AGP Executive Report

Veterinary Workforce Pipeline: Southern Arkansas University says three students—Cade Browning, Katelyn McKeehan and Katelyn Mason—were accepted into the inaugural Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine class, a competitive doctoral launch that could expand local livestock and pet care capacity. Ag Tech & Food Processing: University of Arkansas researchers backed by a $1M USDA-NIFA/NSF grant unveiled ChicGrasp, an AI-powered robotic gripper designed to handle chickens by learning from human movements—aimed at easing poultry labor strain. Local Economy & Jobs: The Little Rock metro hit a record employment level, topping 385,000 employed residents and 400,000 in the labor force for the first time, with growth tied to manufacturing, logistics and tech-adjacent work. Power Reliability: The DOE issued an emergency order for the Southwest Power Pool, including Arkansas, to add generation and use backup resources through Aug. 3 as extreme heat raises outage risk. Utility Scrutiny: Entergy Arkansas faced questions at public hearings over a proposed rate increase and whether future data-center costs could land on customers. Logistics & CDL Access: Trump’s “Freedom Haulers” initiative expands a veteran CDL skills-test waiver window to two years and adds Arkansas to a broader Even Exchange program. Retail Delivery Expansion: Uber Eats added regional grocers, including Hays (Arkansas/Missouri), to expand on-demand grocery options. Education & Research: UA Little Rock climbed 749 spots in the 2026 AD Scientific Index, highlighting rising research output and visibility.

Trucking & Workforce: The Trump administration’s “Freedom Haulers” push expands a federal CDL waiver for veterans, doubling the eligibility window to two years after active duty and aiming to speed more Arkansas-area job seekers into trucking. Local Transit: Fayetteville is rolling out improvements to its free bus network with Ozark Regional Transit and Razorback Transit, including expanded routes and more service, plus added stop amenities tied to accessibility concerns. Weather Tech: OU researchers showcased specialized drones that can gather higher-altitude, real-time atmosphere data to support earlier weather warnings—tested in Arkansas and Mississippi. Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order for extreme heat, letting the Southwest Power Pool dispatch backup generation across 17 states including Arkansas to reduce blackout risk. Industrial Growth: Conway’s industrial market got a boost with a $12.5M sale of a 427,198-square-foot facility, reflecting strong demand for long-term leased properties. Agriculture & Education: Arkansas students earned recognition in the Soybean Science Challenge, with projects ranging from AI yield forecasting to drought tolerance and sustainable farming. Retail & Delivery: Uber Eats added more regional grocers, including Hays (Arkansas/Missouri) and Piggly Wiggly, expanding grocery delivery options for local shoppers.

Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin up to $58.6B to produce Patriot interceptor missiles, aiming to ramp output to about 2,000 per year by 2030, with Arkansas workforce expansion tied to the deal. Local Tech & Permitting: Little Rock board member Kathy Webb is proposing an 18-month moratorium on permits for “hyperscale” data centers, including a planned Google facility at the Port of Little Rock, as the city tightens rules on power-hungry projects. Energy & Grid Reliability: A federal emergency order targets power reliability in 17 states during extreme heat, including Arkansas, while utilities face growing pressure over demand and rates. Utilities & Data Centers: An Entergy rate case turned contentious as residents questioned the utility’s handling of a secret contract tied to a West Memphis Google data center. Agriculture & Land: USDA is making $35M available for feral swine control partnerships, and Arkansas reported a drop in foreign-owned farmland acres in 2024, though nearly 1.5M acres remain under foreign ownership. Rural Water & Flooding: Stakeholders are working to build consensus on solutions for Cache River flooding impacts on agriculture and towns. Workforce & Health: ORAU is launching a rural health Research Innovation Cluster with Arkansas State University as part of a push on workforce, access to care, women’s health, and resilience. Retail & EV Charging: Walmart is accelerating EV charging with rapid high-speed buildout, including new stations in Bentonville.

Electric Grid Watch: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized backup power for 17 states, including Arkansas, as extreme heat strains the grid and raises blackout risk. Energy Rates: Entergy asked the Arkansas Public Service Commission for a $720 million rate increase, with customers set to weigh in at a public meeting. AI + Workforce: NWACC and MIT PATH are working on an AI curriculum for Northwest Arkansas workers, aiming to build practical skills for local employers. Logistics Tech Deal: ConnectM bought Blue Ribbon Ice, expanding its AI-powered logistics platform for HVAC, refrigeration, and facility maintenance contractors. Industrial Growth: United States Lime & Minerals reported stronger Q2 results, citing higher demand from construction and steel customers. Local Government: Fort Smith directors showed tepid support for a $10 million bond plan to renovate the Crain Kia property for a new police precinct and training center. Agriculture: USDA broiler placement numbers dipped week to week but stayed ahead of the 2025 pace, signaling production momentum. Rural Health Research: ORAU will launch a rural health research innovation cluster with Arkansas State University’s Dr. Amanda Carpenter representing the state. Data Center Politics: An Arkansas lawmaker toured an Israeli data center tied to a company planning a major Clarksville, Arkansas campus.

