Two Northwest Arkansas Naturals honored for standout 2025 seasons. The Kansas City Royals have announced their annual organization award winners, and two familiar faces from the Northwest Arkansas Naturals earned top honors. Catcher Carter Jensen has been named the George Brett Hitter of the Year, while outfielder Carson Roccaforte has claimed the Frank White Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season. Carter Jensen shines at the plate. At just 22 years old, Jensen solidified himself as one of the Royals’ most promising hitters. He began the 2025 season with the Naturals, appearing in 68 games and posting an impressive .292 batting average with six home runs, 37 RBI, and 40 runs scored. Promoted to Triple-A Omaha midseason, Jensen continued his offensive surge. Across both levels, he combined for a .290 batting average, 20 home runs, 60 walks, and an .878 OPS. His consistent production earned him a spot in the All-Star Futures Game in Atlanta and a Major League debut with Kansas City on September 2. A Kansas City native and 3rd-round pick in 2021, Jensen’s steady rise through the organization made him a natural choice for the George Brett Award, which honors the Royals’ top hitter each season. Speedy outfielder Carson Roccaforte, 23, proved once again that defense wins recognition. Splitting his season between High-A Quad Cities and Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Roccaforte anchored center field with his elite glove work. Logging over 1,000 innings in the outfield for the second straight year, he converted 320 putouts and five assists in 328 chances. His sure-handed defense resulted in only two errors, giving him a .994 fielding percentage — including a perfect 1.000 mark during his time with the Naturals. Selected in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Louisiana-Lafayette, Roccaforte’s repeat recognition with the Frank White Award underscores his role as one of the Royals’ most reliable defenders. Other Royals Award Winners In addition to Jensen and Roccaforte, the Royals honored several other players and staff members for their 2025 contributions: Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year – LHP David Shields Willie Wilson Baserunner of the Year – OF Asbel González Mike Sweeney Community Impact Award – RHP Luinder Avila Alex Gordon Heart & Hustle Award – INF Sam Kulasingam Art Stewart Scout of the Year – Professional scout Mark Leavitt Recognition Night at Kauffman Stadium All seven award winners will be celebrated on Futures Night, Friday, September 19, at Kauffman Stadium before the Royals face the Toronto Blue Jays. For fans in Northwest Arkansas, the recognition of Jensen and Roccaforte highlights the Naturals’ continued role in developing the next wave of Kansas City Royals talent.

Downtown Springdale will turn into a lively, walkable gallery on Saturday, Sept. 27, 5:30 – 8:30 PM, as the Art Walk returns with an evening of visual art, photography, sculpture, and interactive installations spread across more than a dozen stops. Start your self-guided stroll, pop into open studios and storefront “mini-galleries,” and experience the city in a fresh, art-forward way. Presented by the Tyson Family Foundation and supported by Explore Springdale, this year’s Fall Art Walk brings together emerging and established artists showing at local favorites like HEY!, Mano’s, Backroom Social Club, The Apollo, Springdale Pool Hall, Casa Magnolia, Bauhaus Biergarten, Café Con Chisme, and more. The full lineup is posted on the official event page. Your $20 ticket includes a wine or seltzer sample at each participating location; non-alcoholic options are available on request. Check-in begins at 5:30 PM at The Apollo on Emma (308 W. Emma Ave.), where guests receive wristbands and a map to plot their route. Guests 21+ should bring a valid ID for tastings. Proceeds from Art Walk directly support the Downtown Springdale Alliance, helping keep downtown vibrant and funding year-round community programming. It’s an easy way to enjoy a night out while investing in your city’s creative heartbeat. Know Before You Go! When:  Saturday, Sept. 27, 5:30–8:30 PM (check-in opens at 5:30 PM) Where:  Start at The Apollo on Emma, then follow the map to participating stops Tickets:  $20 per participant; includes tastings at each stop (Non-Alcoholic options available). Advance purchase encouraged. More info & full lineup:  See the Downtown Springdale Art Walk page and ticket portal. Article Images Provided by: Downtown Springdale

