AGP Executive Report

Arkansas Politics: Senate candidates Hallie Shoffner and Jeff Wadlin criticized Tom Cotton’s record after he skipped their debate; in a separate House debate, Bruce Westerman and challenger James Russell faulted President Trump’s Russian diesel plan. Little Rock: Jerry Jones’ family pledged $10 million to the Clinton Presidential Center, with a focus on the Clinton School for Public Service, during a Little Rock Touchdown Club event. Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled reports of child abuse and neglect, adding pressure for improvements in the state’s response system. Higher Education: A new report says one in four Arkansas students using Education Freedom Accounts left public schools, renewing questions about the program’s effects. Sports: Arkansas football fell to Tennessee 24-17, while Razorback volleyball scored a notable upset by beating reigning national champion Texas A&M for its first SEC win.

North Little Rock Crime: Police identified Latasha Butler, 39, as the woman killed in a Sunday shooting on Parkway Drive. A man was wounded and remains stable; the investigation is ongoing. Arkansas Politics: Senate candidates Hallie Shoffner and Jeff Wadlin criticized U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton for skipping their televised debate. Shoffner focused on farm policy and rising costs; Wadlin cited the national debt. Education: A University of Arkansas report found only about one in four Education Freedom Account participants switched from public schools last year, even as the program served more than 44,000 students and cost over $260 million. Agriculture: Lawmakers are weighing tax breaks for farm-equipment repairs and fencing materials as growers face disappointing soybean yields and higher fuel and fertilizer costs. Little Rock: The Gene and Jerry Jones family donated $10 million toward renovations and modernization at the Clinton Presidential Center. Camden Industry: The first U.S.-made Tamir interceptors have rolled out of a new Camden facility, a $63 million investment expected to create up to 60 jobs. Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas failed to meet reporting requirements in most of 140 reviewed child-abuse investigations.

Little Rock Politics: Three candidates — firefighter Joe Gray, former Senate candidate Natalie James and activist Rev. Benny “Big Ben” Johnson — are vying for the open Ward 7 seat as BJ Wyrick runs for mayor. Public Safety: Police are investigating separate fatal shootings in Little Rock and North Little Rock; a man was also wounded in the North Little Rock shooting. On the Ballot: The University of Arkansas System has released a nonpartisan guide to the four statewide issues voters will decide Nov. 3, explaining what “for” and “against” votes mean. Health Care: Arkansas hospitals face added financial pressure from Medicaid changes, and some are turning to mergers. A federal audit also found the state mishandled reports of child abuse and neglect. Arkansas Industry: Camden-made Tamir missile interceptors have begun shipping, making the facility the first production site outside Israel. Agriculture: Arkansas rice growers face another disappointing harvest, while up to $1 billion in federal farm-safety-net payments is expected to reach state farmers.

Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled 138 of 140 child-abuse investigations reviewed, raising serious questions about the state’s response to reports of abuse and neglect. Public Safety: North Little Rock police are investigating an infant’s death, and a suspect in a fatal 2024 Little Rock shooting was arrested in Georgia. State Budget: Arkansas lawmakers have begun pre-session budget hearings ahead of the 2027 legislative session. Razorbacks: Arkansas volleyball upset No. 12 Texas A&M in four sets for its first win over a ranked team since 2023. The football team fell 24-17 to No. 15 Tennessee, extending its SEC losing streak to 14 games. Agriculture: Arkansas farmers could receive as much as $1 billion through expanded federal safety-net programs, while a disappointing rice harvest is raising concerns for next year. Weather: Above-normal heat is expected early this week, with a cold front bringing rain chances and cooler air later.

Razorbacks: Arkansas fell 24-17 to No. 15 Tennessee after a late touchdown, extending its SEC losing streak to 14 games. Farm Outlook: Extreme summer heat is cutting into the state’s soybean harvest; an extension agronomist says Arkansas will fall short of the record yield forecast. Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled 138 of 140 reviewed child-abuse investigations. State Government: Lawmakers have begun budget hearings ahead of the 2027 legislative session, while an appeals court struck down part of the state’s whistleblower law. Environment: Arkansas reached a Monsanto settlement worth at least $32 million, with up to $80 million earmarked for water quality. Little Rock: Jeff Bezos is backing a $100 million effort to turn neglected urban land into parks and wildlife habitat, with Little Rock among eight cities selected.

Razorbacks: No. 15 Tennessee rallied for a 24-17 win in Fayetteville, extending Arkansas’ SEC losing streak to 14 games. The Razorbacks fell to 2-4 overall and 0-3 in conference play. Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled 138 of 140 child abuse investigations reviewed, raising fresh questions about the state’s handling of reports. State Government: Arkansas lawmakers began budget hearings ahead of the 2027 legislative session as voters prepare to decide on a proposed $500 million water bond. Environment: Arkansas reached a settlement of at least $32 million with Monsanto over PCB contamination, with funds designated for water quality. Little Rock: Jeff Bezos is backing a $100 million plan to turn a former highway ramp into a 20-acre park. Public Safety: A 77-year-old man was arrested on a capital murder charge after a fatal shooting in Saline County.

Whistleblower Protections: The Arkansas Court of Appeals struck down a provision allowing public employees who allege retaliation to seek temporary reinstatement while their lawsuits proceed. The ruling reverses an order reinstating a former Little Rock school district administrator. Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled reports of child abuse and neglect, including failing to meet federal reporting requirements. Arkansas Football: The Razorbacks host No. 15 Tennessee in Fayetteville today, looking to rebound from a 34-7 loss to Texas A&M. Arkansas State: The Red Wolves fell 56-49 to South Alabama despite piling up 516 yards, leaving them 0-2 in Sun Belt play. State Services: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders launched the MyArkansas app, offering access to more than 50 government services. Water Quality: Arkansas reached a Monsanto settlement of at least $32 million over PCB contamination, with funds earmarked for water-quality efforts.

Health Care: An Arkansas safety-net hospital is among the plaintiffs challenging a federal 340B drug-rebate pilot set to begin in January. Hospital groups say the program could add major costs and burdens. Library Access: Central Arkansas Library System officials say they’re awaiting clarification on how to comply with parts of a 2023 law governing books available to minors, without unnecessarily restricting access. Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled reports of child abuse and neglect, according to a newly reported review. Energy: Entergy Arkansas is asking regulators to reconsider rejection of a 20-year agreement for a planned 440-megawatt solar project in Mississippi County. State Services: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders launched the MyArkansas app, consolidating access to more than 50 services, including car-tag renewals and hunting licenses. Workforce: Northwest Arkansas education and business leaders met to develop stronger links between schools, colleges and employers, aiming to connect residents with high-demand jobs.

Child Welfare: A federal audit found widespread failures in Arkansas’ handling of child-abuse reports, including wrongly rejected allegations and missed referrals to law enforcement. Auditors estimated 99% of the reports they reviewed did not meet state requirements. Education: Springdale special education teacher Lindsay Rankin was named Arkansas’ 2027 Teacher of the Year for her work tailoring instruction to students’ needs. Camden Manufacturing: A Camden plant delivered its first fully U.S.-made Tamir interceptor to Israel, opening a new production source for Iron Dome missiles and future U.S. Marine Corps systems. Farm Economy: Arkansas farmers face rising costs and another disappointing rice harvest, while as much as $1 billion in federal safety-net aid is headed to the state. Razorbacks: Arkansas hosts No. 15 Tennessee on Saturday, with the Volunteers expected to start redshirt freshman George MacIntyre at quarterback. The Razorbacks are seeking a response after a 34-7 loss to Texas A&M. Climate: Arkansas was among eight states to record its warmest September on record, according to NOAA.

State Services: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders unveiled MyArkansas, an app offering access to 53 state services, from vehicle tags to park reservations. Development and seven years of maintenance cost $6.7 million. Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas failed to meet child-abuse reporting requirements, renewing scrutiny of how the state handles abuse and neglect reports. Agriculture: Arkansas rice yields are averaging 167 bushels an acre, with heat and drought hurting grain quality and milling returns. An extension agronomist warns the weak profitability could threaten next year’s crop and the state’s rice infrastructure. Surveillance Debate: Fort Smith officials largely declined to discuss Flock license-plate cameras after Fayetteville voted to bar city funds and property from their use; other Arkansas cities have ended contracts amid privacy concerns. Farm Relief: Arkansas farmers could receive up to $1 billion in federal safety-net payments. Education: Springdale special education teacher Lindsay Rankin was named 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.

Public Safety: An 18-year-old from Nashville, Arkansas, died Tuesday after his motorcycle collided with a semi-truck on U.S. 371 in Hempstead County. Camden Manufacturing: Arkansas-built Tamir interceptors are now being delivered to Israel, adding a U.S. production site for the Iron Dome missile system. Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled reports of child abuse and neglect, raising fresh questions about the state’s response system. Abortion Litigation: Arkansas joined Louisiana and Alabama in suing over out-of-state abortion-pill providers and the shield laws protecting them. Water Quality: Arkansas reached a Monsanto settlement of at least $32 million for PCB-related environmental damage, with funds earmarked for water quality. Farm Economy: Up to $1 billion in federal aid is headed to Arkansas farmers enrolled in safety-net programs.

Farm Support: Arkansas farmers could receive about $840 million — and as much as $1 billion — in federal crop safety-net payments starting this month, a record payout tied to market conditions and higher reference prices. Courts & Accountability: The Arkansas Court of Appeals struck down part of the state whistleblower law, while a federal audit found Arkansas mishandled child-abuse allegations. Elections & Schools: The state education board approved a local vote on creating a Sherwood School District; voters will decide in November. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders also moved the special Senate District 18 election to Dec. 15. Environment & Health: Arkansas has reached a Monsanto settlement worth at least $32 million, with up to $80 million earmarked for water quality. The state also received $10 million for maternal health care over five years. On the Field: Arkansas State hosts South Alabama Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in a nationally televised Sun Belt game; the Razorbacks face No. 15 Tennessee on Saturday, with Tennessee expected to start freshman quarterback George MacIntyre.

Education: New federal scholarship rules promise additional resources for Arkansas families, though details of the program will determine who benefits. Fort Smith: Germany’s first F-35 fighter arrived at Ebbing Air National Guard Base for pilot training, placing Arkansas at the center of a U.S.-led NATO training program. Abortion Law: Arkansas is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a dispute over the state’s abortion shield law. Razorbacks: Tennessee is expected to start freshman George MacIntyre at quarterback in Saturday’s game in Fayetteville, with starter Faizon Brandon injured; Arkansas is looking to rebound from its 34-7 loss to Texas A&M. Health and Safety: Arkansas received $10 million for maternal health care over five years. Separately, Nature’s Own Hawaiian bread sold in Arkansas was recalled because its label omitted milk, a risk for people with allergies.

Arkansas Politics & Courts: Attorney General JB McCuskey joined a 31-state Supreme Court filing urging 9/11 victims and families to access frozen Taliban funds for about $17 billion in final terrorism judgments. Local Law & Public Safety: Bentonville’s Austin McCollum was released from jail after posting bond in felony stalking and order-of-protection cases, with an ankle monitor and no-contact limits. Drug Sentencing in Federal Court: A Crittenden County woman pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and faces up to 15 years; a Jacksonville woman pleaded guilty to meth distribution and faces up to 40 years. State Budget Watch: Arkansas lawmakers kicked off monthlong budget talks, approving proposals for the state military and labor departments as Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders prepares her 2027 plan. Education & Child Care: Arkansas Tech will keep its student child care program running through fall 2026 after losing a federal grant, using foundation funds to cover the gap. Utilities & Cost of Living: The Arkansas Public Service Commission approved new Black Hills Energy Arkansas rates, with residential customers facing an 8.6% increase next month. Sports (Arkansas): Tennessee is expected to start QB George MacIntyre at Arkansas Saturday, setting up a key SEC matchup at 3:15 p.m. Community & Infrastructure: Pocahontas Municipal Airport is moving ahead with a $275,000 improvement project funded largely by grants, with no local taxpayer money expected.

Central Arkansas politics & voting: The race for the central Arkansas U.S. House seat is heating up as Rep. French Hill seeks a seventh term and Democrat Chris Jones argues for more direct availability and a fresh start in the 2nd District. Public safety & courts: Arkansas State Police ICAC investigators secured an 80-year sentence for a Marshall man who pleaded guilty to 40 felony counts tied to child sexual abuse material. A Lonoke man was charged after a dismembered body was found in Lonoke County; authorities say the victim may have been killed out of state. Health & consumer alerts: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in multiple states, including Arkansas, over undeclared milk; Walmart and Trader Joe’s frozen berry products were also recalled for potential E. coli contamination. Local government & community: Arkansas Forward says Medicaid process improvements have driven verified savings to $134.6 million. The Community Health Education Foundation donated 20 AEDs across Northeast Arkansas to schools and nonprofits. Sports: Arkansas fell 34-7 at Texas A&M as the Aggies dominated the ground game; Arkansas State lost 23-20 to Louisiana on a late field goal; UAPB rolled past Southern 41-10 and enters its bye.

Highway Construction: ARDOT will close Highway 77 in West Memphis between I-40 and Highway 191 starting Oct. 7, with access to local businesses maintained; the detour uses the newly built Highway 191 and the project is expected to reopen in mid-2028. Federal Funding Watch: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says Northwest Arkansas National Airport’s $41.7 million low-interest federal loan for a new concourse looks promising, though Congress must act after the Nov. 3 election. Rural Health Grants: St. Bernards Foundation received $4.8 million from the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program, including $3.85 million to train and recruit rural clinicians and $948,000 for healthier eating and active recreation. Public Safety & Health: Attorney General Tim Griffin announced the arrest of a North Little Rock man accused of Medicaid fraud tied to $245,401 in claims for services allegedly not rendered; separate coverage highlights breast cancer early-warning signs and the ongoing wildfire danger across Arkansas. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Little Rock will host the 2027 Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals conference, and state revenue in September came in 11% above forecast. Business & Tech: D-Wave and the University of Arkansas are partnering on a quantum computing initiative aimed at complex supply chain problems. Sports: Arkansas State hosts South Alabama Thursday night after a narrow turnaround start to Sun Belt play.