Defense Manufacturing: L3Harris won a seven-year DoD/Lockheed Martin framework deal to nearly triple PAC-3 MSE interceptor component production, with upgrades at its Camden, Arkansas facility. Food Safety & Agriculture: CDC/FDA investigators say cyclospora linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce is tied to irrigation or field contact water, as Arkansas experts urge careful local produce handling while cases climb nationwide. Livestock Health: Arkansas cattle producers are bracing for the New World Screw Worm; a state veterinarian update is set for Sept. 1 at the Benton County Cattlemen’s meeting. Consumer Credit Watch: Compacom published guidance warning borrowers to verify “guaranteed approval” and “no credit check” claims in tribal loan ads, where APRs can run extremely high. Public Health & Food Supply: A separate parasite and outbreak wave continues to hit grocery shelves and restaurants, keeping regulators focused on contamination routes. Local Economy: Fort Smith sales tax receipts rose in June, with the Bass Pro Shops opening cited as a likely driver. Education & Workforce: Walton Family Foundation pledged $10M for UA’s Sam M. Walton College of Business expansion, adding major classroom and innovation space. Energy & Grid: Extreme heat is driving emergency power planning across multiple states, with Arkansas included in federal grid protection orders.

Paper & Environment: Domtar reached a proposed $1.5 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department, EPA and Arkansas DEQ over alleged Clean Air Act and Arkansas Water and Pollution Control Act violations at its Ashdown fluff pulp mill, tied to emissions controls and inspection/monitoring failures around a brownstock washer. Renewables & Grid: DTE Energy is seeking wind and solar developers for an Aug. 11 RFP targeting 800 MW for its Voluntary Green Pricing program, with Arkansas (Zone 8) included for interconnection. Heat Impacts: With extreme heat warnings across Arkansas, schools and summer camps are shifting practices indoors or to early/late hours, and cooling centers are opening in cities including Little Rock and Fayetteville. Education & Workforce: UA Hope-Texarkana earned USA TODAY recognition as one of America’s Best Trade Schools, while the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food is accepting applications for its 2027 Farm School program. Local Business & Growth: Rogers’ Hunt Ventures opened The Visionaries, a 200,000-square-foot office building in Pinnacle Hills. Public Safety & Fraud: The Secret Service removed seven card skimmers from Arkansas businesses during a July 14-16 operation, preventing an estimated $7.3 million in losses. Food Safety: Health officials are tracking a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs, with Arkansas reporting additional cyclosporiasis cases amid broader parasite alerts.

Defense Manufacturing: L3Harris, with Lockheed Martin, landed a seven-year DoD framework to quadruple THAAD propulsion output, expanding solid rocket boost motor and LDACS thruster production—work tied to L3Harris facilities in Huntsville and Camden, Arkansas. Grid & Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order for the Southwest Power Pool to dispatch backup generation across 17 states, including Arkansas, as extreme heat raises blackout risk. Arkansas Utilities & Rates: The Arkansas Public Service Commission is pushing affordability and rate-containment discussions in major utility dockets, as utilities seek changes that could affect electric and gas bills. Ag & Land Management: USDA announced $35 million for feral swine eradication partnerships, including Arkansas, targeting damage to farms, wildlife, and livestock health. Public Safety & Consumer Protection: A Secret Service-led operation seized seven card-skimming devices in the Northwest Arkansas and Little Rock metro area. Health & Food Supply: FDA linked a salmonella outbreak to recalled eggs distributed through Kroger and Brookshire’s, with Arkansas among affected states. Local Economy & Retail: Arkansas’ tax-free weekend starts Saturday, with online orders eligible when shipped to Arkansas addresses.

Energy & Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order for 17 states, including Arkansas, authorizing the Southwest Power Pool to bring idle backup generation online through Aug. 3 as extreme heat raises blackout risk. Water Management: Centerton Utilities lifted its outdoor water moratorium but asked residents to keep conserving while an even/odd schedule remains in place to protect system reliability. Food Safety & Agriculture: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs from Midwest Poultry Services has sickened 98 people across 17 states, with Arkansas among the distribution footprint; consumers are urged to check carton codes and dates. Consumer Data & Enforcement: Arkansas will receive $431,937 from a proposed $18 million multistate settlement with 23andMe over a 2023 genetic data breach affecting more than 48,000 Arkansans, pending bankruptcy court approval. Local Business & Crime Prevention: A Secret Service operation seized seven card skimming devices in Arkansas, targeting payment fraud at hundreds of businesses. Infrastructure & Transportation: ARDOT will hold a public meeting on design changes to the U.S. 412/I-49 interchange in Springdale, with construction projected at $10 million to $15 million.

