As an arts correspondent based at NPR West, Mandalit del Barco reports and produces stories about film, television, music, visual arts, dance and other topics. Over the years, she has also covered everything from street gangs to Hollywood, police and prisons, marijuana, immigration, race relations, natural disasters, Latino arts and urban street culture (including hip hop dance, music, and art). Every year, she covers the Oscars and the Grammy awards for NPR, as well as the Sundance Film Festival and other events. Her news reports, feature stories and photos, filed from Los Angeles and abroad, can be heard on All Things Considered, Morning Edition, Weekend Edition, Alt.latino, and npr.org.
A new study from UAMS examines how microRNAs may contribute to high rates of diabetes and heart disease among Marshallese people in Arkansas and beyond. Researcher and Marshallese native Dr. Sheldon Riklon says the findings could pave the way for better prevention and care.
Singer-songwriter and filmmaker ISMAY explores Lucinda Williams’ Arkansas years and poetic lineage in "Finding Lucinda." The film, screening at the Fayetteville Folk School, connects Williams’ music to her father, poet Miller Williams, and the region’s creative legacy.
The inaugural Veterans Future Festival in Gentry combines mountain biking, live music and community to celebrate veterans. U.S. Service Success Path’s Wesley Northey discusses how the event builds purpose and connection among veterans transitioning to civilian life.