
Ozarks At Large

A bill that would cap growth in state spending is reintroduced to a House committee today while an approved bill to change the state's scholarship lottery system moves to Governor Mike Beebe's office for the governor's signature. And, more trail construction may soon get underway in Rogers.
Beginning March 3, Trinity United Methodist Church in Fayetteville's Sunday Supper program will be offered every week at the church. More information is available at 575-9500.
For today's fun, Becca from NWA Newspapers suggests auditions for “Steel Magnolias,” a concert by the UA Symphony Orchestra, or a one-night-only performance of “Biloxi Blues.”
The show's new host Guy Raz, formerly the host of Weekends on All Things Considered, spoke to us about the show.
A bipartisan duo of Arkansas legislators plan to file a bill this session to end wage theft in the workplace. Jacqueline Froelich gives us an update from the bill's sponsors, and she speaks with a state wage theft expert.
Arkansas receives a $43 million grant to help the state lower health care costs while increasing the quality of service, In Governor Mike Beebe's absence, Lieutenant Governor Mark Darr signs into law a bill privatizing a list of concealed carry permit holders. And, more information is released from the newest Talk Business-Hendrix College Poll.
Katy Henriksen gives us some background on the music for this week's Sunday Symphony, as well as another tune from Shawn James.

Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, they aren't native to the United States. but Burmese pythons are presenting themselves as quite a problem in parts of the nation; we take a look at how they got here. Plus, after years of planning, an orchard begins to take roots in Fayetteville this afternoon, and students at an area junior high school prepare to put their knowledge and problem solving skills to the test on the statewide stage.
The ending sports seasons, art with a new permanent home, and a new effort to collect diapers are all part the Tuesday notes.
After Sunday's tornado devastated Vilonia, Mayflower and the surrounding areas, several businesses began offering a slew of options to provide additional support to relief efforts, some traditional and others more novel.
For a list of some of the ways to help relief efforts, click here.
A half-mile wide tornado killed at least 16 last night when it rolled across the central part of the state, hitting the cities of Mayflower and Villonia especially hard. Meanwhile, the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross begins coordinating its response teams to help in the recovery efforts.
"Bizness" by tUnE-YaRdS
The Human Rights Campaign based in Washington, D.C. has announced plans to aggressively expand operations in Arkansas and two other southern states. And as Jacqueline Froelich reports, the group has committed $8.5 million dollars to make it happen. (Photo: Chad Griffin, HRC President and Arkansas native)
Plus, Wal-Mart pays large sums in legal fees. Roby Brock has more in this week’s Talk Business and Politics Update.
“In/Out” by Dan Croll