The Riverfront Blues Festival takes the stage this weekend in Fort Smith. Becca Martin Brown has more.
Ozarks At Large
Arkansas is one of 45 states to enact Common Core State Standards. A new office on the University of Arkansas campus has been established to find new ways bring those standards into the state's schools. We learn more about the Office of Innovation in Education from the office's director.

Senator John Boozman says he would like to see the National Security Agency use more focused efforts to curb terrorism rather than relying on programs that use mass collections of data. The Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners approves a draft of rules for implementing the state's new voter ID law. Work is expected to begin soon on clearing the Cache River, a tributary of the White River. And the special collections department at the UA's Mullins Library unveils a new exhibit to celebrate National LGBT Pride month.


The Genesis Technology Incubator has been in the same place in some form for nearly three decades. But much has changed in and around that facility, as the Arkansas Research and Technology Park has coagulated on the acreage surrounding the facility.
Becca says the Fort Smith Museum of History is presenting a recreation of the Boston Store's tea room at noon Thursday.

Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Monday, October 7, 2013
Ahead on Ozarks…an algae with a funny nickname…didymo…has been found in the White River watershed. The plan to keep it form spreading has been put in motion. And writing a book through facilitated communication: Holly Fields explains how her non-verbal daughter, Stephanie R. Marks, wrote the book "Paula’s Journal: Surviving Autism."
Early next year, the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, informally called The Fort Smith RAM, will open its new home to the public. The RAM’s history began in the 1940s, incorporating as an arts center in 1968. www.fsram.org.
Katy Henriksen talks with the Welsh singer-songwriter about her latest music. To learn more about this artist, visit http://catelebon.com.
A nearly $1 million grant will allow the Ft. Smith Fire Department to pay nine firefighter positions, 10 current or former University of Arkansas athletes are preparing to compete in the London Olympics, and more.
“Bubblehouse” by Martin/Medeski/Wood
Michael Tilley from www.TheCityWire.com explains how the recent drought is affecting business and how trash collection in Ft. Smith has become a bigger issue than expected.
In addition to serving as Sebastian County Circuit Court Judge, Jim Spears is the author of “Justice Divided: A Judicial History of Sebastian County.”
“Fort Smith Breakdown” by The Freight Hoppers