Weekly wages are increasing nationally and Benton County is on the charts for its growth percentage.

• Up and up: Benton County's average weekly wages have increased 8.2% from Q1 of 2020 to Q1 of 2021. Ranked by percent change, Benton landed as no. 33 out of 343 of the nation's largest counties.
• Okay Walmart & JB Hunt: In the first quarter of 2021, the 7,300 established businesses in the county averaged a $1,631 weekly wage.

Read a summary of the stats HERE.

Slow Streets NWA is changing the pace this fall. BikeNWA announced the seasonal event will be making a return to Bentonville and Fayetteville this September.

• Cruising downtown: Slow Streets brings a bit of calm to the busy neighborhood streets of the region, creating a safer environment for walkers and bikers to exercise, explore and experience their city at a different pace.
• A slow day: From Friday at 7p to the same time Saturday, residents will be able to traverse their communities safely and at their own leisure. The official weekend of the event has yet to be announced, but you'll want to stay updated for this slow day.

You can find out more about Slow Streets NWA HERE.

Since 2019, the city of Fayetteville has been collaborating with the community to plan some major improvements for a stretch of Hwy 71B (School Ave & College Ave). The 71B Corridor Master Plan, which was released in June, is focused on reshaping the road many use on a daily basis.

• Phase 1: The first phase of the project will improve segments of 71B between North St. and Township, and between Cato Springs and South School Ave. These improvements include reconfiguring lanes, upgrading intersections, and creating safer sidewalks.
• Full scope: The city hopes that this project will leave the highway better equipped to adapt to the rapid growth of the area.

Learn more about the Hwy 71B Corridor Plan and what it entails HERE.

Local Fayetteville company, beardedgoat, exists to bring together the science of outdoor wear and the comfort of your everyday fit. Whether you're on the water, in the mountains, or on the trails, beardedgoat has something perfect for your adventures.

• Party: This Friday and Saturday you can check out beardedgoat outerwear, swimwear and everyday staples as low as $15 and discounted as high as 80% off.
• Socially distant shopping: Never fear. If you can't make it out this weekend, or don't want to, you can check out what beardedgoat has to offer online. Free shipping and returns through August.

Check out some sick apparel HERE.

Ranked no.1 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) preseason poll, the Women’s Razorback soccer team is looking to continue last season’s success in its 2021-2022 season. 

• Tonight: The team kicks off its season tonight against no. 6 Duke’s Blue Devils at 6p in North Carolina, and you can be there in spirit with live stats. The Razorbacks beat the Blue Devils in the teams' last match in the 2016-2017 season 2-1.
• Be on the lookout: The league office added six Hogs to the preseason watchlist, four of which received all-league honors for the third straight year. 

Keep up with the lady Razorback soccer schedule HERE.