AGP Executive Report

Pulaski County Data Center Rules: County Judge Barry Hyde has seven days to decide whether to veto new data-center regulations passed 11-4 by the quorum court, including requirements for noise review and detailed water, power, land-use, and decommissioning plans. The measure was written by Wendell Griffen, a key figure in the local fight over a proposed Wrightsville-area project. Child Health Coverage: A new report says Arkansas’ uninsured children rate rose to 7.7% in 2024, the highest since 2016, with advocates warning that recent federal health cuts could worsen coverage instability. Ten Commandments in Schools: Arkansas educators and families are again challenging classroom mandates, as a federal judge’s ruling against the law is under appeal and national cases head toward higher courts. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police are investigating a fatal stabbing in Eudora; a suspect was taken into custody at the scene. Water Update: North Little Rock customers may see brief tap-water discoloration after a repaired pipe break. Local Life & Culture: Charlie Berens added 31 tour dates, including a stop at Walton Arts Center in January.

Public Safety & Weather: Dry conditions are keeping burn restrictions in place across much of Arkansas and the ArkLaTex, with multiple counties under bans as wildfire risk stays elevated. Health Policy: The Trump administration says it will remove about 760,000 people from ACA exchanges, citing fraud or ineligibility, while Arkansas leaders continue to push Medicaid and education funding changes. State Services: Arkansas plans to expand supportive living services for families on the CES waiver waitlist, aiming to reduce years-long delays for in-home care. Education: Arkansas released 2025-2026 school and district letter grades, and Magnolia Middle School earned Arkansas Gem School recognition. Local Crime: A Little Rock woman was charged in a Hot Springs hit-and-run death on I-430. Business & Growth: Fort Smith is set to vote on hiring a firm to help manage consent decree sewer work, and the Hot Springs Metro Partnership highlighted how tax-back incentives and relationships drive new investment. Sports: Arkansas football and other local college matchups continue this week as conference play ramps up.

Wildfire Mutual Aid: Arkansas has activated the South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact as drought worsens, bringing in wildfire task force teams from Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina, plus bulldozers and engines, while the state reports responding to 500+ wildfires since Aug. 1. Road Safety in Harvest: The Department of Agriculture is urging drivers to slow down and watch for farm equipment during peak harvest, warning that blind spots and wide turns lead to many crashes. Health Alerts: A harmful algae bloom advisory is in effect for Mom’s Lake near Corning, with similar advisories also posted for Lake Poinsett and Lake Hogue. Power Restoration: Stormy weather knocked out power for nearly 100 Craighead Electric customers in Northeast Arkansas, with crews working to restore service. Courts & Schools: Arkansas is arguing in federal appeals court that a Ten Commandments display mandate in public schools is constitutional. Aging Plan Update: Arkansas updated its Alzheimer’s and dementia state plan, including a push for Medicaid reimbursement for cognitive assessments under 65. Local Economy & Growth: XNA saw a slight August dip in outbound passenger traffic, while Arkansas lawmakers debate Issue 3, a ballot measure aimed at expanding local economic development tools. Sports: Arkansas football turns to Tulsa with run-defense concerns after recent struggles.

Wildfire Response: Arkansas’ Bunker Fire in Calhoun County is 75% contained, with crews still working as wind shifts are expected; Mississippi and Oklahoma have sent Chinook helicopters and crews to support firefighting operations. Local Roads: A Craighead County stretch of Highway 91 reopened after broken poles and downed power lines caused outages and a brief closure. Defense Industry: Hanwha Defense USA opened an office at Pine Bluff Arsenal and plans a $2.2 billion ammunition manufacturing hub in Arkansas, targeting 155mm shell components and propellant charges and creating about 400 jobs. Public Safety: A Crawford County deputy, Robin Gaines, was honored with an Invictus Award for trying to rescue a woman from a house fire, suffering severe burns and lung damage. Education & Community: Mountain Home Public Schools earned B ratings across the board on the state’s 2026 report cards, with Hackler Intermediate making the biggest jump from C to B. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas football hosted about 60 recruits for the Georgia game, despite the 45-17 loss.

Defense & Jobs: Hanwha Defense USA will build a $2.2 billion artillery-munitions campus at the Pine Bluff Arsenal, aiming to create about 400 jobs at roughly $50 an hour over seven years. Local Safety: Arkansas State Police charged Little Rock-area driver Kaleigh Reaves after a Sept. 14 I-430 pedestrian death; she faces negligent homicide, leaving the scene, and DWI. Health Policy: Arkansas has a maternal mental-health screening mandate, but reporting gaps remain because providers often aren’t billing—experts say that leaves the state with little data on whether screenings happen. State Budget: The Legislative Council approved a $200 million Medicaid transfer to cover rising state match costs as enrollment and spending stay high. Education Funding: Lawmakers cleared another $70 million for the Education Freedom Account program, continuing the LEARNS Act expansion. Community & Culture: Alzheimer’s Arkansas will host Boots & Bling Champions Celebration Oct. 17 in North Little Rock, featuring country artist Tyler Kinch. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas hosts Tulsa Saturday; Tulsa QB Baylor Hayes is doubtful with a knee sprain. Public Safety (Water): Authorities are seeking tips after a Sept. 4 Beaver Lake boat accident killed a 74-year-old swimmer.

SEC Football: Georgia opened SEC play with a 45-17 road rout of Arkansas, running for 254 yards and four rushing TDs while building a 21-3 halftime lead; the Bulldogs’ ground game and defense set the tone. Arkansas Sports: Arkansas State kept it close early but fell 31-7 at TCU, with a key fourth-down stop and a long Horned Frogs drive swinging momentum. Public Health: The Arkansas Department of Health is rolling out free, no-appointment flu vaccine clinics statewide, encouraging everyone 6 months and older to get an annual shot. Local Development: Siloam Springs’ city board will consider rezoning about 13 acres along Arkansas 16 for a 285-unit apartment development. Arkansas History: Sept. 21 marks key moments tied to the Little Rock Central High desegregation crisis, including a 1957 federal injunction against Gov. Orval Faubus. Business & Growth: Northwest Arkansas Airport got a direct road connection to the Springdale Northern Bypass via Highway 642, improving access as I-42 expands. Crime & Courts: North Little Rock police arrested a man in a stolen car case and another on drug possession charges; separately, an Arkansas man was extradited to North Carolina on child sexual exploitation warrants.

SEC football fallout: Georgia kept its momentum in the US LBM Coaches Poll after routing Arkansas 45-17, with the Bulldogs holding the No. 2 spot behind Texas. Razorbacks on the move: Arkansas is set to host Tulsa next week, while Arkansas State turns to Kennesaw State after a tough stretch. Soccer results: Arkansas women’s soccer fell 2-0 at No. 10 Alabama despite 17 shots, and Alabama soccer also shut out the Razorbacks in the SEC opener. Tourism economy: Arkansas’ 2% tourism tax revenue rose 8.5% in the first half of 2026, reaching a new June monthly record of $2.961 million. Housing snapshot: Zillow data shows Cleburne County’s typical home value jumped 3.1% to $260,503, and Randolph County rose 1.2% to $145,880. Community & safety: Service members from across Arkansas were remembered this week ahead of Sept. 26 observances, and a fatal Harrisburg rollover killed two people.

SEC spotlight on Arkansas football: No. 2 Georgia opened SEC play with a 45-17 road rout of the Razorbacks, running for 254 yards and scoring four times on the ground while holding Arkansas to 17 rushing yards; Arkansas’s offense struggled early and again in the third quarter as Georgia’s defense set the tone. Arkansas State at TCU: The Red Wolves cut it to one possession at halftime, but TCU’s second-half surge pulled away for a 31-7 win; Jaden Craig threw three TDs and TCU limited A-State’s scoring chances. UAPB holds on late: UAPB survived a late Central State rally to beat the Marauders 41-35 after leading 34-7 in the third quarter. Rural health funding: A $777,351 grant will expand the University of Arkansas’ Arkansas Health Survey into a statewide THRIVE RADAR platform mapping rural care gaps. Public safety reminder: Arkansas Game and Fish urged hunters to inspect tree stands before deer season, warning that stand falls drive most hunting accidents. Research with local roots: University of Arkansas researchers say rice bran protein films treated with cold plasma could help create biodegradable, antibacterial food packaging.

Arkansas Football: No. 2 Georgia steamrolled Arkansas 45-17 in the SEC opener, with Chauncey Bowens scoring three rushing TDs and Gunner Stockton adding 97 rushing yards plus a touchdown pass; Arkansas managed just 17 rushing yards, its worst since 2018, and rotated QBs KJ Jackson and AJ Hill. Coaching & QB Plan: Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield said the two-QB approach was intentional—Jackson got two series, Hill the next two—before a decision later, while Georgia’s Kirby Smart pointed to execution and pass-rush pressure after sacking Stockton three times. Injuries Update: Georgia’s Isiah Canion left early with a leg issue, and RB Nate Frazier exited in the second half with a “ding,” while Arkansas also dealt with injuries including Bryant Williams. Public Health: Arkansas residents are watching a measles alert after a reported case traveled by train from Chicago to Los Angeles. Local Sports: Southern Arkansas finished third in both men’s and women’s divisions at the Lois Davis Invitational, and Arkansas volleyball’s win streak ended with a straight-sets loss to Illinois. Education/Policy: Arkansas trustees ordered a sweeping review aimed at restoring Razorbacks football competitiveness, alongside education funding moves including $70 million for Educational Freedom Accounts.

Arkansas Education: The state released 2025-26 school district letter grades, with Jonesboro and Westside earning B’s in Craighead County and statewide results showing 115 districts at B, 17 at D, and nine at F. Health Care: Arkansas pharmacies sued Express Scripts over alleged prescription underpayments, saying the issue hit more than 40,000 claims from Aug. 2025 to March 2026. Wildfire Response: Arkansas crews fighting the Bunker Fire got help from Mississippi and Oklahoma, including Chinook helicopters with Bambi buckets. Legal/Consumer Protection: Arkansas joined a $694 million multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, with $660,000 in civil penalties and cash restitution plus debt relief for affected consumers. Public Safety/Justice: An 18-year-old Forrest City man was arrested on child sexual abuse material charges after a cyber tip led investigators to a search warrant. Local Business & Tech: Laura Fine was appointed to the Little Rock Technology Park Authority Board. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas hosts No. 2 Georgia in SEC play Saturday, with TV coverage listed for ABC.

Razorback Athletics: The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees voted to order a review of Razorback Athletics competitiveness, with a specific focus on improving football resources in the NIL era, after concerns about the program’s roster budget and performance. Little Rock Schools: Eleven Little Rock School District campuses improved their state letter grades, while the number of F schools dropped compared with last year, according to Arkansas Department of Education data. Crime: A Forrest City man, 18-year-old Ja’Quan Ivey, was arrested after a cyber tip led investigators to alleged child sexual abuse material uploads; he faces four counts and is set for court Oct. 5. Public Safety: A man identified as Myron Thompson Jr. was arrested in connection with bank robberies in Little Rock and Cabot. Health Policy: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined President Trump to announce Medicaid drug pricing access for all 50 states under the GENEROUS “most favored nation” model. Economy: Arkansas unemployment fell to 3.9% in August as employment hit a record high. Sports: Arkansas baseball’s Red-White Scrimmage kicks off the Diamond Classic, with a home run derby and intrasquad action at Baum-Walker Stadium.

SEC Football Spotlight: No. 2 Georgia opens SEC play at Arkansas on Saturday, with Georgia favored heavily and Arkansas looking to rebound after a rough start; kickoff is set for noon CT in Fayetteville. Wildfire Update: Calhoun County’s wildfire is 65% contained, with about 2,832 acres burned; officials say evacuees have been allowed back and hot spots could still flare. Health & Policy: The Trump administration plans to push most-favored-nation drug pricing across all 50 states’ Medicaid programs, with Arkansas governors among those hosting an Oval Office event. Local Business: Dillard’s, headquartered in Little Rock, will shift its primary stock listings from the NYSE to the Texas Stock Exchange starting Oct. 5. Travel Convenience: TSA launched “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting eligible members request free access beyond security at participating airports, including Little Rock’s Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. Sports Schedule: Here’s what’s on TV Friday and Saturday, including major college football matchups.

Arkansas Basketball: John Calipari’s Razorbacks released a finalized 2026 nonconference slate with five nationally televised games, plus a Nov. 3 opener vs. UAPB and neutral-site showdowns vs. Indiana, Michigan State and Arizona. Rural Healthcare: Baxter Health won major state funding to expand rural access through THRIVE at Home and a Baxter Health Rural Access Network. Wildfire Update: Calhoun County’s wildfire is 65% contained after burning about 2,800+ acres; officials say hot spots remain and an investigation will follow. Public Safety/Firefighting: The Bunker Fire in East Camden remains active but contained at 65%, with no evacuations and FEMA backing firefighting costs. Education Accountability: Arkansas reported fewer schools and districts earning failing or low grades in 2025-26, and ADE released 2025-26 district/school letter grades. Consumer Protection: Acting AG Cori Mills and Arkansas AG Tim Griffin announced a multistate $694M settlement with Credit Acceptance, including cash/debt relief and stronger lending rules. Agriculture: NASS forecasts record corn and soybean yields for Arkansas, with rice up slightly and cotton/peanuts down. Northwest Arkansas Health: Alice Walton broke ground on the $700M Whole Health Campus in Bentonville to expand specialty care. Sports (UGA vs. Arkansas): Georgia hosts Arkansas in Week 3 at noon on ABC, with Georgia a heavy favorite.

SEC Football Preview (Arkansas vs. Georgia): No. 2 Georgia opens SEC play at Arkansas Saturday at noon on ABC, after the Bulldogs started 2-0 and the Razorbacks absorbed a 43-10 loss at Utah. Georgia coach Kirby Smart is leaning on the “raucous” SEC road test, while Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield is pushing a quick bounce-back. ESPN has Georgia as a heavy 25-point favorite. Arkansas Baseball: Arkansas fall scrimmages ramp up with the Red-White Scrimmage Friday, Sept. 18 at Baum-Walker Stadium, plus exhibitions against Little Rock, Dallas Baptist and Central Arkansas. Local Crime: Two men say they were pistol-whipped during an attack near an LR food truck on Baseline Road, with one victim taken to UAMS. State Politics/Policy: Arkansas families on a waitlist for Medicaid-funded in-home aid are calling for a special legislative session and more action. Health & Safety: A heat advisory covers parts of eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas, with hot conditions and a risk of strong storms. Food Safety: The FDA reports a busy summer of food recalls, including items shipped to Arkansas. Data Privacy: A new investigation highlights how companies buy and sell personal data, including Arkansas-based Acxiom.

Arkansas Economy & Cost of Living: Arkansas shoppers are feeling it as more businesses add checkout fees and surcharges, with students saying the extra charges strain already-tight budgets. Local Development: Searcy is moving ahead with #MySearcy projects, including a community center where “everything is rolling,” plus plans for a dual hotel concept and a new Pioneer Village site plan featuring a possible “residents’ row” street. Culture & Tourism: The Lightle House in Searcy—built in 1924 and designed by famed Arkansas architect Charles Thompson—has reopened as the town’s only bed and breakfast. Public Safety: Boone County authorities say a man died by suicide in a public parking area at the sheriff’s office on Sept. 15, with no sign of foul play. Education & Community: Bentonville schools approved the 2026-27 budget and noted enrollment growth bucking statewide trends. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas softball is entering fall practice with “all-time high” excitement after a Women’s College World Series run, while Arkansas TV is trying to win back donors after a PBS shakeup. Politics (Arkansas link): Sabato’s Crystal Ball warns Arkansas’ 2nd District could shift from “safe” to “likely” Republican ahead of the midterms.

Disability Services: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders says Arkansas will add supportive living services for families stuck on the Community and Employment Services Medicaid waiver waitlist, after public outcry and social media pressure; DHS will also convene stakeholders for longer-term fixes as more than 2,400 families wait. Energy & Data Centers: Arkansas lawmakers grilled Entergy over how it plans to recoup costs tied to data center projects, including a solar-and-battery setup for West Memphis, while also questioning the utility’s fight with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette over Google-related power documents. Courts & Crime: Clark County Detention Center escapee Sean Anthony Bright pleaded guilty and will serve lengthy prison time for fleeing and related charges, including 2025 and 2026 cases. Local Government & Water: Fort Smith directors approved a nearly $1 million contract to remove and dispose of residuals from two water treatment plant lagoons, with concerns raised about the contractor and odor issues elsewhere. Education: Little Rock’s dual language immersion program at Watson and Chicot elementary schools is being celebrated for Hispanic Heritage Month as it expands for the 2026-27 school year. Sports (SEC): Arkansas opens SEC play at home against No. 2 Georgia, with coach Ryan Silverfield’s debut conference stretch beginning Saturday.