AGP Executive Report

Election 2026: Early voting is running well ahead of 2022: 210,285 Arkansans had cast ballots through Thursday, up 26.2%. Federal monitors are expected in Washington and Pulaski counties on Election Day, state officials say. Ballot Measure: Voters will decide Issue 3, which would let local governments create economic-development districts. Farm Economy: Arkansas led the nation in farm bankruptcies in the third quarter, with filings rising significantly. Manufacturing: L3Harris opened a new East Camden facility to expand rocket-motor production. Rural Health: UAMS has begun deploying mobile lung cancer screening vans, aiming to bring early detection to communities with limited access to care.

Election 2026: Early voting is drawing strong crowds across Arkansas. In the River Valley, Sebastian County reported 9,102 ballots and Crawford County 3,980 by Friday; Sebastian’s first-day turnout topped 2022. Federal monitors are expected in Pulaski and Washington counties on Election Day, with Washington County officials still to decide whether they can enter polling places. Disaster Readiness: FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton told emergency managers at a Little Rock conference that states should prepare to respond to disasters with less federal help. Recent reports warn many state and local agencies lack the funding and staff to manage major emergencies alone. Health Access: UAMS has begun deploying mobile lung cancer screening vans to rural communities, where just 3.9% of eligible Arkansans currently get screened. Farm Economy: Arkansas led the nation in Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings in the third quarter, with filings rising significantly. Northwest Arkansas Growth: The region led peer metros in 2025 job growth, adding 8,300 jobs, while also ranking high in business creation, technology employment and population growth.

Election 2026: Early voting is drawing strong turnout across Arkansas, with more than 56,000 ballots cast statewide on the first day and Craighead County topping 4,500 by Friday. Voters face statewide races and four ballot issues ahead of Nov. 3. Ballot Issues: Issue 3 would let lawmakers create local economic development districts offering incentives to businesses. Supporters say it could help communities compete for investment; critics warn it gives government and special interests too much power. Public Health: UAMS has launched two mobile lung cancer screening units, with a third planned, to bring early detection to rural and underserved areas. The program has $4 million in federal support; Arkansas ranks fifth in lung cancer deaths. Economy and Farms: Arkansas employment reached a record high in September, with unemployment steady at 3.9%. But the state led the nation in Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings in the third quarter, as drought has also pushed many farmers toward an early harvest. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved $1.1 million for Izard County storm recovery and another $539,000 for Arkansas flood repairs.

Election Watch: Early voting is surging in Arkansas, with Washington County turnout 46% above the same point in 2022 and Craighead County surpassing 4,500 ballots. Attorney General Tim Griffin has opened an election-law hotline as voters head to the polls. Ballot Process: Secretary of state candidates clashed over citizen initiatives, a process repeatedly challenged in court over signature rules. Farm Economy: Arkansas led the nation in Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies, with 12 filings in the third quarter and 32 so far this year, as agricultural pressures mount. Disaster Aid: FEMA awarded Izard County $1.1 million to repair storm-damaged Antioch Bridge and Arkansas $539,000 for mitigation planning. Community: Two Batesville High School students died and two others were seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash; local schools are offering support to grieving students and staff. Drought and Fire: A 240-acre wildfire near Magnolia was contained, while dry conditions have pushed many Arkansas farmers to harvest early.

Consumer Relief: Attorney General Tim Griffin says a multistate settlement will cancel $18.4 million in Snap Finance lease payments for more than 9,300 Arkansans who used the company from 2017 to 2022. Agriculture: Arkansas led the nation with 12 farm Chapter 12 bankruptcies in the third quarter; 32 farms have filed so far this year, as drought and low Mississippi River levels add pressure on producers. Infrastructure: Arkansas will receive a $23 million federal grant for a truck parking and rest area along future I-49 in Crawford County, with room for about 130 trucks. Industry: L3Harris has opened a rocket motor facility in East Camden, aiming to double U.S. production capacity. Elections: Early voting is underway, with Arkansas candidates and groups issuing endorsements and voter guides ahead of Nov. 3. In Washington County, Democrats are targeting fast-changing communities, while Texarkana voters will choose a new mayor. State policy: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced 344 regulatory changes intended to streamline permits and cut red tape.

Election Watch: More than 56,000 Arkansans voted on the first day of early voting, with Pulaski, Benton and Washington counties reporting strong turnout. Contested local races are drawing attention, while Democrat Chris Jones is challenging U.S. Rep. French Hill in a race that could make Jones Arkansas’ first Black member of Congress. State Government: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders says 344 regulatory changes will streamline permits and reduce red tape. Tontitown, meanwhile, will require officials and staff handling public records to complete FOIA training after a $28,000 settlement over records requests. Economy: Arkansas reached a record number of jobs in September, while unemployment held at 3.9%. Little Rock-based White River Bancshares reported record third-quarter earnings of $5.1 million. Health Care: White River Health says it will leave UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage’s network Jan. 1, affecting about 10,000 patients who may face higher out-of-network costs. Consumer Relief: A multistate settlement will cancel $18.4 million in Snap Finance lease payments owed by more than 9,300 Arkansans.

