Autonomous Freight: PepsiCo and Gatik launched driverless Class 8 trucking on a fixed corridor across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, moving from tests to revenue routes with no safety drivers onboard. Water Infrastructure: Central Arkansas Water picked a route for a new large-diameter main from Lake Maumelle to the Jack H. Wilson plant, weighing cost, easements, and social impacts. Public Health Policy: CMS issued final Medicaid work requirement rules, pushing states to rebuild systems and set up ways enrollees can prove work, training, or education. Food Safety: Rich Products recalled 160,000+ pounds of frozen Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states, including Arkansas, over possible metal contamination. Energy & Prices: A U.S.-Iran peace deal could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Northeast Arkansas gas prices already easing but still subject to a lag. Rural Connectivity: The FCC approved an ISP move to drop some rural broadband obligations in Arkansas. Agriculture Law: Experts at a Mid-South agricultural law conference discussed Farm Bill talks and fraud risks, plus post-Chevron regulatory pressure. Workforce & Training: A Southwest Arkansas rural business conference in Hope targets small and emerging firms with “innovation and disruption” programming. Health Care Expansion: Freeman Health finalized acquisition of Northwest Health Medical Centers, expanding into Arkansas markets. Local Economy/Industry: Fayetteville rolled out its first public marketing and sales plan to boost tourism and support local businesses year-round. Housing: Realtor.com’s 2026 housing report cards show Midwest and South states leading on affordability and homebuilding. Entertainment & Culture: Arkansas marked 190 years of statehood with museum exhibits highlighting shifts from poultry and Walmart to modern growth.