AGP Executive Report

Arkansas Economy & Taxes: Arkansas’ September tax collections jumped 13.2% year over year, with corporate income tax up sharply, helping push first-quarter fiscal-year revenue up 7.3% overall. State Government & Policy: The U.S. Justice Department says it has sued every state with in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, including Arkansas, as the fight continues in federal court. Workforce & Training: Goodwill Arkansas is set to receive an $850,000 BlackRock Future Builders grant to expand skilled-trades training. Business & Growth: Newk’s Eatery is opening in Wichita, signaling continued expansion for the fast-casual chain. Energy & Utilities: SWEPCO is urging customers to use bill-assistance options before an Oct. 31 deadline. Local Business & Community: Pulaski County restaurant inspections flagged issues at several eateries, including food-safety and sanitation problems. Health & Crime: A former CFO of Arkansas Pediatric Clinic was sentenced to two years in federal prison for wire fraud. Lifestyle & Local Interest: A 6-carat diamond discovery at Crater of Diamonds State Park has Arkansas gem hunters buzzing, with claims it could be worth $1 million.

Higher Ed & Sports: The U.S. Senate advanced the Protect College Sports Act, a bid to bring order to college athletics’ pay rules via an NCAA antitrust exemption and a higher player compensation cap—Arkansas senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman backed it. Education Policy: Arkansas’ “school choice” push is expanding, but a new look at Education Freedom Accounts shows choice still varies sharply by county and poverty, with many counties lacking private options. Economic Development: Rheem bought land next to its Fort Smith campus to support future growth, with no immediate development plans. Banking & Community: First Community Bank is partnering with Paws for Purpose and Snowy Pines White Labs to place therapy dogs in Arkansas schools. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved more than $141 million for recovery and hazard mitigation across five states, including over $1.5 million for Arkansas power distribution repairs. Local Business: Hurts Donuts will close its downtown Little Rock location next week ahead of a Hot Springs opening. Public Safety: A man was arrested on capital murder charges in a 2021 North Little Rock shooting. Health & Events: White River Health and First Community Bank announced HealthFirst, a women’s health event in Batesville on Oct. 6.

Arkansas Politics: A proposed “Citizens Only Voting” amendment would swap “any person” for “only a citizen of the United States” on the ballot this November, with backers calling it a preventative move against noncitizen voting in local elections. Transportation & Construction: Arkansas DOT awarded a $27.03 million contract to replace the U.S. 82 railroad overpass with an underpass near Buckner, aiming to cut flooding and crash risk. Banking & Markets: Bank OZK announced a higher quarterly common dividend of $0.49 per share and a preferred dividend, continuing its streak of annual common dividend increases. Economic Development: SANY Nutrition Group opened a new Jonesboro plant after investing more than $30 million, launching its Beyond Resilience protein snack brand for Walmart stores and targeting 150+ jobs in three years. Energy & Utilities: SWEPCO extended bill assistance and temporary relief measures through Oct. 31 for customers facing higher electric bills after extreme summer heat. Business Growth & Tech: Rightfiber acquired Fastwyre Broadband’s Nebraska operations, expanding service coverage as it integrates post-merger growth.

Casinos & Gaming: Arkansas’ three land-based casinos pulled in $65.7 million in August gaming revenue, up 4% year over year. Education & Workforce: A new Arkansas push for earlier economic learning argues students need real-world context for money decisions, not just forms and accounts. Business Expansion: Little Rock REIT BSR Real Estate Investment Trust filed to list on the New York Stock Exchange, targeting a mid-October move under ticker BSRT. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Energy Department awarded Entergy $13.7 million to boost grid reliability across Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Local Economy & Jobs: Sany Nutrition Group held a ribbon cutting in Jonesboro at the former Butterball plant, launching a $30 million investment and 150 jobs over three years. Public Safety: Greene County fired nine jail employees after an 18-year-old inmate died following a medical emergency; state police are investigating. Health Policy: Trump began mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, with Arkansas included. Agriculture Fuel Relief: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ order allowing red-dyed diesel on highways for farmers and loggers is offering short-term savings, though some say timing came late.

