AGP Executive Report

Campaign Trail: Sen. Tom Cotton’s absence dominated an Arkansas Senate debate, where Democrat Hallie Shoffner and Libertarian Jeff Wadlin challenged his record. In a separate House debate, Rep. Bruce Westerman and challenger James Russell criticized President Trump’s Russian diesel plan but disagreed over fuel prices. Education & Oversight: A new report says one in four Arkansas students using education freedom accounts left public schools. A federal audit also found the state mishandled child-abuse reports. Farm Economy: Arkansas farmers face lower soybean yields and rising production costs, while a disappointing rice harvest is raising concerns for next year. Water Rights: Texarkana’s board is weighing talks that could allow a Texas company to pursue up to 110 million gallons of Millwood Lake water daily; any sale would need further approval. Razorbacks: Arkansas football fell to Tennessee, 24-17, and the men’s basketball team was picked third in the SEC preseason poll. Weather: Forecasters expect unseasonably hot conditions, with rain chances returning midweek.

Public Safety: North Little Rock police identified Latasha Butler, 39, as the woman killed in an overnight shooting near Pike Avenue; a wounded man is in stable condition, and the investigation continues. Senate Race: Democrat Hallie Shoffner and Libertarian Jeff Wadlin criticized incumbent Tom Cotton’s absence from Monday’s televised debate. Cotton’s campaign said he attended a World War II veteran’s birthday celebration. Education: A University of Arkansas report found only about one in four Education Freedom Account students in grades 1–12 had left public schools; more than 44,000 students took part last year, with spending topping $260 million. Farm Policy: Arkansas lawmakers are weighing tax breaks for farm equipment repairs, replacement parts and some livestock fencing materials. Razorbacks: Arkansas volleyball scored a major upset over defending national champion Texas A&M, earning its first SEC win.

Storm Response: Arkansas electric cooperatives sent 200 workers to help restore power in Alabama after Hurricane Isaias, with more crews on standby. College Sports: Arkansas State volleyball swept South Alabama, while the Razorbacks earned their first SEC win by upsetting reigning national champion Texas A&M. Little Rock: Three candidates are vying for the open Ward 7 City Board seat, and Central Arkansas transit officials have proposed the system’s first fare increase since 2009. Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled 138 of 140 child-abuse investigations it reviewed, raising fresh questions about state oversight. Health Care: Advocates say Medicaid enrollment problems are driving Arkansas’ high rate of uninsured babies as hospitals brace for financial pressure from upcoming Medicaid changes.

Public Safety: Police are investigating two fatal shootings in the Little Rock area: a woman was killed and a man wounded in North Little Rock, while a man was found shot dead in Little Rock. Transit: Rock Region Metro proposed its first fare increase since 2009, raising the adult one-way fare from $1.35 to $1.50; the board is expected to consider the plan Oct. 20. College Sports: Arkansas volleyball upset No. 12 Texas A&M for its first win over a ranked team since 2023. The Razorbacks’ football team fell to No. 15 Tennessee, 24-17, on a late touchdown, extending its SEC losing streak to 14 games. Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled 138 of 140 child-abuse investigations reviewed, renewing concerns about the state’s reporting and response practices. Industry: A rocket motor for Army ammunition was test-fired as part of a production effort involving General Dynamics’ Camden facility. Weather: Forecasts call for unusually hot October temperatures, with highs in the 90s before a cold front brings rain chances and cooler air later this week.

Razorbacks Football: Arkansas fell 24-17 to No. 15 Tennessee in Fayetteville after a late touchdown, extending the Hogs’ SEC losing streak to 14 games. Farm Economy: Extreme summer heat is cutting into Arkansas soybean yields. Extension officials say many farmers are harvesting far less than expected, and the state is unlikely to reach its projected record. Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled 138 of 140 child-abuse investigations it reviewed, renewing scrutiny of the state’s response to reports of abuse and neglect. Little Rock Parks: Jeff Bezos is backing a $100 million effort to turn neglected urban land into parks; Little Rock is among eight cities set to benefit, with plans for a 20-acre park on a former motorway ramp. State Affairs: Arkansas voters will decide on a proposed $500 million water bond, while lawmakers have begun budget hearings ahead of the 2027 legislative session. The state also launched the MyArkansas app, which offers access to more than 50 services.

Razorbacks: Arkansas fell 24-17 to No. 15 Tennessee in Fayetteville, extending its SEC losing streak to 14 games. DeSean Bishop’s late touchdown sealed the Vols’ first win there since 2001; coach Ryan Silverfield’s decision to punt while trailing drew loud boos. North Little Rock: Police are investigating an infant’s death after officers responded to a home Saturday morning. The state crime lab will determine the cause and manner of death. Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled 138 of 140 child abuse and neglect investigations reviewed. Little Rock Development: Jeff Bezos is backing a $100 million plan to transform a former highway ramp into a 20-acre park. State Government: Arkansas lawmakers have begun pre-session budget hearings ahead of the 2027 legislative session, as voters prepare to decide on a proposed $500 million water bond.

