After closing in October 2019, JJ's Beer Garden and Brewing Co. in Fayetteville is planning to reopen its doors in August 2021.

• Now just a few weeks into new construction, owner Jody Thornton said the project includes a new patio area, creating a space for live music all year. New outdoor games and televisions will also be added.
• “JBGB will be back better than ever and I think people are going to love the changes we’ve made,” Thornton said. "I think people are really going to be shocked about the changes we are making and how well it’s going to work." -KNWA/Fox24
• Construction is expected to be completed in July 2021.

The U of A amended its previous arrangements with War Memorial by adding two football games in Little Rock through 2025 - most notability a game against Arkansas State.

• The Hogs will play UAPB in 2021 and 2024, Western Carolina in 2023, and Arkansas State in 2025 at War Memorial. The previously scheduled games against Missouri will be relocated to Donald W. Reynolds Stadium in Fayetteville.
• “The Razorback program belongs to our entire state and as we have shown in many of our sports, it is important that we continue to maintain a presence in Central Arkansas," said Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek. -Arkansas Razorbacks
• See the full list of adjustments HERE.

The UAMS Institute for Digital Health and Innovation has received a three-year, $749,968 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to reduce violent crimes in Arkansas schools.

• The School Telemedicine in Arkansas for Lessons in Trauma-informed Education (STARLITE) program will work to improve security and provide crisis resources for school officials and parents in Jasper, Lamar, and Magazine.
• The goal of the program is to prevent violence by learning to assess when to intervene in a violent situation, said Stanley Ellis, Ed.D., the project’s primary investigator.
• In addition, school officials will be trained to handle mental health crises and involve law enforcement in response to threats. -Arkansas Money & Politics

Residential building permits in NWA declined about 2.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020, leaving the annual figures less than that of 2019.

• Only 1,514 permits were issued in 2020, down from 1,559 permits issued in 2019, according to permit data released by theNorthwest Arkansas Business Journal from Bentonville, Springdale, Fayetteville and Rogers.
• It's no surprise, residential building permits have been on the decline in recent years: 3.3 percent down since 2019, and 5.9 percent down from 2018 to 2019.
• However, bike friendly Bella Vista has shown almost a 50 percent increase in permits from 2020, issuing 416 permits valued at $108 million - compared to the 278 issued in 2019, for a total of $75 million. -Talk Business & Politics
• All four of the major cities in NWA issued more than 400 permits last year. Here's the data:

• Fayetteville - (2020) 443 permits, $129.8 million; (2019) 554 permits, $161.5 million

• Rogers - (2020) 410 permits, $109.7 million; (2019) 293 permits, $72.9 million.

• Bentonville - (2020) 402 permits, $121.1 million; (2019)428 permits, $130.1 million.

• Springdale - (2020) 259 permits, $65.7 million; (2019) 284 permits, $76.4 million.

BikeNWA announced a partnership with national bike match movement, started by Transportation Alternatives in New York City. The program was created to connect people looking to donate bikes with those who need a bike to ride.

• "We are incredibly excited to bring Bike Match to Northwest Arkansas during these perilous times. Now more than ever, having access to transportation is critical to fulfilling basic human needs," Paxton Roberts, Executive Director of BikeNWA -ImpactNWA
• How it works:
• If you need a bike or have one to donate, fill out the online form.
• If you match with someone, BikeNWA will contact you with information about how to make the exchange. Individuals will find a time to exchange (Keeping in mind social distancing guidelines).
• Take a picture and email it to info@bikenwa.org or post it online with #BikeMatchNWA to help spread the word!