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Hello Fayetteville! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Swarm Aero’s new drone factory, a white out gymnastics meet, and Secrets of Space + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Aerospace production scales rapidly: Swarm Aero has opened an 80,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center in Fayetteville, using composite airframes to build thousands of drones faster than traditional methods, reinforcing Northwest Arkansas’ aviation reputation — read the full story.

Expanding access to specialized care: UAMS has opened a $2.8 million orthopedic and sports medicine clinic in Bentonville, offering nonsurgical care, therapy, and in-clinic injections, adding to its Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine presence in Fayetteville — see services and locations.

Chairman recuses from vote: Fayetteville’s Planning Commission approved a 4,468-square-foot Armor Bank on North College Avenue, with variances for parking, paving the way to demolish Mong Dynasty and Play It Again Sports — get all the project details.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Find calm with Qigong and Tai Chi
• Study figure drawing with great masters
• Treasure sale to save rescue pups
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Tapas energy, local edition: Skip the flight to the Spanish coast… Leverett Lounge captures the small-plates-and-sangria vibe right here with inventive shareables, bright cocktails, and a cozy, eclectic room. Ideal for lingering with a pal over a build-your-own spread and a little table-turning fun.

Stock up for trails: Whether you’re dialing in a backpacking setup, grabbing a kayak PFD, or swapping those questionable trekking poles, Pack Rat Outdoor Center offers trusted gear, rentals, and relaxed clinics to get you outside around Fayetteville, minus the drama, any day this week.

Big-screen escape plan: Razorback Cinema Grill & IMAX pairs plush recliners with true IMAX showings and in-seat ordering… yes, your snacks find you. Expect new releases, throwback nights, and special events, plus beer, wine, and cocktails to level up the weekend.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🤸 Razorback Gymnastics vs. Oklahoma White Out Meet @ Bud Walton Arena | Friday (3/6) at 7:15 PM – Ready to prove Fayetteville can out-fan Utah? Gymbacks go white out for Senior Night at Bud Walton, facing the reigning Oklahoma champs, and chasing the NCAA attendance record, so bring your loud voice, a clean white shirt, and a friend. Tickets start at $12.

🏺 Polymer Clay Workshop @ Fenix Arts | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Bring the kids, or your inner child, to Fenix for Cece Dietzel’s polymer clay workshop, where you’ll craft tiny, zero-calorie food and pick up clever tricks. Ages 7 and up, a parent must tag along, materials included, and it’s 10 bucks. Cheaper than brunch.

🐱 Cat and Birds: The Purrfect Pairing Celebration @ Wild Birds Unlimited | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – If you’ve ever wondered what happens when bird people and cat people join forces, here’s your answer. Celebrate two years of Wild Birds Unlimited and the NWA Community Cat Project with adoptable cats, raffles, DIY cat toys, Fairy Hair, and shopping that helps NWA’s felines.

♻ Upcycle Art Workshop @ Springdale Arkansas | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – Springdale’s Made for More Collective is turning the recycling bin into an art supply store, and yes, the kids can help. Think guided, low-stress crafting with all materials included, two project levels, and zero glitter in your carpet. Bring your creative streak, leave with keepsakes.

👗 Gownsational One-Day Event @ F1RSTNB of NWA | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – One-day prom and homecoming gown giveaway so teens can shop for free, look fabulous, and dodge paperwork. Grab a time slot at gownsational.com, then show up, no wallet required. Closet full of past glories? Donate a dress on the site, be the fairy godparent.

🌳 Arkansas Reads Leopold @ Lake Fayetteville Environmental Study Center | Sunday (3/8) at 9:00 AM – Celebrate Aldo Leopold with a guided hike at Lake Fayetteville, community readings from A Sand County Almanac, and kid-proof nature fun. Meet Cornelia the corn snake, make upcycled art, try wildlife tracking, and grab snacks. Free with RSVP, parking is tight, so carpool.

🔭 Secrets of Space @ Walton Arts Center | Tuesday (3/10) at 6:00 PM – Cahoots NI is blasting off with Secrets of Space, a cosmic adventure trading small talk for star talk, curiosity, and wonder. Perfect excuse to put your phone on airplane mode and actually look up. Tickets are on sale now, before they drift past orbit.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Fayetteville report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 69°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 84%

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9am, then showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

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Tomorrow – High: 72°F – Low: 61°F – Precip: 65%

Showers and thunderstorms likely before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

On 2 manicured acres in a quiet West Fayetteville cul-de-sac, this 5,110-square-foot home offers 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and flexible living. The main level features an open kitchen, living area, formal dining, and a primary suite. A finished basement adds a second living room, wet bar, game room, and safe room, plus two fireplaces, three patios, and a 3-car garage.

Take a peek inside →