Community: El Dorado firefighter Jacob Brimer completed a 355-mile run across Arkansas, raising money for Camp Sunshine, which serves young burn survivors. Courts & Campuses: The Arkansas Court of Appeals struck down part of the state whistleblower law, ruling lawmakers could not authorize temporary reinstatement in retaliation cases. A former University of Arkansas professor is suing over her firing and challenging the state’s antisemitism law. State Services: Arkansas launched the MyArkansas app, offering access to more than 50 state services. A federal audit found the state missed required reports of child abuse and neglect, while voters will decide on a $500 million water bond in November. Sports: Arkansas State fell 56-49 to South Alabama despite gaining 516 yards. The Razorbacks host No. 15 Tennessee today, with the Vols expected to start freshman quarterback George MacIntyre.

Razorbacks: Arkansas hosts No. 15 Tennessee in Fayetteville Saturday, looking to rebound after a 34-7 loss to Texas A&M. State Services: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders launched the MyArkansas app, bringing more than 50 services—including tag renewals, park bookings and hunting licenses—to residents’ phones. Library Law: Central Arkansas Library System officials say they’re waiting for court guidance on a state law governing books available to minors, wary of both limiting access unnecessarily and exposing staff to prosecution. Education and Jobs: Northwest Arkansas leaders gathered to connect schools, colleges and employers with the region’s workforce needs. Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled reports of child abuse and neglect. Energy: Entergy Arkansas is asking regulators to reconsider a decision blocking a 20-year agreement for a planned Mississippi County solar project. Storm Preparations: Little Rock received 68 Navy training aircraft relocated from Florida ahead of Hurricane Isaias.

Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled thousands of child abuse and neglect reports, including allegations that should have been investigated or referred to law enforcement. Fort Smith Cyberattack: The city now says its August computer-system breach began somewhere in its broader network, not the Police Department, and has hired a law firm as questions about the attack remain. Camden Manufacturing: Arkansas-made Tamir interceptors have begun shipping from a new Camden plant, marking the first U.S. production of the Iron Dome missiles and a boost for the region’s defense industry. State Services: Arkansas launched the MyArkansas app, bringing more than 50 government services to residents’ phones. Education: Springdale special education teacher Lindsay Rankin was named Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Agriculture Research: Arkansas State University won a $2.2 million federal grant to study ways fungi could help rice and wheat withstand drought. Farm Outlook: Arkansas’ rice harvest is disappointing for a fourth straight year, raising concerns for next season.

Defense Manufacturing: Camden-made Tamir interceptors for Israel’s Iron Dome were delivered this week, marking the first U.S. production of the missiles. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Sen. Tom Cotton attended the ceremony. School Accountability: Arkansas education officials say an unlocked spreadsheet may have caused mismatches between schools and their letter grades. The file was taken down as the state investigates. Food Safety: Nature’s Own recalled 20- and 40-ounce Hawaiian bread sold in Arkansas because it may contain undeclared milk; people with milk allergies should avoid it. Agriculture: A disappointing rice harvest is raising concerns for Arkansas growers heading into 2027. Privacy: Harrisburg’s mayor covered the city’s Flock cameras, saying they’ll stay covered until stronger safeguards address residents’ privacy concerns. Razorbacks: Tennessee is expected to start freshman quarterback George MacIntyre against Arkansas after an injury to its usual starter.

Child Welfare: A federal audit found Arkansas mishandled reports of child abuse and neglect, raising concerns about how the state protects children. Courts & Government: The Arkansas Court of Appeals struck down part of the state’s whistleblower law, while Arkansas asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a dispute over its abortion shield law. Industry: Camden’s Raytheon-Rafael plant delivered its first fully U.S.-made Tamir interceptor, built for Israel’s Iron Dome system. Environment: Arkansas reached a Monsanto settlement worth at least $32 million over PCB contamination, with money earmarked for water quality. Farm Economy: Shipping disruptions tied to the Iran war have added an estimated $343 million in costs for Arkansas farmers; up to $1 billion in federal aid is also headed to producers. Sports: Arkansas hosts No. 15 Tennessee on Saturday, while Arkansas State welcomes South Alabama Thursday night.

