Arkansas is one of 45 states to enact Common Core State Standards. A new office on the University of Arkansas campus has been established to find new ways bring those standards into the state's schools. We learn more about the Office of Innovation in Education from the office's director.
Ozarks At Large

Senator John Boozman says he would like to see the National Security Agency use more focused efforts to curb terrorism rather than relying on programs that use mass collections of data. The Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners approves a draft of rules for implementing the state's new voter ID law. Work is expected to begin soon on clearing the Cache River, a tributary of the White River. And the special collections department at the UA's Mullins Library unveils a new exhibit to celebrate National LGBT Pride month.


The Genesis Technology Incubator has been in the same place in some form for nearly three decades. But much has changed in and around that facility, as the Arkansas Research and Technology Park has coagulated on the acreage surrounding the facility.
Becca says the Fort Smith Museum of History is presenting a recreation of the Boston Store's tea room at noon Thursday.

Execution dates for inmates on death row in Arkansas have been put on hold. State lawmakers rally in Little Rock, urging the state's supreme court to uphold a judgement against drugmaker Johnson and Johnson. Also in the state capitol, close attention is being paid to how the state's parole monitoring system is being managed. Mercy Health Northwest in Rogers opens a new center to serve geriatrics in the area. And more trees are on the way for one parking lot in downtown Fayetteville.


Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, we talk to local officials about an increase in the DWI violations. Also, we attend a tasting at 28 Springs in Siloam Springs.
Becca Martin Brown reminds us that W. Stuart Towns, author of “Enduring Legacy: Rhetoric and Ritual of the Lost Cause,” will have a reading and book signing today at Fort Smith Museum of History.
The Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in Arkansas. The Civil War Sesquicentennial will be celebrated between 2011 and 2015.
Later this summer, a dozen bronze plaques will be placed on the sidewalk outside the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock to honor the service and sacrifice of Civil Rights’ era icons. Recently Malcom Glover of our partner station KUAR attended ceremonies surrounding the unveiling of the historic markers etched with the names of the Little Rock Nine, NAACP activists L.C. and Daisy Bates, and civil rights attorney Christopher Mercer, Jr.
Governor Mike Beebe is encouraging state legislators to move cautiously with the state’s financial surplus, a member of the UA faculty is receiving a distinguished award from the National Science Foundation, and more.
Music: “Stratosphere Boogie” by: Speedy West
The U.S. Veterans Health Administration is increasing psychiatric staff and support services across the country to help meet veterans' needs. For more information, visit VA.gov.
“Helping Hand” by: Yo Yo Ma