AGP Executive Report

Arkansas Jobs Watch: Arkansas’ unemployment rate slipped to 4.2% in May as employment and the labor force hit record highs, with nonfarm payrolls also rising to a new peak—good news for the state’s labor market. Food & Retail Policy: A federal judge blocked SNAP “unhealthy food” limits in five states, saying USDA lacked authority to cut eligible foods—an outcome that could ripple into how retailers handle SNAP purchases. Protein Industry: Tyson Foods set its third-quarter 2026 earnings call for Aug. 3, a key read for Arkansas’s food manufacturing supply chain. Water & Agriculture Risk: A “snow drought” is now turning into a broader water crisis across much of the U.S., raising stakes for summer water supplies and wildfire conditions. Local Industry & Power: Clarksville Connected Utilities reviewed draft agreements for a major Serverfarm data center, with a June 29 special meeting ahead of a transmission filing deadline. Northeast Arkansas Water Quality: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture won a $3.175M EPA grant for 18 conservation and water quality projects, including watershed work tied to the Cache River. Child Safety Online: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin sued Roblox and Discord over alleged child safety failures, alleging a “two-stage predatory pipeline.” Business Spotlight: Southern Aluminum in Magnolia earned a nomination for Arkansas Business’ “Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas” award for its Luxe Mobile Bar.

Aerospace Leadership: Radius Aerospace named Tyler Evans as CEO, tapping decades of aerospace and defense leadership as the Hot Springs-area parts maker continues scaling. Port & Manufacturing Expansion: Little Rock steel fabricator Lexicon cut the ribbon on a renovated headquarters tied to a $37.6M Port of Little Rock expansion, with more phases and job growth ahead. Housing Policy: The Senate passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, aiming to boost supply and curb Wall Street’s role in single-family home purchases, now headed back to the House. Child Safety Lawsuit: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin sued Roblox and Discord, alleging deceptive design and weak protections that leave children exposed to predators. Agriculture & Food Industry: USDA crop progress showed southern corn pushing into silking while corn/soy quality held steady; Tyson Foods rolled out new Chicken Cups flavors (Garlic & Herb, BBQ, Harissa). Water & Wildlife: Arkansas trout fisheries face added summer stress as temperatures rise and stocking remains reduced; USDA APHIS eradicated 1,800+ invasive wild pigs at Land Between the Lakes. Local Business & Community: Fort Smith title manager Zach Hobson earned a statewide young professional award from the Arkansas Land Title Association.

Child Safety Lawsuit: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin sued Roblox and Discord, alleging a “two-stage predatory pipeline” that lets adults reach minors and then shift chats to less monitored spaces, while claiming the companies misled parents and profited from unsafe design. Public Health Workforce: Heartland Whole Health Institute launched a statewide Graduate Medical Education Technical Assistance Center and a strategy report, citing a residency bottleneck (about 430 med grads vs. 375 entry-level spots) and aiming to expand training capacity in rural and underserved areas. Ag & Food Supply: Arkansas rice growers face narrow fertilizer timing as wet/dry swings disrupt “dry-ground before flood” nitrogen plans, while soybean acres are largely planted and farmers watch July-August weather; Riceland also plans temporary closures at nine rice drying facilities due to reduced acreage. Invasive Species Control: USDA APHIS eradicated more than 1,800 invasive wild pigs at Land Between the Lakes, targeting crop damage, visitor safety issues, and cultural site harm. Retail & Industry: Dillard’s story highlights how Arkansas-founded retailers survived retail upheaval; Moix RV opened Airstream of Arkansas in Conway; and Arkansas Business named its 2026 Best Places to Work list, spotlighting major employers across the state. Local Business & Community: AQ Chicken House returns to downtown Springdale for July 4 after a three-year hiatus, and the Folds of Honor FreedomFest returns with a new fireworks setup over the Arkansas River.

