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
Ahead on Ozarks, local reaction to proposed immigration reform in Washington, a preview of what our jazzman Robert Ginsburg says is "the jazz event of the year" here in Northwest Arkansas and celebrating Earth Day with kids and ukuleles.
Jacqueline Froelich visits a local beauty school to learn what it takes to become a licensed professional stylist, and is given a haircut, by future professional, Leah Conrad.
For details about classes, visit the Paul Mitchell website and search for Fayetteville. 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.
Today's edition of Ozarks is up in the air. First, we examine the high airfares at Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport and what can be done about lowering the prices. Plus, our bird man Joe Neal returns with an lesson in upside-down birding, local musician John Two-Hawks stops by the studio to discuss his latest album, and more.
John Two-Hawks' latest CD has just been released and includes a wider range of instruments and stylings..
Wildlife biologist and nature recordist, Joe Neal, provides a lesson in upside down birding. Neal is coauthor of “Arkansas Birds,” published by the University of Arkansas Press. His latest book In the Province of Birds, a Western Arkansas Memoir, is published by Half-Acre Press. 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.
The traveling exhibit called Hunger U is on the University of Arkansas campus this week.
at end of show: “Route 66” by John Pizarelli
Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announces that the state will appeal a federal judge's decision that struck down Arkansas' 12-week abortion ban. Plus, the state's surgeon general is touting greater transparency after the federal government releases data on national Medicare claims.
"All Hell Broke Loose" by Charlie Hunter
An undocumented Mexican college student is being detained in a San Diego jail for illegally crossing the border from Mexico into the U.S. As Jacqueline Froelich reports, the case is drawing attention here in Arkansas because Marisol Soto is from Pea Ridge. (Photo: Mariana Soto, left, with sister Marisol)
Roby Brock has the Arkansas political and business news from the past seven days.
A quick glance at events in the region includes the departure of a mainstay at the Bentonville Public Library
"Frisco Blues" by John Lee Hooker
