AGP Executive Report

Local Safety Upgrade: Mountain Home Public Schools will add more security cameras and install audio recording devices in locker rooms and changing areas to comply with Eli’s Law, using leftover state school-safety funds—24 cameras will be replaced and expanded to 54 around key areas, while the audio plan is designed to avoid major new costs. Community Fundraising: The Arkansas State University-Mountain Home Charity Golf Classic returns this weekend at Big Creek Country Club, raising money for the ASUMH technical education campus; the 25th annual event runs June 6-7 with a capped field of 72 teams. Sports Pipeline: Paragould High School senior Austin Burdin signed to compete in track and field at NWACC after an all-conference season. Sports & Recreation: Hot Springs is set to host the 20th Bass Fishing World Championship on Lake Hamilton Oct. 1-3, with Kevin VanDam named Team USA coach. Business Watch: A piece on Primm, Nevada’s casino “ghost town” risk serves as a cautionary tale for Arkansas tourism leaders as competition and convenience shift. Health Care Data: CMS reports multiple Arkansas nursing homes ranked among the largest in their counties, with quality ratings ranging from 2 to 5 stars.

Public Safety: U.S. Marshals arrested a Hope rape suspect, Lance Brewer, after weeks of multi-state fugitive work. Courts & Crime: A former Haskell officer, Brian Keith Cooper Jr., was sentenced to 30 years for rape and child pornography charges tied to an Arkansas State Police investigation. Local Government: Little Rock’s board unanimously approved new data center regulations after a long meeting, with residents pushing for stronger limits amid growing anti–data center concerns. Public Media: The Arkansas TV Foundation hit its PBS dues goal, securing funding to keep PBS affiliation going through at least July 2027, ahead of a commission vote. Education & Community: Arkansas State University trustees approved a $402.6M operating budget plus tuition and fee increases for 2026-27. Health Care: Community Clinic expanded and rebranded its Siloam Springs women’s health services, adding prenatal, menopause support, and more. Roads: Highway 361 in Randolph County closes Thursday for pipe replacement, with detours posted.

Nursing Home Watch: CMS data for Q1 2026 shows a mixed picture across Arkansas facilities, with several top performers including The Green House Cottages of Homewood (5/5), Pleasant Manor Nursing & Rehab in Little River County (5/5), Nightingale at Glenwood (5/5), and Ozark Nursing and Rehab in Franklin County (5/5), while others lagged like Woodland Hills Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Jacksonville (1/5), The Blossoms at Van Buren (1/5), and Ouachita Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Camden (2/5). Local Education & AI: Mountain Home Public Schools’ testing coordinator said an AI-assisted analysis nearly inflated district test results, but she caught the bad math and verified the numbers by hand; the district also reported math gains with vocabulary flagged as a recurring weakness. Sports: Arkansas baseball’s season ended at the WCWS after an 11-0 loss to UCLA, finishing 47-13, while UALR and three other teams set for first NCAA super regional appearances. State & Community: Little Rock approved data center regulations, and Arkansas Boys State elected local students to statewide roles, including a Quitman student as secretary of state and a Drasco student as attorney general.

NCAA Baseball: Arkansas’ season is over after a 13-10 loss to Kansas in the regional final, with the Jayhawks exploding for six runs in the fourth and Arkansas leaving eight runners on base. Super Regional Road to Omaha: Little Rock is headed to the Super Regionals for the first time in program history, set to face Troy in a best-of-three series starting Friday, while Arkansas’ other postseason teams are also locked in across the bracket. Local Sports Spotlight: UA Little Rock announced a full slate of 2026 summer camps, including baseball camps in Benton, North Little Rock and Little Rock. Community Events: Hope Downtown Network and the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council are hosting “Chalk the Walk” on June 25 for kids ages 5-13, with themes and age-group zones downtown Hope. Business & Growth: Seattle-based Carrix, through Logistic Services, is acquiring Van Buren’s Five Rivers Distribution to expand inland waterways operations, including a Port of Little Rock presence. Public Safety: A body believed to be missing Lakeview man Mark Alan Hanes was found at Bull Shoals Lake and sent for identification. Food & Culture: Arkansas Folklife Festival lineup details include artists like Nick Shoulders and Willi Carlisle ahead of the June 26-28 celebration.