Food Safety: The FDA flagged a Great Value Hawaiian Roll 4-pack sold at Walmart in 26 states, including Arkansas, after an oily/sticky substance was found on the packaging’s direct food-contact surface; no injuries were reported and the recall is Class II—check Julian code W1 116 and listed production dates, then don’t eat it. Healthcare & Construction: Highlands Oncology broke ground on a 125,000-square-foot, five-story cancer center along I-49 in Rogers, targeting a Q3 2028 opening and expanding Northwest Arkansas capacity. Manufacturing & Jobs: Little Rock steel fabricator Lexicon installed an AGT Robotics welding system that can outproduce humans 4-to-1, but the company says it’s hiring more welders and shop staff instead of cutting jobs. Energy & Renewables: Treaty Oak Clean Energy’s first operational solar field is now running in Grant County, a 100-megawatt project expected to be a springboard for more Arkansas development. Industry Expansion: U.S. Steel’s Big River 2 in Osceola is set for a $1.9 billion direct reduced iron line, reinforcing Mississippi County’s “Land of Steel” push. Local Business Moves: Citizens Bank of Batesville, Stone Bank, and AgHeritage Farm Credit Services all announced new hires in banking and finance.

Agribusiness: Riceland Foods will temporarily close nine of its 23 Arkansas rice drying facilities as rice acreage drops to levels not seen since the 1970s, with the company saying many sites will stay active for storage—an adjustment aimed at keeping the network running despite a projected near-40% acreage decline. Waterways & logistics: Arkansas River commercial tonnage rose sharply in May, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reporting 814,248 tons shipped in May (+50.7% year over year) and nearly 11% higher tonnage through May, supported by stronger sand/gravel/rock and fertilizer/steel flows. Energy & construction: Little Rock-area building permits show major commercial activity, including a $6M Reece Sterling Building and a $4.6M Sterling Bank project at 1701 Rahling Road, while national gas prices dipped below $4 as travel demand ramps up. Local growth & community: Texarkana’s Arkansas-side A&P Commission approved more than $286,450 in tourism grants, including funding for festivals, the airshow, and an agricultural expo. Workforce & education: Henderson State named Dr. Scott Kuttenkuler vice chancellor for Student Life, expanding leadership across housing, counseling, student engagement, and support services.

Medicaid Overhaul: The Trump administration has issued final federal rules for Medicaid work requirements, spelling out what enrollees must do to keep coverage as states scramble to update systems ahead of the Jan. 1, 2027 rollout. Arkansas Construction Watch: Little Rock-area building permits totaled $4.6M for a new Sterling Bank branch at 1701 Rahling Road, alongside other commercial and residential projects. Rice Industry Pressure: Riceland Foods will temporarily close nine of its 23 rice drying facilities as Arkansas rice acreage drops toward 800,000 acres—levels not seen since the 1970s—citing low prices, higher costs, and global market strain. River & Logistics: Arkansas River tonnage is up nearly 11% through May, with May shipments jumping 50.7%, driven largely by sand/gravel/rock and stronger port-to-port traffic. Energy & Travel Costs: National gas prices fell below $4 as summer travel ramps up, with crude and demand dynamics cited for the decline. Local Governance: Benton City Council will consider a school resource officer contract and multiple rezoning and grant-related items at its June 22 meeting. Consumer Protection: A Garland County library program will teach residents how to avoid scams and identity theft, with the Arkansas attorney general’s office slated to speak.

Food & Agriculture Funding: Arkansas lawmakers approved $5M from the restricted reserve fund for the University of Arkansas Food Science Center of Excellence, adding labs and workforce training tied to rice, wheat, berries, grapes and other state crops. River & Logistics: U.S. Army Corps data show Arkansas River commercial tonnage up nearly 11% through May, with May traffic jumping 50.7% as sand/gravel/rock and port-to-port movement rise. Ag Economy Pressure: Riceland Foods will temporarily close nine of its 23 rice drying facilities this harvest season, including Dumas, as rice acreage falls to levels not seen since the 1970s. State Parks & Outdoor Access: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission authorized $5.5M in boating and fishing access improvements using Arkansas Marine Fuel Tax funds. Retail & Rural Growth: Dollar General plans about 450 new stores in 2026, leaning into small towns and rural areas as budget demand stays strong. Workforce & Education: Southern Arkansas University awarded doctorates to five students, including an assistant principal returning from Japan for the spring commencement. Local Governance: Benton City Council will consider a school resource officer contract and multiple rezoning requests, including a shift toward heavy industrial zoning. AI Talent: Nobel Prize-winning AlphaFold co-creator John Jumper is leaving Google DeepMind to join Anthropic.

