AGP Executive Report

Medicaid Expansion: Arkansas’ ARHOME waiver is set to expire Dec. 31, and the state is asking CMS to extend it through 2028 as more than 200,000 low-income Arkansans rely on coverage; gubernatorial candidates are weighing how to protect the program. Higher Education Access: The Arkansas Department of Education launched a universal college application portal under the Arkansas ACCESS Act, letting students apply to up to five participating schools and streamlining admissions and financial aid info. Economic Development: SANY Nutrition Group is starting production in Jonesboro at the former Butterball plant, investing $30M and targeting 150+ jobs over three years. Local Real Estate: A Little Rock developer group bought the former LaQuinta downtown for $7.8M to convert it into student housing for Arkansas Baptist College. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: Arkansas County set a Sept. 1 public hearing on up to $600M in revenue bonds for a Driftwood Solar solar-and-battery project. Workforce & Training: Arkansas State University-Newport named Lindley Gilliaum dean of Applied Trades, continuing leadership in technical education. Business & Community: Little Rock Public Radio’s podcast “Track One” won a national Edward R. Murrow Award. Retail Expansion: Buc-ee’s opened its first Arkansas store in Benton, drawing crowds and signaling continued multi-state growth.

Medicaid Watch: Arkansas DHS says it’s optimistic the Trump administration will approve a short-term extension of the state’s ARHOME Medicaid expansion waiver; if not, about 207,000 expansion enrollees wouldn’t lose coverage but would shift to fee-for-service, a move DHS warns could disrupt providers and beneficiaries. Housing & Growth: Arkansas Baptist College is buying a downtown Little Rock La Quinta Inn for $7.8 million to expand student housing, citing enrollment growth and the need for an immediate capacity boost. Economic Development: Texarkana’s board approved budget changes for two projects, including a higher-cost water and sewer extension tied to the REDI Arkansas Manufacturing Center and a change order for airport runway work. Consumer & Food Safety: Walmart Marketside tomato bisque soup kits were recalled in 29 states over possible listeria contamination, and the FDA upgraded a large egg recall to Class I, the highest risk tier, tied to salmonella. Energy & Cost Pressures: SWEPCO says it’s suspending residential disconnections for nonpayment through the end of the week amid extreme heat, while GasBuddy reports show scattered low gas prices across Arkansas counties. Local Crime: A Texas man was arrested in a $160,000 scam targeting a North Little Rock couple, with another suspect still sought.

Retail & Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in Arkansas should double-check recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits after Kettle Cuisine pulled 3,240 packs in 29 states due to possible listeria contamination. Public Health: The FDA also upgraded a massive multistate salmonella egg recall to Class I, the highest-risk level, covering nearly 19 million eggs shipped to Arkansas and other states. Economic Development & Workforce: UA Little Rock and NYITCOM at A-State launched a direct pre-med to D.O. pathway, aiming to speed up the pipeline into healthcare careers. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finished the Three Rivers project in Southeast Arkansas—about 16 months ahead—protecting navigation access near the Arkansas, White and Mississippi rivers. Business & Expansion: Buc-ee’s opened its first Arkansas location in Benton, adding 200+ jobs and signaling continued multi-state growth. Education & Training: UA Hope-Texarkana is pushing skilled-trades enrollment to meet regional employer demand.

Energy & Rates: Entergy Arkansas’ proposed formula rate plan drew sharp pushback in Little Rock, with residents raising concerns about data centers and broader distrust even as the PSC case is narrowly about changing the rate formula. Workforce & Training: Northwest Arkansas tech leaders say the region’s startup boom is outpacing the talent pipeline, while Arkansas Workforce Connections is administering a $35.8M federal manufacturing apprenticeship program that’s already funding 149 apprentices. Skilled Trades Pipeline: Arkansas Welding Academy enrollment is surging, and wages are rising as more students choose trade programs over college. Lithium Industry: Standard Lithium and Nano One reported early qualification testing of Arkansas-sourced lithium carbonate for LFP battery cathodes, as the state highlights workforce development for the growing lithium sector. Local Development & Real Estate: Baptist Health bought 12 acres in North Little Rock for $2.25M with no immediate plans, and Argenta’s riverfront growth continues with new townhome and mixed-use projects near the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge. Policy Watch: Arkansas voters will decide Issue 3, which would let local governments create economic development districts and back bonds with future tax revenue. Business Community: First Security Bank is partnering with Varsity Vibe Arkansas to spotlight high school sports, and a Black-owned Jonesboro food truck, J&B’s Twizted BBQ, is building momentum with community support.

