After the state reported a record high number of hospitalizations, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced the extension of a statewide emergency order for 60 days.

• Governor Hutchinson made the decision to do so after speaking with Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero after the deadliest day in the Natural State was announced Tuesday, setting a new record of COVID-19 deaths in a 24-hour period. -KNWA/Fox24
• Hospitalizations across the state have increased, leaving ICU units and beds "tight" according to the Governor.
• Complete statistics and information regarding COVID-19 in Arkansas can be found HERE.

Despite disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers in Benton and Washington counties helped push sales tax revenue up 4.86% in 2020 for the combined four largest cities. -Talk Business & Politics

• In 2020, Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale reported a cumulative sales tax revenue of $77.664 million, up from the $74.067 million from the previous year.

• Rogers, Springdale, and Fayetteville grew their December sales by 1.94%, 3.81%, and 9.75% respectively from a year ago.

• Although Bentonville has fewer retail outlets than areas like Rogers, the city grew it's December sales by 20.12% from 2019.

The Mercari Texas Bowl between Arkansas and TCU has been cancelled due to COVID-19 complications surrounding the TCU football program. The Hogs were set to depart on their trip to Houston yesterday when news arrived that the game would be cancelled. The game was scheduled to air Thursday night at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

• Bowl reps reached out to another team to fill TCU's place, but were unsuccessful.
• Tickets that were purchased for the game originally scheduled to take place at NRG Stadium in Houston will be refunded and processed by the outlet they were purchased through, including Lone Star Sports & Entertainment and Ticketmaster. -KNWA/Fox 24
• Full statements from Head Coach Sam Pittman and Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek HERE.

In 2018, voters in Springdale approved a $200 million bond with $41 million of that going toward new offices for the city. Current construction is underway on the new City Hall and a number of Springdale city departments will be moving to temporary locations. -KNWA/Fox24

• Relocated city departments will be located:

• The Planning Department will be at 206 W. Meadow Ave. (2nd week of January).

• The Mayor's Office Staff/Human Resources will be at 128 Spring Street (Spring 2021).

• The Building Department will be at 107 Spring Street.

For the first time in 18 years, Arkansas women's basketball is ranked among the top 10 in the country. -Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

• The Razorbacks (9-1) knocked UCLA out of the No. 10 spot to move into the top 10 of The Associated Press women's poll ranking for the first time since Jan. 20, 2003.
• On Sunday, the Hogs will face Missouri at 4 p.m. at Bud Walton Arena and are scheduled to begin SEC play tomorrow, Dec. 31, against No. 13 Kentucky.