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Ozarks At Large
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Arkansas's new state treasurer is reshaping policies of the office based on input from employees of the division. The 2014 fiscal year begins today with a new budget for the state, which includes increased spending for Medicaid and higher education. Today is the deadline for public input on the state's new voter ID law. Political commentators ruminate on Tom Cotton's chances for running a successful Senate campaign against Mark Pryor. And, Benton County starts looking at building a new courts building to replace the current one, built in 1928.
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In our weekly review of the headlines, we take a look at groups and organizations that are on the hook for more money, and one organization getting a sizable amount of money.
Former state treasurer Martha Shoffner talks to reporters on her way into the courtroom in Little Rock. Some state lawmakers wonder if Arkansas can cover the cost of the so-called private option when the state has to pick up part of the cost in a few years. And UAFS gets a sizable gift to help expand the college's nursing program.
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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.
Here are the ten clips (and eleven threes) included in our montage this week:
1. Bob Dorough sings Three is a Magic Number.
2. Larry, Curly and Moe in trouble in A Plumbing We Will Go.
3. Al Pacino utters the most memorable line from Godfather III.
4. The Three Degrees’ biggest hit, When Will I See You Again.
5. Kendall Trainor gives Arkansas a win with his field goal (worth 3 points) in the 1985 Holiday Bowl.
6. An early 1980s jingle for Three Musketeers candy bar.
7. Steve Martin, Martin Short and Chevy Chase as the likeable, but slow-witted, Three Amigos.
8. The Oscar-winning song It’s Hard to Be a Pimp by Three Six Mafia.
9. Speaking of Oscar, the opening comments from Three Faces of Eve, an Oscar-winner for Joanne Woodward.
10. DOUBLE THREE ALERT! The Three Tenors sing We Three Kings.
Apologies to the little pigs, the bears and Goldilocks, Jan Stenerud, Babe Ruth and that band that sang that song in the 90s.
Becca Martin Brown tells us that July is her favorite time of the year for all of the season announcements that are made.
A recent study suggests that comprehensive immigration reform could mean significantly more revenue for Arkansas and the rest of the nation. Another study shows that Arkansas has seen more police deaths this year than other states. A master plan for downtown Siloam Springs is in the works. SWEPCO gets approval to extend the life of its Flint Creek power plant in Gentry. And, drought returns to Arkansas.
"Beds are Burning" by Midnight Oil
Michael Tilley from The City Wire discusses dramatic increases in foreclosed homes on the market in the region and the latest in the 2014 race for governor.
Becca Martin Brown gives us the usual "Chinese menu" of entertainment options for the weekend.
"Jumbucco" by Waak Waak Jungi