Residential building permits for single-family homes in NWA's four biggest cities increased by double digits in the first two months of 2023 compared to 2022, with 259 permits issued, a 12.6% increase year over year.

• More or less: While the number of permits issued increased, the combined permit value for 2023 is less than last year at a combined value of $81.96m, down 3.7% compared to the previous year's $85.11m.
• City to city: Fayetteville issued the most at 99 permits for $22.98 m, Rogers issued 71 permits for $24.51m, Bentonville issued 64 permits for $27.55m, and Springdale issued 25 permits for $6.92m.

Read more from Talk Business & Politics HERE.

Get ready to grind some gravel this weekend during Gravel Fest for MS, a two-day ride through scenic back roads of the Ozarks with an overnight stay at Rockford Grange Farm, including food, drinks, live music, and more... and s'mores! 

• Good gravel: The event is Apr 15-16, and riders can choose from three route options ranging from 20-57 miles out and back from Bentonville to Rockford Grange, where cabins and glamping tents are available for an additional fee. 37 North Expeditions will transport swag and personal tents for those staying overnight. 
• Great friends: Sponsored by Signature Bank, McLarty Daniel, Adventure Subaru, JUNK Brands, and Wheelhouse Properties, proceeds from the event will support Rampy MS Research Foundation's continued research at UAMS in Little Rock, Northwestern University in Chicago, and the University of CA at San Francisco. 

Book your spot now for an unforgettable weekend HERE. 

Back for its third year, the 2023 U.S. Pro Cup will draw hundreds of cross-country mountain bikers and fans from around the country to Fayetteville's Centennial Park this week, April 12-16.

• All levels: Cross-country mountain bikers will compete across all levels throughout the four-day event, including hopeful athletes attempting to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
• New extremes: Centennial Park is the only North American race destination featuring the hors categories, meaning uncategorizable, race opportunities that offer the longest, steepest, and most extreme routes where elite bikers can earn significant points.

In celebration of the event, we're giving away a 14" Strider Balance Bike to one of our NWA Daily Fans! Who will be the first fan to respond?

If you’re looking for an out-of-this-world experience, the 35th annual Ozark Mountain UFO Conference is this weekend, April 14-16, at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs. 🛸👽🖖

• Phoning home: A time-honored tradition, the conference was founded by Lou Farish in the late 80s as a gathering for the top experts in the field of UFOs, extraterrestrials, lost civilizations, crop circles, and the paranormal.
• Otherworldly: The event includes conversations with speakers from varied backgrounds and expertise, as well as vendors featuring unique, handcrafted goods. 

Tickets can be purchased online HERE. 

Get your Hogs Sports fix during Wooo Pig Weekend this weekend, Apr 14-16, with five Arkansas teams competing across the Hill Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

• Go sports: Men's Tennis will host Alabama at 5p on Friday and Tennessee at 1p on Sunday. On the volleyball court, the Hogs take on Missouri State Friday at 6:30p. The Softball Team hosts UAB for a non-conference series at Bogle Park, while the Baseball Team faces off with top-15 ranked Tennessee at Baum-Walker Stadium.
• Preparty: HogTown is back Saturday, Apr 15, from 10-noon with live music from Boom Kinetic, a classic car show, food trucks, inflatables, and more right outside Razorback Stadium before the Football Spring Game at noon, which is free to attend.

Get your tickets HERE.