Ozarks at Large

40 Episodes
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By: KUAF 91.3 Public Radio

A daily news magazine highlighting the people, places and events of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley.

Celebrating education reform at the UofA — Weighing AI's health advice
Today at 6:00 PM

On today's show, we celebrate twenty years of impact from the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas. We’ll also discuss the balance between AI technology and health advice, and highlight the upcoming second annual Funk Festival fundraiser for the Arkansas Support Network.


AI in the classroom — Packaging Specialties economic potential
Yesterday at 6:00 PM

On today's show, we learn that roughly 70% of teachers in Arkansas are using artificial intelligence to prepare their work. We also hear a conversation with this year’s Scholars at Risk speaker at the University of Arkansas about defending international human rights. Plus, local music news for your area.


Researching silicon carbide at the UofA — The Clinton Presidential Library
Last Monday at 6:10 PM

On today's show, we learn about a new semiconductor fabrication facility at the University of Arkansas. We also hear about local sports. Plus, we remember how the world’s attention turned to Little Rock 21 years ago this week for the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.


Welcoming week in northwest Arkansas — Ozarks native becomes Grammy nominee
Last Friday at 5:44 PM

On today's show, Artist Eugene Sargent unveils the nine-foot-tall “Tree of Communication”. Also, Ozark, Arkansas native Jesse Welles becomes a Grammy nominee, and we hear about NWA's welcoming week. 


More Americans become primary caregivers — Arkansas Country Blues and Stringband Festival
Last Thursday at 8:48 PM

On today's show, research shows more Americans are the primary caregiver for other adults. And the candidate filing period has closed in Arkansas, what can we expect? Plus Roby Brock with Talk Business and Politics. 




Special elections after Veteran's Day — National adoption month
11/12/2025

On today's show, a handful of special elections are scheduled for next week across the state for things like city bond issues and school district property taxes. Plus, national adoption month and the legacy of Western swing music in our region. 


Farmington School's electronic buses — Revisiting 1984 Hot Springs tragedy
11/10/2025

On today's show, we hear about new, quieter, cleaner buses taking students to Farmington Schools. Also, how live TV handled a mass shooting in Hot Springs four decades ago. 


Cell tower controversy — 'Voices from Vietnam'
11/07/2025

On today's show, we hear that the Fayetteville Public Library is hosting a photo exhibit and film screening commemorating the Vietnam War. We also learn that some Fayetteville parents are concerned about a cell tower on school grounds. Plus, exploring the science behind stress eating.


New research on Marshallese health conditions — Veterans day in Gentry
11/06/2025

On today's show, we hear about new research from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences that could help explain why the Marshallese community faces higher rates of chronic health conditions. We also learn about the influence of Lucinda Williams' music. Plus, a different kind of Veterans Day celebration in Gentry this weekend.


Reacting to a limit on refugees — NWA Fashion Week's new leader
11/05/2025

On today's show, we hear how a cap on refugees entering the U.S. is affecting local resettlement agency Canopy NWA. We also hear about a new leader and vision for Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week. Plus, how the PackShack will pack 500,000 meals for Northwest Arkansas. 


A long-walk to recognize homelessness — A new leader for health improvement
11/04/2025

On today's show, we hear about a 30-mile pilgrimage to raise awareness about the rise in homelessness in Northwest Arkansas. We also hear from the new president and CEO of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement. Plus, a live session with Trio Hermanitas Alvarez.


'The American Revolution' from Ken Burns — Rogers Schools' new tech center
11/03/2025

On today's show, we hear that the Faulkner Performing Arts Center is screening a new Ken Burns documentary at the University of Arkansas campus. We also hear about a new technology center for Rogers Public School that opened last week. Plus, we revisit the Pryor Center Archives.


NWA Makers Market — Ozarkan Folk Magic
10/31/2025

On today's show, Avanza Arkansas and the Community Creative Center are coming together to celebrate Dia De Muertos in support of the state’s ALICE families. Also, NWA Makers are returning to the Washington County Fairgrounds for the Maker Market. Plus, news from the River Valley with Talk Business & Politics.


