Ozarks at Large

Fashion designers in northwest Arkansas are forging a new path after a supporting organization folds. Also, Matt McGowan explains that his new novel, “Western Swing,” includes a young man seeking his own new path. Plus, news from Michael Tilley with Talk Business and Politics.

Advocates of boosting Arkansas’ film industry say offering incentives for filmmakers could begin to make the state a player in that field. On today's show, Ozarks at Large's Kyle Kellams discusses a campaign to bring more movies to Arkansas. Plus, we will explore another entertainment industry gaining a foothold in northwest Arkansas: video game production. Also, learning more about KUAF's Listening Lab.

The city of Fayetteville and the Fayetteville School District are teaming up to provide safe routes to school. On today's show, we hear how the city is seeking public input on how to implement the plan best. Plus, we hear about new words from the late Charles Portis. We've also got your next weekend planned out as we talk some tunes.

About one in five public schools in Arkansas are using a four-day school week. A bill in the legislature could put a halt to that.Plus, a new major at John Brown University will take flight this fall and an update on Arkansas Children’s expansion across the state.

Bills about social transitioning for transgender minors, ivermectin, and mandatory posting of the ten commandments make their way through the Arkansas Legislature, even if they may face legal changes. Plus, musical reflections on life, death and grace included in a new Sound Perimeter from Lia Uribe.

This week, a conference on the University of Arkansas campus focuses on Celtic language and culture and how the past can help inform the present. On today's show, we hear about the Celtic Studies Association of North America, which convened in Fayetteville. Also, Michael Tilley from Talk Business and Politics takes Arkansas' economic temperature. Plus, entrepreneurs in the cycling arena are refining their work with the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator.

A recent report shows that Arkansas is ranked the best in the nation in one financial growth area. However, another indicator is nearly the worst. On today's show, we'll hear more about the state's economic status. We'll also learn about a significant gift to UAFS that endows a Center for Nonprofits. Plus, Ozarks at Large's Daniel Caruth reports how America's largest meat producer faces external and internal scrutiny for its workplace policies.

On today's show, we learn about a free healthcare clinic happening this weekend in Fort Smith. Also, we have more about the second iteration of SongRider: songwriters embedded with cyclists across northwest Arkansas. Plus, the Gathering of the Groups annual meeting is this weekend at the Fayetteville Public Library, but what will happen during that conference?

Historians are working to learn—and share—more about Black settlers in Washington County. On today's show, a conversation about the updated Annotated Bibliography on Black Settler of Washington County Arkansas. Also, XNA has new vending machines offering a necessary good: diapers. Plus, we hear from a company based in the UK that is participating in the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator.

For decades, the Fulbright Program has fostered international exchange, creating recognition for Arkansas in the process. On today's show, we consider the legacy of The Fulbright Program. Plus, we remember an Arkansas basketball great: the late Oliver Miller.

On today's show, we take another trip to the Ozarks at Large archives.

On today's show, we take a trip to the Ozarks at Large archives.

As the Arkansas Legislature considers a community-based doula certification act, the Doula Alliance of Arkansas takes note of World Doula Week. That story is on today's show. Plus, we’ll consider wellness in our regular feature “balance," by examining the similarities and differences between hunger and appetite. Also, the fifth annual Leverett AMP Concert Series in Fort Smith is about to start.

Arkansas ranks very low in maternal health categories, and a new, free app is trying to help expecting and new mothers get connected to services. On today's show, we hear how an Arkansas-specific pregnancy app could move the needle for maternal health. Plus, the co-writer of Back to the Future helps turn the iconic film series into a stage musical. Also, writer Mathew Goldberg is coming back to northwest Arkansas to launch his new book at Two Friends in Bentonville.

There is talk of a possible recession, talk that has happened before. On today's show, the Pryor Center archives help us look back at past economic downturns. Plus, the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas continues an active March. We also have a new edition of Sound Perimeter from Lia Uribe honoring Women’s History Month.

On Today's show we hear the week's latest Fort Smith headlines from Talk Business and Politics' Michael Tilley. Plus the National Park Service prepares for busy season amid staffing cuts and a preview of Theatre Squared's 20th season.

In today's episode, Daniel Caruth reports on a disaster simulation conducted on the John Brown University campus in Siloam Springs. Northwest Arkansas Community College celebrates the 20th anniversary of its honors program, and more.

On today's Ozarks at Large, wildfire risk is high across Arkansas this Spring - we hear from the Arkansas Forestry Division about the causes of and how to prevent forest fires. Plus, a day-camp for high school students explores medical careers and a festival in Springdale brings the Marshall Islands to the Ozarks.

In today's episode, reports of fentanyl overdoses drop dramatically across the United States, Arkansas included. A new report from Heartland Forward examines the economic boost to the state if there were more medical residencies available.

