AGP Executive Report

Sewage Spill Response: Pueblo officials and state agencies are working to limit damage after about 4.25 million gallons of untreated sewage spilled into the Arkansas River, with operators stopping the release by Thursday and mitigation efforts focused on downstream farms and ranches. Public Safety & Courts: Arkansas State Police are investigating the death of a 79-year-old Franklin County man, while his son faces a first-degree homicide charge; separately, a Hempstead County man was arrested after a 4-year-old suffered severe injuries and remains in critical condition. Local Law Enforcement: Cleveland County deputies reported a busy week of calls and a felony meth arrest, while Dallas County stepped up DWI enforcement for Labor Day and reported a sexual assault investigation involving a minor. Transportation Projects: The Corning Bypass is about 75% done on earthwork for the 4.1-mile, four-lane route meant to ease congestion through Corning, with completion targeted for late 2027. Health Access: A $1.5 million grant is funding a mobile maternal health unit and transportation help for rural Arkansas communities through NYIT at Arkansas State University. Community & Privacy: Arkansas police chiefs’ association backs responsible use of Flock-style license plate readers, arguing for strict policies and oversight amid privacy concerns. Food & Health Alerts: Whole Foods recalled mild guacamole dips in 13 states after FDA classified the issue as highest-risk Class I due to possible Salmonella exposure. Arkansas River Recreation: Officials also flagged an Arkansas River logjam affecting popular rafting and fishing spots. Sports: Jonesboro’s GOJO transit is adding stops and adjusting routes and fares starting Sept. 1, and Arkansas State rugby’s Aaron Van Dyke was selected eighth in the MLR draft.

Gas Prices: AAA says Arkansas drivers are still feeling elevated fuel costs as August heads toward a record at the national pump, with the U.S. average at about $4.10 a gallon and crude prices staying volatile. Water Infrastructure Vote: Arkansas is pushing a $500 million bond proposal (Issue 4) to fund water and wastewater upgrades, aiming to cut heavy pipe leakage that can reach 70% in some systems. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Huckabee-Sanders announced about $149.3 million in first-round rural health transformation grants, with more money flowing to providers across the state. Legal/Health Policy: The Arkansas attorney general is touting a federal appeals court ruling tied to fair compensation for Arkansas pharmacies, while the FDA issued new warnings and recalls for certain herbal supplements. Public Safety: Arkansas continues to deal with severe weather and wildfire risk, and local reports include fatal crashes and investigations, including a stabbing case in Little Rock. Sports & Local Life: Arkansas football continues preseason focus as the season opens, plus a new track signee heads to the University of Arkansas and local school zoning changes move forward in Little Rock.

Library Law Fallout: Central Arkansas Library System’s outgoing chief urged staff to be “extremely careful” after a federal appeals court upheld Arkansas’ Act 372, which targets obscene materials for minors and could expose workers to criminal risk. Public Safety Tech: Fort Smith Police tightened its Flock camera rules, cutting license-plate data retention from 30 to 7 days and limiting other agencies’ access. Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced nearly $150M in Rural Health Transformation grants, including telehealth and rural behavioral health upgrades. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled certain dips in 13 states, including Arkansas, tied to a salmonella-linked jalapeño recall. Outbreak Watch: The FDA said cyclosporiasis cases tied to recalled lettuce have spread to 3 more states, bringing the total to 20 states. Water & Fire Risk: Northwest Arkansas water limits and burn bans remain in place as hot, dry conditions continue. Local Courts: Saline County agreed to pay $275,000 to settle a lawsuit from a former library director fired after opposing book ban efforts. Rural Research: U of Arkansas researcher Will Richardson won a $2.16M NIH grant for systolic heart failure studies.

Meta Settlement: Meta has agreed to pay states up to about $17B in a landmark child-safety deal tied to Instagram and Facebook, with Arkansas expected to receive about $172M; the proposed changes include default daily time limits for teens, nighttime access blocks, and removing public like/reaction counts. Arkansas Sports: Arkansas football is in the spotlight again as preseason coverage highlights the Razorbacks’ 2026 outlook, including SEC poll positioning and quarterback talk around KJ Jackson. Local Community: CarePortal launched in Greene County, connecting churches and community groups to help vulnerable children and families with practical needs like beds and urgent expenses. Arts & Culture: Bradbury Art Museum at Arkansas State University opened “more-than-human,” an immersive media art exhibit running through Oct. 10, tied to the NEA Big Read. Outdoors: A KERA photographer spotlights backpacking on the Eagle Rock Loop Trail in Arkansas’ Ouachita National Forest.

