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.
Members of the Arkansas General Assembly selected a new Speaker of the House yesterday, and state officials assess Governor Mike Beebe's proposed 2013 budget. Also, Fayetteville Public Schools get thousands of federal dollars to help expand a program designed to bring locally farmed food to the cafeteria. And in Fort Smith, city administrators discuss the city's own budget for next year, which will include money for sidewalks.
"Prove It All Night" by CMH Musicians
Michael Tilley, from TheCityWire.com, addresses a busy week. There was positive news on housing prices and hospitality tax collections, Wal-Mart released earning numbers and there was intrigue at the State Capitol.
Many gathered yesterday in the Epley Building for Health Professions on the University of Arkansas campus as the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing received the George M and Boyce W Billingley endowed chair. The school also welcomed Dr. Pegge Bell as its new director.
Fayetteville is one of the cities worldwide hosting an event in support of people displaced by the violence in Syria.
Becca Martin Brown, from Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, says the Lights of the Ozarks are turned on tomorrow night . . . and then the holiday cascade begins.