
Ozarks At Large


As federal immigration legislation was formally filed, local groups reacted to the 800-page proposal.
The Arkansas Senate followed the House's lead in passing a federally backed expansion of the state's Medicaid system, and all that remains is final approval from Washington. The Arkansas Governor's race gets a little more crowded with an official announcement by former Congressman Mike Ross. Arkansas' two Senators give their thoughts on the Gang of Eight proposed immigration reform package. A hearing is held today in Nebraska regarding the Keystone XL pipeline, and a Bentonville group wants to turn Fridays into bike days.



The Arkansas Legislature was a flurry of activity yesterday, with passage not only of Medicaid expansion, but the House also advanced bills regarding cuts to the state's income, capital gains and utility taxes. The House also passed the Senate bill that will provide financial support for construction of the Big River Steel superproject ion Osceola. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel rejects the latest proposed ballot initiative regarding medical marijuana, and Northwest Arkansas' two baseball teams have a disappointing Tuesday.
The Arkansas House voted in favor of a federally backed expansion to Medicaid this morning, and the issue now moves on to the Senate for approval. The ruptured section of oil pipeline in Mayflower is removed. Fayetteville aldermen will issue a contract for the big parking deck project, and Bentonville elementary and middle school students put their pedals to the road.



Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Monday, March 31, 2014
On this edition of Ozarks, a preview of an upcoming grief seminar for bereaved parents. Also, Fort Smith releases an annual report on its homeless community.
The classic tale of jealousy and betrayal will be staged at the University of Arkansas this weekend for the very first time.
"Marital Sabotage" by Hans Zimmer
Increase in e-filing of Arkansas tax returns, development of a low cost water-treatment system at the U of A, Northwest Arkansans' performance at the Boston Marathon and No Impact Man for the fall 2011 One Book, One Community project -- on Ozarks at Large Half Time today.
Farmers' markets in the region are dusting off the cobwebs.
"On the Sunny Side of the Street" by Joshua Redman
Written and produced by environmental anthropologist, Brian Campbell, the feature film profiles Ozark organic farmers and activists in Newton County struggling to protect their property and the Buffalo National River from herbicide spraying by Carroll Electric Cooperative on power line right-of-ways. Jacqueline Froelich speaks with Campbell and brings us a preview.Story Addendum: With regard to it's herbicide vegetation management program, Carroll Electric Cooperative says members have prioritized reliable service at an affordable cost. As for petition validation to secure a ballot position for elections to the board, every signature is validated by match to membership records--with only one signature per membership accepted.
"Too Young to Fail" by Eddy Grant
Wayne Bell from www.fayettevilleflyer.com recounts reasons to be grateful to soap operas and why we should miss them.