Food Safety & Home Preservation: Arkansas extension experts urged home canners to use research-based guidelines, noting “canning” covers jams, jellies, and pickling, and stressing safe methods for fresh produce. Outdoor Access & Fisheries: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved more than $5.5 million in boating and fishing access improvements funded through Arkansas Marine Fuel Tax dollars, including contractor-led and partner-agency projects. Agriculture & Weather Impacts: Persistent rain and wind are forcing Arkansas rice farmers to adjust fertilization and herbicide plans, shrinking the “dry ground before flood” window for nitrogen and making weed control harder. State Investment in Food Innovation: The Arkansas Legislative Council approved $5 million for the University of Arkansas Department of Food Science’s Center of Excellence for Food Science and Innovation, building on earlier federal funding to expand labs and food research. Workforce & Training: The Arkansas Trucking Association awarded two $7,500 scholarships to students pursuing medium/heavy duty truck technology, backing the pipeline of skilled technicians for the supply chain. Nursing Pipeline Expansion: The Arkansas Health Care Association School of Nursing opened a new Fort Smith location to train medication assistants toward LPN certification, adding a flexible career pathway to address workforce needs. Rail & Logistics Growth: COIM USA selected the TexAmericas Center rail-served industrial park for a $50 million manufacturing expansion, aiming to boost mid-South distribution capacity.

Food & Agriculture Investment: Arkansas lawmakers approved $5M for the University of Arkansas Food Science Center, building on $30M in federal funding, aiming to boost food processing research, farmer partnerships, and workforce training. Energy & Utilities Oversight: Magnolia Water Utility’s rate plan extension cleared regulators, but commissioners ordered a new audit after customer complaints about steep bills and service issues. Manufacturing & Local Business: Tyson Foods extended John H. Tyson’s board chair employment through 2029, including major compensation and security-related aircraft use. Public Records & Tech: A Fayetteville judge ruled the city didn’t violate the Freedom of Information Act in a Swarm Aero drone-manufacturer records dispute. Workforce & Training: UA Little Rock launched Operation Cyber Sleuth, a June 22-26 cybersecurity and digital forensics camp for grades 7-12. Health Care Pipeline: Arkansas Health Care Association School of Nursing opened a Fort Smith site to train medication assistants toward LPN certification. Agriculture Biosecurity: Arkansas officials are monitoring screwworm risk and adding animal entry requirements to help prevent spread. Rural Land Management: USDA APHIS eradicated 1,800+ invasive wild pigs from Land Between the Lakes, citing safety and crop impacts.

Energy & AI Grid Access: Federal regulators ordered regional grid operators to speed up connections for power-hungry AI data centers, while saying states still control retail rates—an issue that’s hitting Arkansas as Google builds a major data center campus. Utilities & Cost Relief: Entergy Arkansas shared summer cooling tips and bill-management tools, plus LIHEAP intake help for eligible customers. Agriculture Biosecurity: Arkansas is tightening animal entry rules and launching an online screwworm reporting tool as New World screwworm cases spread in Texas and New Mexico. Water Quality Funding: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture received $3.175M in EPA Clean Water Act money for statewide nonpoint source pollution projects. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Fort Smith is moving ahead on $14.5M in EPA-funded green projects, including alley rehab, an e-bike rebate program, solar at Nelson Hall Homes, and more EV charging. Consumer Protection: AG Tim Griffin announced a free Fraud and Consumer Protection Summit in Little Rock Sept. 28-29. Business & Trade: Arkansas growers can enter the 16th annual Grow for the Green soybean yield challenge through Aug. 1. Open Records: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette sued the state Public Service Commission seeking an Entergy-Google data center contract.

Energy Efficiency: Entergy Arkansas is urging customers to beat summer heat without spiking bills, recommending simple steps like changing AC filters, setting thermostats higher when comfortable, using fans, and considering programmable thermostats. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Arkansas is tightening animal movement rules to prevent New World screwworm spread, requiring recent veterinary inspection certificates for pets entering from infested areas and offering an online reporting form for suspected cases. Food & Farming Economy: Arkansas rice acreage is projected to drop sharply—down from about 1.25 million acres last year—prompting Riceland Foods to temporarily close part of its dryer network as storage and transport shift. Ag Policy & Markets: U.S. House passed year-round E-15 legislation, with Arkansas Sen. John Boozman pushing Senate momentum to boost ethanol and corn demand. Soybeans: Brad Doyle was appointed to the United Soybean Board, representing Arkansas farmers through February 2029. Workforce & Training: UA Hope-Texarkana is opening new fiber optic technician classes, and Arkansas Tech’s GEAR UP summer camps are giving middle school students hands-on looks at future careers. Local Business Growth: HOODZ is expanding in Tontitown with kitchen exhaust cleaning services aimed at restaurant fire safety and code compliance. Education Funding: UA Little Rock is increasing graduate assistant stipends for master’s and doctoral students starting this fall.

Energy Infrastructure: Arkansas Public Service Commission approved a $2.6 billion natural gas plant for Independence County, expected to replace retiring coal generation and bring about 800 construction jobs plus long-term positions, with a new pipeline estimated at $50 million. Broadband & Tech: Sparklight says it invested $16M to expand central Arkansas broadband, including Maumelle, Beebe, North Little Rock and others, with speeds up to 2 gigabytes and links to state grant funding. Agriculture & Food: The Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board approved more than $80,000 for research and marketing, including aquaculture education, restaurant promotions, and studies on harmful algal blooms. Animal Health: Arkansas issued new entry requirements as New World screwworm spreads in Texas and New Mexico, including veterinary inspections and state entry permits for warm-blooded animals. Public Health & Consumer Rules: Arkansas will ban soda, candy and low-juice fruit drinks from SNAP starting July 1. Local Growth & Community: Saline County unveiled the first completed 2-mile segment of the 65-mile Southwest Trail, funded largely through grants. Healthcare Compliance: Arkansas-based pathology lab Advanced Pathology Solutions and owners agreed to pay $30M to resolve federal kickback and unnecessary testing allegations. Sports & Education: USDA appointed Poinsett County soybean leader Brad Doyle to the United Soybean Board, and Arkansas Boys State delegates filled the Capitol for mock legislative sessions.

Autonomous Freight in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik say they’re rolling out fully driverless Class 8 trucks on a fixed corridor across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, moving from testing to revenue routes. Lithium Innovation Pipeline: The Venture Center opened applications for the 4th Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator cohort (Sept. 7–23), aiming to connect founders, producers and researchers around battery supply chain tech. Agriculture Biosecurity: Arkansas Department of Agriculture tightened animal entry rules to prevent New World screwworm spread, requiring recent vet inspections and permits for warm-blooded animals from infested zones. Farm Safety in Heat: UA Extension specialists urged farmers to prevent heat illness with hydration, cooling breaks and awareness of heat cramps, exhaustion and heatstroke. Fertilizer Cost Pressure: UA agriculture economists report urea prices are falling after Strait of Hormuz-driven spikes, but some Arkansas growers may feel the relief late. Local Infrastructure: Benton School Board approved a $2.13M high school roof replacement with state partnership funding. Data Center Policy: Arkansas Connected Communities Association formed as a 501(c)(6) trade group to shape AI/data center infrastructure policy statewide.

