AGP Executive Report

Agriculture & Aviation: Arkansas rice leaders say small airports and general aviation are critical for aerial herbicide, fungicide and fertilizer applications on flooded fields—covering up to 1,600 acres a day to protect yields. Livestock Health: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in a Texas calf near the border, prompting Arkansas ranchers to watch for symptoms and report concerns. Housing & Construction: Rogers launched a Pattern Zone program with free, preapproved home designs to speed permitting and cut upfront uncertainty for missing-middle housing. Energy & Jobs: A new federal push would channel about $700M into coal, including $425M for existing plants in multiple states that includes Arkansas, plus grants for new builds. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Little Rock approved modest data center regulations, while Kinetic said it has passed 2 million residential fiber premises. Business Climate: Job growth stayed strong in May (172,000 added) even as mass layoff notices hit their lowest level so far this year. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported Arkansas prices easing in late May, with some counties seeing notably low regular, midgrade, diesel and E85 rates. Tech & Policy: Lawmakers warned foreign influence could target U.S. data center development tied to AI.

Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the week ending May 30 brought some of the lowest local prices for drivers—Crawford County’s E85 hit $3.14 (single station), White County’s premium fell to $4.37, and Pulaski County’s midgrade bottomed at $3.99. Energy Policy: U.S. lawmakers are pushing back on Trump’s coal push, as the administration moves nearly $700M into coal power using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority, including funding tied to Arkansas’s Flint Creek Coal Plant in Gentry. AI & Security: House leaders warn foreign influence may be targeting U.S. data center development tied to AI, urging a White House investigation into possible CCP-backed efforts. Workforce & Education: Arkansas Tech’s Upward Bound summer program is underway with about 100 students on campus in Russellville, while UA Hope-Texarkana highlights community college as a lower-debt pathway into careers. STEM in Action: Arkansas 4-H teams competed at the International SeaPerch Challenge, with Grant County’s Deep Water Vanguard placing second overall in their division. Local Governance: Fort Smith Public Schools is moving toward opening the Global Innovation Academy charter for military-connected families, aiming for fall 2027.

Coal & Power: President Trump says the federal government will spend $700M using the Defense Production Act to extend and modernize coal plants, including support tied to Arkansas facilities, with new builds planned in Alaska and West Virginia. Electricity Costs: New EIA-based mapping shows residential power prices rising in many states; Arkansas is up about 8.3% year over year, as grid investment and demand pressures grow. Energy Policy Pushback: A separate report frames the coal package as “saving” aging plants rather than building renewables, while critics argue coal remains the most expensive option. Local Utilities & Grants: Summit Utilities opens applications for its 2026 Summit Cares Grant Program, offering $5,000–$10,000 to Arkansas nonprofits focused on essentials, student STEM, community enrichment, and conservation. Water & Drought: Conway and Morrilton remain under mandatory water curtailment orders tied to low Brewer Lake levels, with rules based on street address parity. Food Supply: Northwest Arkansas school districts keep summer meal programs running with free breakfast and lunch sites and pickup options. Housing for Veterans: Fayetteville’s Patriot Park veteran-focused development is nearing leasing, with buildings expected ready by mid-July. Tech & Industry Debate: Pulaski County residents get a public roundtable on hyperscale data centers and a proposed moratorium as AI-driven projects move forward. Agriculture & Fuel: Ethanol exports and E15 expansion were highlighted at a House Ag Committee hearing, with Senate action still pending.

Retail Fuel Watch: Walmart CEO John Furner warned on fuel prices, as Arkansas-area GasBuddy reports show midgrade and regular deals in multiple counties (including Independence County’s lowest midgrade at $4.27 and Nevada County regular at $3.98 for the week ending May 30), while diesel pricing stays higher statewide (AAA pegs Arkansas diesel around $5.03). Energy Policy & Politics: A FACT FOCUS explainer pushes back on claims inflation is a “red vs. blue” issue, pointing instead to gas-driven costs tied to Middle East tensions and shipping impacts; meanwhile, Arkansas Senate nominee Hallie Shoffner attacks Tom Cotton over gas prices but previously backed a carbon tax plan that critics say would raise energy costs. Historic Preservation: Seven Arkansas properties landed on the National Register of Historic Places in May, including campus dorm districts at UA Monticello and major landmarks at Arkansas Tech. Workforce & Industry Leadership: Ace Hardware announced new 2026 board leadership, adding Brandi Joplin, a former Sam’s Club CFO. Cyber & Engineering Talent: UA Little Rock grad Colin McNerny built VR simulations for cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection through the CORE Center. Coal Push: Trump unveiled a $700M federal push to revive coal plants and exports, with Arkansas listed among targeted states.

