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.
Tyson Foods announced declining income in its third quarter earnings call, a section of Lake Fayetteville trail could potentially be moved, three Razorbacks move on to semifinals in London, and more.
“Steeplechase” Charlie Parker
Extracting methane from shale preserves locked deep underground in north Central Arkansas requires tremendous amounts of water, diverted from streams and rainwater catchments. But what is the effect on aquifers during prolonged drought?
Fifty years ago, the Delta was the economic engine for Arkansas. Skip Rutherford, the Dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, says it is still an important part of the state.
For more information, visit talkbusiness.net.
“Rowing Song” by Patty Griffin
Thousands of people are expected to attend the third annual “Community Block Party” at the First United Methodist Church campus in downtown Springdale this weekend.
For more information, visit the church's website here.
The staff at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith Academy of the Arts is already noticing the end of summer. Dr. Rosilee Walker Russell says this semester offers more than any previous term.
Audition dates for upcoming ensembles at UAFS Academy include:
Teen Theater, Scrooged, The Musical: August 14, 16, 21, 23 6-8pm.
Teen Honor Choir and Teen Jazz Vocal: August 23, 5-8pm and August 25 9am-noon
Instrumental music auditions for grades 4th and up: August 23 5-8pm and Augustr 25th 9am-noon.
For more information, visit the academy's website here.
“Discus” by Inoran