tarleton State.

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.

Gobbler Race Series 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon

8 a.m. — Shaw Family Park, Springdale, AR — Registration required — Lace up your running shoes for a festive community challenge with 5K, 10K, and half marathon options.