Ozarks at Large

On today's show: 2030 is approaching, fast. The Walton Family Foundation is identifying strategies for its latest five-year grantmaking cycle. Plus, this summer UAFS student Danu Regalado is cycling across the country to raise awareness for differently abled people, and Smokehouse Players are bringing "On Golden Pond" to the summer stage.

On today's show, we hear about a local dentist who is working on a new way to provide dental care to children who are underinsured. Plus, we learn that opera is anything but boring as Karen Day discusses her film ARIA-Opera on the Edge, part of the 2026 Bentonville Film Festival. We also talk about local music for the week.

On today's show, we hear the first story in a three-part series on preventative care for women. We also learn about Electionsaurus. Plus, we get more about an event that brings together an all-star roster of area chefs for one night to cook over an open fire.

On today's show, we learn that the answer as to whether data centers can be built in Pulaski County is still up in the air.  Plus, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is ready to open its expansion, and we take a look at what's new.  Drew Hutson Rogers also talks being on tour.

On today's show, we hear about a new nonprofit based in central Arkansas that is launching to address food insecurity and student meal access. Plus, as the American 250th anniversary approaches, we listen to more archives from the Pryor Center, looking back at how Arkansas observed America's history on the Bicentennial. We also offer an exploration of musical peace.

On today's show, we hear that grassroots organizers are entering crunch time to collect signatures for potential ballot measures in Arkansas. Plus, we explore a festival that brings all of Arkansas together in one weekend. We also get River Valley headlines from Talk Business & Politics.

On today's show, we examine one of the many elements of city public works that go overlooked: the street sweepers. Plus, we're moving into musical festival season, and we preview live music opportunities as May dissolves into June, including a benefit show Saturday with Melissa Carper. We also feature the return of April Wallace, who shares some recommendations.

On today's show, we learn that a discrimination lawsuit has been filed against a whites-only community in Arkansas. We also hear that more Arkansas teachers are staying in their same jobs next year. Plus, "& Juliet" hits the stage. 

On today's show, we hear about a recent report that highlights ways Arkansas can work towards a healthier democracy. Plus, we explore ways to make sure your summer routine includes staying healthy. We also take a moment to appreciate the sounds of the season.

On today's show, we learn about a nonprofit newsroom that is setting up shop in Arkansas. We also remember how Arkansas observed America's 200th anniversary. Plus, we hear about a new initiative from Everhope that uses a children's business endeavor to create real impact.

On today's show, we hear that more than three dozen young performers are being honored at the second Diamond Awards this weekend at the Walton Arts Center. Plus, writer CJ Leede tells us there is a reason for books that frighten us. Plus. Michael Tilley from Talk Business and Politics delivers a River Valley news roundup.

On today's show, we hear how smart food lockers are improving access to healthy food in Fayetteville. We also learned that this weekend, you can navigate the gravel roads of the Ozarks with guidance during the Ride Your Damn Bike Festival. Plus, we survey the live music scene heading into Memorial Day Weekend.

On today's show, we learn that food insecurity is widespread in Arkansas, including on the flagship university's campus. We also dive into the world of rare and valuable books in northwest Arkansas.  Plus, we hear about a packed city council meeting in Fayetteville and more.

On today's show, we learn that volunteers across the state are gathering at festivals and farmers' markets to collect signatures for their ballot measures. Plus, we hear that navigating a reduction in hospital services in Fort Smith will be the topic of a town hall tomorrow night. Plus, former Fayetteville resident Uchenna Awoke discusses his new novel, out now. 

On today's show, we hear residents in Fayetteville are moving from small green recycling bins to big blue recycling bins. Plus, we visit the Victory Theatre in Rogers, which is hosting its first on-stage performance this week after years of renovation from severe tornado damage. And we explain how you - yes, you - can play a role in Fayetteville Public Library's new strategic plan.

On today's show, we're taking a look back at some of our favorite stories this year, like one detailing a group that's spent 50 years building queer community at the University of Arkansas. Another focuses on how Crystal Bridges recognizes the nuanced history of America's semiquincentennial. We also hear about the Ozark origins of USDA organic farming. 

On today's show,  we learn that a drone manufacturing company looking to set up shop in Fayetteville held a contentious town hall last night. Plus, Arkansas ranks among the worst in the country for the rate of strokes per capita, and we hear from an advocate for awareness of risk factors and for stroke survivors. We also head to the 34th Congress of New Urbanism.

