Ozarks at Large
1,258 episodes — Page 2 of 26
Responding to disaster — Remembering Mike Flynn
On today's show, we learn that preparing for natural disaster response is a group effort in the emergency management world. Plus, we hear that when the power goes out, it might take a while to get the lights back on, or it might take a lot of work. We also recall the late Mike Flynn.
Neurodiversity in the NWA workplace — A leprechaun tells all
On today's show, we hear that a new study shows 3 in 10 neurodivergent Northwest Arkansas adults are unemployed or underemployed. Plus, we learn journalists around the nation are celebrating Sunshine Week and the importance of public records requests. We also have a conversation with a leprechaun.... Sort of.
The burdensome cost of childcare — Explaining SNAP's current state
On today's show, we learn that nearly 7 in 10 mothers in Arkansas view childcare costs as a barrier to employment. Plus, we explore the Pryor Center archives and continue to reflect on coverage of a previous war in the Middle East. And we get a brand new edition of Sound Perimeter.
'Common Threads' in American history — A bookshop-inspired play
On today's show, we tour a new exhibit at Crystal Bridges that recognizes the nuanced history of 250 years of America. Plus, we hear about a new play inspired by Dickson Street Bookshop hitting the stage and coming together in a different kind of way. Plus, a rundown of this week’s headlines from the River Valley with Michael Tilley of Talk Business and Politics.
Improving teen health — Soccer at Razorback Stadium
On today's show, we learn about a Mississippi-based nonprofit that is hoping to address the challenges of health access and information for teens in Arkansas. We also explore a different kind of football coming to Razorback Stadium later this month. Plus, we hear from the founders of the Northwest Arkansas Fat Fashion Show.
Incubators and accelerators — 'Captain Blood'
On today's show, we report that the University of Arkansas’ Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is back in action. Plus, we listen to a MacArthur genius talk about uncertainty, fear and the value of imagination. And bazookas! But not those bazookas. We explain in this edition of Ozarks at Large.
Name, image and likeness at UARK — 'Me Like Bees' goes viral
The University of Arkansas and its athletics department are tasked with raising more money, and today's show, we hear that student leaders are concerned that this might mean an additional fee for students. Plus, we learn what it means when a song gets traction on social media. We also get a roundup of live music in the region.
Teachers picking up second jobs — Dropping Hairpins at The Momentary
On today's show, we hear about a new report that shows that more than seven in 10 teachers nationwide are working an additional job. Plus, the Pryor Center archives take us back to the beginning of another armed conflict in the Middle East. We also learn about a new monthly happy hour at The Momentary, designed to build queer community.
A professor, her peers argue for her job — Holistic health for women
On today's show, we hear about a University of Arkansas professor, suspended for social media posts about Israel, Gaza and Iran, who has been recommended for reinstatement. Plus, we take a holistic view of women’s health. We also bring a roundup of this week’s headlines from the River Valley.
The impact of student housing — Rising from the bottom on maternal health
On today's show, we continue the conversation about student housing in Fayetteville as the University of Arkansas’ enrollment passes 34,000 students. Plus, we learn that recent CDC data shows Arkansas is one of six states where prenatal care is improving, although the state still ranks in the bottom ten. We also hear about new festivals in the Upper Ramble.
2026 primary election results — AI meets healthcare
On today's show, we examine election results and what that means for future politics. Plus, we learn how to prepare for the best outcomes for the integration of AI into healthcare. We also go The Other Way with Becca Martin Brown.
Dropping enrollment in Arkansas schools — Third grade literacy
On today's show, we hear that public school enrollment in Arkansas is at a 20-year low, and some educational leaders say economic pressures and the state voucher program are playing a role. We also investigate another critical aspect of the LEARNS Act: third-grade reading proficiency in Arkansas. Plus, we visit with Fayetteville High School's Bulldog Buddies.
Two decades of public service — Primary elections 2026
On today's show, we hear about The Clinton School of Public Service's 20 years of impact. We also examine the close ties between the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Arkansas. Plus, we learn more about primary elections on the final day of early voting.
Maternal healthcare at UAFS — 'Cope Field' explores baseball, pressure
On today's show, we learn that $15 million in federal funding is headed to the University of Arkansas Fort Smith to build a new Center for Mother and Infant Healthcare. We also speak with an author and sports reporter about his new young adult novel about the son of a former major league baseball player. Plus, our weekly roundup of the news in the River Valley with Michael Tilley of Talk Business & Politics.