Autonomous Freight in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik announced a multi-year rollout of fully driverless Class 8 trucks on routes across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, moving autonomous trucking from tests to revenue service. Telecom Consolidation: Jonesboro’s Ritter Communications and Great Plains Communications are combining into Rightfiber, a 20-state fiber platform serving 400 communities and 300,000 homes. Local Infrastructure Finance: Little Rock approved up to $20 million in bond-backed financing to renovate the River Market Ottenheimer Market Hall, with a planned 18-month construction window. Data Center Rules: Fayetteville passed amendments to its data center ordinance, aiming to make future projects harder to enter while acknowledging state limits on regulating commerce. Food & Agriculture: Tyson Family Foundation pledged $500,000 over five years to support NWA Pride Weekend, while Heifer International welcomed Prajakta Koli to spotlight women farmers. Workforce & Logistics: USA Truck launched a two-year apprenticeship program for service members transitioning to driver and diesel technician roles. Public Health & Animal Disease: New World screwworm and avian influenza coverage highlights renewed focus on food-animal disease surveillance and movement restrictions.

Autonomous Freight in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik announced a multi-year rollout of fully driverless Class 8 trucks on a fixed corridor linking distribution hubs across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas—moving from testing to revenue routes. Healthcare Research Funding: UAMS will receive a $2.6 million NIH grant to expand its M.D./Ph.D. dual-degree program, adding capacity up to about 10 students at a time. Telecom Fiber Consolidation: Grain plans to combine Ritter Communications (Jonesboro) and Great Plains Communications into Rightfiber, aiming to connect 300,000 homes and businesses across a 28,000-mile network. Construction Materials Deal: Suncrete acquired Little Rock supplier ABC Block & Brick, its first Arkansas purchase, expanding a Sunbelt-focused growth push. Solar-Storage Investment: Cypress Creek Energy secured $3.5 billion for Steel River Energy Center in Mississippi County, targeting large-scale solar-plus-storage through 2029. Food Safety: FDA upgraded a pasta sauce recall to Class I after Salmonella contamination concerns spread across 41 states. Workforce & Tech: Arkansas students won top honors at a UA Little Rock AI Hackathon, including a $10,000 grand prize for an AI music-therapy platform for dementia care. Agriculture Update: Arkansas growers are navigating shifting planting decisions amid dry conditions and reservoir limits in northeast Arkansas.

Autonomous Freight: PepsiCo and Gatik launched driverless Class 8 trucking on a fixed corridor across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, moving from tests to revenue routes with no safety drivers onboard. Water Infrastructure: Central Arkansas Water picked a route for a new large-diameter main from Lake Maumelle to the Jack H. Wilson plant, weighing cost, easements, and social impacts. Public Health Policy: CMS issued final Medicaid work requirement rules, pushing states to rebuild systems and set up ways enrollees can prove work, training, or education. Food Safety: Rich Products recalled 160,000+ pounds of frozen Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states, including Arkansas, over possible metal contamination. Energy & Prices: A U.S.-Iran peace deal could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Northeast Arkansas gas prices already easing but still subject to a lag. Rural Connectivity: The FCC approved an ISP move to drop some rural broadband obligations in Arkansas. Agriculture Law: Experts at a Mid-South agricultural law conference discussed Farm Bill talks and fraud risks, plus post-Chevron regulatory pressure. Workforce & Training: A Southwest Arkansas rural business conference in Hope targets small and emerging firms with “innovation and disruption” programming. Health Care Expansion: Freeman Health finalized acquisition of Northwest Health Medical Centers, expanding into Arkansas markets. Local Economy/Industry: Fayetteville rolled out its first public marketing and sales plan to boost tourism and support local businesses year-round. Housing: Realtor.com’s 2026 housing report cards show Midwest and South states leading on affordability and homebuilding. Entertainment & Culture: Arkansas marked 190 years of statehood with museum exhibits highlighting shifts from poultry and Walmart to modern growth.