AGP Executive Report

Energy & Utilities: North Arkansas Electric Cooperative signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, urging data center developers to cover the full cost of power and grid upgrades so customer bills don’t rise. Local Energy Planning: Little Rock approved a sustainable energy district that links downtown heating and cooling across city and private buildings via ENFRA Solutions. Regulatory & Industry: Fort Smith’s board is set to review rules for data center development, including potential limits tied to water use. Food Safety: Salmonella linked to jalapeños has triggered recalls of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products sold nationwide, including in Arkansas retailers. Agriculture & Livestock: A new world screwworm threat is spreading in Texas and New Mexico, and UAPB is warning Arkansas sheep and goat producers to treat it as active. Construction & Housing: Creditors asked a Little Rock homebuilder’s bankruptcy case be dismissed after she refused most creditor questions. Manufacturing & Timber: Arkansas sawmills are facing higher costs and thinner margins as lumber’s post-COVID swings cool. Workforce Tech: Centerton startup WayPave is launching swipe-style hiring for frontline jobs with pay and schedule transparency. Agriculture Economy: Farmer Jennifer James says Arkansas rice acreage is at a 50-year low because the math doesn’t work on costs versus prices. Community & Philanthropy: Little Rock is set to build 30 Crossing Park with a major Bezos Earth Fund grant. Business Moves: Walmart Energy hired former Arkansas Public Service Commission regulator Michael Marchand; Partners Bank named Matt Reddin chief development officer.

Nuclear Power Push in Arkansas: A legislative-commissioned study says new nuclear reactors are “feasible and advisable,” with potential sites in central and southwest Arkansas, as Entergy projects rising demand and coal retirements loom. Energy Prices at the Pump: GasBuddy reports show Conway County’s lowest E15 at $3.43 (one station), while diesel lows include Izard County at $4.64 and Jefferson County at $4.77 for the week ending Aug. 1. Food Safety Alert: USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños that may be contaminated with Salmonella, listing distribution across multiple states including Arkansas. Cyclospora Outbreak Watch: CDC figures say the Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has surged past 25,000 confirmed/probable cases nationwide, with the lettuce-linked cluster now in 15 states. Local Agriculture Extension: U of Arkansas Division of Agriculture hired Jimmie Tucker as the Columbia County agriculture agent and staff chair, with an open house planned for Aug. 27. Defense Industry Spotlight: Lockheed Martin drew fresh investor attention after strong quarterly results and major missile-defense contract wins tied to PAC-3/THAAD demand.

Aviation Funding: Gainesville Regional Airport in Arkansas is set to receive $12.6M in federal grants to build a new general aviation terminal and expand the commercial apron, with a new CEO overseeing the upgrades. Nuclear Power Watch: A legislative panel consultant says new nuclear reactors in Arkansas are feasible and advisable, but notes state help may be needed for preparation and financing. Defense Manufacturing Push: The Pentagon is pressuring weapons makers to accelerate output as a munitions crisis grows, including a major Lockheed Martin expansion tied to missile and interceptor production. Food Safety: CDC-linked Salmonella outbreaks tied to recalled eggs and jalapeño peppers are hitting multiple states, including Arkansas, prompting additional retail recalls and consumer warnings. Local Infrastructure: Fort Smith reports completion of another EPA consent decree sewer project, including major pipe remediation and manhole work funded through a dedicated sales tax. Education & Health: Arkansas State University held a white coat ceremony for its inaugural veterinary class, while a separate UAPB leader received a state award for international education. Energy Prices: GasBuddy and AAA data show Arkansas fuel prices easing from spring highs, with county-level deals reported for E85, diesel, and midgrade.

Food Safety: Albertsons recalled four Taylor Farms jalapeño-containing salsa and salad items sold in Arkansas and several other states after a possible Salmonella contamination linked to a supplier recall; consumers are urged not to eat the products and to return them for refunds. Public Health: The CDC says the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with Arkansas among those reporting cases. Agriculture & Policy: Sen. John Boozman says he’ll bring the Farm Bill back to the Senate Agriculture Committee after a vote stalled over SNAP administration accountability. Energy & Transportation: AAA reports the national regular gas average slipped to about $4.06 as crude prices eased; Arkansas-specific GasBuddy updates show local price swings for midgrade, E15, E85 and diesel. Education & Workforce: Arkansas State University held a white coat ceremony for its inaugural veterinary class, and the ASU System trustees approved $18 million for a Newport health science center. Local Industry: Rayonier reported Q2 results, including impacts from its merger and timber-related items, with operations tied to Arkansas timber and wood products. Community & Youth: The Arkansas 4-H Foundation awarded $153,000 in scholarships and sponsorships to 4-H members. Business Growth: Mountain Home issued major building permits, including a Vantive addition valued over $8 million.

