The Arkansas Senate followed the House's lead in passing a federally backed expansion of the state's Medicaid system, and all that remains is final approval from Washington. The Arkansas Governor's race gets a little more crowded with an official announcement by former Congressman Mike Ross. Arkansas' two Senators give their thoughts on the Gang of Eight proposed immigration reform package. A hearing is held today in Nebraska regarding the Keystone XL pipeline, and a Bentonville group wants to turn Fridays into bike days.
Ozarks At Large



The Ozark Natural Science Center in Madison County announced a campaign today designed to keep it open.
Becca Martin Brown from Nortwest Arkansas Media ponders the definition of a jam rocker while reminding us that Umphrey's McGee will perform at George's Majestic Lounge tonight.

The Arkansas Legislature was a flurry of activity yesterday, with passage not only of Medicaid expansion, but the House also advanced bills regarding cuts to the state's income, capital gains and utility taxes. The House also passed the Senate bill that will provide financial support for construction of the Big River Steel superproject ion Osceola. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel rejects the latest proposed ballot initiative regarding medical marijuana, and Northwest Arkansas' two baseball teams have a disappointing Tuesday.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
On this edition of Ozarks, Reach Out Northwest Arkansas is to keep kids from dropping out of school. Plus, exploring the new green roof atop the newly renovated Vol Walker Hall on the UA campus.
First Friday in Downtown Bentonville will help Artoshphere get started, celebrate the return of the Farmers' Market and provide plenty of music as well.
The Army Corps of Engineers and Beaver Lake Foundation formalize a resource-sharing partnership today. Thousands of prospective Arkansas college students get word about being awarded lottery scholarship money. The port in Helena gets its first permanent tenant since being built in 1993, and Bentonville Public Schools officials hold meetings to get public input on another millage election.
"New Mexico Song" by Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains
Yesterday Tyson Foods gave a substantial check to the Springdale Public Schools Education Foundation.
Singer/songwriter John Legend spoke on the UA campus last night as part of the Distinguished Lecture series.
In the early 1900s, Minnesota entrepreneur William Kruse had a vision he would strike gold on some farmland in Rogers, Arkansas. He spent a small fortune constructing a mining operation. We visit the site, and prospect details from the archives of the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Photo courtesy Rogers Historical Museum.
"After the Gold Rush" by Neil Young