Good morning, Bentonville.

NW Arkansas offers a busy 2026 with Razorback football starting Sept.

5, baseball on Feb. 13 and softball on Feb. 6, plus the Peacemaker Music Festival on Oct. 2-3. Local film festivals in Bentonville and Fort Smith and the Tontitown Grape Festival from Aug. 4-6 add more options.

More than 200 people kicked off 2026 at Hobbs State Park on Jan.

1 with guided hikes that offered s’mores, warm beverages, and celebratory stickers. The event encouraged families to pledge more outdoor activity throughout the year.

The Bentonville School District is informing students about the academic benchmarks needed to earn merit and distinction markers on diplomas today.

This effort aims to clearly outline the criteria for academic achievement.

Last December was the driest on record for Fayetteville, Fort Smith & Harrison, with rainfall far below historical levels.

Local officials warned that the dry conditions increased wildfire risks and burn bans were activated in nine counties.

Arkansas reported over 500 whooping cough cases in 2025 (the highest in 15 years), with more than 50 counties recording at least one case and about 50 hospitalizations mostly among infants and school-aged children.

Health officials urged residents to update vaccines to better protect against the illness.

The Razorbacks women's basketball team opened SEC play on Thursday at Bud Walton Arena and fans expressed cautious optimism about the new coach and rebuilt roster.

They urged improvements in free throws + defensive play as the team prepares for more conference matchups.

SEC men's basketball starts league play Saturday with Arkansas hosting Tennessee at 2 p.m. at Walton Arena — all 16 teams begin their season following a record NCAA Tournament run last year.