Ozarks At Large
Simultaneous tax cuts and hikes, charter schools and the latest on Medicaid expansion from the state legislature; jockeys prepare for this weekend's Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn; more sidewalks in Fayetteville and the population continues to grow in Northwest Arkansas; all in today's Segment A.
The Arkansas General Assembly moves forward with a controversial voter ID bill, education and education supporters rally against a proposal that would shift money from the state's general fund into highway construction, and Arkansas' U.S. Senate contingent speaks out about efforts to pass a federal budget.


State lawmakers continue to weigh the issue of Medicaid expansion two weeks after receiving word from Washington that federal Medicaid expansion funds could be used for a privatized expansion of the system. A pair of lawmakers also weigh in on how recent anti-abortion legislation has affected Arkansas' reputation in the rest of the country. And a controlled burn is set for tomorrow in one local city.
Late last week, the Northwest Arkansas Council released the results of a study on the area's Business Retention and Expansion Efforts. The study was compiled from interviews by area chambers of commerce with 459 area companies. We speak with Mike Harvey, chief operating officer of the council about the survey and what the results mean for the area moving forward.
Another area city plans to speak out against a bill in the Arkansas Legislature that could mean a rollback of city development regulations. Governor Mike Beebe touts the state's efforts to make sure fewer children in Arkansas go hungry, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art again gets national recognition, not for its paintings but for the construction of the museum itsself.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Ahead on Ozarks, distance education will have a strong presence in a program on the University of Arkansas campus next fall, plus Rogers Little Theatre brings a comedy classic to the stage. We go behind the scenes with The Man Who Came To Dinner.
A newly permitted industrial swine breeding operation, under construction on a tributary of the Buffalo National River, will spread millions of gallons of hog waste on adjacent pastures as fertilizer. But as word spreads about the giant hog farm, an unlikely coalition of opponents is forming to stop it.
“Sky Tunnel” by Robert Rich
Wednesday is the annual Live United Day sponsored by United Way of Northwest Arkansas. Hundreds of people in northwest Arkansas will not go to their office in the morning. Instead, with their boss’ blessing they’ll help out with a project for an area non-profit organization.
An exhibit opening today in the Ann Kittrel Gallery features a handful of dresses designed to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.
The big pigs around Fayetteville, dressed up by local artists, will soon end their visit. But first an auction will be held so some of the pigs can go home with admirers while raising money and awareness for both Ozark Literacy and local artists.
“Serenade” by Ennico Toselli
Helen Kwiatkowski and Todd Williams are both displaying their artwork at the Fayetteville Underground this month.