Community news takes new form — Ask a Master Gardener
On today's show, we learn about a local newsletter that aims to engage and empower its residents. We also explore how much a nation’s past can influence its commerce. Plus, a new segment with a local Master Gardener.
Sports betting in Arkansas — Protecting refugees
On today's show, we hear about a new directive on refugees in the United States that is raising concerns among local resettlement agencies. We also learn that two major sports betting apps are applying to operate in Arkansas. Plus, we get to preview the third Arkansas Math Discovery Day.
Little Rock doula program expands after first year — Scientists study fossils in NWA, connection to sharks
On today's show, we hear about how scientists are studying a deposit of shale in northwest Arkansas to learn about sharks and their ancestors, and a Little Rock-based program training doulas enters its second year.
A historic LGBTQ+ group returns — 'End of the Line' revisited
On today's show, we learn about a group that aims to build more queer community on the University of Arkansas campus, 50 years ago and today. Plus, we also remember a nearly 40-year-old movie made in Arkansas with a now-familiar cast. Plus, we dive into classical music on a new edition of Sound Perimeter.
Fayetteville author Cindy Quayle on new novel — Grant helps support rural Arkansas teachers
On today's show, Fayetteville author Cindy Quayle discusses her new novel, and a five million dollar grant to help place Arkansas teachers in rural and high poverty districts.
Residents protest Fayetteville schools milage extension — 'Naming Arkansas' author visits Pryor Center
On today's show, yard signs are popping up around Fayetteville encouraging residents to vote against an extension of the school district’s millage rate, plus Dan Boice, library director at UA Monticello, discusses his book and radio series on Arkansas place names.
Improving diabetes education, outcomes in Arkansas — UA honors course investigates stress
On today's show, providing different model options for diabetes education is resulting in improved outcomes for Arkansans, and an Honors College course will investigate how stress can change us.
Using technology to improve school bus safety — New cultural center celebrates Lunar New Year
On today's show, using technology to make school buses safer for everyone, and a new cultural center is helping our community celebrate the Year of the Horse.
A tourist trap for conservative values — Gownsational
On today's show, we get a closer examination of Branson’s ethos. We also learn about an annual event that offers free formal wear for upcoming proms and continues to grow. Plus, a new edition of Sound Perimeter and a trip to the Pryor Center archives.
Staying in love, Ozarks traditions — 'Broomgate,' a curling scandal
On today's show, Startup Junkie’s Fuel Accelerator program is having an impact on the healthcare technology sector. Also, exploring some Ozarks traditions around finding and keeping love.
The untold story of Audley Moore — Being chronically online, spiritually
On today's show, the venn diagram of being chronically online and being spiritual, as well as the untold story of Audley Moore.
Conservation at Prairie Grove Battlefield — UAMS prepares emergency rooms for obstetric care
On today's show, a new conservation project is bringing the Illinois River Watershed Partnership to Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, and UAMS is working to make sure hospitals are better prepared for obstetric emergencies.
Impacts of political campaign financing — Figuring skating at the Jones Center
On today's show, thinking about the impact of campaign finance in Arkansas and beyond. Also, figure skating at the Jones Center during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Erasing medical debt — Competing in computer science
On today's show, we hear about a Fort Smith church partnering with a national nonprofit to erase more than $17 million in medical debt in Crawford and Sebastian counties. Plus, a Pryor Center profile of an Arkansan running for President. We also learn about a contest for high schoolers looking to improve their programming skills.
Remembering The historic Southland College — Author Johnny Compton discusses new horror novel
On today's show, remembering Southland College, an Arkansas school that made history in the shadow of the Civil War. Pus, a conversation with author Johnny Compton about his new horror novel "Dead First."
Ozark teacher wins national award — Frost Fest '26
On today's show, we hear about a local junior high teacher who is the winner of a national educational award. Plus, a decade of Frost Fest. Plus, a brand new edition of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal Report.
New UA resolution shifts sources for athletic funding — Faith leaders gather for 'prayer gaurd'
On today's show, a new resolution by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees means the school will begin feeding millions of dollars into its athletics department, and more.
TheatreSquared's 'The Book Club Play' — FPL celebrates Florence Price
On today's show, we hear more about TheatreSquared’s current production "The Book Club Play", and a curated program at the Fayetteville Public Library celebrates the work of Arkansas composer Florence Price.
Washington County League of Women Voters hosts candidate forum — 'Naming Arkansas' comes to Pryor Center
On today's show, the League of Women Voters of Washington County is hosting a candidate forum later this month, and host of Little Rock Public Radio's segment "Naming Arkansas" Dan Boice visits the Pryor Center for their upcoming program.
