Members of the Arkansas General Assembly selected a new Speaker of the House yesterday, and state officials assess Governor Mike Beebe's proposed 2013 budget. Also, Fayetteville Public Schools get thousands of federal dollars to help expand a program designed to bring locally farmed food to the cafeteria. And in Fort Smith, city administrators discuss the city's own budget for next year, which will include money for sidewalks.
Ozarks At Large

The Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission waits for more input before deciding whether to give $1 million to the U of A, but the commission gives out more than $145,000 to a number of other groups. State officials work to close a funding gap in Arkansas' Medicaid system, and the city of Fort Smith takes another look at zoning for sexually oriented businesses.
David Shipler, author of the book “The Working Poor” spent time in northwest Arkansas last month for the annual One Book, One Community event. During his visit he participated in a public discussion at the Fayetteville Public Library.


Crystal Bridges of American Art in Bentonville is one year (and one day) old today. We take a look back at the museum's last twelve months.
Governor Beebe readies his proposed 2013 budget to go before state legislators later this week, and he speaks out on adoption. Also, Thursday is America's Recycle Day, and several events tied to the day are planned for later in the week.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Friday, January 24, 2014
Ahead on Ozarks, the initial payment to insurance carriers in relation to the state’s private option is in the mail today. And the band SX Rex will explain their name and play two songs inside the Firmin Garner Performance Studio
The Springdale Municipal Airport recently received a $150,000 grant to help improve access to its terminal.
"LaRue" by Still on the Hill
The state Department of Workforce Services releases March unemployment numbers for Arkansas, though they remain slightly above the national rate. Plus, the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage will either be reaffirmed or struck down in the coming weeks.
"Marseilles" by Hey Marseilles
P3 Waste Consulting has helped develop a program for Mercy Hospital in Rogers to recycle blue wrap used to keep surgical instruments sterile.
In his weekly recap, Roby Brock discusses Home BancShares reporting a record first quarter profit and more.
"Voice In My Throat" by Pearl and the Beard
A screening of the documentary film Girl Rising aims to raise local awareness to the challenges girls face globally in education. Hosted by GIRLS Rock of Ramay Junior High, the screening will be at 6:30 Thursday evening at the Fayetteville High School Performing Arts Center.