The stars won't be the only things shining in the sky this summer. NWA is putting on some great fireworks displays in celebration of our nation's Independence Day.

• Life, liberty, and fireworks: From Bella Vista to West Fork, these fireworks and July 4th celebrations are sure to be a bright, loud, and truly American night. 245 years after America declared its independence, the region is once again pursuing happiness with a bang.
• Going the distance: The weekend will kick off early in West Fork on Thursday night, and it will only get better from there. You'll be able to see the sky light up from Beaver Lake to Carter Park and everywhere in between.

See the full list of celebrations and displays taking place this weekend HERE and HERE.

Ozark Natural Foods Co-Op was recently recognized as World Architects building of the week. Fayetteville based Modus Studio recently shed some light on how its vision for the space has introduced a new staple for the downtown Fayetteville area.

• New vibes: After the closing of an old grocery store, ONF saw its opportunity to influence Fayetteville from a new, more centralized location. Commissioning Modus Studio, the new Co-Op building welcomes everyone from longtime residents to college-aged shoppers.
• Locally sourced: The architects used local and pre-existing elements in its remodel of the store, going so far as to change a parking lot into the biggest front porch in the city. With 32,400 square feet, the store invites the community to eat local, healthy produce from a local, sustainable space.

Find out more about the influences and vision of the ONF project HERE.

Benton County and UAMS received much needed assistance from a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant on Friday. The grant will give underserved communities in the region opportunities to receive aid in the wake of the pandemic.

• Perfect timing: The $4mm grant will primarily go towards helping minority and rural communities in NWA, which struggled during the COVID pandemic. With money from the Cares Act running out in just a few days, this financial aid will be put to use right away.
• Preventative measures: The funding will allow UAMS and its partners to provide medical services to communities themselves and prevent there ever being an 'underserved' situation in the future.

You can read more about the federal healthcare relief coming to the Northwest Arkansas HERE.

Fayetteville-based medical device company Lapovations received a $100k grant to continue creating successful products for the world of minimally invasive abdominal surgery.

• The marriage: The Winrock International Validation Fund invests in Arkansas small businesses that are ready to spread the word about their products. In this case, the grant will help Lapovations begin its marketing and sales operations.
• What's next? The Fayetteville company is beginning the process of taking its product AbGrab to market, as well as creating a second generation version of the device. Lapovations will present a finished second generation device at the conclusion of the two year project.

Find out more about how Lapovations is utilizing the Winrock International funding HERE.

As long as the sun keeps shining, the new Ozark Electric Cooperative and Today's Power Inc. solar park will be powering multiple cities in NWA. Sustainable energy is now being provided "to the cities of Lincoln, Elkins, Springdale, as well as Ozarks Go."

• Cutting costs: The new solar park is expected to cut overall costs by $3mm over the next 20 years. Power is being supplied to schools, cities, and companies in Washington County and will create more flexibility for spending on other projects in the region.
• Quote: “It’s going to be good for the city. It’s going to be good for our residents. We’re going to see a reduction in our annual energy bills, and it’s a great way to participate. We’re thankful for the program that made it possible.”

Read more about the solar park and the impact it will have in participating cities HERE.