Arkansas Economy & Jobs: August jobless rates fell in most Arkansas metro areas, with Northwest Arkansas at the lowest rate (2.9%) and Texarkana the highest (4.7%), while Central Arkansas added jobs and unemployment declined. Healthcare Policy: The Trump administration began sending $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including Arkansas, for alleged overcharges tied to the federal exchange. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Department of Energy awarded Entergy $13.7 million to upgrade grid reliability across Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, including advanced transmission tech. Fuel Relief for Farmers: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued an emergency order temporarily allowing Arkansas farmers and loggers to use tax-free dyed diesel on highways through Oct. 30. Business & Retail: Walmart opened a new Neighborhood Market in Crestview, Fla., creating 166 jobs, and announced a $15 million grant to Feeding America to expand food rescue and delivery capacity. Courts & Abortion Access: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin joined a U.S. Supreme Court challenge to “shield laws” that, the states argue, block investigations into abortion-pill providers. Local Business Watch: Slim Chickens permanently closed its last Midlands location in Columbia, ending a run that began in 2022. Leadership Change: Northwest Arkansas Land Trust CEO Grady Spann will retire Oct. 1, with Marson Nance named successor.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced $54.6 million in Rural Health Transformation Program grants, completing a $208 million state total for projects aimed at keeping rural hospitals and care access afloat. Semiconductor Push: A new University of Arkansas research institute, ARIES, opened to accelerate semiconductor and electronics innovation, with pillars spanning power electronics, cybersecurity/AI, photonics, and RF/microwave tech. Healthcare Accountability: Arkansas is among 44 states in a multistate settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach tied to its AMCA debt-collection unit, with the coalition citing vendor security failures. Energy Relief for Farmers: Sanders issued an order allowing red-dyed diesel on Arkansas highways for agricultural and forestry use through Oct. 30, responding to high diesel costs. Economic Development & Logistics: Union Pacific added the Southwest Arkansas Mega Site to its focus network, and Air Methods is teaming with Pafford to launch a southern Arkansas air-med rotor-wing program. Local Business Watch: Simmons First National set its Q3 earnings release for Oct. 15, and Starbucks plans to close five Arkansas locations. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reported Arkansas regular prices averaging about $4.02 statewide for the week ending Sept. 19, with some counties seeing lows near $3.69.

Transportation & Infrastructure: Pine Bluff’s draft 2027–2030 transportation plan calls for multimillion-dollar road work starting next year, including I-530 access improvements in Jefferson County and safety upgrades along Highways 65, 65B and 425. Community & Nonprofits: United Way of NEA’s 32nd Day of Caring drew 600 volunteers for 63 projects and 3,500 volunteer hours in Northeast Arkansas. Regulation & Markets: Twenty-two state attorneys general warned the SEC that major ratings firms are still promoting ESG through downgrades tied to fossil-fuel sectors. Higher Education & Sports Policy: Arkansas Sen. John Boozman and Sen. Tom Cotton backed the Protect College Sports Act, moving an NCAA antitrust exemption and a higher player-pay limit forward in the Senate. Local Government & Data Centers: Clarksville and CCU adopted steps aimed at keeping data-center costs from spreading to other electric customers, while Clarksville voters will weigh a referendum tied to massive industrial revenue bonds. Business & Tech: Teslar Software and Kinective announced integrated eSignature tools for consumer loan origination. Healthcare Logistics: Air Methods and Pafford Medical Services plan a rotor-wing air medical program across Southern Arkansas with bases in Texarkana and Arkadelphia. Gaming & Local Economy: The Quapaw Nation’s Downstream Development Authority fired Saracen Casino Resort’s top two executives and named Rod Centers as the new leader.

Pulaski County Data Center Fight: Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde vetoed new data-center regulations, saying the ordinance can’t be lawfully and effectively administered without legal and financial risk; supporters are expected to seek an override. Defense & Infrastructure: The Little Rock District Corps of Engineers awarded a $24M design-build contract to replace the Pine Bluff Arsenal gate, with work targeted for completion by July 2029. Real Estate & Housing Supply: Moses Tucker Partners launched Nest, a full-service apartment management and leasing platform now operating across a 1,600-unit portfolio in Arkansas and the Mid-South. Gaming Leadership Shakeup: Saracen Casino Resort named Rod Centers CEO and confirmed the firing of top executives Carlton Saffa and Matt Harkness effective Monday. Consumer & Fraud Watch: Attorney General Tim Griffin’s Fraud and Consumer Protection Summit drew 800+ registrants on scams, benefit fraud, crypto fraud and robocalls. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reported the lowest regular price in Poinsett County at $3.85/gal for the week ending Sept. 19, with statewide averages edging higher. Community Literacy: Arkansas Imagination Library received a $60,000 grant to build a long-term fund supporting Northwest Arkansas book deliveries.

