Ozarks At Large
Simultaneous tax cuts and hikes, charter schools and the latest on Medicaid expansion from the state legislature; jockeys prepare for this weekend's Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn; more sidewalks in Fayetteville and the population continues to grow in Northwest Arkansas; all in today's Segment A.
The Arkansas General Assembly moves forward with a controversial voter ID bill, education and education supporters rally against a proposal that would shift money from the state's general fund into highway construction, and Arkansas' U.S. Senate contingent speaks out about efforts to pass a federal budget.


State lawmakers continue to weigh the issue of Medicaid expansion two weeks after receiving word from Washington that federal Medicaid expansion funds could be used for a privatized expansion of the system. A pair of lawmakers also weigh in on how recent anti-abortion legislation has affected Arkansas' reputation in the rest of the country. And a controlled burn is set for tomorrow in one local city.
Late last week, the Northwest Arkansas Council released the results of a study on the area's Business Retention and Expansion Efforts. The study was compiled from interviews by area chambers of commerce with 459 area companies. We speak with Mike Harvey, chief operating officer of the council about the survey and what the results mean for the area moving forward.
Another area city plans to speak out against a bill in the Arkansas Legislature that could mean a rollback of city development regulations. Governor Mike Beebe touts the state's efforts to make sure fewer children in Arkansas go hungry, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art again gets national recognition, not for its paintings but for the construction of the museum itsself.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Ahead on Ozarks, distance education will have a strong presence in a program on the University of Arkansas campus next fall, plus Rogers Little Theatre brings a comedy classic to the stage. We go behind the scenes with The Man Who Came To Dinner.
Later this month students in the University of Arkansas' Hospitality and Restaurant Management Program will be in charge of the historic Crescent Hotel.
To make reservations or find out more, click here
"Untitled" by Kaki King
The city of Fayetteville was recently reassessed by the Insurance Services Office, which found that the city has made several improvements to fire protection since the last such rating more than a decade ago. The state highway department encountered few problems with clearing highways after yesterday's wintry precipitation that moved across the state. And two superstars will perform in Rogers later this month.
"Opus No. 1" by Tim Carleton and Darrick Deel
Last week, Mercy Fort Smith opened its new 6,900-square-foot breast center.
Last week, the state witnessed another big bank deal. Roby Brock from our content partner Talk Business Arkansas has the details.
"Trouble is My Name" by Dum Dum Girls
Becca has a list of art and theater classes in which parents can enroll their kids.
"Song 2" by Blur