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.
Columnist Wayne Bell from www.fayettevilleflyer.com discusses Sunday’s Tony Awards.
About 150 people gathered on the grass near the intersection of Knapp Drive and Gifford Avenue in Fayetteville Tuesday to watch the transit of Venus in front of the Sun. Ozarks at Large's Jon Schleuss was there and talked with some of the people watching the event.
Arkansas will end the fiscal year with a surplus of over $67 million; the Fort Smith Board of Directors to decide tonight if an automated trash pickup service will be extended to all of the city; and more – on today’s Segment A.
“Venus” by Travka
Walmart’s global retail division is a driving force behind the company’s recent rise in net sales, with 5,600 stores in 26 countries. Doug McMillon, President of Walmart International provides a status report—and response recent allegations of corrupt business practices in Mexico.
“Venus” by Paulinho Mosko
..to view Venus transit the sun is later today. Kyle Kellams talks to a member of the Sugar Creek Astronomical Society about the significance of this event and how to view the transit safely.
For more of this conversation, click here.