Lawsuit Watch: Fayetteville players Caleb Wooden and Sean Williams filed suit against the NCAA seeking an extra year of eligibility for the 2026 season. Sports Buzz: Arkansas is picked second in the SEC men’s cross country preseason coaches poll, and the Razorbacks’ Kendall Hulsman visit is set for Thursday through Saturday. Recruiting: Jenks OL Odaefe Oruru flipped from Arkansas to Oklahoma State, staying in-state for his senior season. Public Safety: Kendall County is asking for tips after a fatal July head-on crash on Galena Road; investigators say one driver attempted to pass and collided with an oncoming vehicle. Youth & Health: Arkansas will receive about $172 million from a massive Meta settlement over teen safety, and the state is also launching a fentanyl prevention push in schools with the High School Broyles Award and Coaches vs. Overdoses. Community: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues in Arkansas, with Craighead County families receiving monthly books via local partners. Local Growth: A study says Northwest Arkansas wastewater upgrades will cost more than $1 billion. Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of South Arkansas.

Severe Weather Watch: A slight risk of severe storms is posted for parts of southern Missouri and north-central Arkansas, with damaging wind gusts (60–70 mph) and quarter-sized hail possible this afternoon. Public Health: Baptist Health’s Mobile Health Unit released late-August and September screening stops across Arkansas, including blood pressure and other community checks in Clarksville, Ozark, Russellville, Paris, Mountain View, Heber Springs, Newport, Batesville, Paragould, Lepanto and Jonesboro. Politics (Arkansas 2nd District): Kamala Harris endorsed Chris Jones for Arkansas’ Second Congressional District, a move that could reshape the race against Rep. French Hill. Crime/Justice: A North Carolina man who pleaded guilty in an Oglethorpe County murder is expected to be transferred to Arkansas to face another murder charge. Local Sports: Byrd High soccer standout Tilley Armstrong verbally committed to Louisiana Tech. Community & Growth: Freeman expands its pathology partnership across Northwest Arkansas starting Sept. 1, aligning services under PathGroup.

Arkansas Courts & Consumer Protection: Attorney General Tim Griffin secured a $470,000 judgment against Capital City Tree Service after a Pulaski County court found 47 violations of the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, including misleading homeowners about insurance coverage and pursuing liens when claims fell short. Business & Growth: Collier & Associates announced a private-label partnership with Compass International to use Compass technology while keeping full ownership of the Arkansas firm. Health & Research: UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute received a $2.3 million NIH grant to study how simultaneous gammaherpesvirus and malaria infections can contribute to endemic Burkitt lymphoma. Education & Community: UA Little Rock opened Trojan Forge, a new makerspace in the Ottenheimer Library aimed at cross-disciplinary, hands-on learning for students and community members. Local Energy: Jonesboro’s City Water and Light board approved phased electric rate increases starting Jan. 1, 2027, and bond financing for a new gas plant. Sports (Arkansas ties): Former Liberty defensive back Brylan Green committed to Arkansas for a fifth year of eligibility.

Weather & Skywatching: Hot weather sticks around South Arkansas through Thursday, with heat-index readings topping 100 and thunderstorm chances building midweek; Thursday night also brings a deep partial lunar eclipse visible from Arkansas. Crime in Little Rock: Police say a woman was fatally stabbed early Tuesday morning on West 36th Street; investigators are asking for tips. Elder Fraud Push: The NAACP is taking steps to stop financial exploitation of elderly Black Americans living with dementia, calling for action from federal regulators and DOJ. Business & Jobs: Brookshire Grocery Company promoted Jerry LeClair to CEO after serving as interim leader. Public Safety Leadership: Arkansas has named John Hogue as the new state fire marshal. Lottery: No Powerball jackpot winner Monday; one Arkansas player won $200 (Match 4 + Power Play). Sports & Community: Jonesboro’s “Paint the Town Red” celebration is set for Sept. 9-12, with A-State events and a downtown block party. Heat Alert (Local): Fort Smith is forecast near 102 degrees Tuesday, with De Queen around 100.

