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.



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.
The Arkansas legislature passed a long-sought-for bill to protect the interests of land owners on a large natural gas play in north central Arkansas, where more than 4,000 unconventional gas wells have been drilled. The measure was pushed by Arkansans for Responsible Gas Development.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Ahead on Weekend Ozarks, a conversation with Arkansas photographer Tim Ernst. Also, singer/songwriter Joe Pug pays a visit to the Firmin-Garner Performance Studio.
Michael Tilley from www.thecitywire.com discusses what will and won’t be on November ballot, and more.
jkhjkhjkA new report issued yesterday by Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families describes how the state's burgeoning immigrant child population, refereed to as the “Critical Generation,” ought to be perceived as critical to Arkansas' future economic success. You can read the report here: http://www.aradvocates.org/assets/PDFs/Child-Welfare/Critical-Generation-Report-Web-Version.pdf
“My Only Swerving” by El Ten Eleven
Today's entertainment includes opera, magic with Tommy Terrific, a performance by folk songwriter Melanie.
Author and exercise expert Jeanette DePatie has written “The Fat Chick Works Out” designed to encourage people of all ages and sizes to get in better shape.
“Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
Jodi Beznoska from the Walton Arts Center tells us when tickets for a few upcoming performances at the center and the AMP go on sale.