Looking ahead to 2026 with Skip Rutherford

In this episode, Rex Nelson sits down with Skip Rutherford to discuss the new year and the changes it may bring to Arkansas. Rex discusses Arkansas politics with Skip, noting the changing landscape amid turmoil between the legislature and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.  Skip also talks with Rex about economic growth in West Memphis, Mena, and other places throughout Arkansas. They highlight the outdoor recreation spurred by such developments and how they could impact the state's economy in 2026. Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners Chapters (00:00:12) - Southern Fried Podcast(00:00:53) - Prediction: 2017 will be a record year for tourism in Arkansas(00:08:03) - Exploring West Memphis's outdoor recreation boom(00:10:35) - Predictions for 2026: Oil, Lithium(00:16:46) - Arkansas Senator on Higher Ed(00:22:46) - Northwest Arkansas continues to grow as a healthcare hub(00:28:20) - Arkansas' third largest city, Fort Smith(00:32:00) - Arkansas political campaigns in 2026(00:34:23) - Southern Fried Podcast