Energy & Industry Policy: President Trump announced a $700 million push for coal plants and export infrastructure, using the Defense Production Act to protect 13 coal plants and support upgrades across states including Arkansas, aiming to lower electricity costs and boost jobs. Local Infrastructure & Utilities: Bull Shoals mayor Bill Stahlman gave conflicting accounts of a voter-approved 1% sales tax tied to a sewer bond—one version says the tax was collected but transfers weren’t made; another says it was never collected—prompting renewed questions about city handling of funds. Healthcare Construction: CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock received a $5 million matching gift to expand advanced cardiac care via the Anthony Center, with construction expected to start this fall and finish in 2027. Tech & Growth Planning: Pulaski County candidate Wendell Griffen proposed a 12-month moratorium on data centers, as the county weighs how to regulate the fast-growing industry. Economy & Jobs: Arkansas’ unemployment rate held steady at 4.3% in March-to-April, with non-farm payroll jobs rising by 5,800. Transportation & Fuel Costs: GasBuddy reported several Arkansas counties hitting weekly lows for regular and diesel prices, reflecting ongoing volatility tied to global oil and refinery conditions.

Trucking & Manufacturing: XPO unveiled a patriotic trailer fleet built at its Searcy, Arkansas facility, highlighting the company’s in-house trailer manufacturing and the role of freight in the U.S. economy. Energy Policy: President Trump is set to announce $700 million for coal plants and a new export terminal, with Arkansas among the supported sites—an industry move that could ripple through mining, rail, engineering, and construction. Gaming & Jobs: Saracen Casino Resort’s 14-story hotel in Pine Bluff is now open, adding hundreds of jobs and expanding its event-center lineup. Broadband Expansion: Kinetic says it has surpassed 2 million fiber premises passed across its 18-state footprint, with Arkansas among the markets benefiting from ongoing buildout. Retail & Supply Chain: Northwest Arkansas retail tech leaders say AI is now a must-have for logistics and supply chain operations, not a differentiator. Food Industry: A Cornell study finds GLP-1 use is changing grocery and restaurant spending patterns, with fewer purchases of calorie-dense foods. Local Economy: The St. Louis Fed Beige Book reports Arkansas activity is up slightly but businesses worry about supply chain disruptions and higher fuel costs. Agriculture & Community: Arkansas County Extension Homemakers marked EHC Month with food preservation and community service projects. Media & Public Broadcasting: The Arkansas TV Commission rescinded its PBS disaffiliation decision after the Arkansas TV Foundation secured dues funding. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Arkansas regular gas averaging $3.98 for the week ending May 30, with multiple county-level lows reported.

Broadband Expansion: Little Rock-based Kinetic says it has passed 2 million residential fiber premises across 18 states, citing scaled construction and partnerships as demand grows. Local Tech Policy: Little Rock’s board unanimously approved data center regulations after a long public fight over a proposed Google-backed project near the Port of Little Rock, with residents raising concerns about noise, water use, environmental impact, and transparency. Manufacturing Moves: Central Moloney moved its corporate headquarters to North Little Rock while keeping Pine Bluff as its main manufacturing hub, planning $8M–$10M in capital investment there. Healthcare & Aging: CMS ranked Little River Nursing & Rehab No. 2 among county nursing homes in Q1 2026, with no fines or penalties reported. Community & Business: Batesville’s Launchpad Expo brought local companies together under an “outer space” theme, aiming to connect residents with services they didn’t know existed. Agriculture Finance: FARM Champions are being rolled out to help farmers navigate financial stress, taxes, and asset protection during a tough season. Consumer Retail: Macy’s reported stronger comparable sales and raised its outlook, pointing to merchandise changes and improved customer service. Industry Watch: The FTC launched a major investigation into fertilizer pricing practices amid farmer complaints about a broken market.

Local Governance: Little Rock’s Board unanimously passed Mayor Frank Scott Jr.’s data center regulations after a long meeting, with residents pushing for tougher limits and even moratoriums amid hyperscale Google plans in Pulaski County. Infrastructure & Utilities: Kinetic says it has surpassed 2 million fiber premises passed across its 18-state footprint, underscoring continued broadband buildout. Water & Wastewater: Fort Smith approved $8.57 million for design work tied to a $150 million Massard Water Reclamation Facility upgrade to meet federal consent decree requirements. Agriculture & Food: Arkansas researchers are validating DNA markers to help grape breeders predict seedlessness and flower sex type, targeting muscadine improvements. Energy & Industry: Black Hills Energy highlights resilience investments across its multi-state utility footprint, including major infrastructure spending. Business & Tech: First Orion expanded INFORM Branded Calling via a self-service portal, aiming to speed onboarding for Arkansas-area businesses. Public Health: A salmonella outbreak tied to imported “super greens” supplements has been reopened after additional illnesses.

