
Ozarks At Large


Another ballot initiative group is moving forwarrd with petitions after the state's attorney general approved the wording of its measure, which would raise the minimum wage in Arkansas to $8.50. Booneville Community Hospital starts the new year with a new name and new management. Fayetteville is set to be recognized as a compassionate city. Thirteen Arkansas counties are declared disaster areas after the early December ice and snow storm. And with a budget set, the Sebastian County Quorum Court and Fort Smith Board of Directors agree on amenities to be placed in the future Ben Geren Aquatics Park.


On this first Monday of the first month of the year, we have the first installment in a monthly series looking more closely at the number of that month. Edmond Harris, math professor at the University of Arkansas, spoke with Christina Thomas about the importance of the number 1.

Arkansas Revenue totals for December came in above forecast, though state finance officials say that the increase is largely due to early deposits of securities fees. Governor Mike Beebe offers his thoughts on the landscape of Arkansas politics at the onset of his final year as governor. And, the Sebastian County Quorum Court and Fort Smith city board of directors will meet tonight to discuss amenities for the Ben Geren Aquatics Park.


Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Wednesday, March 26, 2016
On this edition of Ozarks, a conversation with House speaker designate Jeremy Gillam. Plus, we tour a compounding pharmacy in Johnson.
Our local food ambassador Teresa Maurer returns to tell us about a program that will allow some customers of the Farmers' Market to double their money during the month of March.
"Saturday Evening" by Big Bill Broonzy
Dawn McCarthy and Bonnie "Prince" Billy made a gorgeous album of duets when they released The Letting Go in 2006. Both children of the 1970s, they grew up hearing the close harmonies of the Everly Brothers on the radio. In What the Brothers Sang, just released on Drag City, the duo pays tribute to these early superstars of rock and pay homage to the great American songbook.
Link: The Making of What the Brothers Sang
Officials with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration talk about the potential for making up federal funds lost to sequester cuts, and two public transit services team up in Northwest Arkansas to more completely serve the University of Arkansas community.
“A Letter To Elise” by The Cure
The Arkansas General Assembly is considering passage of a new Voter ID law that will require government-issued photo identification to both register and to vote. Advocates claim it will suppress fraud, but some opponents believe it will suppress progressive voting. We talk with an election rights expert about the measure, as well as how Voter ID laws are trending nationally.
Roby Brock from our content partner Talk Business Arkansas looks at the top legislative and business stories from the last seven days.
"Bugs" by Charles Mingus