The Rogers Historical Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a two-day birthday extravaganza on October 24 and 25. The milestone will be marked with special events for families, members, and the community, along with the anniversary exhibit “The Rogers Historical Museum: Celebrating 50 Years!” , on display through January 10, 2026. Photo provided by Rogers Historical Museum Festivities begin Friday with the Museum Birthday Stuffie Sleepover, where children can drop off their stuffed animals for a night of fun and return Saturday morning for a cake party and 1970s-themed crafts. Friday evening, Friends of the Rogers Historical Museum members are invited to a special gathering featuring stories from the museum’s past and a look toward its future. The celebration continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the museum’s official birthday party, complete with cake while supplies last and family-friendly crafts. For details or registration, visit rogershistoricalmuseum.org .

Get ready for heart-pounding action and eight seconds of glory, the PBR Camping World Team Series storms into Greensboro, North Carolina this weekend, bringing with it the world’s toughest cowboys, the rankest bulls, and the kind of adrenaline-charged competition you can only find in professional bull riding. The PBR Team Series showdown takes center stage, each ride counts, every second matters, and the intensity never lets up. Riders will push their grit, skill, and courage to the limit, fighting for crucial points, bragging rights, and the roar of one of the sport’s most electric crowds. Over the years, Greensboro has become a fan favorite stop on the PBR circuit, with energy inside the arena rivaling championship levels. Fans can expect jaw-dropping rides, dramatic head-to-head matchups, and edge-of-your-seat excitement that keeps the arena buzzing from start to finish. The PBR Camping World Team Series delivers the kind of action you can’t look away from, whether you’re watching the world’s best riders hang on for the full eight seconds or witnessing the raw power of the bulls determined to buck them off. All the action can be seen on The Arkansas CW starting at 7PM this Saturday and 11:30 PM on Sunday. Where You Can Watch PBR in NW Arkansas & The River Valley Antenna: 29.2 or 40.2 Cox Cable: 4 or 2004    AT&T U-verse: 30 or 1030     DirecTV: 41     DISH: 21

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., as Downtown Rogers comes alive with the NWA Community Showcase! Thanks to the generous support of PepsiCo and the Walton Family Foundation, this family-friendly event is completely free and open to the public, no tickets required ! This signature event, hosted by RLC, shines a spotlight on the inclusive, welcoming spirit of Northwest Arkansas through vibrant cultural experiences, local talent, and entrepreneurial energy. A Day Full of Experiences At NWA Community Showcase 🎶 Entertainment on Butterfield Stage Live music, singing, and dancing performances will keep the energy high throughout the day. From local artists to cultural showcases, there will be something to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages. 🎨 Arts & Culture Families can enjoy interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and displays that celebrate the diverse traditions and creativity of our region. 🍴 Foodie Adventure Take your taste buds on a journey! Attendees will enjoy a variety of delicious cultural foods, free non-alcoholic drinks, and the always-thrilling Battle of the Chefs competition. 🌳 Outdoor Fun for Kids Bring the little ones to Railyard Park , where the Playard  will be buzzing with kid-friendly activities and outdoor play. 🛍 Marketplace & Small Businesses Meet local entrepreneurs and discover new favorite shops in the Marketplace, featuring the creativity and spirit of small businesses from across the community. 🌟 New for 2025: Children’s Entrepreneur Market This exciting addition gives kids the chance to showcase their own products, building skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership while gaining real-world experience. For more information on the event click here! Proud Media Sponsors

