University of Arkansas researcher Corey Hughes discusses new evidence that Mars’ northern hemisphere may once have held a vast ocean. He explains how Earth’s river deltas help scientists interpret Martian geology and the search for ancient life.

Here & Now host Peter O’Dowd discusses the rush of breaking news, the balance between hard reporting and lighter stories, and why sharing humanity with listeners matters in creating daily public radio.

Arkansas legislators plan to revisit child abuse investigation protocols after a family testified they were wrongly suspected. The move follows public scrutiny of earlier cases and questions about mandatory reporter standards.

The new Forward 2050 Regional Transportation Plan outlines a vision for roads, transit, trails and bike-pedestrian infrastructure across 31 cities in Benton and Washington counties — anticipating growth to 1 million residents.

Ozark Bird Conservancy director Mitchell Pruitt reflects on year one, tracking northern saw-whet owls, studying eastern screech owls in urban forests and launching a citizen nest box program in northwest Arkansas.

Bentonville’s sewer pipes are at capacity amid rapid growth. The Alice L. Walton Foundation is offering a line of credit to fund major upgrades. City leaders plan to repay via fees on new development, sparing current homeowners.

The Beer and Hymns Band meets monthly in Bentonville and Tontitown, bringing people together with song. Their final 2025 event, Beer and Carols, is Sunday, Dec. 14 in Rogers; with proceeds to local nonprofits.

NWA Audio Theater’s new production of “The Wizard of Oz” — directed by Becca Martin Brown — debuts this weekend. The cast includes Katie Smith as Dorothy, Judy Dunleavy Prettyman and Aiden Miller. Shows run at multiple locations through next week.

Power plants in Arkansas received exemptions from the EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standards until July 2029. Environmental advocates warn this could worsen public-health risks, especially in low-income communities.

Last week, CDC vaccine advisers changed guidance so only newborns whose mothers test positive for hepatitis B or whose status is unknown are recommended to get the birth-dose. Dr. Andy Koehler warns this could increase chronic hepatitis B risk in children.