Michael Tilley, with our partner Talk Business and Politics , says observers of commerce on the Arkansas River are bullish on the near future of shipping along the river.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts have seen a significant increase across the country since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Thefts are also up in Fayetteville, where The Grease Pig is offering free VIN etching to deter theives.

Michael Tilley, with our partner Talk Business and Politics , says he's never seen a home sales market quite like the one the Arkansas River Valley is experiencing now. He also addresses a recent Freedom of Information Act problem in Fort Smith.

Jenee Fleenor is a two-time CMA Musician of the Year. This month she's coming back to her hometown of Springdale for a rouding weekend to honor her. She'll lead the Rodeo of the Ozarks Parade and host a Sunday night concert at Turnbow Park.

The Arkansas Country Music Association recently gave If That Ain't Country an award for outstanding programming. We talk with the host, Western Red, about his journey from Alaska to Australia to Arkansas.

This weekend has live theater, live music, Juneteenth and lillies. Becca Martin Brown, the features editor with the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette gives us her weekly guide to what's happening.

The American Red Cross is noting a sever blood shortage as trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise.

During the last year, Arkansans impacted by the pandemic have sought assistance with rental payments and utility bills. One way to reduce the latter, is through the Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council's weatherization program . The Community Action Agency has provided the service for 45 years.

What causes tornadoes? Should we trust the Farmer's Almanac? Can crickets tell you the temperature outside? Meteorologist Dan Skoff answers these questions and many more for us.

In the next week, you can catch music from Alabama, Atlanta and southern California, along with many local and regional acts. Thur., Jun. 17 49 Winchester, Jimmy Wooten at George's Majestic Lounge (Fayetteville) - $15 at the door, 8:30 p.m. Melody Pond at Prairie St. Live (Fayetteville) - 6:30 p.m. Dale Stokes Band at Mojo's East (Fayetteville) - 7 p.m. Jeremiah Griffin at Six-Twelve Coffeehouse (Fayetteville) - 7 p.m. Los Roscoes at The Gravel Bar (Eureka Springs) - 5 p.m. Starbenders, Luke