
Ozarks At Large



Arkansas's new state treasurer is reshaping policies of the office based on input from employees of the division. The 2014 fiscal year begins today with a new budget for the state, which includes increased spending for Medicaid and higher education. Today is the deadline for public input on the state's new voter ID law. Political commentators ruminate on Tom Cotton's chances for running a successful Senate campaign against Mark Pryor. And, Benton County starts looking at building a new courts building to replace the current one, built in 1928.



In our weekly review of the headlines, we take a look at groups and organizations that are on the hook for more money, and one organization getting a sizable amount of money.
Former state treasurer Martha Shoffner talks to reporters on her way into the courtroom in Little Rock. Some state lawmakers wonder if Arkansas can cover the cost of the so-called private option when the state has to pick up part of the cost in a few years. And UAFS gets a sizable gift to help expand the college's nursing program.



Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Monday, March 31, 2014
On this edition of Ozarks, a preview of an upcoming grief seminar for bereaved parents. Also, Fort Smith releases an annual report on its homeless community.
Becca Martin Brown, from Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, says if you’re willing to fill up the tank, there are some big acts continuing their summer tours within a day’s drive.
The Fayetteville Roots Festival has roots music…but also another kind of roots: food. We talk to some of the farmers involved in the annual event.
"Butterfly's Day Out" by Mark O'Connor
Two special elections will be held tomorrow, one to fill a vacant city council seat in Springdale, and one regarding a 1 percent sales tax for water and sewer improvements in Paris. And, the Rogers School District, like many others in the area, will start the new school year with more bandwidth, to allow for a more connected classroom.
"Coconut Boogaloo" by Medeski Martin and Wood
A plan to create a campus in Fort Smith to help people move out of homelessness received some help this summer.
Roby Brock, from Talk Business Arkansas, has the details on a busier-than-usual August week in Arkansas politics and business.