We hear voices from a rally in support of local VA employees who have lost their jobs under new federal staffing cuts. Plus we help celebrate an icon of Fayetteville nightlife - Maxine's Taproom - ahead of the bar's 75th birthday.

Today's show features more updates from the Arkansas Legislature. How the latest version of what we’re calling bird flu can have an effect on animals, people and the economy, as well as this year's SHE: Festival of Women in Music at the University of Arkansas. Today's show features more updates from the Arkansas Legislature. How the latest version of what we’re calling bird flu can have an effect on animals, people and the economy, as well as this year's SHE: Festival of Women in Music at the University of Arkansas.

On today's show, we discover more about the planet Mars with University of Arkansas researchers. We also consider legislative proposals designed to invest more in primary care physicians in Arkansas, and protect protocol designed to support citizen-led initiatives.

Arkansas is fully embracing mountain biking, but climbing is also becoming a big draw. On today's show, we consider the work to give climbers unique places to scale from Springdale to North Little Rock. Plus, a convergence of science, research, music and marimbason the University of Arkansas campus.

The General Assembly is several weeks into its regular session. On today's show, we hear a review of the past week with Josie Lenora, a politics and government reporter for Little Rock Public Radio. Also, Randy Dixon with the Pryor Center tells us how the New Madrid Seismic Zone has fascinated, scared and intrigued us for two centuries.

We use math every day, even if we don't know it. Many of us could probably benefit from increasing our math literacy. On today's show, we hear how the U of A Department of Mathematical Sciences and the Fayetteville Public Library are partners for screening the documentary "Counted Out". Plus, a retrospective of Eugene Sargent's art opens this weekend. Also, Michael Tilley takes us through this week's headlines.

As conversations continue in Washington, D.C., about the size of federal agencies’ workforces, sudden terminations are having an effect. On today's show, Ozarks at Large’s Jack Travis speaks with two former federal employees. Also, the U.S. Marshals Museum is teaming up with the NEA for the Big Read. Plus, the NPR programs It’s Been a Minute and Wild Card are new partners, and we’ll talk with the hosts.

A new podcast highlights a family member’s immersion into conspiracy rabbit holes. On today's show, we hear what lessons can be learned from watching such happen as Zach Mack discusses his podcast “Alternate Realities." Also, Dunia Elvir, a TV anchor in Los Angeles and president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, shares lessons from thirty years of journalism. Plus, Becca Martin Brown takes "The Other Way" to Cane Hill.

Tontitown residents are keeping their attention focused on a proposed permit regarding air quality. On today's show, we hear from Ozarks at Large’s Daniel Caruth, who was at last week’s public hearing. Plus, Ed Larson will be at the University of Arkansas this week to talk about his Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the Scope Monkey Trial.

On today's Ozarks at Large, we get a round up of the latest from the Arkansas legislature in Little Rock, hear archives from some of the biggest news stories from Arkansas in 1970 and gear up for the 2025 NWACC Spring Arts & Culture Festival.

On today's Ozarks at Large, we get a look at Northwest Arkansas Community College's new student-operated butcher shop, learn about a tool for cyclists to find more accessible campsites, hear from Michael Tilley with content partner Talk Business and Politics about an updated tax plan for Fort Smith and more.

Loneliness can affect any of us in multiple ways. On today's show, we hear from former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, documentarian Nicholas Ma and musician Yo Yo Ma about loneliness and unity. We also celebrate Fayetteville's oldest operating elementary school. Plus, the varied world of orchids.

You can have a vital role in preparing the next generation of doctors. On today's show, we hear how the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine is seeking people to portray clinical patients to help future physicians learn. Also, a quick trip up the mountain gets you to Ozark Folkways. Plus, the Center for Art as Lived Experience in the University of Arkansas School of Art will host a gathering this week.

Recent shifts in immigration policy are creating some concern for parents of adopted children. On today's show, Ozarks at Large’s Daniel Caruth talks with parents and an adoption attorney. Also, we learn the growing importance of outdoor recreation for Arkansas’ economy. Plus, a rare bird is generating excitement in Carroll County.

Lawmakers at the State Capitol are gathering momentum. On today's show, Josie Lenora, the politics and government reporter for Little Rock Public Radio, helps us digest the latest from the General Assembly. We’ll also track the life of former Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker, who died this month. Plus, Lia Uribe embraces France in her latest installment of Sound Perimeter.

We’re still feeling winter, but Ozark-grown fresh produce is very much part of this time of year. On today's show, we take a trip to Spring Creek Hub in Springdale. We also look forward to warmer weather and the 2nd annual Darby Challenge in Fort Smith. Plus, Michael Tilley from Talk Business and Politics looks back at last week and more.

