AI & Food Safety: Arkansas researchers at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station are using AI and DNA data to pinpoint bacteria that cause fresh beef to brown early, aiming to cut the industry’s estimated $3.7B loss from discounted or discarded meat. Energy & Data Centers: Google confirmed a $1B-plus AI data center plan in Clarksville, targeting about 1.2M square feet and starting with 150 MW of power, with hundreds of construction jobs and about 150 permanent roles expected. Lithium Supply Chain: The Venture Center, Standard Lithium and the University of Arkansas launched the fourth Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator cohort, touring Magnolia, Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas to connect startups with producers, researchers, investors and logistics partners. Construction & Infrastructure: Arkansas DOT’s $400M highway work in Northwest Arkansas includes a new Interstate 42 mapping update, while a separate I-30 project reused crushed old concrete on-site to avoid quarrying 95,000+ tons of new stone. Agriculture & Risk: Independence County declared a disaster area due to extreme heat and drought, keeping burn bans in place as rice harvest residue burning raises wildfire danger. Workforce & Local Business: Saline County committees will consider budget amendments and federal-aid steps for a bridge replacement, and a new director of golf was named at Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado.