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.
Becca Martin Brown from Northwest Arkansas Newspapers recommends several things-to-do for this weekend.
“Yaman” by Balkan Beat Box
Jason Smith from Walton Arts Center discusses this year’s Artosphere Festival Orchestra.
To listen to more from this conversation, click here.
Michael Tilley from our content partner www.thecitywire.com discusses the increase in home sales numbers in the state, California State Teachers Retirement System’s decision to use its more than 5 million Walmart shares to vote against the entire Walmart Board’s re-election, and more.
Hundreds of artists who’ve settled in and around Eureka Springs have become a treasure trove to the local economy. To better capitalize on the artists as well as to advocate in their interest, the mayor of Eureka Springs appointed a municipal Arts Council. We talk to the director and a founding member.
“Anniversary Waltz” by Andre Riev
Our food expert Teresa Maurer talks about seasonal berries and the Mercy Market in Fort Smith launched by Mercy Hospital.
To view Maurer’s recipe for today, click here.