AGP Executive Report

Grid Supply Crunch: Eaton says it will invest more than $242 million to expand electrical enclosure manufacturing in North Little Rock, aiming to ease long lead times for critical power equipment. Committee Politics: Rep. Pete Stauber says he’ll seek the top Republican spot on the House Natural Resources panel, setting up a possible clash with Arkansas’ Bruce Westerman. Heat & Drought Watch: Forecasters warn Labor Day weekend could bring record-breaking heat across Arkansas, with drought and wildfire conditions still driving burn bans. Rural Health Funding: Jefferson Regional in Pine Bluff won a $3 million grant to replace aging hospital HVAC equipment, part of the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program. Data Center Court Fight: An Arkansas mom who obtained documents on an Entergy-Arkansas/Google data center deal is facing legal action as the company tries to keep details out of public view. Local Tech & Privacy: Siloam Springs police respond to concerns about Flock Safety cameras and license plate readers. Library Deals: Arkansas libraries are running Library Card Sign-up Month discounts statewide through Sept. 30. Business Climate: The Fed’s latest outlook is “positive,” but uncertainty remains high as energy prices and policy issues weigh on sentiment. Agriculture Economy: Farm Credit Mid-America reports farmland values up 7.1% overall, but warns conditions vary sharply by local market.

Courts & Transparency: A federal judge denied Entergy Arkansas’ bid to stop the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Arkansas Times from publishing details tied to a West Memphis data center deal, rejecting a temporary restraining order over claims the documents were trade secrets. Prison Power Fight: A Pulaski County judge said she’ll rule within 30 days on whether laws shifting authority to fire top prison officials can stand in the dispute between the Arkansas Board of Corrections and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Law Enforcement Scrutiny: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said his investigators cited two people for loitering in a Little Rock roadway median; both pleaded guilty and received suspended jail sentences. Local Crime & Courts: Two former Conway School District maintenance employees were arrested on theft-of-property charges tied to alleged misuse of district funds for vehicle parts. Business & Utilities: SWEPCO expanded bill-pay help and paused required deposits and late fees through October for residential customers hit by extreme heat. Weather & Travel: Labor Day weekend in Arkansas is expected to bring scorching temperatures near 100 degrees and high gas prices, with wildfire risk and burn bans in many areas. Sports & Community: Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield treats his Razorbacks debut vs. North Alabama like a Super Bowl, while Gov. Sanders and John Calipari visited Hackler Intermediate to celebrate a statewide fitness challenge win.

North Little Rock Jobs Boost: Eaton says it will invest $242M to build a 1-million-square-foot Fibrebond manufacturing facility in North Little Rock, creating about 1,200 jobs making customized modular electrical enclosures for data centers, utilities and industrial infrastructure. State Budget Watch: Arkansas general revenue collections stayed ahead of forecast in the first two months of fiscal 2027, bringing in about $1.34B in July and August. Entergy vs. Media Over Data Center Records: A federal judge in Little Rock denied Entergy Arkansas’ bid to stop local outlets from publishing details tied to Google’s West Memphis data center, including financial figures. Medicaid Work Requirement Starts Softly: Arkansas began a welfare-to-work rollout for some ARHOME Medicaid beneficiaries, with full implementation set for Jan. 1, 2027. Public Safety Tech in Jonesboro: Jonesboro police will test an “AI call taker” for non-emergency calls this week, with live dispatchers monitoring. Cattle Prices Dip: Arkansas cattle prices fell after a federal change expanded imported lean beef quotas at lower tariffs. Scam Tracker Snapshot: Newport reported one BBB scam in July, tying 59 Arkansas cities for 40th statewide.

Entergy & Little Rock Growth: Work is finished on the Port of Little Rock’s Frazier Pike substation, built to meet rising demand from manufacturers like Trex and others, supporting future expansion at the port and nearby Megasite. Data Center Fight in Court: A federal judge is weighing whether to block Arkansas news outlets from publishing details of an Entergy–Google data center agreement tied to West Memphis, with First Amendment concerns front and center. Meta Settlement for Arkansas: Arkansas could receive more than $172 million over 10 years from a nationwide Meta/Facebook settlement, while Meta says it will take steps to reduce platform harms to teens. Public Safety Scrutiny: Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar defended troopers’ use-of-force practices after social media spread arrest videos, saying force is rare and reviewed carefully. Local Elections Rules: Mountain Home reminds candidates that political yard signs can’t go up inside city limits until Sept. 4, following a 60-day rule. Crime & Courts: Attorney General Tim Griffin announced guilty pleas and suspended sentences in Little Rock loitering cases, and a judge ordered no-contact terms in another domestic case. Business & Jobs: Pine Bluff Arsenal is set for nearly $33 million in production and facility upgrades, signaling an expanded future for the installation.

Benedict College: Willie Washington, the longtime coach and athletic director who never had a losing season as basketball coach, has died after a 38-year run at the school. Public Health: The CDC and FDA say the lettuce-linked diarrhea parasite outbreak tied to Taylor Farms de Mexico is spreading, with cases now in 20 states and two deaths reported. State Government: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders named Helena-West Helena Arkansas’ “Capital for a Day” on Sept. 3, bringing state leaders to Phillips County. Local Safety: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture lists 62 counties at high wildfire risk as burn bans continue. Arkansas Business & Economy: CHI St. Vincent went out of network with Arkansas Blue Cross after contract talks stalled over reimbursement rates. Sports: Arkansas football coach Ryan Silverfield says low expectations can help the Hogs as the season opener approaches. Crime & Courts: A four-year-old died from injuries in an Emmet abuse case; authorities say the investigation is ongoing.

Economic Development: Mountain Home Chamber CEO Dani Pugsley was elected to the 2027 board of Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives, representing Arkansas’ 1st District. Banking Leadership: WestStar Bank CEO David Osborn was nominated to become the next treasurer of the American Bankers Association, with elections set for Oct. 27. Arkansas Politics: At a Fayetteville forum, Gov. Sarah Sanders’ challengers criticized her spending priorities, from prison projects to education and economic development. Energy & Data Centers: Google will pay Entergy Arkansas $526 million for the Cypress Solar project to power its West Memphis data center, plus $190 million for transmission upgrades. Elections Prep: Pulaski County election officials approved new polling locations and ballot styles for the Nov. 3 election. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police arrested a Luxora man after an alleged traffic-stop struggle near Burdette involving an ICE detainer. Lithium Boom: LG Energy Solution signed a 10-year, $1.5 billion lithium carbonate supply deal tied to Smackover Lithium’s South West Arkansas project. Local Business/Community: NWACC reported its first-ever enrollment above 12,000 total students.

Arkansas Politics & Courts: Gov. Sarah Sanders has appointed outside counsel for the Arkansas Board of Corrections ahead of a key Wednesday hearing, as the board fights efforts to strip its authority under 2023 public safety laws that it says clash with Amendment 33. State & National Legal Fight: Kentucky AG J.B. McCuskey and a coalition led by Russell Coleman are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a Biden-era EPA soot pollution rule, arguing it raises costs without improving health. Elections & Voting Rights: Less than half of Republican attorneys general are backing Trump’s anti-mail voting order in court, leaving Arkansas among the GOP AGs not joining the defense. South Arkansas Industry: Smackover Lithium signed a second binding offtake deal with LG Energy Solution for its South West Arkansas project—8,000 metric tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate over 10 years, supporting financing and a targeted 2029 production start. Public Safety: West Memphis police are searching for a 17-year-old suspect after a Sunday shooting killed two people. Local Community: Little Rock’s Bark Bar & Grille announced it’s permanently closing, with no reason given.

Mountain Home Election Rules: Political yard signs can go up inside city limits starting Sept. 4, under a 60-day limit ahead of the Nov. 3 general election; signs put out earlier can be removed without notice, and violations carry a $25–$100 fine to the property owner. Student Outdoors Contest: Arkansas launched the My Natural State Story essay contest for students ages 10–17, due Oct. 12; AI-written entries are disqualified, and winners can receive a Game and Fish lifetime hunting and fishing license plus outdoor prize packages. UAMS Leadership: Dr. Omair Ali was named director of global and community outreach at the UAMS Jones Eye Institute, leading programs like free child eye screenings and international medical aid trips. Energy Rates Watch: A new Entergy Arkansas rate case could raise bills, with small businesses facing a big share of the increase, according to an intervenor’s analysis. Rural Health Funding: Arkansas announced nearly $150 million in rural health transformation grants. Medicaid Spending Snapshot: Local Medicaid billing data shows sharp category jumps in places like Hope (alcohol and drug abuse treatment up 81.4%) and Lake Village (non-oral drug administration up 21.4%).

Medicaid Watch: Parkin saw Medicaid spending for ambulance and other transport services jump to $159,642 in 2024, up 45.6% from 2023, while Berryville billed $213,380 for the same transport category (+45.6%) and Tuckerman’s ambulance/transport claims surged to $77,533 (+339.5%). Local Health Costs: Dental services rose in Charleston (+59.5% to $2,386) and surgery spending spiked in Clarksville (+102.3% to $50,932). Public Safety: Texarkana police arrested Delton Smith, 42, after he allegedly fired a shot through Whiskey River Bar and Grill’s glass doors; no one was hit. Air Travel: Allegiant is adding nine new routes from Orlando Sanford International this September, including Little Rock. Sports: Southern Arkansas women were picked eighth in the GAC preseason cross country coaches poll. Politics/Politics-adjacent: A Talk Business & Politics/Hendrix College poll finds Arkansas races tightening, with Democrats holding slim leads in key contests.

Arkansas Education Watch: A new push to “fix LEARNS” spotlights how Arkansas is spending up to $379 million on private school vouchers while critics say accountability is mostly financial and light on real curriculum or enforcement. Public Safety & Justice: A viral video circulating online wrongly claims streamer Kai Cenat was assaulted by police; the footage actually shows an Arkansas State Police arrest involving a passenger in Blytheville. Police Use of Force: Another Arkansas case draws fresh attention after video shows an officer holding a gun to an unarmed Black man’s head during a gas station incident. Health Costs in Local Medicaid: Medicaid billing spikes in small Arkansas communities, including Arkadelphia’s surge for “Temporary National Codes” and Marianna’s tiny but rising “Surgery” payments. Local Business: Little Rock’s Bark Bar and Grille announces it’s closing permanently. Fraud Alerts: BBB Scam Tracker data ranks Gassville among Arkansas cities with notable scam reports in July. National Business: Walmart agrees to a $50 million settlement with the U.S. government over opioid-related claims. Sports: Arkansas-linked headlines include the Travelers retiring Dick Allen’s No. 6 and Arkansas football fans watching the latest college football eligibility chaos.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced nearly $150 million in Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program awards, including $3 million for Jefferson Regional in Pine Bluff and more than $1 million for Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center for emergency power, telemedicine, and behavioral health upgrades. Public Safety & Justice: A Little Rock police officer is shown on new surveillance video holding a gun to an unarmed Black man’s head after an argument at a gas station, renewing scrutiny of police use-of-force decisions. State Economy & Business Help: The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Arkansas State University will host free “Funding Your Business” sessions in September across the state, covering loans, SBA options, microloans, and grants. Agriculture: Arkansas soybean harvest is underway with farmers up to 3.45 million acres planted and USDA projecting a 57-bushel average yield. Consumer Fraud Watch: Lead Hill tied for 40th in Arkansas scam reports in July, with one reported loss, as national fraud losses topped $12.5 billion in 2024. Local Culture: Arkansas TV will air Ken Burns’ “Hemingway” starting Aug. 31, highlighting the writer’s ties to Northeast Arkansas. Lottery: Mega Millions jackpot is $160 million for Tuesday after no grand-prize winner Friday.

Local Government: Bull Shoals swore in new Ward 1 councilman Robert Gruss to fill a vacancy, while also naming a mayor pro tempore and pushing a plan to expand volunteer help through a city volunteer database. Business & Growth: A new 125-room Hotel Vin Rogers (Autograph Collection) is set to open in September, adding wine-focused dining and big event space near I-49. Public Safety & Health: Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center is getting more than $1 million from the Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program for emergency preparedness, telemedicine specialty access, and behavioral health support. Courts & Accountability: Walmart will pay $50 million to settle a U.S. Justice Department opioid lawsuit, with tighter oversight requirements included. Education: Jacksonville Elementary School in the Jacksonville/North Pulaski district will reopen Monday after mold cleanup and HVAC repairs. Community & Culture: A haunted-travel feature spotlights Eureka Springs’ Crescent Hotel, while Pine Bluff hosts a suffrage walk and panel ahead of November. Crime: Fort Smith police arrested two juveniles tied to a string of vehicle break-ins and thefts.