Education & Workforce Development: Arkansas State University System trustees approved an $18 million budget for a new health science center at ASU-Newport, backed by federal grants plus system foundation and institutional reserves, aimed at expanding nursing and other high-need healthcare programs. Timber & Manufacturing: Rayonier reported second-quarter 2026 results, including merger-related costs and timber write-offs, while highlighting Arkansas timber and wood-products operations. Food Safety: Walmart bakery rolls made with Pillsbury frozen dough are recalled in 19 states, including Arkansas, due to possible glass contamination; separately, CDC says cyclosporiasis linked to imported iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states with Arkansas among those reporting cases. Agriculture Policy: The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance Farm Bill 2.0, with Democrats opposing a one-year SNAP cost-share delay; meanwhile, a separate Senate push would require schools to get a waiver before buying foreign food products. Local Business & Construction: Mountain Home issued major June building permits, including an $8.03M addition for Vantive (formerly Baxter Healthcare) and a new tunnel car wash project. Public Health & Community: Searcy School District highlighted completion of 183 safe shelters across campuses, funded through a 2025 millage extension.

Food Safety: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to fresh jalapeño peppers from Mexico has sickened hundreds across 27 states, with dozens hospitalized; health officials say the peppers were distributed to restaurants and wholesalers and urge careful washing and handling. Farm Policy: The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee stalled the Farm Bill over a dispute on SNAP cost-sharing, even as Arkansas Sen. John Boozman pushed a compromise; the fight centers on whether states must cover more costs when error rates exceed a threshold. Arkansas Industry & Jobs: Arkansas State University’s board approved revised budgets for the CREST Center, a project aimed at job-ready training for advanced automated manufacturing, steel manufacturing, and food processing. Energy & Power: Entergy says construction has started on the Jefferson Power Station and Arkansas Cypress Solar and Battery to replace the White Bluff coal plant by 2030, with a possible feasibility study on converting the site to natural gas. Workforce & Education: UA Fort Smith named Duncan Pelly dean of the College of Business and Industry, bringing international accreditation and economic development experience. Building Products: All Weather Insulated Panels marked 20 years, including its Little Rock facility, and highlighted sustainability and future energy-management plans.

Food Safety Watch: CDC says salmonella tied to Mexican jalapeños has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations; Chipotle and Qdoba pulled jalapeños, and FDA/CDC trace the peppers to a common Sinaloa grower and distributor. Egg Recall: FDA reports a separate salmonella egg recall covering nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs (sold under multiple brands) with best-by dates through Aug. 17, including distribution into Arkansas. Produce Outbreak: Cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, now including Arkansas, with thousands of cases nationwide and ongoing federal investigation. Local Industry & Growth: Little Rock’s 30 Crossing Park is set to move forward after a Bezos Earth Fund grant aimed at turning underused downtown land into a major green-space draw. Agriculture Policy: U.S. Senate Ag Committee farm bill talks stalled over SNAP cost-sharing rules, with Arkansas Sen. John Boozman offering a one-year compromise extension. Data Center Tension: Little Rock officials face renewed backlash over data center permitting as a proposed 18-month moratorium failed on a 4-4 board deadlock. Manufacturing Spotlight: Westrock Coffee says its Conway production buildout hit a financial milestone, reaching free cash flow positive in Q2.

Food Safety Alerts: A multistate Salmonella egg recall is expanding after Midwest Poultry Services pulled more than 19 million eggs tied to 98 illnesses and 26 hospitalizations, with affected cartons sold under Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Country Morning and Cal-Maine Sunups and carrying sell-by dates through Aug. 17. Produce & Restaurant Fallout: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taco Bell and recalled Taylor Farms lettuce has reached 6,358 cases, adding Arkansas among six new states, while Chipotle and Qdoba removed jalapeños as a separate Salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican peppers hits 27 states. Agriculture Policy: Arkansas Sen. John Boozman’s five-year farm bill stalled in the Senate Agriculture Committee over SNAP cost-sharing rules, with Democrats pushing for a longer delay and Republicans split by absences. Energy & Industry: Arkansas lawmakers reviewed a feasibility study suggesting new nuclear reactors are possible, but state support may be needed; meanwhile, Tyson Foods in Springdale declared a quarterly dividend and Westrock Coffee reported Q2 results. Public Health & Air: A Code Orange ozone advisory was issued for the Memphis metro, including Crittenden County, with guidance to limit outdoor exertion. Cybersecurity: FBI warnings to Arkansas water utilities follow cyberattacks elsewhere, as ports and other operators continue to recover from system intrusions.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states and 6,358 cases, with Arkansas among the newly added states—though officials note the recall timing means many illnesses are already in motion. Public Health & Retail: A separate Salmonella Javiana outbreak linked to imported jalapeños has reached 27 states and 345 illnesses; Chipotle and Qdoba removed jalapeños, and the FDA is still checking whether grocery distribution was involved. Livestock Risk: A “new world” screwworm has been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, and Arkansas sheep and goat producers are urged to treat it as an active threat during warm months. Energy & Industry: Onterris of North Little Rock is weighing a possible sale while adopting a poison pill to fend off a hostile takeover, as demand for some services stays low. Construction & Defense: Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith is set for more work after a $38.9M contract for an F-35 Special Access Program Facility. Workforce & Housing: UA Pulaski Tech and Providence Park will launch a $1.8M YouthBuild BRIDGE program to train students for paid construction jobs building tiny homes for chronically homeless residents. Business & Growth: Buc-ee’s announced its first Arkansas travel center in Benton will open Aug. 17, bringing more than 200 jobs.