Food Safety: FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak tied to nearly 1.6 million dozen cage-free eggs from Midwest Poultry Services in Texas, with 98 reported illnesses and 26 hospitalizations across 17 states; Arkansas shoppers are urged to check cartons for plant codes P-1950 or 0840962 and Julian dates 157–184, sold at Kroger and Brookshire stores under multiple labels. Agriculture & Farm Economy: An Arkansas Advocate op-ed argues the state needs more investment in people and programs to keep farming viable, citing farmland loss, aging operators, and pressure on younger producers. Local Infrastructure: Little Rock airport modernization is moving into design work for a new arrivals hall, terminal commons, and baggage claim area, with schematic plans expected by month’s end. Construction & Public Works: Hot Springs plans to seek bids for demolition and hazardous-material abatement at the old St. Joseph’s Regional Health Center, with demolition estimated around $4 million and abatement potentially up to $2 million. Manufacturing & Energy Supply Chain: Welspun Corp says a new Rs 960 crore coated line pipe order will be built at its Little Rock facility, lifting its global order book to about Rs 25,750 crore for FY27–FY28. Tourism & Workforce: Visit Hot Springs names Devin Heath as its new convention and visitors bureau leader, focusing on listening, strategy, and local partnerships.

Food Safety: The FDA says Midwest Poultry Services (Indiana) is voluntarily recalling nearly 1.6 million cartons of eggs tied to a salmonella enteritidis outbreak, with 98 illnesses and 26 hospitalizations reported across 17 states; in Arkansas, the recall covers eggs sold at Brookshire’s (and other retailers) with specific carton plant codes and sell-by dates—consumers are urged to check fridges and return or discard affected eggs. Transportation & Infrastructure: ARDOT is pushing major Northwest Arkansas and River Valley highway work, including an airport connector to XNA and a phased Interstate 49 expansion, though rising construction costs could slow timelines. Education & Workforce: USDA is sending more than $3.3 million to Arkansas elementary schools for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, while Northeast Arkansas Career and Technical Center’s new director lays out plans to boost industry connections and concurrent credit. Local Business & Community: Fort Smith-area groups are seeking nominations for family and small business awards and a Physician of the Year honor, as the region continues building its professional and healthcare networks. Public Policy Watch: A federal appeals court blocks Texas from forcing social media platforms to filter harmful content for minors, limiting state-level child-safety rules.

Food Safety: The FDA says a multistate Salmonella outbreak has sickened 98 people in 17 states, with 26 hospitalizations, and points to recalled shell eggs from Midwest Poultry Services as a likely source; the recall covers about 19.1 million eggs (1,589,577 dozen) sold under multiple brands including Kroger and Brookshire, with consumers urged to check cartons and not eat them. Education & Agriculture: Arkansas Agriculture will distribute $3.3 million in USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program funding to 160+ elementary schools starting in October, helping kids get free produce snacks during the school day. Workforce Skills: UA Hope-Texarkana launched a 12-credit Certificate of Proficiency in Artificial Intelligence for students and working professionals, with no prior AI experience required. Local Development: Hot Springs plans to seek bids for demolition and hazardous material abatement at the old St. Joseph’s Regional Health Center, with costs estimated in the millions. Business & Tourism: Hot Springs reports more domestic visitors this summer, even as some downtown shops say sales are flat. Tech & IDs: Apple Wallet digital driver’s licenses appear to be moving toward rollout in Utah and Virginia, following Arkansas’s May 2026 launch.

Food Safety & Recalls: The FDA says a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people in 17 states, with 26 hospitalizations, and investigators point to eggs from Texas-based Midwest Poultry Services; consumers are urged to check refrigerators and return or throw out affected cartons sold at Kroger and Brookshire Grocery. Public Health: Separately, the FDA classified a recall of 184,200 cans of Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup as a spoilage risk tied to a manufacturing defect. Local Environment: Arkansas DEQ issued a harmful algal bloom advisory for Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs after cyanobacteria were visually confirmed in Starlite Bay; officials say toxins can cause serious symptoms and advise keeping people and pets away. Business & Community: UAFS and the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center are seeking nominations for the 2026 CED Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards in Fort Smith, with winners set to be honored Nov. 5. Local Culture: Fort Smith Museum of History will host a free Aug. 4 program on Arkansas film history and the book “Lights! Camera! Arkansas!”

