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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Northwest Arkansas, written by local reporters.

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Attainable housing project opens in Bentonville

McAuley Place includes designated cottages for Bentonville Public Schools employees.

News

A development intended to offer affordable housing to Bentonville School District employees and others making under a certain income is open, with plans for the first residents to move in this week.Why it matters: The McAuley Place project serves as a blueprint for how housing can be offered to residents below market rate as Northwest Arkansas has seen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing prices rise sharply" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/01/20/housing-prices-jumped-nwa-series" data-vars-content-id="92719f4e-1501-4194-9b45-c143c996d149" data-vars-headline="Attainable housing project opens in Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2026/01/20/housing-prices-jumped-nwa-series" target="_self">housing prices rise sharply</a> in recent years.

Monday Munchies: AQ Chicken House

A beloved restaurant that went out of business is back under new ownership.

Things to Do

The good news/bad news situation: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beloved restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/07/24/springdale-aq-chicken-house-investors" data-vars-content-id="93866a36-d0df-4518-aea0-1b89dd9a2f2b" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: AQ Chicken House" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/07/24/springdale-aq-chicken-house-investors" target="_self">beloved restaurant</a> that went out of business is back under new ownership.<ul><li>But it&#x27;s only good if the new version of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AQ Chicken House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aqchicken.com/" data-vars-content-id="93866a36-d0df-4518-aea0-1b89dd9a2f2b" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: AQ Chicken House" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aqchicken.com/" target="_blank">AQ Chicken House</a> is like the original, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dates back to 1947" data-vars-click-url="https://aymag.com/aq-chicken-house-new-chapter/" data-vars-content-id="93866a36-d0df-4518-aea0-1b89dd9a2f2b" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: AQ Chicken House" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://aymag.com/aq-chicken-house-new-chapter/" target="_blank">dates back to 1947</a>; it&#x27;s bad if they don&#x27;t pull it off. </li></ul>

What's in the $457 million Rogers bond issue

The city is asking voters to extend a 1% sales tax to afford a range of projects.

Rogers voters will decide in November whether to extend an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="existing 1% sales tax to pay for a range of projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rogersar.gov/1601/2026-Bond-Issue" data-vars-content-id="14deb629-12a5-4206-8bff-6eef55ee5e5b" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s in the $457 million Rogers bond issue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rogersar.gov/1601/2026-Bond-Issue" target="_blank">existing 1% sales tax to pay for a range of projects</a>.The big picture: The city is asking for a considerable amount on the front end to afford construction projects, street maintenance and equipment.

Republican candidate Tim Shepard runs for Washington County judge

Voters will choose between Shepard and Democratic candidate Dana Deree.

Election

Washington County Judge Republican candidate Tim Shepard emphasized partnerships with community organizations in light of the county&#x27;s limited budget, saying he won&#x27;t raise taxes.Case in point: The county needs to work better with local organizations like the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission to help get state and federal grants for infrastructure like roads, Shepard told Axios.

Your weekend plans: Motorcycles and salsa

Enjoy the first weekend of October.🏍️ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bikes, Blues &amp; BBQ" data-vars-click-url="https://bikesbluesandbbq.org/" data-vars-content-id="12f18a45-4b8b-46c5-82b5-f9f83b3bf838" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Motorcycles and salsa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bikesbluesandbbq.org/" target="_blank">Bikes, Blues &amp; BBQ</a> — They&#x27;re baaaaack. This year&#x27;s motorcycle rally continues through Saturday night with live music, food and vendors with events in downtown Rogers, Pig Trail Harley Davidson in Rogers and spots in Eureka Springs. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="See the full schedule" data-vars-click-url="https://bikesbluesandbbq.org/event-schedule/" data-vars-content-id="12f18a45-4b8b-46c5-82b5-f9f83b3bf838" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Motorcycles and salsa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bikesbluesandbbq.org/event-schedule/" target="_blank">See the full schedule</a>.

New Bentonville music venue in the works

Live Nation plans to open the Bentonville Ballroom in 2028.

Live Nation plans to open a new music and event venue on The Momentary&#x27;s Bentonville campus in 2028, the California-based entertainment company confirmed to Axios.Why it matters: The Bentonville Ballroom will add a mid-size performance space option to Northwest Arkansas&#x27; arts and culture scene with a capacity of 2,500.

Northwest Arkansas' 2025 Spotify Wrapped

See how NWA's tastes compare to the nation's.

Music

&quot;luther (with sza)&quot; by Kendrick Lamar and SZA was the most-streamed song on Spotify this year in Northwest Arkansas.The big picture: The song was also the most popular nationally. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bad Bunny was Spotify&#x27;s top global artist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-tops-global-artists" data-vars-content-id="c064e3bf-3269-4bfd-8b22-c2cc795b829b" data-vars-headline="Northwest Arkansas&#x27; 2025 Spotify Wrapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-tops-global-artists" target="_self">Bad Bunny was Spotify&#x27;s top global artist</a>, breaking Taylor Swift&#x27;s two-year streak, Axios&#x27; Maxwell Millington writes. Taylor Swift was still the top U.S. artist in 2025.

Your weekend plans: Blues, candlelight and hoops

Don&#x27;t miss out this weekend.🪕 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arkansas Blues and Country Stringband Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.arbluesandstringbandfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="b1359c2f-1c04-4613-9170-e25ebd402410" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Blues, candlelight and hoops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arbluesandstringbandfest.com/" target="_blank">Arkansas Blues and Country Stringband Festival</a> — This free festival takes place at multiple spots in downtown Springdale today through Sunday. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="See the lineup." data-vars-click-url="https://www.arbluesandstringbandfest.com/schedule" data-vars-content-id="b1359c2f-1c04-4613-9170-e25ebd402410" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Blues, candlelight and hoops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arbluesandstringbandfest.com/schedule" target="_blank">See the lineup.</a>

Your weekend plans: Music, Hispanic heritage and tequila festivals

NWA has a full slate of festivals this weekend.

NWA has a full slate of festivals this weekend.🎤 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Momentous" data-vars-click-url="https://themomentary.org/calendar/momentous/#tickets" data-vars-content-id="74eee984-ddce-495e-b59c-714858bdb80a" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Music, Hispanic heritage and tequila festivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://themomentary.org/calendar/momentous/#tickets" target="_blank">Momentous</a> — This two-day electronic music and arts festival starts today at The Momentary in Bentonville. Get a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two-day pass for $150" data-vars-click-url="https://tickets.crystalbridges-themomentary.org/packages/fixed/335?_gl=1*pr7tz9*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NjAwMjQ3MDcuQ2p3S0NBand1cDNIQmhBQUVpd0E3ZXVadWp5c3Z5YXZmYTByUGlmdnRiQ0VoNkwxa1BvNTJXa3VmbGZYVmdkZFlXVVo5UW5oN1VxcUxob0NqM3NRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTUxNDc5Njc4MS4xNzU4ODM0MTcz*_ga*MTU5MzA5ODcxMC4xNzU4ODM0MTcz*_ga_6QT0JNVM9W*czE3NjAwMjQ3MDYkbzQkZzEkdDE3NjAwMjQ5MzckajYwJGwwJGgxOTU1OTI4Mjcw" data-vars-content-id="74eee984-ddce-495e-b59c-714858bdb80a" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Music, Hispanic heritage and tequila festivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tickets.crystalbridges-themomentary.org/packages/fixed/335?_gl=1*pr7tz9*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NjAwMjQ3MDcuQ2p3S0NBand1cDNIQmhBQUVpd0E3ZXVadWp5c3Z5YXZmYTByUGlmdnRiQ0VoNkwxa1BvNTJXa3VmbGZYVmdkZFlXVVo5UW5oN1VxcUxob0NqM3NRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTUxNDc5Njc4MS4xNzU4ODM0MTcz*_ga*MTU5MzA5ODcxMC4xNzU4ODM0MTcz*_ga_6QT0JNVM9W*czE3NjAwMjQ3MDYkbzQkZzEkdDE3NjAwMjQ5MzckajYwJGwwJGgxOTU1OTI4Mjcw" target="_blank">two-day pass for $150</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tonight-only for $100" data-vars-click-url="https://tickets.crystalbridges-themomentary.org/packages/fixed/337?_gl=1*1d5wc8b*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NjAwMjQ3MDcuQ2p3S0NBand1cDNIQmhBQUVpd0E3ZXVadWp5c3Z5YXZmYTByUGlmdnRiQ0VoNkwxa1BvNTJXa3VmbGZYVmdkZFlXVVo5UW5oN1VxcUxob0NqM3NRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTUxNDc5Njc4MS4xNzU4ODM0MTcz*_ga*MTU5MzA5ODcxMC4xNzU4ODM0MTcz*_ga_6QT0JNVM9W*czE3NjAwMjQ3MDYkbzQkZzEkdDE3NjAwMjQ5MzgkajU5JGwwJGgxOTU1OTI4Mjcw" data-vars-content-id="74eee984-ddce-495e-b59c-714858bdb80a" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Music, Hispanic heritage and tequila festivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tickets.crystalbridges-themomentary.org/packages/fixed/337?_gl=1*1d5wc8b*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NjAwMjQ3MDcuQ2p3S0NBand1cDNIQmhBQUVpd0E3ZXVadWp5c3Z5YXZmYTByUGlmdnRiQ0VoNkwxa1BvNTJXa3VmbGZYVmdkZFlXVVo5UW5oN1VxcUxob0NqM3NRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTUxNDc5Njc4MS4xNzU4ODM0MTcz*_ga*MTU5MzA5ODcxMC4xNzU4ODM0MTcz*_ga_6QT0JNVM9W*czE3NjAwMjQ3MDYkbzQkZzEkdDE3NjAwMjQ5MzgkajU5JGwwJGgxOTU1OTI4Mjcw" target="_blank">tonight-only for $100</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Saturday-only for $100" data-vars-click-url="https://tickets.crystalbridges-themomentary.org/packages/fixed/338?_gl=1*6lpdh5*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NjAwMjQ3MDcuQ2p3S0NBand1cDNIQmhBQUVpd0E3ZXVadWp5c3Z5YXZmYTByUGlmdnRiQ0VoNkwxa1BvNTJXa3VmbGZYVmdkZFlXVVo5UW5oN1VxcUxob0NqM3NRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTUxNDc5Njc4MS4xNzU4ODM0MTcz*_ga*MTU5MzA5ODcxMC4xNzU4ODM0MTcz*_ga_6QT0JNVM9W*czE3NjAwMjQ3MDYkbzQkZzEkdDE3NjAwMjQ5NTckajQwJGwwJGgxOTU1OTI4Mjcw" data-vars-content-id="74eee984-ddce-495e-b59c-714858bdb80a" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Music, Hispanic heritage and tequila festivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tickets.crystalbridges-themomentary.org/packages/fixed/338?_gl=1*6lpdh5*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NjAwMjQ3MDcuQ2p3S0NBand1cDNIQmhBQUVpd0E3ZXVadWp5c3Z5YXZmYTByUGlmdnRiQ0VoNkwxa1BvNTJXa3VmbGZYVmdkZFlXVVo5UW5oN1VxcUxob0NqM3NRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTUxNDc5Njc4MS4xNzU4ODM0MTcz*_ga*MTU5MzA5ODcxMC4xNzU4ODM0MTcz*_ga_6QT0JNVM9W*czE3NjAwMjQ3MDYkbzQkZzEkdDE3NjAwMjQ5NTckajQwJGwwJGgxOTU1OTI4Mjcw" target="_blank">Saturday-only for $100</a>.