Ballot Measure: Arkansas Issue 3 would let lawmakers create economic development districts that can issue bonds and collect taxes and fees to finance projects. Supporters say it could attract investment; critics raise concerns about tax revenue, public debt and school funding. Election Watch: More than 56,000 Arkansans voted on the first day of early voting, with Pulaski County turnout far above its previous midterm pace. State Government: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders says agencies identified 344 potential regulatory changes to speed permits and cut paperwork; 51 are already in place. Jobs and Growth: Arkansas employment reached a record high in September, while unemployment held at 3.9%. Data Center Debate: Little Rock’s board again failed to pass a data center moratorium as Entergy filed a heavily redacted update to its application for Google’s West Memphis project. Entergy says the partnership will bring new energy resources and grid upgrades.

Early Voting: More than 56,000 Arkansans cast ballots on the first day of early voting, with Pulaski County turnout far outpacing the first day of the previous midterm. Craighead County recorded more than 1,700 votes. Data Center Debate: Little Rock’s board again failed to pass a moratorium on data center projects as Google plans a $1 billion facility. Meanwhile, Entergy’s amended filing on Google’s West Memphis expansion keeps key details—including projected power demand and costs—under wraps. Jobs and Business: Arkansas reached a record employment high in September, while unemployment held at 3.9%. Bank OZK reported lower third-quarter profit as real estate-related costs rose. State Policy: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ review identified 344 potential regulatory reforms to speed business activity; 75 are already changed or underway, while 84 require legislation.

Election 2026: Early voting opened to strong turnout across Arkansas, with more than 1,700 ballots cast in Craighead County on Monday and Pulaski County reporting a surge over recent midterm elections. The secretary of state candidates have clashed over election security, voter access and rules for citizen-led ballot measures. Jobs and Growth: Arkansas’ unemployment rate held at 3.9% in September as employment rose and nonfarm jobs reached a record high. UAFS also launched a free manufacturing academy for 20 participants, with training funded through state workforce grants. Energy and Infrastructure: Google and Entergy Arkansas expanded their West Memphis data-center partnership, including planned renewable-energy and grid upgrades. Disaster Readiness: At a Little Rock conference, FEMA chief Cameron Hamilton urged states to build reserves and emergency capacity to manage more disasters without federal assistance. Banking: Little Rock-based Bank OZK reported third-quarter net income of $164.3 million, down 9% from a year earlier, while total assets, loans and deposits reached records.

Early Voting: Turnout surged on the first day in Northwest Arkansas: Benton County ballots were up more than 77% and Washington County’s 61% compared with 2022. Lawrence County also reported unusually strong turnout. Voters face statewide races and measures, plus local tax and bond questions. Energy Costs: Entergy says its expanded Google partnership in West Memphis will bring at least $500 million in customer savings starting in 2028. At a legislative hearing, Arkansas farmers said charges under a law allowing utilities to bill for power generation before it’s available have added thousands to their electricity costs. AI Regulation: Arkansas joined seven other states suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT safety claims misled consumers and the company failed to protect children and other users. Rural Health: ACHE’s new Fort Smith doctoral program focused on rural health leadership has welcomed its first 21 students, aiming to help communities restore services and address health-care gaps. Aviation: The FAA proposed a $351,000 fine against Fayetteville-based Creamer Pilot Services over 37 alleged unauthorized passenger flights.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway across Arkansas through Nov. 2, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Voters will decide federal, statewide and local races, along with ballot questions; photo ID is required. School Finances: Little Rock School District’s bond rating was cut over budget-management concerns, adding pressure as the district faces declining enrollment and plans to close three schools. Business & Growth: Primo Brands has opened a 200,000-square-foot Hot Springs plant, its first new factory since merging with BlueTriton, to expand Mountain Valley water production. Arkansas State University also received $2.1 million in federal funding for AI-driven steel research. Health Care: Arkansas pharmacies’ fight with pharmacy benefit managers has escalated into a $500 million lawsuit, while financial strains at a Camden medical center highlight risks facing the state’s rural hospitals. Local Accountability: A Crawford County ordinance allowing purchases from businesses linked to county officials and employees is drawing questions about whether it meets state law requirements.

Election Watch: Early voting begins today for Arkansas’ Nov. 3 election, with four statewide ballot issues on the agenda. A new poll puts Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders at 51%, ahead of Democrat Fred Love at 32% and Libertarian Colt Shelby at 11%. Issue 3, which would let lawmakers create economic development districts, is drawing debate over safeguards and taxpayer risks. Business & Energy: A proposed $6.6 billion Clarksville data center plans to generate most of its own power with natural-gas turbines, amid local concerns about data centers and electricity costs. Schools: Moody’s downgraded Little Rock School District bonds, citing dwindling reserves and budget management concerns; the debt remains investment-grade. Health Care: Twelve Arkansas independent pharmacies are seeking about $500 million from Express Scripts, alleging repeated underpayments under a state reimbursement law. Meanwhile, financial strain at rural hospitals is forcing longer ambulance trips, and providers hope federal aid will help replace aging vehicles and equipment.

Election 2026: Early voting opened Monday after rallies across Arkansas, where participants cited health care and immigration as key concerns. A new poll puts Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders at 51%, ahead of Democrat Fred Love at 32% and Libertarian Colt Shelby at 11%. Congressional Race: Republican Rep. French Hill is seeking a classified briefing on President Donald Trump’s decision to pause Russia sanctions, saying the U.S. should increase pressure on Moscow. Hill faces Democrat Chris Jones in November. Data Center Dispute: Entergy Arkansas sued a West Memphis resident and two news outlets after public records raised questions about how costs for a solar plant tied to a data center would be split. The utility says the records should not have been released. Jail Scrutiny: Allegations over emergency contraception purchased after an alleged encounter between inmates at the Jefferson County jail have raised questions about medical consent and oversight; the records confirm a purchase, not whether medication was given. School Grants: Arkansas schools can apply for more than $690,000 in conservation education grants funded by hunting and fishing violation fines.

Election 2026: Arkansas early voting starts Monday, Oct. 19, after rallies across the state focused on healthcare, immigration and voter turnout. Pulaski County voters will choose between Wendell Griffen and Michael Rushin for county judge, with county finances and data-center rules among the issues. Congress: U.S. Rep. French Hill is seeking a classified briefing on President Donald Trump’s decision to pause Russia sanctions, saying pressure on Moscow should increase as he faces Democrat Chris Jones in November. Public Funds: Arkansas’ share of Meta’s up-to-$17 billion settlement over claims its platforms harmed children will pass through the attorney general’s office, but the agreement does not require a specific use; state officials have pointed to mental health and child safety. Public Safety: A second man wounded in Thursday’s fatal Little Rock convenience-store shooting has been charged in the deaths of two people. Razorbacks: Arkansas beat Vanderbilt 31-21, ending a 14-game SEC losing streak and earning its first conference win since 2024.

Elections: Early voting for Arkansas’ Nov. 3 general election starts Monday, Oct. 19. Voters will choose federal, state and local candidates and decide four proposed constitutional amendments; check local hours and polling sites before heading out. Public Safety: A Little Rock convenience-store shooting left two people dead and three critically injured; police arrested a 19-year-old on a murder charge. Schools: The Little Rock School Board voted to close Western Hills, McDermott and Mabelvale elementary schools after this school year, citing falling enrollment and a need to cut costs. Business & Infrastructure: Rogers-based America’s Car-Mart shares fell 23% after the company secured a seventh loan extension in six weeks. Arkansas also awarded its first $2.6 million in federal broadband funding to Brightspeed, while the state received a $23 million grant for truck parking along a future I-49 segment. Cost of Living: Arkansas gas averaged $3.93 a gallon Friday, up from $2.64 a year ago, as global oil prices climbed to their highest level since May.

Schools: Little Rock’s school board voted to close Western Hills, McDermott and Mabelvale elementary schools after 2026-27, citing falling enrollment and budget pressures; more than a third of school-age children in the city attend elsewhere. Public Safety: A 19-year-old was arrested on a murder charge after a Little Rock convenience-store shooting that killed two people; a separate neighborhood shooting left one dead and three injured. Elections: Early voting starts Monday, Oct. 19. Arkansas voters face closely watched races, including the U.S. Senate contest between Tom Cotton and Hallie Shoffner and a three-way secretary of state race. Broadband: Arkansas awarded Brightspeed its first $2.6 million in federal broadband funds, supporting projects expected to connect more than 13,700 homes and businesses across 25 counties. Business: Rogers-based America’s Car-Mart shares fell 23% after lenders granted the struggling company a seventh extension on loan terms. Courts: Springdale nonprofit 2nd Milk’s founders were sentenced in a federal fraud case; Jason Carney received 16 years and Lacey Carney three. Rural Health: A new appeal from Arkansas health care advocates highlights the financial strain on rural hospitals and the risks of losing care close to home.