Hospitality & Tourism: Beechwood Hospitality was tapped to take over day-to-day operations of Fayetteville’s 78-room Stonebreaker Hotel, starting in late May, as the Arkansas-based operator leans into the property’s local “retreat” identity. Agriculture & Policy: A new federal move eases tariffs on some agricultural and industrial equipment, cutting duties on items like combines and harvesters from 25% to 15% through 2027 while keeping the broader metals protection plan in place. Logistics & Ports: Logistic Services Inc. bought Five Rivers Distribution’s assets, expanding its inland rivers network with multimodal terminals in Van Buren and Fort Smith for barge, rail and truck connections. Local Infrastructure: Fayetteville finalized a sewer main break damage payout after ordinance changes, allowing compensation above a prior $100,000 cap. Energy & Growth: XNA in Benton County says enplanements are rising and promoted Ashton Collier to chief financial officer. Tech & Regulation: Little Rock approved new data center zoning and operating rules after long public input on noise, power strain and water impacts. Food Safety: FDA and CDC reopened a salmonella supplement probe after additional illnesses tied to imported moringa leaf powder. Severe Weather: Reports say the 2026 tornado season has been marked by fewer, high-impact bursts hitting rural areas.

Inland Waterways Deal: Logistic Services Inc. (LSI) will buy Van Buren’s Five Rivers Distribution, integrating its Arkansas River Navigation System terminals and expanding LSI’s inland waterways footprint, including Port of Little Rock operations. Manufacturing & Local Investment: Central Moloney moved its corporate headquarters to North Little Rock while saying it’s “doubling down” on its Pine Bluff manufacturing site and consolidating some engineering functions locally. Agriculture Logistics: A new FMCSA hours-of-service waiver lets fertilizer haulers in 34 states drive up to 16 hours in a 24-hour period during a May 26–Aug. 26 window, aimed at easing supply pressure. Public Works & Water: Hot Springs Village approved an urgent $195,000 gravity-flow water line project as Lake Lago levels fell, with work expected to start this week. Food Industry Expansion: Slim Chickens opened a drive-thru-only “Fly-Thru” location in Kentucky, its third such format after Fayetteville and Gray, Georgia. Retail/Infrastructure Costs: Buc-ee’s first North Carolina store is part of a broader push, but a reported $11M in Ruston, Louisiana, taxpayer-funded upgrades is drawing scrutiny. State Services: Arkansas DHS ordered Summer EBT recipients to reset PINs due to theft reports from scammers. Workforce & Economy: Creighton’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index stayed above growth neutral, pointing to steady manufacturing momentum despite weak job trends.

Data Centers Debate: Little Rock officials are weighing new rules for data centers, but two board members are pushing for a temporary moratorium until questions on electricity costs, water resilience, environmental impacts, and tax revenue are answered. Homebuilding Efficiency: Rogers launched its Pattern Zone Program, offering free, pre-approved residential building plans to speed permitting while still requiring site-specific review. Teacher Retirement Investments: The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System approved up to about $160M in new investments, including Blackstone infrastructure and Ares real estate secondaries. Agriculture Stress: Farm bankruptcies under Chapter 12 jumped sharply in April, hitting the highest monthly level in more than six years as costs outpace crop prices. Manufacturing & Energy: FutureFuel says its Batesville biodiesel restart was enabled by a flexible chemical manufacturing setup. Local Business/Industry: CEP USA opened its first U.S. manufacturing facility in North Little Rock, investing nearly $1M and targeting about 27 jobs over five years. Public Safety & Fraud: DHS ordered Summer EBT recipients to reset PINs after theft reports, and AG Tim Griffin announced arrests tied to retail theft. Construction/Infrastructure: Arkansas River commercial tonnage rose 32.5% in April, with sand/gravel/rock leading gains.

FTC Fertilizer Probe: The FTC says it has launched a major, industry-wide investigation into fertilizer pricing practices and market concentration after sharp input-cost increases since 2020, with farmer voices from multiple states in the room. North Little Rock Manufacturing: CEP USA opened its first U.S. prefabricated electrical substation facility in North Little Rock, investing nearly $1M and targeting about 27 jobs over five years, with local chamber and state economic development support. Tech/Trade Compliance Fallout: Seagate agreed to a proposed $175M settlement tied to claims it concealed sales of hard disk drives to China’s Huawei, with shareholders including pension funds in Arkansas. Food Access Pressure: Meals on Wheels of Benton County is shutting down after 41 years, citing rising food costs and a volunteer shortage. Medicare Fraud Prevention: The Arkansas Insurance Department is urging seniors to “Prevent, Detect and Report” Medicare scams during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week. Local Business Change: PatchMaster Northwest Arkansas has a new owner, Marine veteran John Turley, taking over the drywall repair and paint finishing franchise. Agriculture Legal Education: A National Agricultural Law Center webinar will cover timber trespass statutes and landowner remedies.