School Choice Expansion: Arkansas expects 5,500 more students to join its Educational Freedom Account program for 2026-27, pushing participation to about 50,000 and costs to more than $367 million, as officials say they’re working to speed up reimbursements and improve denials. Local Government & Surveillance: Little Rock and North Little Rock use license plate camera vendors including Flock Safety and SkyCop, as some Arkansas cities move to shut off Flock while others expand it. Business & Tourism: Visit Bentonville CEO Kalene Griffith was named to the Destinations International board, adding to Northwest Arkansas’ tourism leadership momentum. Healthcare Growth: New interventional cardiology clinics opened in El Dorado and Camden under El Dorado Heart, expanding specialty access in South Arkansas. Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 in Lawrence County at $2.69/gal for the week ending Aug. 8. Lithium Update: Standard Lithium says battery testing of South West Arkansas lithium carbonate produced with Nano One’s process delivered promising early results for LFP cathode material. Food Safety: FDA reports a salmonella-linked recall wave affecting eggs and other products continues to expand, with multiple retailers pulling items.

Legislative Fight: Arkansas GOP lawmakers are asserting legislative privilege to block depositions of two deputy attorneys general in a case tied to Gov. Sarah Sanders’ China rhetoric, keeping details of behind-the-scenes maneuvering out of court. School Choice Costs: The state expects 5,500 more students to join the Educational Freedom Account program for 2026-27, pushing projected spending to more than $367 million. Privacy and Surveillance: Little Rock and North Little Rock are using different license plate reader vendors than other Arkansas cities that are dropping Flock Safety, highlighting how local contract choices affect surveillance reach and retention. Local Economic Development Vote: Texarkana-area voters will weigh Issue 3, which would expand the legislature’s ability to create economic development districts using tools like tax abatements, bonds and rebates. Workforce Pipeline: The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber was named ACT’s 2026 Workforce Policy Champion for bringing WorkKeys into local schools and colleges. Food Safety: Walmart recalled 3,240 Marketside tomato bisque soup kits in 29 states, including Arkansas, after Listeria testing flagged a presumptive positive. Egg Recall Escalation: The FDA upgraded a nearly 1.6 million dozen egg recall to Class I as salmonella illnesses and hospitalizations mount. Retail Expansion: Michaels is rolling out a new “Next Gen” experiential store format in Rogers, adding a prominent Knit & Sew Shop and expanded framing services. Tourism Boost: Arkansas reported record 2025 tourism—54.3 million visitors and $10.2 billion in spending—supporting nearly 71,900 direct jobs. Gas Watch: GasBuddy price reports show premium and midgrade fuel deals shifting week to week across multiple Arkansas counties.

Water & Drought: Fort Smith asked water customers Aug. 14 to follow voluntary conservation as triple-digit heat and more than two weeks without meaningful rain strain Lake Fort Smith and Lee Creek, with daily demand outpacing storage recovery. Back-to-School Spending: Arkansas’ annual sales tax holiday runs Aug. 1-2, exempting qualifying clothing, supplies and certain electronics under set price caps. Tourism Economy: Arkansas hit a record 54.3 million visitors in 2025, generating $10.2 billion in spending and $17.4 billion in total economic impact, supporting nearly 71,900 direct jobs. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a massive salmonella egg recall to Class I, the highest risk level, affecting about 19 million eggs sold in multiple states including Arkansas; separately, Walmart tomato bisque soup kits were recalled over possible listeria. State Policy: The Arkansas Legislative Council reviewed revenue, education program changes, and new wind energy rules, plus updates tied to the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery and health insurance contributions. Retail & Jobs: Michaels’ “Next Gen” experiential store concept expands to Rogers with new framing and embroidery/customization services. Workforce & Growth: Circle of Life plans to acquire Washington Regional Hospice, adding an inpatient facility in Fayetteville as it expands in Northwest Arkansas.

Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a massive egg recall tied to salmonella to its highest “Class I” risk level, affecting more than 19 million eggs sold under multiple brands in Arkansas and other states, as illnesses and hospitalizations mount. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers are also dealing with a separate recall: Marketside tomato bisque soup kits in 29 states were pulled over possible listeria contamination, with no confirmed illnesses reported so far. Public Health/Local Impact: The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce continues to spread, with the CDC reporting thousands of lab-confirmed cases and the FDA sending officials to Mexico to press the investigation at Taylor Farms’ facility. Business & Jobs: Tyson Foods says it will restructure its beef network, including closing plants in Illinois and Utah and seeking a buyer for a Washington facility—moves that could ripple through regional cattle markets and local workforces. Workforce Development: Hytrol will be recognized as the founding industry partner of Arkansas State University’s CREST workforce initiative in Jonesboro, with a gift supporting a dedicated training room. Retail/Local Economy: Michaels opened a redesigned Rogers store with custom framing and an expanded party/event center, aiming to draw more creative customers to Northwest Arkansas. Community/Privacy: Arkansas and other cities are weighing Flock Safety camera contracts amid growing privacy concerns.