The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) is launching its 2025–26 Season of Discovery this fall, marking an exciting new chapter with six guest conductors, four of whom are finalists to become the orchestra’s next artistic leader. The season begins September 20 at Walton Arts Center with Celestial Visions: Symphonie Fantastique , conducted by Lawrence Loh, and continues with a series of masterworks concerts in November, January, and March, each led by a different finalist. Audiences will play an important role in the selection process, sharing feedback after each performance. Highlights of the season include Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony  in November with David Glover, the return of holiday favorites in December with A Very SoNA Christmas  and The Snowman: A Family Concert , Akiko Fujimoto’s Scheherazade  in January, and Tamara Dworetz leading the season finale in March with Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet . Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now, with full-season packages starting at $185, sampler subscriptions from $108, and single tickets from $40. Children under 18 can attend free with a paid adult ticket, while tickets for The Snowman  are $10. Performances take place at Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. Tickets are available at sonamusic.org or by calling the box office at (479) 443-5600.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs roar to life this Friday night under the lights at Bristol Motor Speedway, live on The CW at 6 PM Central. Known as “The Last Great Colosseum” , Bristol is a legendary half-mile bullring famous for its high banks, tight racing, and dramatic finishes that keep fans on their feet from start to finish. With championship hopes on the line, every lap counts and every position matters. Bristol’s concrete battleground is notorious for door-to-door action, tempers flaring, and rivals clashing under the spotlight. The field is packed with playoff contenders ready to fight for glory, and the intensity will be at an all-time high as the chase for the title begins. Don’t miss the start of the Xfinity Series Playoffs from one of NASCAR’s most iconic stages, Friday night at Bristol, on The Arkansas CW. Where You Can Watch The Race in NW Arkansas & The River Valley Antenna: 29.2 or 40.2 Cox Cable: 4 or 2004    AT&T U-verse: 30 or 1030     DirecTV: 41     DISH: 21 Where You Can Watch Qualifying  Practice & Qualifying for the NASCAR  Xfinity Series at Bristol will take place Friday, September 12th, at 1 PM CDT. Practice and Qualifying is available for FREE through the CW Streaming app . NASCAR Xfinity Series Entry List Entry  Vehicle # Driver Organization 1 00 Sheldon Creed Hass Factory Team 2 1 Carson Kvapil JR Motorsports 3 2 Jesse Love Richard Childress Racing 4 4 Parker Retzlaff Alpha Prime Racing 5 7 Justin Allgaier JR Motorsports 6 07 Carson Ware SS-Green Light Racing 7 8 Sammy Smith JR Motorsports 8 10 Daniel Dye Kaulig Racing 9 11 Brenden Queen Kaulig Racing 10 14 Logan Bearden SS-Green Light Racing 11 16 Christian Eckes Kaulig Racing 12 17 Corey Day Hendrick Motorsports 13 18 William Sawalich Joe Gibbs Racing 14 19 Aric Almirola Joe Gibbs Racing 15 20 Brandon Jones Joe Gibbs Racing 16 21 Austin Hill Richard Childress Racing 17 24 Jefferey Earnhardt Sam Hunt Racing 18 25 Harrison Burton AM Racing 19 26 Dean Thompson Sam Hunt Racing 20 27 Jeb Burton Jordan Anderson Racing 21 28 Kyle Sieg RSS Racing 22 31 Blaine Perkins Jordan Anderson Racing 23 32 Austin green Jordan Anderson Racing 24 35 Stefan Parsons (i) Joey Gase Motorsports 25 39 Ryan Sieg RSS Racing 26 41 Sam Mayer Haas Factory Team 27 42 Anthony Alfredo Young's Motorsports 28 44 Brennan Poole Alpha Prime Racing 29 45 Josh Williams Alpha Prime Racing 30 48 Nicholas Sanchez Big Machine Racing 31 51 Jeremy Clements Jeremy Clements Racing 32 53 Joey Gase Joey Gase Motorsports 33 54 Taylor Gray Joe Gibbs Racing 34 70 Leland Honeyman Cope Family Racing 35 71 Ryan Ellis DGM Racing 36 88 Connor Zilisch JR Motorsports 37 91 Josh Bilicki DGM Racing 38 99 Matt DiBenedetto Viking Motorsports

Get ready for an exciting ranked showdown this week on The CW's Football Saturday! The  18th- ranked USF Bulls are heading to Miami to take on the 5th-ranked Hurricanes, and it's bound to be an action-packed game. The Bulls are pumped after back-to-back wins against ranked teams and are eager to challenge another Florida school. Meanwhile, Miami is off to a fantastic start this season at 2-0, with a standout win over Notre Dame. While Miami has a solid lead in their rivalry with a record of 6-1, this marks the first meeting between the two schools when both are ranked.   The fun starts at 3 PM with the "CW Football Saturday Countdown" pregame show, followed by the kickoff at 3:30 PM. Be sure to put your phone down, grab your snacks, and settle in for this thrilling match. You won't want to miss it! How to Watch The Arkansas CW in NW Arkansas & The River Valley Antenna: 40.2 or 29.2 Cox Cable: 4 or 2004 AT&T TV: 30 or 1030 DirecTV: 41 DISH: 21