Defense & Construction: A $38.9 million contract was awarded for a new secure F-35 Special Access Program Facility at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, with BL Harbert International building the project near the base’s training center. Education & Tech: Fayetteville Superintendent John Mulford said AI is used to score open-ended and essay portions of Arkansas’ ATLAS tests for about 15% of students, with human review also involved. Energy & Power: Arkansas-based Blue Diamond Atomics says it has a plan to tackle long-term radioactive residuals as it pushes for more nuclear power in the state. Agriculture: USDA hatchery data shows broiler placements are slightly ahead of last year in Arkansas, while national cropland values rose 3.3% to a record $6,020 an acre. Public Health: A cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has now reached 15 states, including Arkansas, with health officials warning reported cases may lag real infections. Workforce & Health Care: Unity Health opened a Residential Adolescent Recovery & Wellness Program for Medicaid children, adding 24 beds and education support. Policy Watch: Arkansas AG-led hemp reform efforts and a push for stronger Medicaid fraud enforcement are gaining momentum in Congress.

Outdoor Recreation Workforce: A Clinton School research team mapped Arkansas’s outdoor recreation industry and its workforce pipeline, flagging alignment gaps and recommending short-, mid-, and long-term fixes to keep the sector growing. Manufacturing Jobs: James & James is investing $9.4M in a new Heber Springs facility, aiming to add 47 jobs over four years and expand vertically integrated hardwood production. Local Business & Retail: Crunch Fitness plans a new North Little Rock gym this fall, a $5M, 50,000-square-foot site with memberships starting at $9.99. Energy & Power: Rep. Steve Womack toured the Flint Creek Power Plant and said regulatory changes could help extend operations beyond the late 2030s. Agriculture Water Savings: Mississippi researchers report recirculating tailwater in rice production can cut freshwater demand by at least 30%, boosting resilience for water-stressed farming. Public Works & Growth: Little Rock’s proposed 18-month data center permitting pause failed 4-4, keeping debate over big power and water demands in the spotlight. Hemp Policy: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin joined a bipartisan push to preserve tighter federal rules on intoxicating hemp products. Food Supply Chain: Arkansas’s food manufacturing remains tied to broader national trends as new analysis highlights where grocery staples are produced and how jobs are shifting.

Hemp Policy Fight: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin is leading a bipartisan push to keep tighter federal restrictions on intoxicating hemp products in place, warning Congress not to reopen a loophole that let some delta-8/delta-10 items spread with limited oversight. Food Safety & Retail: Walmart-linked bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter is under a salmonella recall after testing found Salmonella in a lot sold in 19 states, raising fresh pressure on Arkansas-area supply chains and store handling. Local Business Growth: Wright’s Barbecue opened a new Benton location on Interstate 30, adding indoor/outdoor seating and more jobs as the chain expands its Arkansas footprint. Manufacturing Jobs Snapshot: A national look at food manufacturing shows 2025 employment hit a record 1.77 million workers, even as the industry’s share of the workforce keeps slipping over time. AI Oversight: White House officials are meeting major AI labs to review a voluntary safety-testing framework after internal evaluations showed breaches, with Arkansas AGs also active on related federal record-preservation efforts. Trucking & Veterans: The “Freedom Haulers” initiative aims to steer veterans into CDL pathways, targeting a long-running driver turnover problem.