Fentanyl Prevention in Schools: Attorney General Tim Griffin, the High School Broyles Award, and Coaches vs. Overdoses kicked off “Coaches vs. Overdoses Week” at the Little Rock Touchdown Club, urging schools and coaches to talk with students about counterfeit pills and fentanyl risks. Public Safety & Justice: Franklin police arrested an Arkansas fugitive, Rudy Ray, after a suspicious-person call led to charges tied to suspected human remains in Trumann; he’s awaiting extradition. Law Enforcement Accountability: Arkansas State Police Corporal John M. Parker resigned after a DWI/drugs arrest following an on-duty crash near Monticello. Arkansas Politics: A Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College poll shows Hallie Shoffner leading incumbent Tom Cotton in a tight Arkansas U.S. Senate race. Economy Watch: Arkansas unemployment fell to 4% in July for the third straight month. Education Access: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders says high school seniors can apply to five colleges for free starting Oct. 1 via a new portal. Sports & Community: Fayetteville is launching “Fayetteville Trailgating” for Razorback home games, and Jonesboro’s “Paint the Town Red” A-State celebration runs Sept. 9-12.

Arkansas Data Centers: Madison County is joining a growing list of Arkansas communities putting new limits on data centers, passing a three-year moratorium even without any known projects in the works, while Fayetteville is tightening rules further—requiring extra documentation, stricter wastewater compliance, and battery storage as primary backup power. Public Safety & Health: UAMS is rolling out Enterra Therapy, a minimally invasive stomach stimulator treatment aimed at easing chronic nausea and vomiting from gastroparesis. Local Water Watch: Hot Springs says its new water plant is keeping up with demand during the hot, dry stretch, with production running strong and no conservation measures in place. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas football is set for the 2026 opener in two weeks, and the program’s quarterback competition has landed on KJ Jackson as the starter. Crime & Courts: A federal judge issued a mixed ruling in the fight over Trump’s Digital Equity Act grant program, blocking the shutdown attempt but striking down race-based awarding. Entertainment: Young Thug announces “The New Generation Tour,” kicking off Sept. 1 in Rogers, Arkansas.

Razorbacks QB Shakeup: Arkansas has named KJ Jackson its starting quarterback for the Sept. 5 opener, winning the job in camp over AJ Hill and stepping into the QB1 role under new coach Ryan Silverfield. Wildfire Watch: Union County’s wildfire is about 95% contained after burning roughly 2,328 acres, as the state keeps an eye on drought-driven fire risk with a new online tracker. Weather & Power: Overnight storms left thousands without power in Saline County, with on-and-off rain chances into Monday. Local Water Woes: Rogers’ Greens on Blossom Way says its pond water levels are dropping fast in the heat, calling the situation “kind of critical.” Public Safety: An Arkansas State Police corporal from Camden resigned after being arrested for DWI/drugs following an on-duty crash near Monticello. Sports Injury Update: Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty left practice with an apparent right knee injury, and the team offered no immediate status update. Gas Prices: Conway County’s lowest premium gas hit $4.24 in the week ending Aug. 15, while Arkansas averages rose to about $4.50.

Eagles Injury Update: Philadelphia RB Ja’Quinden Jackson was taken off by ambulance after a scary opening-kickoff hit vs. the Patriots, but the team says he has strength and movement in all extremities and a CT scan was negative; he’s back in Philly with the squad. Wildfire & Heat Watch: Arkansas continues to bake under dangerous late-summer temperatures, with heat advisories in parts of the state and ongoing wildfire pressure prompting evacuations and National Guard support. Maternal Health Access: A new push highlights Arkansas maternity-care deserts—44% of counties lack obstetric care—adding urgency as Medicaid rules and maternal health programs evolve. Arkansas Outdoors: Columnists weigh in on AGFC hunting-area rules and feral hog hunting, arguing over how to balance access, safety, and conservation. Sports Notes: The Northwest Arkansas Naturals snapped a skid with a win over San Antonio, while college football schedules and injury updates keep rolling in. Lottery: Powerball and Mega Millions results posted, with Arkansas seeing multiple smaller prize winners.

