What are our cats, dogs and octopia really thinking? A University of Arkansas Honors College Signature Seminar next fall will consider animal minds. This Wednesday at 5:15 pm in gearhart Hall Auditorium on the U of A campus, Ed Minar will present a preview lecture about the topic.

Philadeplhia-based comedian Krish Mohan says his new stand-up show "Politely Angry" is meant to point out the ridiculous in divisive issues like race, religion and politics. He explains his socially consious brand of comedy ahead of his shows with Comedians NWA - Friday at 8:30 p.m. at Nomads in Fayetteville and Saturday at 8 p.m. at Black Apple Crossing in Springdale - later this week.

Ann Hampton Calloway is bringing her voice and style to the Blue Lion in downtown Fort Smith. Becca Martin Brown, features editor at the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, says the Febrtuary 18th performance is a highligh tof the entertainment available this week.

A groundbreaking in Fort Smith is another example of how the medical sector is growing in the city. Michael Tilley, with Talk Business and Politics , discusses the rise of the number of medical jobs and a slight uptick in homes sales for the metro area in 2019.

The Arkansas Department of Health compiles data on communicable disease outbreaks in Arkansas to inform medical providers, the media and the public. We talk with Jennifer Dillaha, MD, who serves as Medical Director for Immunization/Outbreak Response about how the department of health accurately track such medical events.

As partisan candidates are gearing up for the Arkansas primary on March 3, so are nonpartisan circuit and district court judge candidates. We speak with Janine Parry, a political science professor at the University of Arkansas and director of the Arkansas Poll, about both types of judgeships.

There is theater all over our region. Becca Martin Brown, the features editor for the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, helps direct us through the menu of musicals, dramas and comdedy.

Sarah Loethen has performed trhoughout the region for a few years as a solo performer, with the band Makin' Loaf and others. On Feb. 21, Makin' Loaf will release its debut CD with a show at Ryleigh's in Fayetteville. Earlier this year, Sarah stopped by to talk about her musical journey and to play a few songs for us.

Members of Temple Shalom last Sunday evening observed Tu b’Shevat, to celebrate the “New Year of the Trees.” Rabbi Jacob Adler provides both ancient and contemporary historical context, and Torah instructor, Miriam Klinzing guides us through the Tu b’Shevat seder, or ritual feast in honor of this Jewish Arbor Day.

The draft code is the culmination of six months of work by focus groups comprised of short-term rental and motel/hotel operators, neighbors and citizens, as well as several public meetings. Fayetteville Planning Commission reviewed the draft document this week and plans a second review February 24 th at 5:30pm in room 219 at Fayetteville City Hall. If approved the ordinance will go before city council for consideration.