Your weekend plans: Music, balloons and baseball

A two-day music fest, balloon rides and baseball are happening this weekend.

NWA has you covered this weekend.🎈 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SOAR NWA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.soarnwa.com/" data-vars-content-id="46b25082-27bc-4488-8569-f05faeaa3c67" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Music, balloons and baseball" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.soarnwa.com/" target="_blank">SOAR NWA</a> — Check out hot air balloons and take a tethered ride plus a beer garden, kids zone and live music. 5-10pm today and Saturday at the Benton County Fairgrounds. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Get tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://stubs.net/o/77-7F2193/open-avenues" data-vars-content-id="46b25082-27bc-4488-8569-f05faeaa3c67" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Music, balloons and baseball" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stubs.net/o/77-7F2193/open-avenues" target="_blank">Get tickets</a> ranging $6.50-$34.

Your long weekend plans: Music, cocktails, Poe

Free shows, themed cocktails and a community jam session are all on deck for this long Fourth of July weekend.

Besides <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fourth of July " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/06/30/where-4th-july-fireworks" data-vars-content-id="568542c3-15e6-4630-8efa-215dbbbd1f64" data-vars-headline="Your long weekend plans: Music, cocktails, Poe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/06/30/where-4th-july-fireworks" target="_self">Fourth of July </a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="celebrations and fireworks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/06/30/where-4th-july-fireworks" data-vars-content-id="568542c3-15e6-4630-8efa-215dbbbd1f64" data-vars-headline="Your long weekend plans: Music, cocktails, Poe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/06/30/where-4th-july-fireworks" target="_self">celebrations and fireworks</a>, we have a few other ideas of how to make the most of this long holiday weekend.🪕 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pickin&#x27; on the Square" data-vars-click-url="https://downtownbentonville.org/do/pickin-on-the-square" data-vars-content-id="568542c3-15e6-4630-8efa-215dbbbd1f64" data-vars-headline="Your long weekend plans: Music, cocktails, Poe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downtownbentonville.org/do/pickin-on-the-square" target="_blank">Pickin&#x27; on the Square</a> — An informal gathering of musicians and &quot;anyone with a guitar, fiddle, banjo or other acoustic instrument&quot; will take place at 6pm tonight at the Bentonville downtown square. Join or come listen.

Your week ahead: Free concerts

Work in some time this week to go explore.

Work in some time this week to go explore.🎤 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gulley Park concert series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/515/Gulley-Park-Summer-Concert-Series" data-vars-content-id="453071b3-dad9-499b-9a42-1d8b1202dbed" data-vars-headline="Your week ahead: Free concerts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/515/Gulley-Park-Summer-Concert-Series" target="_blank">Gulley Park concert series</a> — This free summer concert series at Gulley Park in Fayetteville features Ulta Suede on Thursday. Bring the kids and the dog.

Your guide to NWA's biggest summer festivals and events

Make plans so you don't miss what Northwest Arkansas has to offer this season.

The unofficial start of summer — Memorial Day weekend — is just one week away. And that means it&#x27;s time to mark your calendar and make plans so you don&#x27;t miss what NWA has to offer this season.Here are our ideas:

Your weekend plans: Theater, music and strawberry festivals

NWA has a range of festivals this weekend. Here&#x27;s the rundown.🎭 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arkansas New Play Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://arkansasnewplayfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="a4293f31-0a44-4a82-9efe-cd92c4476f9c" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Theater, music and strawberry festivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkansasnewplayfest.com/" target="_blank">Arkansas New Play Festival</a> — This event spanning two weekends kicks off tonight. See new plays and hear from the playwrights at various venues including The Medium in Springdale, TheatreSquared in Fayetteville and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville.