AGP Executive Report

Weather Watch: Heat Advisories are back across parts of Arkansas, with heat index readings near 107–110 possible today, plus a small rain chance and gusty storms later in the week before a cold front brings some relief. Feral Hog Program: Arkansas landowners can apply for 75% reimbursement (up to $20,000) for approved feral hog trap systems through Sept. 11, with eligibility tied to acreage and evidence of hog activity. Local Business & Health: Speakeasy Dispensary is opening a new Ward location Aug. 20, relocating from Pine Bluff to expand access for patients in central Arkansas. Cybersecurity: A Hot Springs oral surgery clinic says hackers accessed its network and took patient data, with notifications sent to affected patients. Economy & Jobs: Caterpillar announced up to $3 million for an Arkansas workforce initiative, and the St. Louis Fed named two Arkansans—Curtis Barnett and Suzanne Peyton—to industry councils. Education & Community: Mountain Home Public Schools clarified that many “transfer out” listings reflect state counting rules, not actual enrolled students leaving. Sports: Arkansas football begins the second half of preseason work after fall camp, while Mizzou reports 2026 season passes are sold out.

Housing & Childcare Costs: A new Redfin/Winnie report says a typical working family in Little Rock spends about 52% of income on housing and childcare—still under 40% in the metro, the lowest share among the 100 biggest U.S. areas. Storm Power Outages: Monday’s storms and high winds knocked out power for about 27,000 Entergy customers across Pope, Faulkner, Pulaski and White counties, with many expecting restoration Tuesday. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in 29 states are being told to check pantries after FDA action on a recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque soup kit due to possible listeria contamination. Egg Recall Escalates: The FDA upgraded a massive egg recall to its highest-risk Class I level, affecting nearly 1.6 million cartons distributed including Arkansas. Extreme Heat Protections: SWEPCO is suspending residential disconnections for nonpayment through the end of the week and urging customers to seek bill help. Water Conservation: Benton Washington Regional Public Water Authority recommends a lawn-watering moratorium through Sept. 1. Local Sports/Community: Arkansas baseball coach Dave Van Horn signed an extension through 2031; Jonesboro’s Foundation of Arts kicks off its 40th season with “Come From Away.”

Arkansas Medicaid Fight: Arkansas’ ARHOME/Private Option waiver expires Dec. 31, and the state is seeking permission to keep it going through 2028 as federal flexibility shifts—an issue that’s front and center for the next governor. GOP Senate Primary: Southeast Arkansas voters head to the polls Tuesday for the Republican nomination for Senate District 1, with Missy Wardlaw and Harrell Wilson competing to replace Ben Gilmore. Local Health & Safety: Mountain Home is weighing higher water and sewer rates and a rewrite of food-truck parking rules at an Aug. 20 council meeting. Extreme Heat & Wildfire Risk: Dry conditions are driving burn-ban concerns and wildfire risk statewide, with officials urging conservation and caution. Arkansas Sports: Caleb Wooden is rejoining Arkansas football for the 2026 season after a court ruling reopened eligibility for some players. Business & Jobs: Buc-ee’s opens its first Arkansas location in Benton, promising 200+ jobs and 120 fueling stations. Public Trust: Arkansas State Police are facing renewed scrutiny after a teen’s lawsuit alleges excessive force during a traffic stop.

Razorbacks Football: Arkansas wrapped its 12-day preseason heat camp with a 130-play scrimmage, where Boise State transfer Chris Marshall stood out with a 96-yard catch and a 34-yard TD, while coach Ryan Silverfield said the team still has plenty to clean up and will shift to morning practices ahead of the Sept. 5 opener. School Choice: Arkansas officials say the Educational Freedom Account program is expected to add about 5,500 more students for 2026-27, bringing participation to roughly 50,000 and pushing costs to more than $367 million. Public Safety: Conway police arrested Matthew Jayce Turk, 34, after a 99-year-old woman fought off a residential intruder; he faces felony charges including aggravated residential burglary and sexual assault. Local Life: Walmart Amp in Rogers is urging concertgoers to stay hydrated during triple-digit heat, with spray stations, cooling tents, and medical staff planned for upcoming shows. Sports Spotlight: Arkansas baseball commit Jake Ivey shared how a trip to the Field of Dreams site and playing catch with his dad capped a standout experience at the MLB High School All-American Game. Community Calendar: North Central Arkansas has a full slate of family events this week, including story times and cancer-patient gift-making sessions.

Weather & Safety: Magnolia is under a Heat Advisory through Tuesday, with highs around 102–103 and heat indexes near 106–107. Local Law: Columbia County jail bookings include Carmello Martin (terroristic act, fleeing, obstructing) and Jake C. Helton (assisting another agency). Campus Life: Arkansas State University’s move-in day drew hundreds of families despite triple-digit heat, with volunteers helping students settle in. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas State wrapped preseason camp with a night scrimmage at Centennial Bank Stadium as quarterback battles continue ahead of the Sept. 5 opener at Memphis. Sports (Nationwide): Powerball has no grand-prize winner; Monday’s jackpot is estimated at $35 million. Politics: President Trump is pushing the Senate to make daylight saving time permanent, citing the “NO MORE CHANGING THE CLOCKS ACT,” with Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton among opponents. Science & Agriculture: Arkansas researchers are using “genetic neighborhoods” to spot disease-causing bacterial strains, and an extension finance expert urges expectant parents to plan early for baby-related costs. Public Health: The FBI says the U.S. homicide rate fell 18.1% in 2025 to the lowest since 1956, even as Little Rock’s own homicide count rose in city figures.

Arkansas Sports: The Razorbacks kept things moving in training camp with a Red-White volleyball scrimmage at Barnhill Arena, where Parker Duncan led the White squad with 15 kills in a close win. Arkansas Football: Arkansas football held a lighter-pad practice Saturday ahead of a closed scrimmage Sunday, with coaches treating it like “Game 1” as heat advisories linger. Public Safety & Health: The FDA upgraded a massive egg recall tied to salmonella to its highest risk level, and Walmart recalled Marketside tomato soup kits over possible listeria contamination, including distribution in Arkansas. Water & Weather: Fort Smith asked residents to follow voluntary water conservation as drought and triple-digit heat strain supplies. State Government: Arkansas lawmakers announced major upgrades for the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, including a new facility and added staffing to handle a caseload near 30,000 cases a year. School Season: The Arkansas House reminded drivers of strict school bus stop laws as the new school year begins, with fines up to $2,500 for violations.

Food Safety: U.S. regulators upgraded a recall of about 19.1 million eggs to the FDA’s highest risk level (Class I) after salmonella was found at Midwest Poultry Services farms in Texas; the eggs were sold in Arkansas and several neighboring states, and the FDA says the investigation is ongoing. State Government: An Arkansas judge dismissed Attorney General Tim Griffin’s open-records lawsuit against the Board of Corrections after board members voted to settle, ending a long-running fight over control of the prison system. Public Health & Weather: A dangerous heat wave is tightening across Arkansas and the South, with Little Rock-area conditions pushing heat advisories and little overnight relief. Libraries & Law: The Arkansas State Library Board revised proposed rules on restricting “sexually explicit” materials, softening language from “ensure” to “take all reasonable steps,” with public feedback due Sept. 13. Wildfire Risk: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture urged residents to stay alert as wildfire danger rises statewide, with many counties under burn bans. Local Business/Community: Springdale-based Circle of Life is set to acquire Washington Regional Hospice, expanding inpatient hospice services in Northwest Arkansas. Sports: Arkansas football’s Quincy Rhodes Jr. is pushing for wins despite preseason expectations, while UAPB football begins key position battles ahead of its opener.

Federal Courts: President Trump nominated Arkansas U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky to the 8th Circuit, setting up a Senate confirmation fight. Public Safety: A Marianna man, Jeremiah Keundre Harris, was sentenced to 20 years for a 2024 shooting death. Crime & Courts: A former Conway County deputy, Joseph Taylor Dube, got 22 years after pleading guilty to rape. Health Watch: The FDA recalled a Walmart-exclusive Marketside tomato bisque soup kit over possible listeria contamination, and Arkansas health officials reported 12 more cyclosporiasis cases, bringing the year’s total to 275. Foodborne Outbreaks: FDA investigators are traveling to Mexico to continue the Taylor Farms cyclospora probe. Wildfire & Heat: Wildfire risk is rising, with 19 southern Arkansas counties now at high risk and burn bans in dozens of counties. Local Life: Little Rock opened its first Lego Store at the Promenade at Chenal, drawing big crowds despite the heat. Sports & Local News: Razorbacks player Isaiah Sealy was arrested in Fayetteville on multiple charges.

Heat & Safety: A late-summer heat wave is tightening its grip on Arkansas and the Mid-South, with extreme heat risk and advisories running through the weekend as Little Rock and surrounding areas face dangerous heat indexes and little nighttime relief. Public Health: The FDA says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has now spread to 17 states, with Arkansas among those added earlier in the widening case count. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a massive egg recall to its highest risk level after concerns about Salmonella contamination, affecting tens of millions of eggs distributed across multiple states. Local Accountability: Arkansas State Police Trooper Moisses Arellano remains on paid duty after a viral use-of-force incident involving an 18-year-old woman, renewing calls for action and oversight. Community & Health Services: The Haven Detox in Little Rock was named No. 1 in the South for addiction treatment and mental health services in a Newsweek/Statista ranking. Education Policy: Federal action is challenging in-state tuition rules for immigrants in multiple states, including Arkansas in the broader legal fight over who qualifies for lower tuition. Wildlife Surprise: Maumelle made national news after a venomous cottonmouth was found lodged in a football player’s helmet during practice.

Tyson Foods Beef Restructuring: Springdale-based Tyson says it will close its Joslin, Illinois and Eagle Mountain, Utah beef plants and pursue the sale of its Pasco, Washington facility, consolidating beef operations to Dakota City, Nebraska; Holcomb, Kansas; and Amarillo, Texas amid a cattle shortage. Wildfire Watch: Arkansas officials warn wildfire risk is rising statewide as dry, hot weather continues; all 75 counties are at moderate risk and more than 30 are under burn bans. Civil Rights Accountability: The Arkansas NAACP is demanding an independent investigation into an Arkansas State Trooper’s arrest of an 18-year-old near Manila, calling for release of unedited video and review of charges after a use-of-force incident. Public Safety Tragedies: North Little Rock identified a 56-year-old pedestrian killed after being struck on Arkansas 161, and Arkansas State Police reported a 19-year-old died in a Lawrence County crash involving a semi-truck. Health & Access: Clinics are reaching out as many new moms lose pregnancy Medicaid after 60 days, and a study estimates Arkansans need about $83,242 for a single adult to live comfortably. Community & Education: Brookland held a ribbon cutting for its new Brookland Intermediate School, and Alice L. Walton School of Medicine in Bentonville expanded to 96 students. Food Assistance: The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas will host a USDA drive-thru distribution in Lawrence County Aug. 26. Local Culture: Magic Springs in Hot Springs will host its first-ever EDM festival on Labor Day weekend.

Local Safety: A Maumelle High football player found a 2-foot cottonmouth wedged inside his helmet during practice. Officers had to coax the snake out with water, and animal services relocated it; the player switched helmets and finished practice. Public Privacy: Cabot paused its expanding Flock Safety plate-reader camera program after residents raised concerns, with the mayor ordering cameras disconnected and covered. Lottery: Powerball’s $1.040 billion jackpot was won by a single ticket sold in Quincy, Illinois (numbers: 4-26-66-67-69, Powerball 9; Power Play 2). Health & Community: A free six-week online course, “Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” is offered by Garland County and Hot Spring County extension services to help family caregivers manage stress and connect to resources. Weather Watch: Dangerous Mid-South heat continues with extreme heat warnings and advisories through the weekend, with heat indices pushing 105–110. Sports Spotlight: Arkansas defensive end Quincy Rhodes Jr. says his focus is simply winning as the Razorbacks face another tough SEC season.

Public Safety: Maumelle police and animal services say a high school football player found a 2-foot cottonmouth tucked behind padding in his helmet during practice; he wasn’t bitten and kept going with a different helmet after officers forced the snake out. Civil Rights: Arkansas State Police trooper Moisses Arellano is facing a federal lawsuit after video shows him throwing an 18-year-old Black woman to the ground and punching her during an Aug. 1 arrest near Manila. Health: The Arkansas Department of Health reported 11 more cyclosporiasis cases since Monday, bringing the state total to 263 this year, with Benton County leading. Local Government: Pulaski County Quorum Court is set to vote soon on a measure regulating data centers, as a county judge nominee pushes back on Little Rock’s earlier efforts. Community: Little Rock police and partners will distribute 1,000 free gun safety locks Thursday as part of Project ChildSafe. Weather/Fire Risk: Burn bans continue to spread across Arkansas counties as drought and heat persist, including a new ban in Sequoyah County through Aug. 26.

Local Sports Safety: A Maumelle High football player found a 2-foot cottonmouth inside his helmet during practice warmups, and officers had to pour water into the gear to get the snake out; the student switched helmets and kept playing, while coaches reminded players to inspect equipment before use. State Government & Schools: Arkansas lawmakers continue work on the Arkansas Educational Adequacy Report, reviewing K-12 funding, staffing “matrix” needs, and whether the system meets constitutional requirements tied to the Lake View decision. Public Health: Hospitals in multiple states, including large systems in Arkansas, are using “I Gave Birth” postpartum wristbands to flag emergency risks after delivery and help reduce maternal deaths. Lottery: Powerball keeps rolling toward a $1 billion jackpot for Wednesday’s drawing, with Monday’s numbers 6-37-54-55-64 and Powerball 10 (Power Play 3). Local Economy: Columbia County’s unemployment rate rose to 5.5% in June, up from 4.4% in May, while Arkansas statewide held at 4.1%.

Local Business & Tourism: Raines was selected to manage the new AC Hotel Downtown Little Rock, a 114-room Marriott-branded property near the River Market, with plans to activate its AC Lounge and meeting space. Public Safety: Maumelle High School practice was halted when a student discovered a 2-foot venomous cottonmouth inside his helmet; animal services removed it after officers flooded the helmet to get the snake out. Civic Accountability: Arkansas lawmakers and the NAACP are demanding answers after a state trooper punched an 18-year-old during a traffic stop; a federal lawsuit cites dashcam footage and calls for an independent investigation. Agriculture: University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture updated an ongoing fungicide study in soybeans, emphasizing scouting first and deliberate use to support resistance management. Environment & Planning: Little Rock and Pulaski County continue approving data centers despite local pushback, while other Arkansas counties have moved ahead with moratoriums. Lottery: Powerball keeps rolling toward a $975 million jackpot for Wednesday after Monday’s drawing had no jackpot winner.

Powerball: No jackpot winner Monday; the prize climbs to an estimated $975 million for Wednesday’s drawing, with a cash value reported around $422.3 million. Public Health: Taylor Farms expanded a salmonella recall tied to jalapeños, pulling prepared foods like salsa, guacamole, dips and more sold at major retailers across multiple states, including Arkansas. Local Safety: Arkansas State Police kicked off a back-to-school “Extreme Safety” campaign aimed at drivers, pedestrians and cyclists as kids return to school. Health Care Access: March of Dimes says nearly half of Arkansas counties are maternity care deserts, highlighting gaps in obstetric services and warning about maternal health risk. Weather & Community: South Arkansas is set for the Perseid meteor shower peak around Aug. 12-13 under near-moonless skies, while hot conditions continue and burn bans remain in effect in parts of the state. Crime & Courts: A Baxter County coroner is testing an AI sonar device to find bodies underwater, and the Quorum Court approved about $1.3 million in appropriations, including airport and coroner building funding.

Arkansas Forward: The Sanders administration says its cost-cutting initiative has verified $120.3 million in savings, including $2.3 million identified at the Arkansas Department of Health. Back-to-School Safety: Arkansas State Police kick off an “Extreme Safety” campaign urging safer driving, walking and biking as kids head back to school. Local Policing Privacy: Mayflower becomes the second Central Arkansas city in days to stop using Flock license plate readers, joining Cabot and Pea Ridge. Crime Update: Pine Bluff police arrest a fourth suspect in a Wednesday kidnapping tied to the EBK gang. Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalls jalapeño products after a Salmonella outbreak linked to fresh jalapeños; the recall includes items sold at major retailers. Health Alert: A pediatrician warns parents about heat exhaustion risks for children during back-to-school commutes and drills. Civic & Community: Little Rock’s Junior League signs a contract to sell its historic Women’s City Club building, expected to close in early September. Weather & Outdoors: The Perseid meteor shower is set to peak Aug. 12, with a stargazing event planned in the Arkansas River Valley. Lottery: Powerball climbs to an estimated $905 million for Monday’s drawing.