Food Safety: The FDA says a Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people in 17 states, with 26 hospitalizations, and points to eggs from Midwest Poultry Services; Arkansas shoppers are urged to check Kroger and Brookshire purchases for specific carton codes and dates and not eat affected eggs. Public Health: CDC and FDA are also tracking a Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce, with Arkansas cases reported among a wider multi-state investigation; Taylor Farms says it expanded recalls and paused central Mexico sourcing. Environment & Water: Arkansas DEQ issued a harmful algal bloom advisory for Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs after cyanobacteria were confirmed in Starlite Bay, warning of potential toxins and advising precautions for people and animals. Industry & Manufacturing: DOJ, EPA and Arkansas DEQ asked a federal judge to approve a settlement requiring Domtar’s Ashdown paper mill to pay $1.5 million over Clean Air Act air pollution monitoring violations. Energy & Infrastructure: L3Harris plans an Arkansas facility expansion for PAC-3 propulsion production, signaling continued defense manufacturing investment in the state. Construction & Local Economy: Pattern bargaining opened for about 23,000 US Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs workers as contracts expire Sept. 1, a key watch item for Arkansas-linked supply chains.

Food Safety: The FDA says nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs from Texas-based Midwest Poultry Services are being recalled for possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination, with Kroger and Brookshire Grocery sales reported in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Mississippi; consumers are urged to check carton codes and dates (best-by July 20–Aug. 17) and return or discard affected eggs. Public Health: A separate CDC cyclosporiasis investigation expanded to nine states, including Arkansas, after recalled lettuce linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico exposure; officials say a prior positive test was a false positive but cases with Taco Bell exposure continue. Energy & Environment: Arkansas DEQ issued a Harmful Algal Bloom advisory for Spring Lake near Belleville (Yell County), warning residents to avoid contact as cyanobacteria toxins can cause illness, especially for children, pets and livestock. Infrastructure & Logistics: ARDOT will close a section of Highway 77 in Mississippi County starting Monday for about 120 days for bridge construction, with signed detours in place. Local Economy: Little Rock landed on LinkedIn’s “Cities on the Rise” list for job growth, citing momentum tied to healthcare, manufacturing and logistics plus Port of Little Rock and downtown redevelopment. Climate Risk: A major heat dome is forecast to push temperatures above 110 degrees across parts of the West and Plains and raise drought risk into next week.

Food Safety: FDA says Midwest Poultry Services is recalling nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs from Texas after routine testing flagged possible Salmonella Enteritidis; the eggs were sold at Kroger and Brookshire stores across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi and more, with no illnesses reported. Energy & Utilities: SWEPCO signed the White House Ratepayer Protection Pledge, promising not to raise electricity bills tied to new AI data center construction and pushing for separate pricing for large data-center loads in its Arkansas service area. Higher Education & Supply Chain: University of Arkansas launched the Contested Logistics Consortium, aiming to strengthen supply chain resilience and convene a “Made in America Contested Logistics Summit” in Bentonville this fall. Local Business & Real Estate: Little Rock’s Loblolly Creamery is seeking to buy North Little Rock’s former central fire station for $825,000, with a due-diligence period before any final deal. Agriculture Tech: U of A Extension helped fund a drone program for irrigation and plant-health checks in rice/soy country, including a Weiner-area case where floods wiped out most soybean acres and the tech helped cut irrigation costs. Public Health & Cost of Living: A GAO report finds working Americans in Arkansas and other states are increasingly forced onto Medicaid and SNAP, underscoring how low wages are pushing families toward taxpayer-supported benefits. Education & Community: Economics Arkansas added Hytrol CFO Daniel McAdoo and educator leader Dr. Megan Duncan to its board to expand economic and financial literacy in PreK-12 classrooms.

Food Safety Alerts: Midwest Poultry Services is recalling 1.59 million dozen eggs from Texas over possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination, with affected cartons sold at Kroger and Brookshire stores in Arkansas and several other states; consumers are urged to check carton codes and return for refunds. Public Health: Arkansas is also seeing a Cyclospora outbreak tied to contaminated lettuce, with health officials reporting dozens of cases so far this year as the multi-state spread continues. Consumer Protection: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin is gearing up for a Consumer Fraud and Protection Summit in Little Rock as texting scams surge, urging residents to verify requests through official channels. State Security Upgrades: The Arkansas Capitol has added new security bollards and related barriers as part of a $3.1 million security appropriation, with more lighting work underway. Logistics & Trade: Arkansas River commercial tonnage rose 19.4% in June, driven largely by higher sand, gravel and rock shipments. Industry & Business Real Estate: Marcus & Millichap brokered the sale of a Louisiana industrial facility leased to Drilling Tools International, highlighting continued investor demand for net-leased energy-service properties. Workforce/Training: Arkansas Tech University-Ozark’s HVAC and refrigeration program posted a 94% pass rate on an EPA 608 certification exam, beating the national average. Healthcare Investment: CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock received a $1 million donation to support an advanced cardiac care center.