Data Centers & Permits: Little Rock directors will weigh two proposals to pause “hyperscale” data center permits—one for six months with a Google carve-out, the other for 18 months without exceptions—after June rules defined hyperscale as 250,000+ sq. ft. or 75+ MW. Tech & IT Services: GFI Digital is buying Lowell-based TDS IT, expanding managed technology and office equipment services across Arkansas. AI Infrastructure Deal: Z Squared will acquire Paradox Data, including the Union County campus with an Entergy Arkansas power agreement up to 8 MW, aiming for up to 150 MW AI-ready capacity over time. Agriculture & Food Supply: Arkansas peanut acreage is down more than 35% to 31,000 acres, but a field day Aug. 5 will focus on disease, insects, weed control, and growth regulators. School Nutrition Funding: USDA FFVP funding of $3.376 million is available for Arkansas elementary schools for 2026–27, with applications due Aug. 28. Manufacturing Jobs: James & James plans a $9.4M Heber Springs facility creating 47 jobs and adding lumber milling for deeper hardwood sourcing in Arkansas.

Agriculture: Arkansas peanut acreage is down to about 31,000 acres—more than 35% lower than 2025—prompting a Aug. 5 field day in Newport focused on disease, weed control, and managing failed inoculation. Food & Schools: USDA is awarding Arkansas $3.376 million for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, with funding starting Oct. 1 for at least 162 K–6 schools. Workforce & Compliance: New H-2A adverse effect wage rates take effect Aug. 17 for Arkansas employers, meaning job orders may need updates soon. Manufacturing & Jobs: James & James plans a $9.4M Heber Springs expansion, adding 47 jobs and a lumber milling operation to deepen hardwood sourcing in-state. Education & Training: Fayetteville firm modus studio is building a $14.6M Searcy High School Agricultural Technical Center, targeting completion in fall 2027. Industry & Environment: Domtar agreed to a $1.5M settlement over Clean Air Act violations at its Ashdown mill, plus about $2.6M in emission-control projects. Tech & Finance: Ascend Technologies is buying Chicago-area MSP Xamin to expand compliance-driven IT and cybersecurity services for banks and credit unions. Policy & Health Fraud: AG Catherine Hanaway joined a multistate push for the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act to broaden states’ ability to pursue beneficiary fraud.

Medicaid & Disability Care: Arkansas families of people with severe disabilities are bracing for changes as federal rules shift home- and community-based care requirements, while advocates say Arkansas’ managed care system underpays caregivers—raising fears of longer waits and more gaps in supportive living. Banking & Efficiency: Simmons Bank in Pine Bluff is addressing Q2 results amid staff-reduction rumors, saying any personnel shifts come from routine operational reviews. Health Policy: DHS Secretary Janet Mann weighs in on Medicaid changes tied to ARHome work requirements, including expectations of enrollment drops and where coverage could shift next. UAMS Leadership: UAMS promotes interim College of Medicine dean Dr. Ronald Robertson to permanent role, effective immediately. Manufacturing Jobs: Furniture maker James & James will invest $9.4M in a new Heber Springs facility, combining manufacturing and lumber milling and targeting 47 new jobs over four years. Food Safety: A federal egg recall linked to drug-resistant Salmonella has sickened 98 people across 17 states, with cartons still in homes during the active recall window. Cybersecurity: Federal authorities warn water systems are at risk after reported cyberattacks, including suspected Iranian targeting of internet-connected control devices. Agriculture & Wine: U of A Division of Agriculture hosts a native and hybrid grape field day in Little Rock, sharing pruning and research updates for Arkansas grape and wine growers. Retail Growth: Sam’s Club expands online reach for local brands, highlighting Arkansas coffee maker Onyx Coffee as part of the push to scale regional favorites. Local Housing Oversight: HUD appoints a new official to help oversee the Little Rock housing authority after management concerns led to board dissolution.

Housing & City Services: HUD tapped Ellis Wilson-Henri to help oversee the Little Rock housing authority after HUD dissolved the board earlier this year, while the city approved about $121,600 to add 21 surveillance cameras. Military/Healthcare Access: The 927th Air Refueling Wing supported the Buffalo River Wellness mission, delivering no-cost medical services like dental, vision, behavioral health and school physicals in Marshall. Cybersecurity for Arkansas Utilities: Federal authorities warned that hackers have been tampering with internet-connected controls at water systems in multiple states, with Iran suspected—an issue that hits Arkansas’s critical infrastructure planning. Oil & Gas Permitting: Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission filings show new drilling permits, plus reported completions and workovers across South Arkansas fields. Local Development vs. Data Centers: Pulaski County rejected a proposed one-year pause on new data centers, keeping an AVAIO project moving as residents raise concerns about power, water and rural land impacts. Retail/Back-to-School: Arkansas shoppers are using the state sales tax holiday to cut costs on school supplies and clothing. Agriculture & Food Costs: A new study ranks Arkansas among the states where a $100 grocery budget goes the furthest.