
Ozarks At Large


(Photo: Walmart 2011 Diversity and Inclusion Report)
The Arkansas Board of Education rolls out a new progress assessment system for school across the state, waypoints in Northwest Arkansas may soon be easier to locate, and Rogers school district officials are looking at changing the way early-achieving students receive credit for courses.
No matter how hard some may try, money is inescapable. We use it to buy stuff, and most often we pay taxes with it. Ozarks at Large's Timothy Dennis takes a look at news stories related to citiesí tax revenue from the past week.

The Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission waits for more input before deciding whether to give $1 million to the U of A, but the commission gives out more than $145,000 to a number of other groups. State officials work to close a funding gap in Arkansas' Medicaid system, and the city of Fort Smith takes another look at zoning for sexually oriented businesses.
David Shipler, author of the book “The Working Poor” spent time in northwest Arkansas last month for the annual One Book, One Community event. During his visit he participated in a public discussion at the Fayetteville Public Library.

Crystal Bridges of American Art in Bentonville is one year (and one day) old today. We take a look back at the museum's last twelve months.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, a conversation with the director of special education for the U.S. Department of Education; she says many with disabilities are capable of learning anything and everything that those without disabilities can. Plus, as strawberries begin to pop up in gardens and farmers' markets in the area, a group of national leaders in the industry meet in Fayetteville to discuss sustainable growing practices.
The Springdale Municipal Airport recently received a $150,000 grant to help improve access to its terminal.
"LaRue" by Still on the Hill
The state Department of Workforce Services releases March unemployment numbers for Arkansas, though they remain slightly above the national rate. Plus, the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage will either be reaffirmed or struck down in the coming weeks.
"Marseilles" by Hey Marseilles
P3 Waste Consulting has helped develop a program for Mercy Hospital in Rogers to recycle blue wrap used to keep surgical instruments sterile.
In his weekly recap, Roby Brock discusses Home BancShares reporting a record first quarter profit and more.
"Voice In My Throat" by Pearl and the Beard
A screening of the documentary film Girl Rising aims to raise local awareness to the challenges girls face globally in education. Hosted by GIRLS Rock of Ramay Junior High, the screening will be at 6:30 Thursday evening at the Fayetteville High School Performing Arts Center.