Rapid DNA in Arkansas jails: Arkansas State Crime Laboratory launched Rapid DNA at booking stations, starting with Saline County (Sept. 23) and preparing Faulkner County next, aiming to generate DNA profiles in about 90 minutes and search CODIS to speed matches to crime-scene evidence. STEM for agriculture: Arkansas State University won a $2.2M NSF grant to study how mycorrhizal fungi can boost drought tolerance in rice and wheat. Student field research: North Arkansas Community College biology students may have found two potentially new species—one myxosporean parasite in spotted bass and coccidian oocysts in a black ratsnake—during an upper Ouachita River expedition. Health data and care gaps: U of A is set to expand the Arkansas Health Survey with a state grant, adding new focus areas and updating a public dashboard down to county and census-tract levels. Education + tech workforce: UALR hosted an industry summit on workforce challenges, with sessions spanning AI, cybersecurity, and nursing. Local AI governance: Osage County commissioners approved a social media and AI policy for county employees. Public safety tech + privacy: Arkansas districts are joining national litigation targeting social media platforms over alleged compulsive-use design for minors. UAMS leadership: UAMS invested Chancellor C. Lowry Barnes in the Harry P. Ward Chancellor’s Distinguished Chair.