Food Safety Watch: Walmart recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits in 29 states, including Arkansas, after Listeria was found in routine testing; consumers are urged to discard or return for refunds. Public Health: The FDA upgraded an egg recall to its highest-risk Class I level over Salmonella concerns, while cyclosporiasis cases tied to recalled iceberg lettuce keep climbing, with FDA inspections now reaching Mexico. Local Business & Health Care: Conway Regional and UnitedHealthcare reached a multi-year deal to keep patients in-network, avoiding an out-of-network split. University & Research: The University of Arkansas Integrative Metabolic Research Center won $11.2 million in NIH funding to expand faculty and research capacity. Cybersecurity: Poynter Law Group is investigating an alleged ransomware incident involving Arkansas Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, with patient data reportedly posted on the dark web. Energy & Weather: A major heat wave is driving dangerous conditions across much of the U.S., and Entergy Arkansas has suspended power disconnects during extreme heat. Agribusiness: Tyson Foods plans to close beef facilities in Illinois and Utah as it realigns its beef network amid a cattle shortage.

Education & Enrollment: A Little Rock School District task force is drafting recommendations that could include school consolidations or closures as enrollment drops 21.2% since 2013, with many families shifting to private, charter, or homeschooling supported by Educational Freedom Accounts. Public Safety: A fatal crash in Walnut Ridge killed a 19-year-old passenger and injured the driver after the car pulled into the path of a tractor-trailer. Health & Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a multistate egg recall to its highest risk level, classifying it as Class I after Salmonella Enteritidis concerns. Retail & Jobs: Buc-ee’s’ Benton location is set to open Monday at 6 a.m., creating more than 200 jobs and drawing big crowds. Energy & Cost Control: Entergy Arkansas is suspending power disconnects through Aug. 21 due to extreme heat. Business Moves: Michaels is rolling out a new experiential store format in Rogers as its third concept location. Local Economy: Pine Bluff paid more than $95,000 in overdue go-kart project invoices, clearing the way for The Generator to buy equipment and move forward. Agriculture: A Newport rice farmer is taking the industry’s price-and-cost squeeze to Washington with the “Soil Sisters” group. Corporate Restructuring: Tyson Foods says it will close two beef plants in Illinois and Utah and pursue a sale of a third as it reshapes its beef network.

Food Safety & Recalls: Whole Foods expanded a jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall, pulling salsas, guacamole, dips and prepared foods in 12 states including Arkansas, after the outbreak tied to Mexico-grown peppers sickened nearly 350 people in 27 states. Public Health: The FDA upgraded a separate egg recall to Class I, warning of a “reasonable probability” of serious harm or death; affected eggs were shipped to stores including in Arkansas. Retail & Jobs: Little Rock-based Dillard’s reported Q2 net income up to about $97.7 million, boosted by tariff rebates, while Fort Smith metro home sales rose modestly in the first half of 2026. Energy & Cost of Living: Entergy will suspend power disconnects through Aug. 21 amid extreme heat advisories. Workforce & Education: NWACC and MIT’s AI training program are collaborating on AI curriculum and microcredentials for regional employers. State Policy & Community Support: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ 10:33 Initiative won a $1 million matching grant to expand CarePortal and the No Wrong Door model. Local Economy: Columbia County Collector Rachel Waller is promoting an online property tax payment option ahead of the Oct. 15 deadline. Business & Growth: UA received a $1 million gift for planning the University Museum’s next phase.

Public Safety & Infrastructure: Searcy School District is spending about $4.7 million to install 183 safe shelters at four schools, funded through a 2025 voter-approved debt-service millage extension. Local Government: Searcy City Council picked a new police station site next to the city’s pools on South Main Street and Recreation Way, voting 6-2 after earlier land discussions. Education & Community: Arkansas State University is coordinating with partners to help students beat dangerous heat during move-in, including chilled water support. Health & Consumer Risk: Whole Foods is recalling select jalapeño-containing dips, salsas and prepared foods sold in 12 states, including Arkansas, tied to a broader Salmonella investigation; no illnesses were reported. Business & Finance: Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) is seeking a federal TIFIA Rural Project Initiative loan to cut financing costs for its Western Concourse expansion, with officials estimating potential savings of about $30 million. Local Economy & Growth: Jonesboro’s revenue office says QR-code digital check-in has reduced wait times, while the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund is taking applications for fall aid through Sept. 1. Energy & Costs: Fuel prices remain a focus, with multiple Arkansas counties reporting lowest-in-week gas and diesel figures via GasBuddy. Civic Life: Registration is open for the 2026 Great Arkansas Cleanup, Arkansas’ largest fall volunteer litter-fighting effort.