NWA Children's Shelter becomes Everhope — New state policy could stop books from getting to inmates
On today's show, a new policy that would prohibit inmates from receiving books directly is being considered in Arkansas, and Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter changes its name, but not its mission.
Arkansas sued for near-total abortion ban — NWA named best performing metro area in U.S.
On today's show, a lawsuit has been filed against the state of Arkansas for their near-total abortion ban, and northwest Arkansas has been named the best performing metro area in America by The Milken Institute.
Learning about Rosenwald Schools — Author Brandon Campbell discusses new children's book
On today's show, we hear about Rosenwald Schools, more than five-thousand schools for African-American children built in the South during 20th century segregation. Also on today's show, Little Rock native Brandon Campbell discusses his new book.
Conservation work at War Eagle Creek — Freckled Hen in Fayetteville closes its doors
On today's show, a restored stretch of War Eagle Creek shows how conservation work protects farms, habitat, and northwest Arkansas’ drinking water. Also on today's show, Fayetteville store Freckled Hen closes its doors on its own terms.
'Build Fayettville's Future' advocates for city bond measures — A postcard from snowy Gulley Park
On today's show, a group out of Fayetteville is advocating for nine bond measures on the ballot this spring, plus sounds from a snowy Gulley Park in Fayetteville.
Winter storm hits NWA — An intersection of finances, relationships with Leah Collins
On today's show, a much-discussed winter storm is ready to transform the weekend in northwest Arkansas, and a look into the show "Maxxed Out" on the Oprah Winfrey Network with NWA-based host Leah Collins.
A ballot measure town hall in Fayetteville — Community yoga offers free exercise alternative
On today's show, civic engagement advocates are hosting a Ballot Measures town hall in Fayetteville, and we hear about the benefits of community yoga classes.
First Finnish jet lands in Fort Smith — Arkansas Crisis Center creates service for teens
On today's show, University of Arkansas students voice disapproval with the decision to seek a different dean for the law school, and the Arkansas Crisis Center wants to talk with young people who are struggling before the struggles reach a crisis point.
State representative responds to UA law school dean controversy — 'Balance' explores new food pyramid
On today's show, a new edition of "Balance" featuring Erin Howie and Jamie Baum discussing new dietary guidelines from the federal government, and how changes are anticipated.
How taxes and voting are affected by postmarks — A museum for school integration
On today's show, what happens when a postmark no longer tracks mail? We also hear about the legacy of a northeast Arkansas school that integrated early.
MLK Council prepares for holiday weekend — St. Louis-based Clementines comes to NWA
On today's show, the northwest Arkansas MLK Council prepares for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday with a series of observations. We also hear about a St. Louis-based ice cream brand bringing its flavors to northwest Arkansas.
Rethinking density with Urban3 — Harold Keller's 'PORTALS' opens at Alexander Gallery
On today's show, the new exhibition "Harold Keller: PORTALS" opens tonight at Alexander Gallery on West Avenue in Fayetteville. Also featured on today's episode, a new analysis looks at how land use choices shape a community’s finances, and why smaller buildings can sometimes do more than larger ones.
Beaver Watershed Alliance recognizes landowners — Abbey Pierce releases new album
On today's show, a United Methodist Church in Fayetteville is seeing some changes. Also featured on today's episode, the Beaver Watershed Alliance highlights landowners in the watershed who exemplify leadership and support conservation and water-quality improvement projects.
Visualizing downtown Fort Smith — Canopy NWA hosts immigrant-owned business exposition
In today's episode, the work continues for local organizations like Canopy NWA, operating to aid immigrants and refugees, and a new survey focuses on what brings people downtown Fort Smith.
Fayetteville expands compost program — Springdale vigil remembers people killed by ICE
On today's show, dozens of people gathered for a vigil in Springdale on Friday night, remembering Renee Good and more than 30 people who have died in ICE custody over the last year. Also on today's episode, Fayetteville's composting program becomes city-supported, integrated through the recycling and trash collection division.
The fate of Tornado Town — Diversity in clinical research
In today's show, the art piece "Tornado Town" is looking for a new space after spending time touring the region, and 40 Arkansas students enrolling at UAMS will have all tuition and fees paid for the length of their program this fall.
NWA Land Trust preservation at White River — The legacy of Andrew Kilgore
On today's show, the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust has protected more than 700 acres in southern Madison County near the White River. Also on today's episode, the latest edition of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal Report.