NWA residents are continuing to fight an uphill battle against rising housing prices as the population of the region continues to skyrocket.

• Where we've been: Between 2011 and 2016 alone, median rents increased 1-13% in three of the major cities, and the median price of homes on the market rose 15-43%. In 2019, the median rents were between $777 and $955 across the four major cities in NWA, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The median value of a house was $192,275.
• Where we're going: By 2040, the total population across the four major NWA cities is expected to surge by 80,000 households.
• Piling it on: The entire nation is facing a housing inventory shortage, and while this was already somewhat in play, it was catalyzed be the pandemic last year. Throwing this into the mix in a market already experiencing population tailwinds like NWA creates the dramatic supply squeeze we're seeing.

Want more on this story? Find it HERE.

Northwest Arkansas makes the news again, topping this road trip destinations and weekend getaways list. In the latest issue of In Kansas City, author Katy Shamberger gives her two-cents about heading south from KC to NWA for a week of adventure in the Ozarks.

• Quote: "You could easily make a week or more out of touring picturesque Northwest Arkansas... You’ll instantly relax as you travel through the lush forests of the Ozarks, and also find plenty of places to stop and browse..."
• Shamberger went on to recommend a little something for everyone - from camping at Beaver Lake to strolling through Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art with special shoutouts to Ozark Beer Co., Phat Tire, and Preacher's Son.

Read the full write-up HERE.

February could have been a dark month for NWA residents as rolling blackouts were instated during the below zero temperatures,. This was the first time energy provider SWEPCO had ever done this in its 80 year history.

• Local energy provider, Ozarks Electric Cooperative, which has made investments in alternative energy sources, did not have this problem as it was able to rely on its solar facility for back up storage.
• As the NWA population booms over the next several years and is projected to surpass 1 million by 2045, it begs the question of whether our current energy infrastructure will be able to keep up or not.

You can find the full story on how your energy provider is taking steps to become more reliable and more environmentally sustainable HERE.

Arkansas State Parks has announced the addition of 12 new miles of mountain bike trails at Devil’s Den State Park, bringing the Monument Trails at the park to a total of 18 miles.

• Adventure awaits: The new soft surface trails will officially be open to hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners following the ceremony today at 1pm at Fossil Flats Trailhead in Camping Area "A" of the park.
• Quote: “The expansion of this historic trail system is testament to the park system’s long-term commitment to outdoor recreation and the mountain biking community,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
• Get hyped: Watch sneak peak videos here and here. You'll want the sound on!

You can begin to plan your ride and visit to Devil's Den by reading more HERE.

Yesterday, Tyson Foods announced it will donate one million meals to school districts in NWA to help feed students and their families. 

• Picture this: That's six truckloads of protein, or 240,000 pounds of food, going to the Springdale, Siloam Springs, Bentonville, Fayetteville and Rogers school districts.
• It's estimated that one in four children is experiencing food insecurity due to the economic impact of the pandemic. Tyson says it is committed to being a part of the solution by fighting hunger in NWA and beyond.

District students and their families are able to visit the drive-thru distribution events, which can be found HERE. Kudos Tyson!