Ozarks At Large
Simultaneous tax cuts and hikes, charter schools and the latest on Medicaid expansion from the state legislature; jockeys prepare for this weekend's Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn; more sidewalks in Fayetteville and the population continues to grow in Northwest Arkansas; all in today's Segment A.
The Arkansas General Assembly moves forward with a controversial voter ID bill, education and education supporters rally against a proposal that would shift money from the state's general fund into highway construction, and Arkansas' U.S. Senate contingent speaks out about efforts to pass a federal budget.


State lawmakers continue to weigh the issue of Medicaid expansion two weeks after receiving word from Washington that federal Medicaid expansion funds could be used for a privatized expansion of the system. A pair of lawmakers also weigh in on how recent anti-abortion legislation has affected Arkansas' reputation in the rest of the country. And a controlled burn is set for tomorrow in one local city.
Late last week, the Northwest Arkansas Council released the results of a study on the area's Business Retention and Expansion Efforts. The study was compiled from interviews by area chambers of commerce with 459 area companies. We speak with Mike Harvey, chief operating officer of the council about the survey and what the results mean for the area moving forward.
Another area city plans to speak out against a bill in the Arkansas Legislature that could mean a rollback of city development regulations. Governor Mike Beebe touts the state's efforts to make sure fewer children in Arkansas go hungry, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art again gets national recognition, not for its paintings but for the construction of the museum itsself.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Ahead on Ozarks, distance education will have a strong presence in a program on the University of Arkansas campus next fall, plus Rogers Little Theatre brings a comedy classic to the stage. We go behind the scenes with The Man Who Came To Dinner.
A decision on whether to close a street to vehicles in Springdale by that city's aldermen will help lay the path for the Razorback Greenway through the city. More than 6,000 voters cast ballots yesterday in the first day of early voting in Arkansas' primary and judicial elections. And the University of Arkansas announces who its next lobbyist to local, state and federal legislators will be.
"Flight of the Crow" by Passenger
On any given day as many as 4,000 Arkansas children are in state custody, having been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Until their case is settled, children are placed provisionally with a relative, foster home, or children’s shelter. But as Jacqueline Froelich reports, a new state rule now allows emergency placement with “Fictive Kin.”
Web Exclusive: An Oasis for Children in Crisis
Our content partner KUAR in Little Rock is interviewing Arkansas' gubernatorial candidates. Today's conversation is with Lynette Bryant. An extended version of the interview is available here.
Becca reminds us singer/songwriter Shannon Wurst will perform at the ACO May 10th.
"River Song" by Shannon Wurst
A conceptual photography exhibit in Mullins Library on the UA campus explores the connections people have to built space and their homes. The works by Sabine Schmidt will be on display through May.
"Little Boxes" by Malvina Reynolds