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

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.



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.

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.
To Fort Smith this weekend. We get a look into the life of a monster truck driver and learn how they ready those cars for a show.
"Master Pretender" by First Aid Kit
Tyson Foods yesterday announced that Hillshire Brands had accepted its $8.5 billion acquisition bid over a smaller acquisition by Pinnacle Foods. Senator John Boozman returns to Washington, D.C. more than a month after undergoing emergency heart surgery, and a new effort aiming at legalizing cannabis gets underway in Arkansas.
"Noble Square" by Billie the Vision and the Dancers
Arkansas has one of the highest rates of people living with HIV but don’t know it. To receive an HIV test, you can go to your county health department. To reach the Washington County HIV clinic call 479-973-4613. Testing and support are available at an ARCare HIV Office, for information or to find an office near you, click here or call 501-388-4613. For information on support and social groups through HIV Arkansas, visit hivarkansas.org
Saturday's Wellfest lets you run, ride, even hula hoop.
Here is a direct link to all things Wellfest, including race courses.
Becca Martin Brown from Northwest Arkansas Newspapers offers a brief preview of the Eureka Springs Blues Weekend.
"Door to Door" by John Zorn