Two state lawmakers weigh in on the debate about proposed expansions to the state's Medicaid system as the 89th General Assembly begins its second week in session. The unemployment rate for the state rose in December, but a state economist says the increase is not statistically significant. And 2012 housing sales figures for Northwest Arkansas have been compiled; overall sales and median home prices are up in some areas, but not all.
Ozarks At Large

We welcome back our tech ambassador to discuss this month’s Consumer Electronics Show, the annual showcase for what’s next in the digital world.

Here's the list of our presidential songs, quotes and miscellany for our montage:
- President Dwight Eisenhower's farewell address on television on January 17, 1961
- President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address three days later.
- James Brown sings "Funky President."
- President Franklin Roosevelt's first fireside chat on radio on March 12, 1933.
- The band They Might Be Giants performing the catchy (and educational!) song "James K. Polk."
- Ronald Reagan speaks on June 12, 1987.
- Johnny Cash performs the standard "Mr. Garfield."
- Henry Fonda predates Daniel Day Lewis by more than 70 years in Young Abe Lincoln, directed by John Ford.
- The song "Peaches" by the band . . . The Presidents of the United States of America
- Herbert Hoover addresses voters in 1928. (bonus points if you knew that one)
With all of the acts announced for this year's Wakarusa music festival on Mullberry Mountain, Kevin Kinder of NWA Newspapers gives us his thoughts on this year's lineup.

Thursday is Arkansas Clarinet Day. As part of the celebration, the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith will host internationally acclaimed clarinetist Guy Yehuda. Ozarks at Large's Christina Thomas speaks with him prior to his recital and master class.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks at Large,a report on former president Bill Clinton's address on the Affordable Care Act from his Presidential Library yesterday. And, we visit a local bike shop to learn what it takes to get back on a bicycle after not riding for years.
Here is our list of ten cookie references from our montage this morning. If you got all ten, take the rest of the week off . . . this was our most obscure list yet.
A commercial for the Fig Newton cookie from the 1970s.
Michael Scott and Angel fight for Kevin’s loyalty on an episode of The Office.
Kate Smith and Andy Williams deny the Cookie Bear a cookie on The Andy Williams Show. (this was once a popular, zany skit . . . we promise)
Walter Matthau in a scene for the movie The Fortune Cookie.
Jerry and Elaine discuss the black and white cookie. It didn’t end well.
Shirley Temple sings "Animal Crackers" . . . they’re cookies, right?
The Keebler Elves push fudge cookies.
Gingy, the talking Gingerbread Man tosses an insult in Shrek 3.
Shelly Long sells Girl Scout Cookies in Troop Beverly Hills.
Two of the three best Muppets ever, Kermit and Cookie Monster, play a game.
Apologies to the cast of Robert Altman’s film Cookie’s Fortune, baseball players Rojas and Lovagetto, the short-order cook in Beetle Bailey and famous Amos. Maybe next time
Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5
Results from a new study announced yesterday by the NWA Council found many strengths of doing business in Northwest Arkansas, and few weaknesses as well. Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel and state senator Keith Ingram introduce a trifecta of bills aimed at curbing election fraud. And Governor Mike Beebe stands by his decision to veto two abortion bills, even though the legislature overturned both vetoes.
“Play With Me” by The Album Leaf
Michael Tilley of The City Wire discusses how the abortion law passed by the Arkansas State Legislature could result in legal action that will be funded by taxpayers, and more.
“American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell,” is a traveling exhibition at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art that opens to the public tomorrow.
“Earl Harvin” by Garage A Trois
Becca Martin Brown helps kids look forward to what entertainment options they'll have for Spring Break.