On today's show, we hear how local organizations are reckoning with the Trump Administration’s approach to LGBTQ+ civil rights. Plus, Fort Smith native and University of Arkansas graduate G. T. Karber explains how he combines murder and logic in his internationally best-selling "Murdle" books.

A new tool is designed to give health providers and insurers a deeper look at mental health in Arkansas. On today's show, we hear that the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement has a new Arkansas Acute Behavioral Events Dashboard. Also, a winter storm has area meteorologists working overtime, including Walmart’s in-house meteorologist. Plus, water resource groups are thinking about drinking water for a northwest Arkansas that has one million people.

A newly formed organization in northwest Arkansas wants to keep immigrants in the region informed. On today’s Ozarks at Large, Sophia Nourani talks with organizers of the Alliance for Immigrant Respect and Education. Also, the Black-Owned Northwest Arkansas Business Expo is back again and more extensive this time. Plus, a new book from the University of Arkansas Press explores Asian-American identity through recipes, essays and illustrations.

The Arkansas Legislature is hitting high gear. On today's show, Josie Lenora, politics and government reporter for Little Rock Public Radio, gives us the latest from the Capitol. We’ll also spend time with Pryor Center archives surveying the career of Arkansas-born Billy Bob Thornton.

Happy Valentine’s Day! It is National Heart Month, and on today's show, we hear there are efforts to make sure rural residents have more opportunities to take care of their coronary health. Plus, a big award for the Fort Smith Symphony, another Captain America movie and a pinball mecca on the outskirts of Rogers.

The City of Fayetteville is reaffirming its status as a welcoming city. On today's show, we hear why the city council took the move and what it means. Also, the intersection of magic and Black history. Plus, how the Beaver Water District is safeguarding northwest Arkansas’ drinking water.

There isn’t a PhD program in environmental health sciences in Arkansas right now, but there will be one soon. On today's show, we hear about UAMS' plans to start an environmental health sciences doctoral program this fall. Also, Bentonville Public Schools is developing guidelines about AI. Plus, we get the history of Rogers all in one place.

The Arkansas Crisis Center is now offering a text-to-chat helpline. On today's show, reporter Daniel Caruth provides more details about the new initiative. Also, we learn more about Mexico with the University of Arkansas Honors College. Plus, Ozarks at Large’s Sophia Nourani talks with songwriter, singer and musician Ashton Byrd.

The Arkansas Legislature moves into a fifth week of the 95th General Assembly today. On today's show, we review last week at the Capitol with Josie Lenora from Little Rock Public Radio. Also, Ozarks at Large host Kyle Kellams speaks with the director of public policy at the Alzheimer's Association in Arkansas about efforts to obtain more support for Arkansans living with dementia and their caregivers. Plus, the Pryor Center explains how US AID has historic connections to Arkansas.

Work shouldn’t be unhealthy, but how can we make sure our job doesn’t hurt us? On today's show, our series about health, nutrition and a balanced life examines workplace health. Plus, we spend a few minutes with Sonia De Los Santos and ask her about her musical career that has stretched across North America.

Legally present citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in northwest Arkansas are paying close attention to the Trump Administration’s executive orders. On today's show, reporter Jacqueline Froelich provides more details. Plus, the long history and uncertain future of earthquakes in Arkansas. Also, do podcasts need videos? Dan Craft says yes.

One of Arkansas’ largest cities is considering the livelihood of unhoused residents. On today's show, Ozarks at Large's Jack Travis reports on an ordinance that sought to restrict camping on public property in Fort Smith. We’ll also hear about confusion for VA employees from reporter Daniel Caruth. Plus, we trace the history of science through solar and lunar eclipses.

Fluoride has been in Arkansas’ drinking water for decades, but there is legislation in Little Rock that could change that. On today's show, our reporter, Jack Travis, considers the past and possible future of fluoride in Arkansas. We’ll also talk food with the creative culinary minds behind the Rabbit Hole restaurant popups. Plus, we learn more about a one-night tribute to one of pop music’s enduring duos.

Legislators are returning to the Arkansas State Capitol for the fourth week. On today's show, we look back at the 95th Arkansas General Assembly the previous week and look ahead to the next. We also talk with Renee Montagne about her 40 years at NPR ahead of her retirement. Plus, the Pryor Center takes us back to Arkansan Julia Butterfly Hill’s high-profile protest.

A renewed effort to ignite civic discussion and engagement is underway. On today's show, we hear about Last night’s listening session on the University of Arkansas campus. Also, a new northwest Arkansas voice of guidance is listening to your questions, and we have some inquiries for her. Plus, the news with Michael Tilley, the happenings with April Wallace and the movies with Courtney Lanning.