Legislative Fight: Arkansas GOP lawmakers are asserting legislative privilege to block depositions of two deputy attorneys general in a case tied to Gov. Sarah Sanders’ China rhetoric, keeping details of behind-the-scenes maneuvering out of court. School Choice Costs: The state expects 5,500 more students to join the Educational Freedom Account program for 2026-27, pushing projected spending to more than $367 million. Privacy and Surveillance: Little Rock and North Little Rock are using different license plate reader vendors than other Arkansas cities that are dropping Flock Safety, highlighting how local contract choices affect surveillance reach and retention. Local Economic Development Vote: Texarkana-area voters will weigh Issue 3, which would expand the legislature’s ability to create economic development districts using tools like tax abatements, bonds and rebates. Workforce Pipeline: The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber was named ACT’s 2026 Workforce Policy Champion for bringing WorkKeys into local schools and colleges. Food Safety: Walmart recalled 3,240 Marketside tomato bisque soup kits in 29 states, including Arkansas, after Listeria testing flagged a presumptive positive. Egg Recall Escalation: The FDA upgraded a nearly 1.6 million dozen egg recall to Class I as salmonella illnesses and hospitalizations mount. Retail Expansion: Michaels is rolling out a new “Next Gen” experiential store format in Rogers, adding a prominent Knit & Sew Shop and expanded framing services. Tourism Boost: Arkansas reported record 2025 tourism—54.3 million visitors and $10.2 billion in spending—supporting nearly 71,900 direct jobs. Gas Watch: GasBuddy price reports show premium and midgrade fuel deals shifting week to week across multiple Arkansas counties.