Severe Weather: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is up for the Mid-South until 10 p.m., with damaging winds over 70 mph, large hail, and heavy downpours possible; storms are expected to move into East Arkansas around 3-4 p.m. and weaken after sunset. Storm Damage: Northeast Arkansas reported storm impacts Saturday, including downed power lines and trees in Greene County and thousands without power. Wildfire Update: The Pine Tree Road Fire in Union County is now 80% contained after burning more than 2,000 acres, with a voluntary evacuation still in place for nearby homes. Public Safety/Crashes: Arkansas State Police reported a fatal rollover near Newark on Highway 69 and a separate deadly crash on I-430 in Little Rock involving a vehicle fleeing police. Law Enforcement: A Carroll County traffic stop led to the arrest of Louis Fernando Reyes, whom authorities say has ties to a Mexican drug cartel, and he was turned over to federal custody. Health & Community: Police investigating a missing woman in Trumann found what they believe are human remains, which will be sent to the state crime lab. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas football coach Ryan Silverfield highlighted Cincinnati transfer safety Christian Harrison as a potential “heartbeat” of the defense ahead of scrimmage week.

Wildfire Response: Arkansas remains in a state of emergency as Union County wildfire growth tops 2,100 acres, with evacuations ordered and the Arkansas National Guard deployed while crews work to contain the blaze. Health Care Access: Medicaid rules approved for September will cover doula care for low-income expectant parents in Arkansas, aiming to improve maternal health outcomes. Courts & Ballot Measures: A federal judge permanently blocked Arkansas laws restricting the direct democracy process, a major win for supporters of ballot initiatives. Local Governance: The Saline County Quorum Court approved a new animal control ordinance after testimony about stray and dangerous dogs, including a fatal attack on a resident’s cat. UAMS Breakthrough: UAMS performed the state’s first liver transplant for a colon cancer patient, marking a milestone for Arkansas medicine. College Sports (Arkansas): Virginia and Arkansas will meet Nov. 8 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., with tickets set to go on sale Sept. 4. Payments Update: Walmart is rolling out Apple Pay across stores by year’s end, with some locations starting Aug. 24.

Federal Courts & Voting Rights: A federal judge permanently blocked Arkansas laws that restrict the initiative and referendum process, ruling requirements for canvassers to be Arkansas residents and limits on signature-based pay violate the First Amendment; the state says it plans to appeal. College Access: Arkansas launched the Arkansas ACCESS Portal for high school seniors, letting students apply to up to five in-state colleges with one login and no application fees. Public Safety: Little Rock police say a driver fleeing on Interstate 430 crashed early Friday, killing one and injuring others; investigators are still sorting details. Wildlife & Heat: Dallas County officials renewed warnings under an ongoing burn ban as extreme heat and wildfire risk continue. Northwest Arkansas Housing: A new Skyline Report finds home sales up in the first half of 2026, with prices stabilizing and Northwest Arkansas trending more toward a buyer’s market. Sports (Arkansas ties): Mariners’ top prospect Kade Anderson, who dominated Double-A Arkansas, is set to make his MLB debut Saturday vs. the Cubs.

Arkansas Courts: The Arkansas Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit challenging the secretary of state’s rejection of a direct democracy ballot measure after officials said the ballot name on petition pages was incorrect. Medicaid Update: Arkansas medical groups are urging the Trump administration to grant a two-year reprieve for ARHOME, arguing a short extension would let the state transition to new federal Medicaid rules without losing coverage for more than 200,000 people. Wildfire & Heat: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture launched an online wildfire tracker as drought and burn bans keep fire risk high, with 1,097 wildfires and 27,182 acres burned statewide so far this year; meanwhile, extreme heat warnings and advisories continue across parts of the ArkLaTex, including South Arkansas. Local Business/Jobs: Alliant Insurance Services hired Fayetteville-based benefits leader Rick George as First Vice President in its employee benefits group. Gas Prices: AAA reports the national gas average rose 3 cents to $4.10, driven by crude oil prices staying near $80 a barrel. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas soccer fell to No. 7 North Carolina, and the Razorbacks are set for another scrimmage Saturday after 13 fall practices. MLB (Arkansas connection): Seattle plans to call up top pitching prospect Kade Anderson for his major league debut Saturday vs. the Cubs.