The Fort Smith Adult Education Center (FSAEC) will host its annual Education Fair & Career Expo on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 501 South 20th Street in Fort Smith. This free, community-centered event will connect job seekers, adult learners, and local employers in one dynamic space. Attendees can meet with education providers, discover new career opportunities, and explore workforce programs designed to support both personal and professional growth. The event will feature a wide range of employers and organizations, including ArcBest, Texas Roadhouse, American Welding Laboratories, 100 Families, River Valley Primary Care Services, and many more. FSAEC also extends special thanks to its sponsors and community partners for their support in promoting education, wellness, and workforce development across the River Valley. Open to the public with no pre-registration required, the Education Fair & Career Expo offers a unique chance to network, gain valuable insights, and take the next step toward a brighter future. This year’s event will feature a diverse range of employers, service providers, and community organizations, including: SpIndL Pepper Source Bly Thomas Mental Health Counseling Organization Time Striping, Inc. Community Rescue Mission CDL Academy Trinity Prime Texas Roadhouse Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund River Valley Primary Care Services 100 Families School-Based Health Center (FSPS) Independence at Home Homecare American Welding Laboratories Steps Family Resource Center 1 of a Kind Medical Services Onin Staffing The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center Main Street Threads Fortrex Solutions Antioch for Youth & Family ArcBest WAPDD The Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders Employers and education organizations will be on-site to discuss open positions, training opportunities, and pathways to personal and professional growth. The event is open to the public, and no pre-registration is required to attend.

Get ready, race fans! The NASCAR Xfinity Series makes its much-anticipated return to World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis this Saturday, bringing all the high-octane thrills you’ve been waiting for. And if you can’t make it to the track, you won’t miss a beat, every lap will be broadcast live on The Arkansas CW starting at 6 PM Central. Only 20 points separate JR Motorsports teammates Connor Zilisch and Justin Allgaier in the battle for the Regular Season Championship, adding even more tension to Saturday’s showdown. Meanwhile, in terms of the looming postseason, Harrison Burton holds a slim 31-point cushion above the playoff cutline, while his cousin Jeb Burton sits on the outside looking in as the first driver below the 12-driver playoff grid. The stakes couldn’t be higher. World Wide Technology Raceway is famous for its unique 1.25-mile oval, a track that combines the tight, gritty racing of a short track with the blistering speeds of a superspeedway. Drivers will battle door-to-door, fighting for every inch of track position while chasing those valuable championship points. One small mistake could spell disaster, making precision and strategy the keys to victory. From heart-pounding restarts to bold pit road strategies, fans can look forward to nonstop drama from start to finish. Late-race moves and daring passes will keep the crowd on its feet as the Xfinity stars push both their cars and themselves to the absolute limit. Buckle up, St. Louis, NASCAR is back in town, and it’s going to be a race you won’t forget! You can watch the Race on the Arkansas CW starting at 6 PM Central. Where You Can Watch The Race in NW Arkansas & The River Valley Antenna: 29.2 or 40.2 Cox Cable: 4 or 2004    AT&T U-verse: 30 or 1030     DirecTV: 41     DISH: 21 Where You Can Watch Qualifying  Practice is Friday at 4 pm Central, Qualifying for the NASCAR  Xfinity Series at the St Louis World Wide Technology Raceway will take place Saturday, September 6th, at 2 PM CDT. Practice and Qualifying is available for FREE through the CW Streaming app . NASCAR  Xfinity Series Entry List Entry  Vehicle # Driver Organization 1 00 Sheldon Creed Hass Factory Team 2 1 Carson Kvapil JR Motorsports 3 2 Jesse Love Richard Childress Racing 4 4 Parker Retzlaff Alpha Prime Racing 5 7 Justin Allgaier JR Motorsports 6 07 Nick Leitz SS-Green Light Racing 7 8 Sammy Smith JR Motorsports 8 10 Daniel Dye Kaulig Racing 9 11 Daniel Hemric (i) Kaulig Racing 10 14 Garrett Smithley SS-Green Light Racing 11 16 Christian Eckes Kaulig Racing 12 17 Corey Day Hendrick Motorsports 13 18 William Sawalich Joe Gibbs Racing 14 19 Aric Almirola Joe Gibbs Racing 15 20 Brandon Jones Joe Gibbs Racing 16 21 Austin Hill Richard Childress Racing 17 25 Harrison Burton AM Racing 18 26 Dean Thompson Sam Hunt Racing 19 27 Jeb Burton Jordan Anderson Racing 20 28 Kyle Sieg RSS Racing 21 31 Blaine Perkins Jordan Anderson Racing 22 32 Jordan Anderson Jordan Anderson Racing 23 35 Glen Reen Joey Gase Motorsports 24 39 Ryan Sieg RSS Racing 25 41 Sam Mayer Haas Factory Team 26 42 Anthony Alfredo Young's Motorsports 27 44 Brennan Poole Alpha Prime Racing 28 45 Lavar Scott Alpha Prime Racing 29 48 Nicholas Sanchez Big Machine Racing 30 51 Jeremy Clements Jeremy Clements Racing 31 53 Joey Gase Joey Gase Motorsports 32 54 Taylor Gray Joe Gibbs Racing 33 70 Thomas Annunziata Cope Family Racing 34 71 Ryan Ellis DGM Racing 35 76 Kole Raz Matthew Lucas 36 88 Connor Zilisch JR Motorsports 37 91 Matt Mills (i) DGM Racing 38 99 Matt DiBenedetto Viking Motorsports