Powerball Jackpot: The Powerball prize climbed to $1 billion for tonight’s drawing after no winner Monday, with a cash option of $433.1 million. Entrepreneurship & Local Business: Paragould launched a HUB pop-up shop incubator with four small retail spaces, low rent, and mentorship support for early-stage entrepreneurs. Critical Minerals Incentives: Imperial County approved a Lithium Innovation and Competitiveness program aimed at attracting lithium investment and jobs, using tax reimbursement incentives. Legal & Regulation: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that federal law preempts state “failure to warn” pesticide claims, a decision that could reshape major glyphosate-related litigation. Agribusiness & Policy: A federal report shows Arkansas ranks near the top in farm acres divested from foreign ownership, reflecting shifting state rules. Nuclear Energy Watch: A new feasibility report presented to lawmakers keeps the debate alive over where and when Arkansas could add new nuclear capacity. Tech & Public Sector: Clark County adopted an AI workplace policy for drafting and research while banning AI for legal, personnel, and compliance decisions. Food Manufacturing Expansion: InnovAsian Cuisine broke ground in Jonesboro on a frozen food facility expected to create about 200 jobs. Data Centers: Independence County approved a five-year data center moratorium, joining other Arkansas counties moving to pause approvals.

Charitable Giving Rules: The new 2026 federal charitable contribution framework under the OBBB Act adds a $1,000/$2,000 cash deduction for non-itemizers, introduces a 0.5% AGI floor for itemizers, and keeps a permanent 60% AGI cash limit—changing how Arkansas taxpayers plan donations. Health Care Philanthropy: CHI St. Vincent received a second $5 million gift from Alan and Boots Warrick for the Anthony Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, bringing the Warrick commitment to $10 million ahead of construction in 2027. Manufacturing Jobs: InnovAsian Cuisine broke ground in Jonesboro on a $150 million frozen food facility expected to create about 200 jobs, with production targeted for 2028. Local Public Safety Tech: Centerton City Council voted to remove Flock Safety license plate reader cameras after resident pushback, citing functionality and privacy concerns. City Budget Pressure: Little Rock is bracing for a potential 35% jump in 2027 health insurance costs after a 142% loss ratio on its current plan. Banking Expansion: Citizens Bank plans a new Fayetteville banking center opening in the first quarter of 2027, adding about 16 jobs. Food Safety: Taylor Farms’ jalapeño-related salmonella recall continues to expand, with products sold at major retailers including Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Target.

Health Care Philanthropy: Alan and Boots Warrick of Little Rock doubled their pledge to CHI St. Vincent’s Anthony Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, adding another $5 million for a total $10 million. Food Safety & Litigation: Taylor Farms’ jalapeño-related Salmonella recall is widening downstream, while Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak is already spawning federal lawsuits tied to Taco Bell and Taylor Farms. Capital Markets Oversight: The SEC created a new Financial Reporting and Accounting Unit inside its Enforcement Division, signaling more proactive scrutiny of accounting and auditing misconduct. Local Business Giving: Swept Away Janitorial in Northeast Arkansas is committing $22,000 to childhood hunger backpack programs across multiple school districts. Retail Restructuring: Tractor Supply’s Petsense unit will close 74 pet stores, with wind-down over the next two months. Arkansas Nonprofit Leadership: The Arkansas Abortion Support Network hired Holly Barron as interim executive director. Energy Costs: Diesel prices dipped in the U.S., and Sharp County reported a lowest diesel price of $4.85 per gallon for the week ending Aug. 1. Tech & Growth: Bentonville AI firm Crisp was named to the Inc. 5000 and ranked No. 1 in Arkansas for fastest-growing companies.

Farm Policy: Arkansas Farmers Union says it’s disappointed the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee failed to move the Farm Bill out of committee, arguing families need both a bill now and the right bill—calling out gaps on farm safety nets, conservation funding, and protections against corporate monopolies. Local Sports Business: The Arkansas Travelers secured a new 20-year lease with North Little Rock for Dickey-Stephens Park through 2046, setting up more community events beyond baseball. Higher Ed & Workforce: The Arkansas State University System approved a systemwide strategic plan and revised capital budgets, including CREST Center phase one in Jonesboro and the Center for Health Science in Newport. Food & Retail Risk: Taylor Farms expanded a voluntary recall of jalapeño products tied to possible salmonella contamination, with distribution reaching major retailers and restaurant chains. Public Safety Tech: Mayflower will stop using Flock license plate reader cameras, joining Cabot and Pea Ridge in backing away from the devices. Energy & Markets: FutureFuel reported Q2 profit improvement on a price-bet payoff and rising demand, while Murphy USA posted stronger Q2 net income and adjusted EBITDA. Nonprofit Leadership: Samaritan Community Center in Rogers named Gardner Andreas its new executive director.