The Northwest Arkansas Council Annual Report is in, and it highlights the many challenges NWA has faced while also showing how the region has come together to thrive over the past year.

• The list goes on: NWA scored high on many U.S. rankings throughout the year, placing in the top ten on both the Best Places and Cheapest Places to Live rankings and more.
• Key components: Expanding infrastructure, economic opportunity, and health and education systems are all signs of trending growth. From cycling trails to new buildings, 2021 marked the culmination of years of expansion and is paving the way for more growth in the coming years.

Discover what happens behind the scenes to make NWA a great place to live HERE.

The Razorbacks are officially back for the 2021 football season. The team held its first practice on Friday and published its full practice schedule in preparation for the season ahead.

• For starters: With KJ Jefferson starting as QB, the preseason competition is aimed at putting the best suited players in the starting lineup for the opening game against Rice this September.
• Light in the tunnel: The Razorbacks are stacked with talent this year, giving fans hope the team will continue its turnaround journey that began last year.

Find out more about the practice schedule and game-time mentality of the 2021 Razorback football team HERE.

The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G returns Sep. 20-26 for the 15th anniversary of the tournament.

• Perfect blend: The week long schedule of events will feature BITE Experience @ the LPGA, a 3 day culinary experience, 5k @ the LPGA, and a variety of volunteer opportunities.
• A la carte: In celebration of the 15th anniversary, weekly tickets, regularly priced at $25, will be offered for $15, or daily tickets for $10, and all kids aged 17 and under will get in free with a ticketed adult. Maybe running is your thing - you can register for the 5k @ the LPGA here.

Tickets are on sale now for the #NWAChampionship and other events, which you can find HERE.

If you're like many folks, at the end of March you laid your mask to rest and thought - I'm glad we're past that. Well, it may be time to get the mask back out.

• Checks and balances: Friday, an Arkansas judge temporarily blocked the state's ban on mask mandates. The decision moved Fayetteville city council to convene a special meeting where they voted to enforce mask mandates in public areas and around city-owned buildings.
• A necessary step: By implementing limited mask mandates, the city is hoping to prevent further outbreak while the vaccine continues to be distributed throughout the region. Fayetteville has been the only city in NWA to re-implement a mask mandate.

Find out more about Fayetteville City Council's decision HERE.

TheatreSquared's new play, American Mariachi, is shaking things up and bringing dreams to life all month long.

• Runs in the family: American Mariachi follows two girls in the 1970s as they start an all-girl mariachi band. A live mariachi band brings the energy, and a wholesome story brings laughter to life in this season's show.
• Your preference: The show, which started last weekend, can be viewed online or in-person. The venue is offering deals on tickets and local dining partners that may seem too good to be true.

Read all about the show, cast, and company for American Mariachi HERE.