On today's show, we hear about Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett's trip to Bentonville last weekend. Plus, we explore new tech that's helping Ozarks at Large share stories with more people. Plus, we learn about a major street that will temporarily close in Fayetteville.

On today's show, we hear that a Siloam Springs kayaking destination is changing from a secret spot to a regionally recognized water trail. We'll also meet two Haas Hall Academy students who've advanced past the state National History Day competition to qualify for the international finals next month. Plus, we learn about a new concert called "Broadway, Bacharach and Bossa Nova."

On today's show, we hear that the next generation of public servants is ready for their work. We also remember that time a Little Rock TV station swung big and launched a daily, one-hour variety show. Plus, we learn about a new business in Fort Smith that's providing an entrepreneur with space and activating a downtown storefront.

On today's show, we hear that Doug Smith led the project reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone and plans to speak about it at the Walton Arts Center. Plus, we learn that the music of the feminist punk band War on Women can be brutal, but it's not all based on anger. We also get our weekly River Valley news roundup from Talk Business & Politics.

On today's show, we hear from an Arkansas native who received a Pulitzer Prize for local reporting on how tow companies took advantage of low-income residents in Connecticut. Plus, we talk to UAFS students, faculty and members of the community as they catalog as many species of life as they can. We also survey the live music opportunities for the weekend and more.

On today's show, we hear the University of Arkansas recently cut its tennis programs and explore what it means for the future of other Razorback sports. Plus, we consider how a new volunteer center may provide pathways out of loneliness. We also learn why excessive screen use can affect our eyes, legs and even our lungs.

On today's show, we consider whether students and faculty at the University of Arkansas are using Artificial Intelligence responsibly. Plus, we talk with NPR's Scott Simon, who has covered wars, interviewed world leaders, and, in his new book, animals he's known. We also touch base with the Arkansas Advocate about what's happening in Little Rock.

On today's show, we learn that stakeholders are continuing to make efforts to improve maternal and infant health in Arkansas. We also consider the value of community for the Jewish population in northwest Arkansas. Plus, archives from the Pryor Center.

Letters written by a Jewish mother in colonial New York inspire a new song cycle premiering next week at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Plus, a wearable airbag designed for bicyclists, a Northwest Arkansas runner prepares to tackle the Pittsburgh Marathon dressed as a potato, and Burger Week returns to Fayetteville.

On today's show, we hear a local government is considering forming an industrial development authority. Plus, we learn about a new storytelling invitational that takes a prompt from a legendary Ozarks artist. We also get an interview with Arkansas' Secretary of Commerce.

On today's show, we dive into a new report that shows major healthcare disparities exist for Arkansas' Hispanic residents. Plus, a new dashboard, informed by the Arkansas Health Survey, gives us insights into the state's health landscape. We also hear more from 'An Evening with Ken Burns' from Crystal Bridges' lecture series.

On today's show, we hear about the status of a major new state prison originally slated for Franklin County and more details about what is and isn't in the Revenue Stabilization Act. Plus, when was the last time you had livermush for dinner? We examine a new book that collects stories of Southern cuisine. We also take a trip outside with ReWilding Lab.

On today's show, we learn that potential cuts in USDA staffing could lead to more issues for farmers in Arkansas and beyond. Plus, we hear that a recent Civics Arkansas session brought news consumers and news makers together. We also take a trip to the Pryor Center archives.

On today's show, we explore through our new series "Brick, Mortar and Beyond" how operating a successful business in 2026 takes patience, imagination and a connection with customers. We also learn that if you're hitting the course this weekend—the disc golf course—you have options. Plus, we hear about the connection between public media and local bands.

On today's show, we hear that a new solar array came online yesterday for the University of Arkansas. Plus, we learn that on Saturday, if you don't have to work, you can play the drums all day. We also get a roundup of this week's live music happenings.

On today's show, we learn that 211 in Northwest Arkansas has changed hands, but the service is still just as impactful. Plus, Arkansas native Gerrod Conely, best known for his 2016 memoir Boy Erased about his experience with conversion therapy, discusses the recent Supreme Court ruling against Colorado's ban on such therapy. We also hear from another artist in the Creative Exchange Fund.

