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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.
The Riverfront Blues Festival takes the stage this weekend in Fort Smith. Becca Martin Brown has more.
The Artosphere Festival Orchestra has just come together and already they’re playing music.
The season is almost over at Walton Arts Center but there is still music and some parody left.
"Almost Summer" by The Beach Boys
Execution dates for inmates on death row in Arkansas have been put on hold. State lawmakers rally in Little Rock, urging the state's supreme court to uphold a judgement against drugmaker Johnson and Johnson. Also in the state capitol, close attention is being paid to how the state's parole monitoring system is being managed. Mercy Health Northwest in Rogers opens a new center to serve geriatrics in the area. And more trees are on the way for one parking lot in downtown Fayetteville.
"Stormur" by Sigur Ros
Late last year, the six-county solid waste district voted to default on $12 million dollars in bonds and loans used to purchase and improve NABORS Landfill in 2006. This spring investors demanded repayment--in full. As Jacqueline Froelich reports, in a last-ditch effort, district leaders hope to reopen the facility.