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.
Matthew Sever, an Austin-based musician, was the featured performer at last night's installment of the Gulley Park Concert Series. For more information, visit www.matttheelectrician.com.
“All I Know” by: Matt the Electrician
Nathan McCleod’s interest in the saxophone can be traced back to listening to one of the legendary masters of the instrument. And as Ozarks at Large’s Sophie Kid discovered, he’s interested in stretching the limits of the sax. Her profile is the latest in our series, “Music Matters.”
Tomorrow, the River Valley Ale Raisers will hold an all-American brew off in Fort Smith. Ozarks at Large's Christina Thomas spoke with Luke Stolz, president of the regions home brewing club, about the basics of making (there’s a science to it) and drinking beer at home. For more information: www.RiverValleyAleRaisers.com.
Some GOP members of Arkansas’ legislature are asking Governor Beebe’s administration to slow down the process for possible Medicaid expansion in the state, more than one thousand residents of Fort Smith will be asked their opinions about their city next month as part of a project called the National Citizen Survey, and more.
“Good Dip” by: Erskine Hawkins
Michael Tilley from The City Wire discusses sales tax revenue being up across the region, Walther Arms comes to Fort Smith, and more.