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.
Ozarks At Large
Michael Vinson Williams’ book Medgar Evers: Mississippi Martyr studies the civil rights leader and the civil rights movement. The book was published by the University of Arkansas Press.
You can read more from Meredith Martin Moats at her blog
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
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
On this edition of Ozarks, Roby Brock talks to Senator Jane English about the deal she made to switch her vote for the private option. Plus, we have a report on last night's public input forum that was organized by Ozark Regional Transit
The city council will consider buying just more than four acres for the city's fourth fire station. Plus, the Private Option compromises were discussed at the Political Animals Club in Little Rock.
"Mambo Meixcano" by Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkestra
Open enrollment for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act ends March 31st. And if you don’t have minimal essential coverage of any kind, you will be penalized. And as Jacqueline Froelich reports, how much depends on your income level.
Meanwhile, a push to raise the Arkansas minimum wage, and a separate effort to increase workforce programs get underway in the state. Roby Brock has that story and more in his weekly update.
The Arkansas Agriculture Department has recently revamped its program that connects local farmers to interested consumers, including an upcoming App.
Louis Jordan is one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Still, many Arkansans might not know about their native son. Stephen Koch, the host of Arkansongs, has written a new book about him.