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.
Roby Brock gives us an update on the Big River Steel project and more in his weekly business update.
Becca says kids activities for this week include a fishing derby tomorrow.
Dr. Peter Ungar, an anthropologist at the University of Arkansas, discusses how he looks at teeth to determine the diets of our ancestors and how what we and other animals eat today affects our pearly whites. He is also the author of Teeth: A Very Short Introduction published by Oxford University Press.
The latest state revenue report shows a surplus for the end of the fiscal year. State and local leaders celebrated the opening of the 71-B Flyover last night in Fayetteville, and Rogers is working on building a new, modern fire station for the central part of the city.
The Oklahoma Department of Health has confirmed the state's first death due to Heartland virus—a new tick-borne illness discovered in the mid-South. So far no cases have been documented in Arkansas. Jacqueline Froelich spoke with an Oklahoma epidemiologist to find out the status of the virus and how to avoid be bitten.