Banking & Rural Finance: Farm Credit of Western Arkansas hired Kishanda Beasley as a financial relationship specialist in its Hope branch, adding 22+ years of credit union experience and ties to the local cattle community. Energy & Economic Development: The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber will host an inaugural “State of Lithium” event July 15 with EnergyX, ExxonMobil and Chevron, plus Arkansas economic development officials, to spotlight the region’s role in the domestic lithium supply chain. Higher Education & Immigration: International student enrollment fell sharply at several Arkansas universities from 2024 to 2025, including a 35%+ drop at UALR, as visa restrictions and stricter screenings continue to reshape enrollment. Local Government & Quality of Life: Little Rock officials will consider renaming the MacArthur Unleashed Dog Park in exchange for a $100,000 donation for a shade structure shaped like a giant Frisbee. Consumer Costs: A Farm Bureau estimate says a July 4 cookout for 10 will cost about $73.82, up 4% year over year, driven by higher production and transportation costs. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports Jackson County’s lowest regular price at $3.53 for the week ending June 27, with Arkansas’s regular average at $3.46. Community Development Lending: Communities Unlimited offers home improvement loans up to $3,500 across 30+ Arkansas counties at 10% APR for two years, targeting health-and-safety repairs. Business & Education Partnerships: Southern Arkansas University on the Square launched an Experiential Learning Laboratory with the U of A Fort Smith business school, giving students hands-on projects with local merchants. Public Safety & Events: Some Arkansas fireworks plans were disrupted after a fireworks supplier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with refunds uncertain.