Child Welfare: A federal audit found widespread failures in Arkansas’ handling of child-abuse reports, including cases involving sexual abuse and life-threatening harm. Auditors estimated 99% of reviewed cases failed to meet state requirements. Health Care: Arkansas Children’s Northwest has completed an $82.7 million expansion in Springdale, adding 15 beds and new specialty services. Courts: Arkansas’ appeals court ruled Walmart’s insurers must defend the company against lawsuits alleging its opioid sales contributed to the crisis. Farming: Arkansas farmers could receive nearly $1 billion in federal safety-net payments this month; an agriculture economist estimates the state’s share may be closer to $840 million. Environment: Arkansas has reached a Monsanto settlement worth at least $32 million, with up to $80 million earmarked for water-quality work. Northwest Arkansas: A Lowell councilwoman says Benton County authorities are investigating after she found an AirTag under her vehicle; she says its account information matched the mayor’s phone number, an allegation the mayor had not addressed by Wednesday night.

Election 2026: Arkansas voters will decide in November whether to amend the state Constitution to explicitly bar noncitizens from voting in state and local elections. Issue 1 would leave the existing voter qualifications unchanged. Farm Economy: The Iran war has added an estimated $343 million to Arkansas farmers’ costs this year, as shipping disruptions push up fuel and fertilizer prices. Research and Technology: The University of Arkansas and California-based D-Wave will study quantum computing applications for supply chains. Arkansas State also received a $177,108 federal grant for research to improve waste-to-energy systems. Environment: Arkansas is set to receive at least $32 million under a settlement with Monsanto over PCB contamination. On the Field: Tennessee is expected to start quarterback George MacIntyre against Arkansas on Saturday, after the Vols’ usual starter was injured.

Youth Wellness Fundraiser: Moose Jaw’s “A Not So Silent Night” will feature Spin Doctors frontman Chris Barron and The Voice winner Cassadee Pope, with proceeds supporting youth wellness initiatives. Local Nonprofits in Jonesboro: Family Crisis Center received a $29,400 Strategic Impact Grant, and the American Advertising Federation of Northeast Arkansas named The Diaper Storehouse its 2026 ADvocacy recipient. Politics (Little Rock area): A Republican congressional staffer is challenging Democratic Rep. Ashley Hudson for west Little Rock’s House District 75 seat, with Medicaid and cost-cutting front and center. Sports (Arkansas vs. Tennessee): Reports say Tennessee will start QB George MacIntyre against Arkansas after Faizon Brandon’s shoulder injury. Public Safety & Community: Arkansas State Crime Lab testimony in a Greenwood rape trial highlighted DNA “scientific certainty” tied to the defendant. Health & Consumer Alert: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in multiple states due to undeclared milk. Road Safety: Brookland lowered the speed limit on Highway 49 through town after an ARDOT traffic study. Maternal Health Funding: Arkansas is set to receive $10 million for maternal health efforts over five years.

Local Community: A Franklin County food pantry in Ozark is marking 30 years of service, helping 100–130 families with donations and a new permanent home since July 2025. Conservation in Schools: Clarksville Elementary held its first school fishing derby, aiming for an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission School of Conservation Leadership designation after improved outdoor learning for nearly 400 students. Education & District Updates: Jasper/Oark School District highlighted stronger ATLAS-based grades for Oark Elementary (D to C) and Oark High (C to B), crediting instruction, attendance focus, and interventions. Public Safety & Justice: An Arkansas State Police ICAC case sent Marshall man Richard Allan Bradley to 80 years for 40 felony counts tied to child sexual abuse material. Health & Consumer Alerts: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in multiple states, including Arkansas, due to undeclared milk; a separate frozen-berry recall expanded over potential E. coli contamination. State Politics: The Sunshine Protection Act to end daylight saving time change hit a Senate wall, with Sen. Tom Cotton warning Arkansas kids could face dark school mornings. Business & Growth: CodaPet launched in-home pet euthanasia services in Little Rock with Dr. Ashley Custer.

A-State Leadership: Arkansas State University Chancellor Calvin White Jr. has permanently appointed Dr. William McLean as provost and executive vice chancellor, making official the interim role he’s held since July. Healthcare Leadership: SHARP PHO named Katherine “Katie” Prescott as its next CEO after the retirement of Beverly Nix, with Prescott coming from a long run as SHARP general counsel. Politics & Elections: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders moved up the special election date for Senate District 18 to Dec. 15, with ballot drawing set for Oct. 9. Little Rock Races: Three candidates are running for the open Ward 7 seat, while Ward 6 incumbent Andrea Lewis faces challenger Victoria Macuil. Public Safety: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin announced the arrest of a North Little Rock man accused of Medicaid fraud tied to $245,401 in allegedly improper claims. Road Work: ARDOT plans a Highway 77 closure in West Memphis starting Oct. 7 for a new overpass, with reopening expected in mid-2028. Food Recall: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in multiple states, including Arkansas, due to undeclared milk. Rural Health Funding: St. Bernards Foundation received $4.8 million in rural health grants to expand physician training and healthier living programs. Weather: Wildfire danger stays high with little rain expected, plus elevated pollen.