Governor Mike Beebe says that a package of tax cuts approved yesterday by the Arkansas Senate is acceptable, though he worries about the cuts' impact in the years to come after he leaves office. A proposed constitutional amendment that would move ethics reform forward in the state moves closer to the ballot after receiving final approval by the legislature. The latest on cleanup efforts on the Mayflower oil spill, in spite of the potential for severe weather. Plans for the Sebastian County aquatics park move forward, and a group at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville plans to take back the night with an annual event aimed at raising awareness about sexual violence.
Ozarks At Large
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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.
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Becca Martin Brown from Nortwest Arkansas Media ponders the definition of a jam rocker while reminding us that Umphrey's McGee will perform at George's Majestic Lounge tonight.
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.
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Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Ahead on this edition of Weekend Ozarks, we visit the kitchen of Jen Lewis, take a spin in a state-run clinic that aids veterans in rural communities, and we meet a recovering opiate addict who has found hope with methadone.
The Ouchita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests system is in need of Resource Advisory Committee applicants. As Jacqueline Froelich reports, the positions are voluntary, but projects help to support local communities and economies.
To servoe on the RAC, visit fs.usda.gov, then click on "Projects and Policies" to find the "Secure Schools and Community" section. Or call (501) 321-5318.
Becca Martin Brown has more on yet another production of this youth show, this time at the Arts Center of the Ozarks.
"Rebound Chick" by Nelson Freitas
Sunday afternoon, the lawn at Old Main will be a buzz with sororities, fraternities, area residents and the special needs community as participants take part in the first ever Swetnam Physical Challenge benefiting the Down Syndrome Connection's I Can Shine Event.
We speak with a founding member of the world-renowned singing group in anticipation for this evening's performance.
The Arkansas House yesterday finally secured the required supermajority to pass the appropriations bill for the Private Option expansion of Medicaid. And, state revenue comes in below forecast for February.
"Talking Backwards" by Real Estate