Seven finalists, including several with ties to our region, have written what could be a new song for Arkansas.
Ozarks At Large
The latest Theater 2 production, Good People, raises questions about identity and class while making audiences laugh. The script was nominated for a Tony (for best play) in 2011.
Becca Martin Brown, from Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, says try...just try...to do everything worth doing this weekend.
Michael Tilley, from The City Wire, says Arkansas' voters and office holders tend to have an independent streak. He also discusses the city of Fort Smith's decision to not seek fines against Whirlpool.
The Arkansas Senate yesterday passed the Private Option appropriation, while the House again defeated the bill. Fayetteville Public Schools gets a waiver to hold classes on Memorial Day, and new public transit routes are coming to Rogers.
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.
Students from Woodland Junior High School prepare to head to Little Rock for the Arkansas Governor's Quiz Bowl Association state championship on Saturday.
Jim Belushi cancels on northwest Arkansas, and Matt McClure is nominated for a James Beard Award.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, those amphibious harbingers of spring--frogs and toads--are being counted all over Arkansas. We'll find out how the frog watch works, and if the number of frogs in the state is diminishing. And, the AMP is being prepared for its first show. The seats aren't in yet, but work is going on almost around-the-clock to meet a June 1 completion date.
In the span of 35 years, The Austin Lounge Lizards have released 11 albums including one this year. The band has a loyal following around the country, and when they were in Fayetteville recently, they stopped by the Firmin-Garner Performance Studio for a live set on The Pickin' Post. Here's one of the songs from that set.
Governor Mike Beebe yesterday released the results of an investigation into the Arkansas Department of Community Correction, and that systemic problems exist within the department. Excess state revenue in October may be needed later this year, according to a state economist. Work gets underway at Fayetteville's Wilson Park, as renovations begin to the buildings at the park's pool. A longtime lobbyist for the U of A announces his retirement. And the Walton College of Business gets another favorable ranking.
"Vivian Leigh's Veins" by Kaki King
Two years ago we reported on plans by the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville to establish a comprehensive support program for students with high functioning autism. Nine students are now enrolled. The UA is among two-dozen colleges offering such services.
Some kids may like athletics or marching band, but one effort in Fayetteville aims to nurture the next generation of nerds in a positive atmosphere.
"A Streetcar Named Desire" by Kenny Burrell
Becca Martin Brown gives us the details of the big food and wine week in Eureka Springs.