Commercial Real Estate: A Lowell daycare building near I-49 sold for $9.3 million, or $232 per square foot, as Casa Castillo expands its Spanish-language preschool and daycare footprint. Higher Education & Workforce: Arkansas State University System removed interim tags, approving Calvin White Jr. as A-State chancellor and Ike Wheeler as ASU-Newport chancellor. Data Center Policy: Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde vetoed new data-center regulations, setting up a likely override fight. Healthcare Competition: Blue Cross Blue Shield customers are locked out of CHI St. Vincent networks as the hospital system presses for higher reimbursement rates. Public Health: Arkansas Department of Health warned of a recall of alfalfa sprouting seeds tied to E. coli and salmonella concerns. Energy Costs: GasBuddy data showed diesel pricing pressure across multiple counties, with Jackson County’s lowest diesel reported at $5.69 for the week ending Sept. 19. Economic Development: Ozarka College won a $3M federal grant to launch its CLASS initiative aimed at improving student success and completion.

Power & Growth: A new state message argues Arkansas’ economic momentum depends on continued access to affordable, reliable electricity, citing site-selection surveys and the need for power capacity as a key driver for expansion. Casino Governance: Saracen Casino Resort’s operating authority voted to fire top executives, replacing GM Matt Harkness and CMO Carlton Saffa amid misconduct allegations tied to a separate gaming venture and financial oversight concerns. Food Security & Real Estate: The Food Bank of North Central Arkansas cleared the way for a greenhouse next to its Highland Circle warehouse after a zoning change, building on its hunger gardens program. Banking Expansion: Farmers & Merchants Bank of Stuttgart plans a new Chenal Parkway branch in Little Rock, targeting a January opening. Commercial Lending Rules: Federal changes tighten condominium lending, requiring higher reserves and more scrutiny of condo associations—expected to slow sales and pressure values. Workforce/Education: Arkansas high school seniors must complete 75 hours of community service under the LEARNS Act, with the requirement set to expand participation. Data Center Debate: Arkansas leaders are balancing data center incentives against local resistance, with emphasis on protecting water and power costs. Local Business Moves: Crafton Tull promoted 25-year veteran Daniel Ellis to chief operating officer, and a Fayetteville investor bought former Piney Ridge Treatment Center buildings for $2.46M. Consumer Tech Watch: Walmart says its digital shelf labels won’t use personal data like income or shopping history to set prices.

Walmart Pricing Tech: Walmart CEO John Furner says the retailer isn’t using personal data like income or shopping history to set prices as it expands digital shelf labels, adding that its AI shopping assistant won’t raise prices or hide cheaper options. Food Assistance: New USDA data shows more than 330,000 Americans lost SNAP access between May and June, with advocates warning Congress’s SNAP cuts could worsen hunger. Gas Prices in Arkansas: GasBuddy reports show regular gas lows around $3.55 in Crittenden County and premium lows like $4.61 in Nevada County, with statewide averages for premium around $4.87 and regular around $4.02 for the week ending Sept. 19. Medical Marijuana Taxes: Federal medical marijuana rescheduling is expected to change taxes and operations for Arkansas dispensaries, with one Rogers operator citing a lower effective tax rate. Workforce Visas: USCIS data shows Arkansas approved 3,010 H-2B workers tied to Arkansas worksites in fiscal 2026 through June 30, 2026, at a 97.3% approval rate. Local Business & Talent: Arkansas State named 35 A-State Scholar recipients, awarding $18,000 scholarships annually to top incoming freshmen.

Pulaski County Data Center Fight: Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde vetoed an ordinance that would have set permitting rules for “high-intensity digital infrastructure,” with an override expected; the move comes as a company seeks to build a $6 billion data center in south Pulaski County. Saracen Casino Shakeup: Saracen Casino Resort’s operating authority voted 5-0 to terminate top executives Matt Harkness and Carlton Saffa, citing conflicting outside business activity and financial mismanagement, sending the resolution to the Quapaw Nation for approval. Mid-South Drought Impacts Harvests: Drought worsened across parts of Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi, squeezing farmers during harvest season and threatening yields. Local Food Supply Trust: Arkansas farmers say meat recalls and foreign beef imports are boosting demand for locally sourced products at markets. Community & Business Notes: Centerton’s Help to Others Food Pantry shut down after its host church closed and rental costs rose; Pine Bluff and SEARK launched “Pine Bluff Glow Up” to tackle blight and improve public spaces; Arkansas rice mills donated 201,500 pounds to the Arkansas Foodbank. Health Policy: A long view on Medicaid highlights how federal politics could reshape the program’s future.

Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy data for the week ending Sept. 19 shows diesel averaging $6.05 in Faulkner County, with the cheapest reported station at $5.46; midgrade averaged $4.44 (low $3.94) and premium averaged $4.90 (low $4.09) in Saline County. Hospitality & Tourism: The Arkansas Hospitality Association will honor top hospitality leaders at the 2026 Stars of the Industry Awards Gala Oct. 15 at the Saracen Event Center in Pine Bluff. Food & Agriculture: Arkansas rice mills donated 201,500 pounds of rice to the Arkansas Foodbank for National Rice Month, aiming to provide more than 2 million servings. Local Economy/Workforce: Arkansas employers filed two H-1B petitions in 2025 under the Other Services (except Public Administration) category, and both were approved. Housing: Zillow reports Independence County’s typical home value rose to $179,623 in August 2026, up 8.1% year over year.

Agriculture & Jobs: Arkansas approved a $5 million bridge loan to Delta Peanut after the company lost its USDA warehouse bond, aiming to keep nearly 90 growers from losing this year’s harvest while Delta negotiates a possible sale. Food Security: The Arkansas Community Foundation launched the Arkansas Full Table Fund, backed by a $10 million Walmart Foundation grant plus Tyson and Cargill support, with nonprofits able to apply starting Oct. 1 to expand access to federal nutrition programs. Public Policy & Health: Arkansas’ obesity rate fell for a second straight year to 36.7% of adults in 2025, but the state remains in the national top 10. Gaming & Governance: Saracen Casino Resort’s Quapaw Nation authority recommended firing top executives over alleged conflicts of interest and financial mismanagement. Local Government: Pulaski County’s data center ordinance was vetoed by the county judge, with an override expected. Community & Workforce: DHS rolled out an outreach toolkit ahead of ARHOME work requirements starting Jan. 1, while Jonesboro’s Warrior Center hosted an employment and resource fair. Business Finance: Clearwater Paper refinanced debt through 2031 with a new $275 million term loan and $200 million revolver. Tech & Privacy: Camden ended its Flock Safety camera contract, joining other Arkansas cities citing transparency and privacy concerns.

Data Privacy & Enforcement: Arkansas and other states reached a multistate settlement with Labcorp tied to the 2019 American Medical Collection Agency data breach, with the case focused on vendor oversight and consumer protection. Rural Health Investment: Heartland Whole Health Institute launched Heartland Whole Health Connect with $8.4 million in first-year Rural Health Transformation Program support to expand workforce capacity, chronic disease management and telehealth across rural regions. Statewide Health Funding: Arkansas announced $54.6 million in second-round Rural Health Transformation Program awards, including HEART and RISE AR projects aimed at prevention, nutrition access and care coordination. Local Business & Growth: North Little Rock expanded the Argenta Outdoor Dining District, extending the entertainment zone south of Broadway and toward the riverfront as new hospitality projects come online. Higher Ed & Workforce: UAM named Brian Hargis vice chancellor for advancement, tapping a longtime Simmons Bank leader to grow partnerships and fundraising. Healthcare Operations Deal: Bradley County Medical Center in Warren signed with UAMS for management advisory services to improve operations while keeping patient services and staff unchanged. Energy Watch: GasBuddy price reports showed diesel and midgrade/ E15 pricing varying by county in the week ending Sept. 19, with Arkansas averages generally higher than the prior week.

Big Business, Local Impact: Welspun Corp’s Little Rock pipe mill is set to supply a record $412.5 million order for high-frequency induction welded pipes, pushing the company’s global order book to $4.7 billion and extending production through FY28-FY29. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Sanders announced $54.6 million in Rural Health Transformation Program grants for 54 projects, aiming to expand prevention, workforce and access in underserved areas. Healthcare Expansion: MGA Homecare acquired Care IV Home Health’s private duty nursing division, expanding skilled in-home care for medically complex patients across Arkansas. Community & Education: Parents urged the Little Rock School Board to keep Watson Elementary open as budget cuts loom, while two district employees were placed on leave during an investigation into student athletic eligibility. Local Economy & Growth: Bentonville’s Arkade added 14 startup members in its first year, with most securing pilots or contracts. Food Security: The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas’ Empty Bowls fundraiser raised about $69,327 to support meals for people facing hunger. Public Safety & Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile statewide, with multiple counties reporting lowest-week figures for regular and diesel.