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Arkansas voters in House District seventy face a special election and primary on March third, with Democrat Alex Holladay and Republican Bo Renshaw vying for the seat vacated by Republican State Representative Carlton Wing. Holladay, a healthcare administrator, faces off against Renshaw, a physical therapist, in the special election, while primaries determine nominees for Novembers general election. Both candidates emphasize voter education as a challenge, as ballots require two votes for the short-term special seat and primary. Renshaw holds a fundraising advantage, while Holladay narrowly lost to Wing in the 2024 race. Holladay advocates for free lunches for all public school kids and opposes Sanderss prison plan, while Renshaw focuses on health insurance premiums, public safety, and education. Democrats highlight their recent special election wins, while Republicans boast of their supermajorities and legislative victories. Turnout will be crucial in this low-profile race, with both camps working to clarify confusion and boost voter turnout on March third.

High school students in Bentonville, Arkansas, have developed a smart device to help nonverbal individuals with autism communicate their stress levels. The device, which attaches to phones or tablets, uses temperature and humidity sensors to detect emotional changes and displays a simple color code: red for high stress, green for calm, and yellow for caution. The project, led by juniors Deerthi Karthrk and Rahul Viswanath, aims to promote real inclusion and understanding for those who communicate differently.

AVAIO Digital Partners unveils $6B data center project in Arkansas, creating 500+ jobs and boosting tech scene

Arvest Bank unveils pilot program for bilingual branches, starting with Springdale, Lawton, and Kansas City. These branches will offer full Spanish-language services, breaking down language barriers for customers. Arvests phased approach includes a bilingual certification program and Language Access Program, with over five hundred certified employees across multiple states. The bank aims to expand these inclusive spaces, boosting the regions financial future.

Bob Weir, co-founder of the Grateful Dead, passed away at 78. Known for his iconic sound and endless tours, Weirs death leaves Bill Kreutzmann as the last original member. Fans, or Deadheads, followed the band through decades of nonstop tours, and Weirs music continues to resonate, with their latest album hitting the Billboard top forty. Weirs legacy lives on through his devoted fans worldwide.

In the West Bank, Palestinian Bedouin families from Ras Ein el-Auja are fleeing their homes due to constant harassment from Jewish settlers. Over two dozen families have left, with more planning to stay. Settler attacks, including stolen sheep and filming inside homes, have been reported. Since the Israel-Hamas war, over two thousand Palestinians have been driven out by similar violence. The zone is under full Israeli control, and settler outposts are expanding. Displaced families have spread to nearby villages and cities, but the pressure on these Bedouin holdouts shows no sign of easing.

Two major lawsuits threaten to disrupt the 2030 U.S. Census, with Trump-linked groups challenging privacy methods, counting rules, and exclusion of undocumented immigrants. The Florida suit seeks to scrap privacy protections and revise 2020 results, while the Louisiana case aims to exclude non-citizens from redistricting. Democrats fear the Trump administration may not defend the Census Bureau, leading to potential chaos in elections. Experts warn that shifting to citizen-only numbers could benefit Republicans and cut federal funds, impacting states like California, Texas, Florida, and New York. The Census Bureau continues planning for 2030, while government lawyers push to dismiss the cases, highlighting deep divides over the future count.

Virginia man Brendan Banfield stands trial for allegedly plotting his wifes and another mans murders, with his Brazilian au pair as an accomplice. The case involves a romantic affair, a fake social media account, and a child abuse charge. Digital forensics suggest Christine may have been involved with the victim, challenging the prosecutions theory. The trial will delve into conflicting evidence and motives.