
Ozarks At Large

Republican leaders of Arkansas' legislature met with the media yesterday to discuss their plans to shore up the state's Medicaid system during the upcoming legislative session. Fort Smith looks to purchase property for a new recreational facility, the first of its kind in the city. And Fayetteville is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the nation.

If your new year's resolutions include shedding a few extra pounds or rocking out Becca Martin Brown has a couple of suggested activities for you.
Kevin Jones is a professor of english and rhetoric at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, but his new book uncovers parts of the city's history, using pictures from postcard to tell the story. Ozarks at Large's Timothy Dennis spoke with Dr. Jones about the book.
A new program in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas aims to address teacher shortages in Arkansas schools by placing fellows in classrooms as early as fall 2013. Ozarks at Large's Christina Thomas speaks with the program's director Benton Brown and faculty director Gary Ritter.
Mitchell Communications Group announced late last week that it had been acquired by Dentsu, a 111-year-old firm founded in Japan with headquarters in Tokyo and New York City. Just a few hours after the announcement Ozarks at Large’s Kyle Kellams talked to Elise Mitchell, the founder and CEO of Mitchell Communications.
The newest member of Arkansas's Congressional delegation justifies his opposition to President Obama's nomination of Chuck Hagel for Secretary of Defense. A former Arkansas Congressman announces his intentions to run for governor in 2014. And the current governor urges more Arkansans to become organ donors.

Becca Martin Brown is excited about a new book club, which will look at some interesting art artifacts at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks at Large, we take a closer look at soybean research in the Natural State. Plus, we mark the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.
A project at the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks will teach people how to make birdhouses and hopefully attract bluebirds. Antoinette also tells us what else is up in the coming week.
The National Labor Relations Board issues a ruling in Walmart's case against an organization that claims to be struggling to raise awareness about the company's labor practices. A bill that would bar doctors from conducting abortions on women as early as six weeks pregnant passes the state Senate. And rains from earlier this week have raised the water level at Beaver Lake, though the lake is still several feet below normal levels.
"30 Rock Theme" by Jeff Richmond
Michael Tilley from The City Wire helps us review the week's business and political news.
Following yesterday's Energize NWA Summit in Rogers, plans begin for healthy initiatives in northwest Arkansas.
"A Walk" by Tycho
The comedic, two-man show "Potted Potter" condenses all seven Harry Potter books into a 70-minute production that is coming to the Walton Arts Center.