Medicaid Work Rules: A new study warns nearly 20% of eligible adults in Medicaid expansion states may struggle to meet new federal work-hour reporting rules starting Jan. 1, putting millions at risk of losing coverage. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced $149.3 million in first-round Rural Health Transformation Program grants, including more than $19 million for Mercy Fort Smith for telehealth and hospital upgrades. Child Abuse Case: An Emmet man, James Ivey, 33, was arrested on capital rape and other charges tied to severe abuse of a 4-year-old girl; the child remains in critical condition. Local Government/Schools: Little Rock School Board adopted new attendance zones for West Little Rock High School and approved a resolution for parents seeking school-of-choice options. Public Safety Ballot: Jonesboro’s “Safety First” petition drive cleared signatures for a Nov. ballot public safety sales tax to fund police, fire and E911. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Taylor Farms de Mexico cyclospora produce recall to Class I, the highest risk level, after record cases tied to recalled lettuce products. Settlement in Book Firing Fight: Saline County agreed to pay $275,000 to fired librarian Patty Hector after a lawsuit over her opposition to book ban efforts.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced $149.3 million in first-round Rural Health Transformation Program grants, including $93.6 million for PACT and $55.7 million for THRIVE, aiming to expand telehealth, specialty access, emergency response, and rural care networks. Food Safety: The FDA says cyclospora linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has now sickened 11,458 people across 20 states, with Georgia, Tennessee and Texas added to the list. Public Health/Facilities: Arkansas Department of Human Services and local deputies inspected a Hot Springs long-term care facility, alleging it’s operating without a license, after a civil lawsuit sought an injunction. Local Government: Beebe approved its first special improvement district for Windwood Meadows, requiring the council to pass the ordinance if procedures are met. Community & Economy: Searcy’s A&P Commission approved $5,000 for the Arkansas Cowboys Association finals rodeo after a $10,000 request. Crime & Courts: A man was arrested in a fatal Little Rock stabbing, and a former federal prison guard testified he never used a laptop found with child sexual abuse material. Tech & Privacy: Fort Smith tightened its Flock camera rules, cutting ALPR license plate data retention to 7 days and limiting other agencies’ access. Water/Wildfire: Bentonville extended its lawn irrigation moratorium through Sept. 7 as hot, dry conditions persist, with burn bans still in effect across parts of Northwest Arkansas.

Hunger in Arkansas: A new Arkansas Hunger Continuum report finds 37% of Arkansans—more than 1.14 million people—don’t have enough food to meet their needs, even as charitable food distribution has nearly doubled over the past decade. Big Tech & kids: Arkansas is set to receive about $172M from a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement tied to Instagram and Facebook child-safety claims, with sweeping new protections required. State courts & pharmacies: Attorney General Tim Griffin says the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Arkansas Insurance Department Rule 128, aimed at fair reimbursement for pharmacies, including rural providers. Gov. appointments: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced multiple appointments, including a former GOP lawmaker to a Pulaski County Quorum Court vacancy. Local government: Saline County settled a lawsuit over the firing of former library director Patty Hector, paying $275,000 total. Economic development: Arkansas launched a new $25M industrial site development grant round. Business: Walmart announced a $1.3B fulfillment center in North Georgia creating 1,000 jobs.

Baxter County Coroner Tech: The Quorum Court is set to fast-track funding to buy the coroner’s underwater body locator after a summer demo, with an $18,000 ordinance on the Sept. 1 agenda. Local Government Funding: Justices also plan to move $215,000 from the sale of the old Baxter County Health Department building into the coroner’s building project budget. State Policy & Access: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is defending its new $10.50 annual WMA/Lake Conservation Permit for non-hunters and non-anglers after petitions were dismissed. Weather & Power: Wednesday storms knocked out power for more than 25,000 Arkansas homes, with hail reported near Searcy. Little Rock Schools: The Little Rock School Board votes Thursday on new high school attendance zones tied to the opening of Little Rock West High School in fall 2027. Big Tech & Arkansas: Arkansas is set to receive about $173 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion settlement over teen social media child-safety claims. Housing Watch: Occupancy is trending up at Little Rock Housing Authority properties after HUD takeover.