Ozarks at Large

The first American pope is in Vatican City.  On today's show, we hear how students at St. Joseph’s School in Fayetteville reacted to the news of Pope Leo XIV's election. Also, Centerton continues to grow rapidly, and the city government is finding space for a brand-new downtown. Plus, our weekly conversation with Michael Tilley from Talk Business & Politics.

Amor Towles’ novels take readers to Moscow, New York and the Lincoln Highway. On today's show, we hear about his latest book, which is a collection of short stories. Also, we learn more about recently passed legislation and how it may affect maternal health outcomes in Arkansas. Plus, Backroom Social Club is back, but it's in Springdale this time.

Northwest Arkansas residents are concerned about proposed cuts in federal programs. On today's show, we hear from a  town hall last night that addressed a proposed federal budget.  Also, the Latino food community is growing in Fayetteville. Plus, a preview of live music across the region and a conversation with a stained glass artist.

On today's show, we hear how Missouri state legislators are working on a new ballot measure that could overturn the legalization of some abortions in the state. We also consider summertime food safety. Plus, how a company based in the Czech Republic is trying to change how you ride with custom 3D printed cycling saddles.

On today's show, we learn that a city’s art is more than just a conversation piece— it's a source of pride and a lure to attract people to visit. Also, why the Dover Quartet loves to travel to northwest Arkansas. Plus, headlines from the River Valley with Michael Tilley.

Four cases of pediatric measles have been confirmed in Arkansas, all in unvaccinated children. On today's show, we hear from a pediatrician who is working hard to keep that number at just four. Also, we hear more about this year's Gulley Park Concert Series. Plus, an afternoon of music designed to relieve what troubles you.

On today's show, we hear more about a new campus for Fayetteville's Ramay Junior High. Also, the idea behind the new show on PBS, “City of Songs.” Plus, how fire and glass combine to make art.

The Clinton School for Public Service is extending its work beyond the classroom. On today's show, we hear how the school works with public service groups and nonprofits. We also investigate what service community health workers can provide. Plus, what can AI do that's a service to all of us?

On today's show, we hear how Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is partnering with the Arkansas Schools for the Blind & Visually Impaired and the Deaf to pilot a program to educate and provide access. Also, Ozarks at Large's Matthew Moore reports that the city of Fayetteville is collaborating with a local nonprofit to increase economic mobility. Plus, a new edition of Sound Perimeter with...

The goal of improving health and healthcare in the middle of the country leads to the grand opening of the Heartland Whole Health Institute. On today's show, we’ll take you to the scene of the ribbon cutting. Also, a conversation with the two-time Grammy-winning band The Lost Bayou Ramblers. Plus, we'll discuss this week's headlines with Talk Business' Michael Tilley.

A new study shows that microplastics are harming freshwater streams. On today's show, we'll hear more about that study and what individuals can do to help. Also, a new law in Arkansas mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms. However, some Christian leaders oppose this measure. Plus, the annual Artosphere Festival returns, and we'll learn what's new.

At least three constitutional amendments will appear on the 2026 ballot for Arkansas voters. On today's show, we dig into some of the research on those revisions. Isabel Davis will also discuss her book, ”Conceiving History,” which explores the long history of trying to become pregnant. Plus, reporter Sophia Nourani and KUAF's Wai-Kay Carenbauer suggest live music shows around the region.

Matt Holden’s “what I did this summer” essay for 2025 should be interesting. On today's show, we hear that the Fayetteville teacher’s summer will include trips into the Pacific Ocean and to Africa.  This summer also means the inaugural Ozark Music Festival all around northwest Arkansas, so we'll provide a glimpse of what's to come. Also, the city of Fayetteville named this year's Amazing Tree, but...

This week marks 50 years since the fall of Saigon. On today's show, we'll hear about refugees from the Vietnam War who made their way to the U.S. through Fort Chaffee. And while the war in Vietnam was half a world away, the impact was felt locally, as we hear in archival recordings of war protests from the Pryor Center.

On today's show, we hear about the Northwest Arkansas Council's strategy for regional growth. We also learn more about 3D-printed food in a new segment of "Balance." Additionally, our reporter, Jack Travis, shares some Earth Day activities for your family.

A new research institute has opened on the University of Arkansas campus. On today's show, a tour of the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research. Also, the deadline for Real ID is approaching and we have what you need to know. Plus, we hear about next month's Fresh Grass Festival's strong Arkansas connection.

A new piece of federal legislation may require paper documentation of a voter’s citizenship. On today's show, we learn how this impacts Arkansans. Also, as the GORP program closes this semester, we take a moment to explore one more participating company. Plus, a conversation with a mind Rogers-based firm that uses AI to stay at the forefront of advertising.

You can’t win ‘em all in sports or the Arkansas Legislature. On today's show, Josie Lenora from Little Rock Public Radio talks us through some bills that didn’t make it and the pivots made by lawmakers. Also, Randy Dixon with the Pryor Center offers a guide to what we might have been talking about on our show 50 years ago today.

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 Listeni...

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 refini...

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 a...