Child poverty in Arkansas — An AWSOM opening
10/30/2025

On today's show, we learn that child poverty in the U.S. has nearly tripled since 2021, and Arkansas’ rate is above the national average. Also, the grand opening of two new spaces in Northwest Arkansas. Plus, a new edition of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal.




The 'Lay of the Land' in Arkansas — 'Violent Ends'
10/29/2025

On today's show, we learn that land prices across Arkansas are either increasing or holding steady, and longtime landowners are taking notice. We also hear about a new feature film shot entirely in Northwest Arkansas that is giving audiences a rare look at the state through its own lens. Plus, another KUAF Live Session, this time featuring Deaja Monet.


More chaplains working with State Police — Disability Rights Arkansas
10/27/2025

On today's show, we learn how the Arkansas State Police certified dozens of chaplains to help improve mental and spiritual health with law enforcement. Also, a statewide advocacy group is heavily impacted by the federal government shutdown, even if it ends soon. Plus, a brand new edition of the Pryor Center Archives.


Hearing from Arkansas' top CTE teacher — New Bentonville art
10/24/2025

On today's show, we learn that a Lincoln High School teacher is being recognized for her efforts. We also hear about some new public art popping up in Bentonville. Plus, a roundup of the news from the Arkansas River Valley. 


Fulbright College's updated vision — Exploring Special Collections
10/23/2025

On today's show, we learn about the new mission for Fulbright College. We also hear about an open house to celebrate American Archives Month. Plus, the latest edition of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal Report.


ULI Place Summit — Dashing for nuerodivergent support
10/22/2025

On today's show, we hear a conversation advocating for increased public and private investment in affordable housing. Plus, the Madness of Edgar Allen Poe. We also hear from jazz musician Camille Thurman.


NIH funds Arkansas maternal health research — Consequences of technology
10/21/2025

On today's show, we learn about a $11.7 million boost to maternal health in Arkansas. We also examine the results of technological growth. Plus, a new KUAF Live Sessions performance. 


Investigating Gen Z — Casa Magnolia's farewell
10/20/2025

On today's show, we dig into a recent study that shows more than half of Gen Z Arkansans are thriving. Also, the disappearance and eventual discovery of Baby Christsopher. Plus, a swan song to Casa Magnolia in Springdale.


Saying goodbye to a Fayetteville favorite — The Wizard of Hobbs
10/17/2025

On today's show, we hear how, after 4 years, the Arsaga’s Mill District in South Fayetteville is closing. We also explore what it can mean for two master guitarists to perform together. Plus, Hobbs State Park is hosting a film-themed event that explains how destruction can be an opportunity for a forest to grow.


What happens when a legislative seat is vacant — Poetry about home conflict while abroad
10/16/2025

On today's show, we analyze two vacancy elections in the Arkansas Legislature. Additionally, we learn about creating art while being a parent and witnessing your home country at war. Plus, the latest Northwest Arkansas Business Journal Report.


Women in Tech of Northwest Arkansas — The Razorback Greenway hereafter
10/15/2025

On today's show, we learn how Women in Tech of Northwest Arkansas works across generations to make waste reduction better and more fun. Plus, a vision for the future of the Razorback Greenway. Also, an interview with a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.


Honoring 150 years of the UofA Herbarium — Fayetteville's Most Endangered Places
10/14/2025

On today's show, the University of Arkansas Herbarium is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Plus, two Fayetteville sites are on the Most Endangered Places list compiled by Preserve Arkansas. Also, details on the Ozark Painter, Makers and Shakers Art Crawl in Jasper.


Fayetteville proposes new bond initiatives — NWACC needs instruments
10/13/2025

On today's show, we hear about the mayor of Fayetteville's new batch of bond initiatives. Plus, NorthWest Arkansas Community College is hosting a used instrument drive. Also, another trip to the Pryor Center Archives with Randy Dixon.


Celebrating one's 'Authentic Self' — Bee Balm Poetry Week
10/10/2025

On today's show, we hear about a concert at Thaden School celebrating trans rights and artistic expression. Also, Bee Balm Poetry Week returns to Fayetteville. Plus, there’s a new director at the Fort Smith Regional Airport.


