Good morning, Conway.

Hendrix College announced Alex Herrera as its new executive director of development who will begin on Oct.

10.

Childcare providers in Conway are alarmed as the Arkansas Department of Education announced on September 19 that the School Readiness Assistance program will cut reimbursements by 36% and add a copay system effective October 1—leaving providers little room to cover costs.

Providers said the short notice and lack of clear details may force them to increase fees and affect low-income families.

UCA Associate Professor Vaughn Scribner’s book Under Alien Skies: Environment, Suffering and the Defeat of the British Military in Revolutionary America published by UNC Press in 2024 has been recognized with a national award.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders are leading actions to fight child exploitation driven by new technology, saying AI has increased the spread of harmful images.

Griffin is hosting a social media summit on Oct. 7-8 at the Statehouse Convention Center to bring experts together—officials say these moves will help keep children safe online.

Caffeine Addicts Awards

6-8 p.m. — Brick Room Events — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the best coffee, tea, and energy drinks while enjoying live music and gourmet appetizers.

Tape It Easy Workshop

9 AM – 5 PM — Body Wellness Massage Academy — $225 — Master kinesiology taping techniques in this hands-on training course.

The Band Perry Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Reynolds Performance Hall — Ticket info not provided — Celebrate the reunion of Grammy-winning band with new music and classics.

RetroFest Arkansas 2025

11 AM – 5 PM — Conway Expo and Event Center — Ticket prices vary — A nostalgic celebration featuring vintage games, clothing, and iconic personalities.

Front Porch Bluegrass Concert

8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — Kings Live Music — Ticket prices not specified — Experience high-energy bluegrass with a blend of old-time mountain sounds.

Indigo Girls Concert

7-10 p.m. — Reynolds Performance Hall — Tickets required — Experience the timeless harmonies of iconic folk music duo Indigo Girls.

City of Colleges Half Marathon

Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Fun Run — — Buffalo Alumni Hall, Conway, AR — Great running festival for all ages and abilities.

Voices of Liberty Concert

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Windgate Center for Fine & Performing Arts — VOICES TICKETS — Experience a powerful musical journey featuring Rossini and Sibelius.