Arkansas has risen to No. 2 in college baseball after their three-win series victory over South Caroline and Hunter Hollan's career day pitching a full nine innings, which earned him SEC Pitcher of the Week.

• Mound magician: Hunter Hollan pitched nine straight innings against the Gamecocks on Sunday, throwing a career-high 113 pitches and, at one point, recording 19 consecutive outs. Hollan is the first Arkansas pitcher to throw a complete game against an SEC opponent since Dominic Taccolini in 2016.
• Who's next: The Razorbacks will take on the No. 12 Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville this week, May 18-20, to wrap up the regular season. The first pitch is scheduled for 6p this Thursday, May 18, and will be televised on SEC Network.

Keep up with Arkansas Baseball news HERE.

Medusa Bar & Grill opened last week on Emma Ave in Downtown Springdale, and the friendly staff is already busy slinging out a menu of fantastic flavors in its chic location.

• Order up: The menu offers a great selection of fine steak cuts, fresh seafood, wings, and Mexican cuisine, and the elegant bar serves a variety of cocktails, including House Margaritas made with fresh fruit and juices pressed in-house.
• We recommend: The Chicken Flautitas made a great first impression, and the Ceviche was incredible – both styles are great, but try the shrimp! We had the Medusa Burger, which was top-tier, and we can't wait to go back for more, especially if a return trip involves a Tomahawk steak.

Find Medusa Bar & Grill on Facebook for hours and updates HERE.

Downtown Springdale will host the first of three Natural State Criterium Series events on Wednesday, May 31, from 4:30-8p with riders competing for up to $4,000 in prizes.

• Join the fun: Each race will begin with the First Chance Criterium clinic, where new riders will receive professional coaching, followed by a women's race, three categories of difficulty, and a Fat Tire Fun Race. Riders can register for one race or the Overall Series, including May 31, Jun 28, and Jul 26.
• A natural spectacle: The high-energy, spectator-friendly race will begin and end at Shiloh Square and can be enjoyed from Downtown Springdale's Outdoor Dining District, where many businesses will stay open for the event. A Kids Zone will be open at Turnbow Park and Shiloh Square, hosted by Buddy Pegs, Pedal It Forward, Jones Center, and Arkansas Children's Northwest.

Find more information about the Natural State Criterium HERE. 

Arkansas's Monument Trails have been named the best mountain biking in the United States in Outside's 2023 Travel Awards — a pretty sweet gift for Arkansas State Parks' 100th Birthday.

• If you build it: The Monument Trails system is a collection of world-class mountain biking courses within Arkansas State Parks supported by the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to developing local outdoor experiences, with generous funding from the Walton Family Foundation.
• Explore them all: Woven into the beautiful landscape, the trails highlight Arkansas State Parks' unique terrain, historic landmarks, and scenic vistas, spanning roughly 75 mi throughout Hobbs, Mount Nebo, Pinnacle Mountain, and Devil's Den State Parks.

Learn more about Monument Trails HERE.

Benton County has received $2.4m from the U.S. Department of Treasury as part of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, intended to help restore the supply of affordable housing under the American Rescue Plan Act.

• Housing solutions: The funding will expedite the construction and rehabilitation of thousands of affordable housing projects around Benton County as selected organizations assist in developing, repairing, and operating affordable housing and services that promote long-term housing security in Benton County.
• Accepting proposals: Those interested can apply for funding by Jun 7 if they demonstrate the ability to meet the four core requirements for federal housing programs: a 50% AMI resident income restriction, a 20+ year affordability period/related covenant requirements for assisted units, tenant protections, and housing quality standards.

Find more on the story HERE.