Increasing visibility for UofA special collections — Climate change's effect on healthcare
10/09/2025

On today's show, we hear about how updates to the Mullins Library at the University of Arkansas offer better access to special collections. Plus, we investigate the impacts of climate change on each state's healthcare sector. We also learn what it means for a history museum to celebrate its own history.


Nonprofits tackle affordable housing — 'The Madness of Poe'
10/08/2025

On today's show, we hear about how local organizations are developing innovative solutions to address affordable housing in northwest Arkansas. We also learn about a celebration of Dia de Muertos with traditional Mexican music and dance this weekend in Springdale. Plus, exploring folk magic in the Ozarks at the Fort Smith Museum of History.




Fayetteville school's new assessment — Funding sign language access
10/07/2025

On today's show, we hear a conversation with the superintendent for Fayetteville Public Schools about a new school accountability system. Also, we learn that Laurie Halse Anderson’s latest book is set in 1776, but sounds more like 2025. Plus, a roundup of live music in the region.


A new parental support program — Firefighter protections
10/06/2025

On today's show, we hear about a pilot program to offset major expenses for new parents who attend wellness visits. We also learn about new protections for firefighters in Fayetteville, both on and off the clock. Plus, a new batch of Pryor Center archives, a new Sound Perimeter and more.


Startup Crawl 2025 — Momentous returns
10/06/2025

On today's show, we hear how mall businesses and beer came together last weekend on the Fayetteville Square. Plus, The Momentary is bringing electronic music to Bentonville. We also offer a rundown of the week’s news from the River Valley with Michael Tilley from Talk Business & Politics. 


Examining the 'Dirty Truth' — A new production at TheatreSquared
10/02/2025

On today's show, we hear about a recent report from the Sierra Club that reveals utility companies in Arkansas remain heavily reliant on nonrenewable energy sources. Plus, the world premiere of “Malcom X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy's Chicken Shack in Harlem” at TheatreSquared opens this week, and we talk to some people behind the production. Roby Brock with the NWA Business Journal also explains how a public school is helping students save money for after graduation.




A new early childhood education voucher program — 'Controlled Demo'
10/01/2025

On today's show, we learn how changes to an early childhood voucher program in Arkansas culminated in a legislative meeting. Artist Sam King also shares the importance of place in artmaking and consumption. Plus, previewing "An Evening with Sherlock Holmes."


Dire circumstances for rice farmers — Dylan Earl visits KUAF
09/30/2025

On today's show, we hear from an agricultural economist about how global economics are affecting rice farmers in Arkansas. Also today, Dylan Earl stops by KUAF to talk about his new music. Plus, a rundown of the live music coming up in the region.


Learning more about the murder of Emmitt Till — 'Felt Piano Dreams'
09/29/2025

On today's show, Wright Thompson will discuss his book about the murder of Emmitt Till, “The Barn,” that sheds new light on a 70-year-old murder. We also explore various ways to present musical concerts with Lauren Sonder. Plus, a dive into the Pryor Center Archives with Randy Dixon to discuss Oscar Alagood, one of KATV’s first news announcers, who turned state senator.  


Enabling tech-based startups — A rising bear population
09/26/2025

On today's show, we hear about a statewide tech accelerator that helps entrepreneurs start and sustain their businesses. Also, wildlife officials note that a rise in the state's black bear population means more encounters with Arkansans. Plus, our regular round-up of news from the River Valley with Michael Tilley from Talk Business & Politics.


AI's role in your small business — The Creative Exchange Fund
09/25/2025

On today's show, we explore the adoption of AI in daily work by small businesses.  We also learn about Elana Ramage’s novel, which tells the story of a woman who aspires to be the first Cherokee astronaut. Plus, profiles from the Creative Exchange Fund.


A housing summit — Google's billion dollar investment
09/24/2025

On today's show, we hear how a housing summit this fall will host national experts to help tackle regional problems. Plus, Google is building a billion-dollar data center in Arkansas. We also go The Other Way with Becca Martin Brown.


Fayetteville's new housing officer — NWA Book Fest expands
09/23/2025

On today's show, we hear a conversation with Fayetteville's first chief housing officer, Marlee Stark. Plus, the NWA Book Fest is expanding its lineup to include a day dedicated to children's literature. Also, a rundown of the week ahead in live music.