The Toughest Sport on Dirt is back—and this time it’s taking over Southern California. The PBR Camping World Team Series storms into Anaheim this Sunday, bringing with it the heart-pounding intensity, fierce rivalries, and raw grit that only professional bull riding can deliver. Fans can catch all the action live on The Arkansas CW at 3:30pm Central. Every ride matters in the PBR. In just eight seconds, riders must showcase both skill and sheer determination as they square off against the world’s toughest bulls. Each successful ride earns critical points, pushing teams closer to championship glory. The Anaheim stop promises more than just competition, it’s a battle of endurance, power, and strategy. With the season heating up, every team is hungry for momentum, and every rider knows that one moment can change it all. Get ready for bull riding at its best. From the adrenaline-pumping action to the emotional highs and lows of team competition, Anaheim will showcase why the PBR Camping World Team Series is the most exciting league in the sport. Don’t miss the action, the drama, and the raw power of the Toughest Sport on Dirt this Sunday live from Anaheim, on The Arkansas CW! Where You Can Watch PBR in NW Arkansas & The River Valley Antenna: 29.2 or 40.2 Cox Cable: 4 or 2004    AT&T U-verse: 30 or 1030     DirecTV: 41     DISH: 21

The CW has a wall-to-wall college football tripleheader this Saturday! Check out the Football Saturday lineup below—don’t miss all the thrilling action on the Arkansas CW! 11:00 a.m. — Baylor at No. 16 SMU  The ACC on The CW kicks off with a regional vibe: SMU hosts Baylor for the first time since 2016. The Mustangs come in ranked and fresh off a Week 1 win, while Baylor looks to rebound after falling to Auburn. There’s a natural local hook here: SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee played quarterback at Arkansas and grew up in Springdale, so plenty of Razorback fans will recognize the name. 2:30 p.m. — Fresno State at Oregon State Part one of The CW’s “New Pac-12” double feature. The Bulldogs visit Corvallis in a showcase slot for a Pac-12 brand that’s rebuilding its national TV footprint. 9:00 p.m. — San Diego State at Washington State Settle in for late-night drama. Washington State edged Idaho in its opener; San Diego State blasted Stony Brook 42–0. This one closes The CW’s Saturday slate under the lights. How to Watch The Arkansas CW in NW Arkansas & The River Valley Antenna: 40.2 or 29.2 Cox Cable: 4 or 2004 AT&T TV: 30 or 1030 DirecTV: 41 DISH: 21