
Ozarks At Large

After overriding a veto by Governor Mike Beebe on a piece of anti-abortion legislation, the state senate advances another, more restrictive anti-abortion bill to the governor's desk. And, Walmart announces its progress in bringing healthier food to its customers.
With federal budget sequestration looming around the corner, Arkansas' U.S. Senate contingent sounds off about the issue. We also look at how budget sequestration could impact research at the University of Arkansas. And, the Arkansas Legislature moves forward with two anti-abortion bills.
Desmond Shaw Taylor is the surveyor of The Queen's pictures, the curator of the paintings in the royal collection of Great Britain. He speaks with Christina Thomas in advance of his appearance at Crystal Bridges of American Art this Friday.

The cities of Fort Smith, Fayetteville and Springdale are the second, third and fourth-largest cities in Arkansas. But, how do the leaders of those cities deal with making difficult decisions. Ozarks at Large's Timothy Dennis spoke with leaders of the three cities to find out.
After being amended by a House committee, a bill that would cap the state's spending growth advances in the Arkansas legislature. Governor Mike Beebe voices his mind about Lt. Governor Mark Darr's signing of a bill while the governor was away. And, the Ozark Natural Science Center in Huntsville announces suspension of its programs that have served thousands of area students in the past two decades.

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.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Friday, March 21, 2014
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, we learn about new standardized public eduction testing that will be tried in schools as part of the new Common Core cirriculum. Also, Little Chief performs a song of their new album.
Another ballot initiative group is moving forwarrd with petitions after the state's attorney general approved the wording of its measure, which would raise the minimum wage in Arkansas to $8.50. Booneville Community Hospital starts the new year with a new name and new management. Fayetteville is set to be recognized as a compassionate city. Thirteen Arkansas counties are declared disaster areas after the early December ice and snow storm. And with a budget set, the Sebastian County Quorum Court and Fort Smith Board of Directors agree on amenities to be placed in the future Ben Geren Aquatics Park.
"Nicolas Cage" by The Great Wild
Millions of newly insured Americans will be seeking medical care, under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act starting this month. And with a projected shortage of primary care physicians to serve them, new research indicates that nurse practitioners may help fill the gap. We hear from a national association board member as well as Dr. Anna Jarrett, an acute care nurse practitioner and professor of nursing at UA-Fayetteville.
Roby Brock, from Talk Business Arkansas, examines a recent poll of some of Arkansas top business officials.
If the weather allows, the second weekend of 2014 will be full of indoor and outdoor events.
"Silver Surfer, Ghost Rider, Go" by Trentmoeller
The inaugural Ozark Mountain Music Festival is all indoors in Eureka Springs. And it has a fun nickname, too.
Schedule Includes:
Friday, 1/24
6 p.m. Barefoot Ballroom -- HonkySuckle
8 p.m. Ozark Room -- Wink
10 p.m. Barefoot Ballroom -- 3 Penny Acre
Saturday, 1/25
Balcony -- Hogscalders
2 p.m. Ozark Room -- Pearl Brick
4 p.m. Ozark Room -- Tyrannosaurus Chicken
6 p.m. Barefoot Ballroom -- SxRex
8 p.m. Ozark Room -- Ben Miller Band
10 p.m. Ballroom -- National Park Radio
MIDNIGHT JAM -- Ron Landis and Chuck
Sunday, 1/26
NOON- Bloody Mary Morning Show Ozark Rooms -- Handmade Moments
"Dream of the Future" by Carter Burwell