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.
Ozarks At Large
Michael Vinson Williams’ book Medgar Evers: Mississippi Martyr studies the civil rights leader and the civil rights movement. The book was published by the University of Arkansas Press.
You can read more from Meredith Martin Moats at her blog
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
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
On this edition of Ozarks, Roby Brock talks to Senator Jane English about the deal she made to switch her vote for the private option. Plus, we have a report on last night's public input forum that was organized by Ozark Regional Transit
The 10th anniversary of Wakarusa was full of live performances and rain. Check out our photos of the festival here.
Judge Leon Holmes rejects former state treasurer Martha Shoffner's guilty plea after being unsatisfied with her testimony regarding activities that led to her indictment. Senator Mark Pryor lashes out with his own ad against negative publicity regarding his voting record on gun control. Governor Mike Beebe lauds the state's Unemployment Insurance Program for bouncing back after running out of money a few years ago. Ozark Regional Transit offers free rides throughout the summer to children aged 17 and under. And Tyson Foods acquires a California-based ethnic food operation.
"Sixty Dollar Train" by Brandi Disterheft
In his weekly look back at the past seven days of business and political news, Roby Brock of our content partner Talk Business Arkansas looks at the Dassault Falcon expansion in Central Arkansas, and the replacement that will take Martha Shoffner's place as state treasurer.
Leo G. Mazow, an Associate Professor of American Art History at the University of Arkansas, recently was awarded the Eldridge Prize from the Smithsonian American Art Museum for his book Thomas Hart Benton and the American Sound.
"Busted Bicycle" by Leo Kottke
92-year-old Warren Blaylock, a resident of Alma and an off-and-on again resident of Crawford County, was yesterday’s speaker at the Drennen-Scott House in Van Buren. As a 12-year-old in 1933, he was fascinated by the stories he overheard about the crime-spreeing duo Bonnie and Clyde.
"Bonnie and Clyde" by Jay-Z and Beyonce