Ozarks at Large

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 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.