On today's show, we learn what lawmakers are deciding to spend money on, and perhaps most importantly, what not to spend money on. We also consider what it takes to adapt "Pride and Prejudice" for a TheatreSquared production. Plus, we learn about a documentary detailing the fight for the Kiamichi River.

On today's show, we hear about a new photo exhibit in Gibson Hall that displays the legacy of womanhood on the University of Arkansas campus. Plus, Ken Burns reflects on the myths we've created for a founding father. We also get a new edition of the Pryor Center archives ahead of an in-person event.

On today's show, we recognize that warmer weather is here and warmer temperatures are yet to come. But how can the heat affect us?  We also consider which plants are best for your garden with Master Gardeners. Plus, we hear from Talk Business & Politics' Michael Tilley on a dormant prison project and flying pigs… sort of.

On today's show, we learn that a new conservation easement has been secured on War Eagle Creek. Plus, as northwest Arkansas continues to be one of the fastest-growing metros in the country, we question if the region will keep up. We also try to keep up with an expanding live music landscape.

On today's show, we examine the shifting perception of autism. We also hear about a cross-country quilt that will be assembled in Washington County, Arkansas, this weekend. Plus, we learn about Onward FX and venture capital in Northwest Arkansas.

On today's show, we hear that Benton County leaders have decided to squash a plan to create an industrial development authority. We also learn about a team that worked on a project in 1970 that changed so much of what we do now. Plus, we look ahead at the first full week of the Arkansas Legislature's fiscal session.

On today's show, we learn about a new initiative in Arkansas that aims to streamline access to childcare and early childhood education. Plus, our Pryor Center archives focus on the legendary sports figure, Nolan Richardson. We also listen to a brand new edition of Sound Perimeter.

On today's show, we get a close-up of a $38 million restoration of the historic Fine Arts Center at the University of Arkansas, prepare for the building's new life and reflect on its first opening 75 years ago. We also hear Claudia Burson, who will perform at next week's reopening, on our Steinway.

On today's show, we hear that the Arkansas Legislature's fiscal session kicked off yesterday with a State of the State address from Sarah Huckabee Sanders. We also hear from Craig Fehrman, who spent five years researching his new book about Lewis and Clark and still didn't find everything he wanted. Plus, news from the River Valley courtesy of Talk Business & Politics.

On today's show, a drone research and production facility in Fayetteville is seeing pushback from concerned residents. Plus, advocating for rethinking mental illness, and the University of Arkansas Theatre opens "Peter and the Starcatcher."

On today's show, a recent report shows that Arkansas' approach to voluntary paid family leave may be making it harder on working mothers. Plus, the NPR podcast Planet Money has moved from the airwaves to the written page. 

On today's show, A recent court ruling could lead to greater accessibility for voter registration in Arkansas. Plus, scenes from a research retreat focused on maternal mental health. And we hear a brand new Pryor Center Archive on Nolan Richardson.

On today's show, we hear about a local opera group taking advantage of the natural beauty of the Ozarks at Inspiration Point Center for the Arts. Plus, we have a preview of the ballet "The Sacred Veil." We also learn how the Woodland Junior High Quiz Bowl team prepares for its championship.

On today's show, we hear about a local children's shelter that is commemorating the beginning of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Plus, we learn how to balance our bodies and cholesterol. We also get details about the upcoming KUAF Fundraiser concert happening at George's Majestic Lounge.

On today's show, we hear about a new gravity bike park opening in Bella Vista. Plus, Buddy Shute talks about his new record and performs for us in the Anthony and Susan Hui News Studio. And we also learn about a new kind of storm shelter.

On today's show, we explore how regulating your nervous system became an online trend, and its impact on the larger issue of women and anger. We also look ahead to the Arkansas Legislature's fiscal session. Plus, we hear about a new KUAF Live Session featuring Monsoon.

On today's show, we hear about a study from the Arkansas Department of Human Services that finds that supported living services in the state are severely underfunded. Plus, we remember a nearly-forgotten Arkansas kidnapping 60 years ago. We also get details about Inclusive Prom.

On today's show: "But Wait, There's More," extended editions of stories from voices we've heard on our show recently.  We don't always have time to broadcast all of an interesting conversation, but today we do.