Last month, freshman Trei Dudley was named the Boys and Girls Club's National Youth of the Year, making her an ambassador for the 4 million kids involved with the national organization.
Ozarks At Large
More than a thousand acres of notoriously tough terrain in Benton County will become the state's newest land preserve, and homecoming week at the UA does more than raise team spirit, for it also raised tons of food for a local food pantry. And AARP offers free defensive driving clinics for veterans this month.
Northwest Arkansas' unemployment rate dropped in the month of September, and a state economist says that the area is the strongest-performing in the state. Also, a kickball tournament to be held later this week has already raised thousands for the NWA Children's Shelter, even before the first ball is rolled. And, AARP plans to offer defensive driving courses to veterans next month.

Arkansas' child welfare system has improved over the last four years. That's according to the latest from Governor Mike Beebe. Also, construction of new aquatic and sports parks in Rogers steadily progresses, and planned expansions to the Medicaid system in Arkansas could help thousands of parents in the state.
Candidates running for the U.S. HOuse of Representatives in Arkansas' 3rd District met in a debate last night, an annual cleanup at Lake Fayetteville is scheduled for tomorrow, and a substantial amound of student-athletes at the U of A are graduating.
Last week, the museum opened a new exhibit “To Cap it all Off," showcasing hats from the 20th Century and beyond. A Matter’s Mingle is set for this evening to celebrate both the museums anniversary and the exhibit. We speak with Dr. Gaye Bland, the museum's director.
A number of Arkansas doctors have spoken out against the medical marijuana issue to be decided next month by state voters, the new Arkansas Poll was released yesterday, and the Arkansas men's golf team finishes its fall season of play.
An event to increase awareness about homelessness will soon be held in Fort Smith, Arkansas' Attorney General gives the OK for the city of Fayetteville to give money to the University of Arkansas, and the Arkansas Department of Health is preparing for flu season.
The local down-tempo dream pop band SW/MM/NG plays an all-ages show with Portland, Ore., polyrhythmic pop act BRAINSTORM at Nightbird Books on Dickson Street in Fayetteville Monday. "Ozarks at Large's" Katy Henriksen has this preview.
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Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Monday, February 24, 2014
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks at Large, the types of food establishments--restaurants, convenience stores, grocers, fast food businesses--that surround a school have an impact on childhood obesity. We speak to two U of A System Division of Agriculture researchers who make that claim. Plus, Habitat for Humanity Washington County completes its 50th home, Roby Brock has his Talk Business Arkansas update, Becca Martin Brown tells us What's Up, and more.
One Arkansas senator is pressing election officials to resolve issues with the state's voter ID law. Other legislators are pushing to prevent the state lottery commission from implementing video gambling games throughout the state. The FASTER Arkansas committee continues its push for changes in state law to allow public schools to connect to an existing, state-funded fiber optic network. And one Eureka Springs alderman is trying to move forward a decades-long debate on what to do about parking in that city's downtown area.
More than twenty Northwest Arkansas specialty shops sell electronic cigarettes, both disposable and rechargeable. The popular devices deliver a smooth warm nicotine-laced white vapor in variety strengths and flavors. We visit the Velvet Vapor in Rogers and also talk to an Arkansas Department of Health tobacco specialist about pending regulations and potential risks associated with “vaping.”
Our history doctor, Bill Smith, explains the relationship between politics and money is an American tradition.
Becca Martin Brown, from Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, directs us to performance art and fireworks this weekend.
Jonathan Story sits down at the Mary Baker Rumsey Steinway.