AGP Executive Report

Arkansas Politics & Courts: A judge dismissed the murder charge against Lonoke County sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer after ruling the sheriff’s office mishandled evidence in the 2024 killing of a man accused of sexually abusing Spencer’s daughter. National Security: U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton and Sen. Chuck Grassley warned the Trump administration to prepare for possible gaps in intelligence if a key surveillance authority expires June 12. Arkansas Sports: Arkansas baseball kept stacking pitching depth with commitments from JUCO national champion Lance Alexander and Belmont left-hander Ridge Harvey, adding to Micah Henson’s earlier pledge. Arkansas Community & Culture: The Arkansas Black History Commission marked the state’s 250th birthday with a Reconstruction-era symposium honoring the first Black legislators to serve in the Arkansas General Assembly. Economy & Jobs: New federal job data showed employers added 172,000 jobs in May while unemployment held at 4.3%, even as layoff notices remain a concern. Agriculture & Health: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf, prompting Arkansas ranchers to watch for symptoms and report concerns. Medicaid Watch: Russellville Medicaid dental payments totaled $626,583 in 2024, while De Queen pathology and lab services reached $140,507.

Alligator Management: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is launching a June 22 deadline pilot that lets landowners in alligator country enroll properties so nuisance alligators can be removed through a regulated public permit draw. Local Health Funding: Hope residents heard details on a proposed 3/4-cent sales tax to support Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center, including upgrades like a new roof, MRI/CT equipment, and radiology improvements. STEM in Arkansas Schools: Arkansas 4-H teams competed at the International SeaPerch Challenge in Maryland, with Grant County’s Deep Water Vanguard taking second overall in the high school stock class. Energy Policy Watch: The federal government announced $700 million for coal power infrastructure, including funding tied to plants in Arkansas. Medicaid Work Rules Anxiety: A new survey finds many Medicaid enrollees don’t realize 2027 work requirements are coming, raising fears of coverage losses. Pulaski County Politics: County judge candidates say the biggest challenge is public trust as Pulaski weighs major development and data center decisions. Community Grants: Summit Utilities opened applications for its 2026 Summit Cares nonprofit grant program, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.

Energy & Jobs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia will pursue next steps after a White House $700M energy push, pointing to Defense Production Act-backed upgrades at coal-linked projects. Arkansas Politics: Pulaski County judge candidates say residents have lost trust in government amid budget breakdowns and data center fights, with voters weighing a November decision. Culture & Community: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has proclaimed June as “Fidelity Month,” part of a broader GOP trend of rebranding June amid Pride Month backlash. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police highlighted a Ouachita County pursuit where a vehicle overturned and children were removed by troopers, urging parents to prioritize child safety. Courts: A judge dismissed murder charges against Lonoke County sheriff candidate Aaron Spencer after a dash-camera memory card was lost. Local Development: Fayetteville’s veterans-focused Patriot Park housing is expected to start leasing in mid-July. National Impact: A new report warns Social Security could face automatic benefit cuts by 2032, averaging about $500 a month.

Arkansas Courts & Public Safety: A judge dismissed a murder case against Arkansas sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer after investigators lost dash-cam footage tied to the October 2024 shooting of Michael Fosler, calling the missing video an “extraordinary and extreme remedy.” Local Government & Infrastructure: In South Jacksonville, the city approved a $2 million demolition permit for the former AT&T American Transtech property, clearing the way for new industrial development. Health Policy: Arkansas State Police urged parents to stay vigilant online during Internet Safety Month, warning summer and back-to-school can bring spikes in online enticement cases. Community Events: Benton will hold its fifth annual Juneteenth celebration June 13, featuring food, music, vendors, and family activities. Business & Growth: Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff opened its 318-room hotel for overnight stays, extending the Quapaw Nation’s investment in Arkansas. Sports: NCAA baseball Super Regionals begin with Little Rock set to play Troy. Consumer Tech: Walmart is expanding restaurant delivery by adding Subway meals inside Walmart stores, aiming to reach all 1,400 Subways by late July.

Local Courts & Public Safety: A judge dismissed the murder charge against Lonoke County sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer, saying deputies mishandled and lost a dash-cam memory card tied to his case. Arkansas Politics & Governance: Pulaski County’s data-center fight heats up again as a candidate pushes a new 12-month moratorium for Quorum Court. Economic Snapshot: Arkansas’ unemployment rate stayed steady at 4.3% in April, with non-farm payroll jobs rising. Internet Safety: Arkansas State Police urged parents to step up online protections during Internet Safety Month. Local Business & Growth: LSI acquired Five Rivers Distribution, expanding inland waterways logistics on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. Sports: Arkansas is set to face North Carolina in the SEC-ACC Challenge on Dec. 1 in Chapel Hill. Energy Policy: Trump announced $425M in Defense Production Act support for coal plants, including Arkansas. Community & Housing: Greenwood cut the ribbon on a Main Street extension of the Greenwood bypass, while Siloam Springs weighs housing incentives to manage growth.

Drug Enforcement: Arkansas DFA agents and Corning police seized more than 25 pounds of illegal THC products at Pacific Green in Corning, arresting owner Ben Bennett and employee Sharia Shipman on multiple felonies tied to operating outside hemp/medical marijuana rules and alleged underage access. Public Media: Arkansas PBS funding is secured for FY2027, with Friends of Arkansas PBS raising $2.15 million to keep the station on air through at least 2027, including major support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Education Policy: The Arkansas Department of Education submitted a unified education plan to the U.S. Department of Education aimed at cutting overlapping federal reporting and shifting more control to the state and districts. Local Business/Tech: Northwest Arkansas Pathology Associates adopted Techcyte Fusion for remote pathology signout to help address staffing shortages. Community & Culture: Little Rock Public Radio won regional Murrow and state journalism awards, including honors for its podcast and reporting. Health/Finance: A new analysis warns Social Security trust fund depletion could trigger an average $500 monthly benefit cut by 2032.

ASU System Budget & Tuition: The Arkansas State University System Board approved tuition increases for most schools for fall 2026, including a 4% hike at Arkansas State University to $10,850 in annualized tuition and fees, alongside operating budgets and a 2% merit raise for faculty and non-classified employees. Little Rock Data Center Rules: Little Rock’s board unanimously passed data center regulations covering noise, landscaping and utility requirements, after hours of public comment tied to a proposed Google-backed project near the Port of Little Rock. Meals on Wheels Funding Restored: After state officials initially said Meals on Wheels funding would be cut, the Division of Aging and Adult Services reversed course and told agencies the cuts would not happen. Northwest Arkansas Utilities Planning: Utility leaders in Rogers say rapid growth is forcing long-range water and power planning now to avoid higher costs later. Central Moloney Expands in Arkansas: Central Moloney moved its headquarters to North Little Rock while keeping Pine Bluff as its main manufacturing hub and planning an $8 million to $10 million capital investment there. Arkansas Softball Returns: Ella McDowell and Payton Burnham will return for junior seasons, keeping key pieces for Arkansas’ next run.

College Sports & Transfers: Joscelyn Roberson, a former Arkansas gymnast and 2024 Team USA Olympic alternate, has transferred to Georgia and says she wants to make UGA gymnastics “the football of women’s sports,” aiming to bring more year-round fans to the NCAA game. Education & Youth Leadership: Arkansas lawmakers created the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute after up to 150 high school girls were blocked from Girls State participation, giving participants a hands-on day of hearings, committee work, and a mock legislative session. Real Estate & Housing Tech: MARIS is waiving MLS application fees through June 30 and subscription fees through Nov. 30 for new Realtors nationwide, with plans to add Paragon in Q3 2026. Public Media Funding: The Arkansas TV Foundation says it has surpassed its $2 million goal to keep PBS programming statewide, including dues for FY27. Broadband Expansion: Kinetic announced it has passed 2 million fiber premises across its 18-state footprint. Local Government: Little Rock approved data center regulations, with the board increasing rules within city limits.

Education Policy: Arkansas Department of Education says applications for the state’s Educational Freedom Accounts totaled 54,442 for 2026-27, a slight uptick from last year, as the application period closed Monday. Local Government & Infrastructure: Fayetteville City Council finalized a payout after a sewer main break damaged a resident’s home, approving compensation above the prior $100,000 cap after ordinance changes. Public Safety: West Memphis police arrested four people in a fatal BP gas station shooting, with charges including first-degree murder and violent criminal group activity. Health Care Jobs: Baptist Health confirmed another 70 job cuts at its Fort Smith hospital, citing decreased service volumes and duplicated roles. Business & Growth: XNA in Benton County named Ashton Collier as its new CFO as enplanements keep rising. Arts & Culture: Crystal Bridges’ 114,000-square-foot expansion opens to the public this weekend, reshaping visitor spaces and gallery access. Civic Voice: Jonesboro’s Main Street lane-reduction pilot is drawing early feedback from drivers and pedestrians, with the city calling it a learning process.

Medicaid Policy Impact: A new federal rule puts Medicaid work requirements nationwide starting in 2027, requiring most adults in the expansion group to document 80 hours a month of work, education, training or community service to keep coverage—an approach critics say will disrupt care, including in Arkansas where similar reporting changes have already led to canceled coverage. Rural Health & Telehealth: Johnson Regional Medical Center is preparing rural grant funding requests to expand telehealth and remote monitoring, aiming to strengthen access in cardiology, nephrology, psychiatry and infant care. Local Schools: Lamar School Board approved student transfer and electronic device policy updates, while Clarksville School Board awarded a $756,630 roofing bid for its Fine Arts Center and reviewed a 2027 substitute pay schedule. Business & Tech: Walmart completed its one-millionth drone delivery and plans to expand drone service to more stores in 2027. Civic Life: Arkansas Boys State, Girls State and the Civic Leadership Institute brought students to the Capitol for hands-on civics. Courts & Public Safety: A judge allowed a defamation lawsuit amendment in a Saline County sheriff race, and Pulaski County’s sheriff’s office is seeking tips in a 1995 cold case homicide.

Local Government & Tech: Two Little Rock board members are backing a temporary moratorium on new data centers while the city weighs an ordinance meant to set buffer zones and utility/noise rules, with questions still hanging over electricity costs, water resilience, environmental impacts and tax revenue. Business & Growth: Rogers launched its Pattern Zone Program, offering free, pre-approved home building plans (with permitting still requiring site-specific checks). Public Safety: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin announced the arrest of a Little Rock woman on felony theft warrants tied to repeated Marshalls shoplifting totaling about $12,000. Water & Health: Stamps lifted a boil-water order after a chlorinator booster pump failure; samples later showed no bacterial contamination. Community & Food Insecurity: A new central Arkansas nonprofit, The Lunchbox Fund, is tackling student meal debt and food insecurity, while Meals on Wheels of Benton County shut down after more than 40 years due to volunteer and donation shortfalls. Education & Workforce: ACHE’s School of Physical Therapy created a pathway for licensed allied health professionals to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy with limited additional prerequisites. Outdoors: Arkansas Game and Fish declared June 12-14 as Free Fishing Weekend statewide, with catfish derbies at hatcheries.

Business & Community: PatchMaster Northwest Arkansas has a new owner, Marine veteran/first responder John Turley, promising continuity and a more community-focused leadership style. Housing & Economy: Foreclosure activity is climbing nationwide, with the national foreclosure inventory rate rising to its highest level since 2020—an early sign that housing stress is spreading beyond a few hotspots. Maternal Health in the Delta: Arkansas coverage highlights how limited rural healthcare access is worsening outcomes for mothers and babies, with new medical training efforts in the region aimed at closing gaps. Local Government & Growth: Little Rock’s proposed data center rules are facing pushback as a city panel says they’re too weak, with questions centered on water use and resident protections. Arkansas Courts & Accountability: A Little Rock-area bankruptcy case involving homebuilder KellCo is headed for closer review, with a trustee seeking to probe possible fraudulent transfers. Sports: Kansas baseball beat Arkansas 13-10 to win the NCAA regional title, ending the Razorbacks’ run. State Newsroom Wins: The Arkansas Advocate staff brought home multiple Arkansas Press Women awards, including first place for prison overcrowding reporting.

NCAA Baseball: Kansas beat Arkansas 13-10 in nine innings to win the NCAA regional title in Lawrence, ending the Razorbacks’ run after a 5-3 loss earlier in the weekend. Recruiting: Arkansas landed a commitment from 5-star punter Declan Hamm, praising the Razorbacks’ special teams focus and business-school fit. Girls State Fallout: An open letter from 74 of 78 counselors says this year’s Arkansas Girls State fostered fear and silence, amid dress-code trouble and staff resignations. Energy & Industry: Tetra Technologies conditionally approved the final investment decision for its new Lafayette County bromine plant, a step toward more domestic supply. Local Business Help: Fayetteville is rolling out a Business Starter Kit to make permits and setup easier for would-be entrepreneurs. AI in Arkansas: Fort Smith police warned residents about an AI-generated video falsely claiming an injured officer was home with his family. Farm Economy: U.S. farm bankruptcies under Chapter 12 jumped in April to the highest monthly total since 2020, reflecting rising costs and squeezed margins.

Local Business & Community: Fayetteville is rolling out a Business Starter Kit to help would-be entrepreneurs cut through permit confusion, while Jonesboro’s Judd Hill Farmers’ Market is set to celebrate 20 years with family activities and a “Little Locals” mini market for vendors 17 and younger. Public Safety & Accountability: Fayetteville police reflect on how the 2019 murder of Officer Stephen Carr reshaped training and security, and a DNA ID finally led to the burial of Arkansas native Royle Luker, 85 years after Pearl Harbor. State Policy Watch: Arkansas’ data-center debate is back in focus as lawmakers weigh AI-related impacts and residents push for answers on power, water, and costs. Health Care: Medicaid work requirements are straining budgets in other states, with rural providers warning cuts can mean layoffs and clinic closures. Sports: Arkansas women’s track qualifies nine for the NCAA Outdoor Championships, and Arkansas baseball is in the NCAA regional hunt against Kansas. Media & Culture: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette racks up 19 first-place awards in the Arkansas Press Women contest.

Beef Prices Spike: Steak is hitting record highs, with economists pointing to a shrinking U.S. cattle herd driven by drought and tight supply—not just general inflation. Arkansas Oil & Gas Updates: The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission logged new drilling activity in Columbia County’s Stephens Field and a plugging report in Ouachita County’s Pace City Field. Local Governance & Housing: Arkansas renters say weak protections and out-of-state investors are squeezing them, while Little Rock’s housing crisis remains unresolved. Civic Education Shake-Up: Girls State’s closing ceremony saw a majority of legacy staff resign, raising questions about the program’s future. Voting Rights Fight: The U.S. Justice Department urged the Supreme Court to allow states to purge voter rolls for noncitizens close to elections, a move critics say could disenfranchise voters. Flags for Fallen Sailor: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders ordered flags at half-staff for Royle Bradford Luker, a North Little Rock sailor killed at Pearl Harbor. Sports: UCLA eliminated Arkansas in the Women’s College World Series with a run-rule win.

State Politics: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders proclaimed June 2026 as “Fidelity Month,” urging Arkansans to reflect on faith, family, community and country. Civic Education: Arkansas Boys State wrapped its 85th session at UCA in Conway with 580 delegates and inducted Matthew Shepherd and Darrin Williams into the Hall of Fame. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas men’s track and field advanced 17 athletes plus both relay teams to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, led by Jelani Watkins and Tevijon Williams. Local Business: A new “Mercantile Collective” is opening in Fort Wayne to help creatives displaced by Painted Tree Boutiques closures, offering 1,500 square feet for subleasing. Public Safety: Conway police say a chase involving a teen runaway ended after a crash near I-40 in Morrilton; the teen was found safe. Environment/Health: Denali Water Solutions says it plans to file a closure plan to stop using a Crawford County lagoon tied to odor complaints. Law & Courts: An Arkansas law professor is suing UALR and AG Tim Griffin over her firing tied to posts about Charlie Kirk’s death.