Advanced Energy & Workforce: Adam Fogleman is still shaping Arkansas energy policy from his new role at WLJ, highlighting SkillStream—an advanced energy career pipeline linking employers with job-ready talent for solar and high-tech HVAC work. Poultry Manufacturing: A Tyson veteran built a $200M custom poultry processing company in Arkansas, with Custom Craft Poultry operating plants in Batesville and Little Rock and employing about 750. Bromine Supply Investment: Tetra Technologies conditionally approved the final investment decision for its Evergreen bromine project near Stamps, aiming to secure long-term domestic feedstock for completion fluids and energy storage electrolytes. Logistics Security: Arkansas Trucking Association leaders heard how cargo thieves are getting more organized, with “strategic theft” rising beyond simple break-ins. Local Business Real Estate: North Little Rock doctors bought an Arkansas outpatient surgery center for about $4.5M, while a Little Rock group acquired a large storage warehouse for $1.62M. Data Centers & Water: Little Rock’s proposed data center rules face pushback from a sustainability panel, with concerns over water use tied to a planned Google facility. Agriculture Stress: Farm bankruptcies hit a six-year high in April as Chapter 12 filings jumped, reflecting rising fuel and fertilizer costs. Construction Costs: Verisk reports roof replacement costs are climbing sharply even as overall claims volume falls, driven by hail volatility and aging roofs. Community & STEM: A new Civil Air Patrol squadron is planned for South Arkansas, with a June 7 meeting seeking volunteers.

Arkansas Baseball: The Razorbacks’ season took a hit in the Lawrence Regional, falling to Kansas 4-3 after blowing two leads, sending Arkansas to an elimination game Sunday. Public Health: Air quality alerts are up across parts of Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, with “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” pockets raising health risks for kids, seniors and people with respiratory or heart conditions. Local Infrastructure & Growth: Little Rock School Board approved a plan for Central High’s softball team to share the new baseball field, a short-term fix tied to Title IX concerns. Energy & Industry: A Little Rock data center fight is back in the spotlight as critics push for a moratorium over electricity, water and environmental exposure questions. Agriculture & Food Prices: A “beans, beef and Boeing” market reality check points to how fast commodity and stock moves can swing when buyers doubt big announcements. Community & Agriculture: Jonesboro’s Judd Hill Farmers’ Market is set to celebrate 20 years in June, including a youth-only “Little Locals” mini market. Military & Service: An Arkansas sailor killed at Pearl Harbor was finally laid to rest in Plainview, identified decades later through DNA work.

Regional Baseball Spotlight: Arkansas kept its postseason run alive with a 9-5 win over Missouri State in the Lawrence Regional, setting up a Saturday showdown for a regional title spot. Local Energy & Industry: A new drilling update from South Arkansas details work in the Stephens Field, including a Betsy Production Company permit and a plugging report in the Pace City Field. Agriculture & Food Costs: Beef prices hit record highs, with economists pointing to drought-driven cattle herd losses and tight supply as the main driver behind pricey steak. Workforce & Economy: A new national look at unemployment shows a widening gap between strong and weak job markets, with coastal states facing softer hiring demand. Tech & Infrastructure Debate: Across the U.S., data centers are colliding with state-level concerns over power, water, and household bills, creating a patchwork of incentives and limits. Public Safety & Weather: Arkansas saw dramatic thunderstorms near Marked Tree, with forecasters stressing the storms looked worse than the severe threat. Community & Engineering: Fort Smith-area coverage highlights UAFS electrical engineering student Danu Regalado’s 4,000-mile “Journey of Hope” bike ride supporting disability advocacy.

FTC Watch: The Federal Trade Commission has launched an industrywide investigation into rising fertilizer prices, with Chair Andrew Ferguson warning that rapid consolidation could mean farmers aren’t getting true market pricing. Ag & Cotton Policy: USDA rolled out the Great American Cotton Plan, aiming to boost domestic cotton demand and restore textile manufacturing while expanding trade opportunities for American-grown cotton. Energy & Industry Supply Chains: Electra Sales says it now represents High Power Products across north Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, pitching faster switchgear and arc-flash protection lead times for data centers, healthcare and industrial projects. Local Logistics: Walmart bought a 507,000-square-foot temperature-controlled distribution facility in Riverside for $223M, a move that signals continued strength in cold-storage logistics. Food & Retail Growth: Dog Haus signed a 50-unit franchising deal and added new executives to accelerate expansion. Water & Environmental Risk: Denali Water Solutions says it plans to file a closure plan to stop using a Crawford County lagoon tied to odor complaints, with full removal targeted for early spring 2027. Community & Culture: The Arkansas Folklife Festival returns June 26-28 in North Little Rock, spotlighting music, dance, food and storytelling from six Arkansas cultural regions.