Arkansas Public Safety: Two people died in separate single-vehicle crashes on Arkansas roads Friday, including a Cabot man killed after his car left the road and hit a tree in Pulaski County and a Flippin woman killed after her vehicle drifted off Arkansas 178 in Marion County. Little Rock Police: A Little Rock officer was relieved of duty after being arrested on an aggravated assault charge involving a family or household member and endangering a minor. Local Sports (UALR): Arkansas-Little Rock baseball is headed to its first-ever NCAA super regional after sweeping the Hattiesburg Regional; coach Chris Curry says the team is now “super lethal.” Central Arkansas Schools: The Little Rock School District is working through a Title IX dispute over where Central High’s softball team will practice and play, with board members trying to “split the baby” on field use. Bentonville/Arts: Crystal Bridges is preparing to open a major Safdie Architects expansion June 6-7, adding new galleries and public spaces. Travel: Clinton National Airport announced new nonstop options from Little Rock, including Destin and Orlando-Sanford, with Orlando International starting June 6. Health & Community: Baxter Health Sleep Lab technologist Michael Taylor received a Heroes with Halos award after a patient nominated him for care.

Girls State Fallout: Former Arkansas Girls State counselors say the program’s leadership created a “culture of fear,” citing alleged mistreatment, a restrictive dress code, and changes to awards; the American Legion Auxiliary says the full staff didn’t resign and insists the mission continues. Lottery Scam Alert: The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery warns of scammers calling residents claiming they’ve won million-dollar prizes; officials say winning tickets aren’t awarded over the phone and urge people to ignore calls and verify through official channels. North Little Rock Jobs: CEP USA opened its first U.S. manufacturing facility in North Little Rock, investing nearly $1 million and targeting about 27 jobs over five years. Crystal Bridges Expansion: Martha Stewart visited Crystal Bridges in Bentonville ahead of the museum’s expanded galleries opening June 6-7, adding new art, studios, and outdoor features. Postal Theft Investigation: U.S. Postal Inspectors seek help identifying two women who broke into a Little Rock post office and stole checks and other mail, offering up to $100,000 for tips. Meals on Wheels Closing: Meals on Wheels of Benton County is shutting down after 41 years, citing rising food prices and a volunteer shortage.

Arkansas Baseball Spotlight: Kansas completed a dramatic NCAA regional run, rallying from a 5-0 deficit to beat Arkansas 13-10 and win the Lawrence regional, sending the Jayhawks to a first-ever super regional. Local Sports Update: UALR made history too—Little Rock’s Trojans beat Jacksonville State 6-3 in the Hattiesburg regional final to advance to an NCAA super regional. Little Rock Tennis: Colton Smith won the Little Rock Open title over Michael Mmoh, but the final was delayed more than five hours due to heat after earlier rain disruptions all week. Community & Education: An ASU-Mountain Home student, Eric Butler, earned the state’s top GED score—following his mother’s path to the same honor. Historic Preservation: The Baxter County Historical and Genealogical Society launched “All A-Board” to raise $15,000 to finish the Casey House porch restoration in Mountain Home. Public Safety & Weather: Flash flooding and severe storms hit parts of Central Arkansas, with warnings issued as conditions turned dangerous.

Arkansas Baseball: The Razorbacks’ season is on the brink after a 5-3 loss to Kansas in the Lawrence Regional winners’ bracket. Arkansas blew late leads and managed just three hits, but Hunter Dietz struck out a career-high 14. Next up: an elimination game Sunday vs. Northeastern, with a win setting up a rematch with Kansas. Roads & Safety: Highway 367 west of Newport is closing for emergency maintenance for about 7.4 miles starting Sunday afternoon, with detours posted. Also, Arkansas State Police reported a fatal head-on crash on Highway 1 near Allen Hester Road: a Walnut Ridge woman died and three Jonesboro residents were injured. Public Health: Air quality alerts are up across parts of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, with unhealthy-to-very-unhealthy pockets. Overdose Update: Meth now kills more Arkansans than fentanyl, according to overdose autopsy data. Sports Elsewhere: OU rolled past The Citadel 15-5 in an NCAA baseball regional, while WCWS elimination games continue Sunday in Oklahoma City.

Arkansas Sports, NCAA Baseball: The Razorbacks kept their postseason alive with a 9-5 comeback win over Missouri State in the Lawrence Regional, sparked by Maika Niu’s 4-for-4, four-RBI performance and a big five-run swing in the fifth. Next up: Kansas in a much-anticipated Lawrence Regional matchup, with Arkansas set to start Gabe Gaeckle after saving ace Hunter Dietz for Saturday. Arkansas Softball, WCWS: Arkansas’ historic Women’s College World Series run ended Friday with a run-rule 11-0 loss to UCLA, after the Bruins erupted with a nine-run second inning. Coach Courtney Deifel said the team is still proud of reaching the WCWS for the first time in program history. Little Rock & Region, NCAA Baseball: In the Hattiesburg Regional, Southern Miss faces elimination today against Virginia after both teams lost their openers—Southern Miss fell 7-4 to Little Rock. Community & Culture: The Arkansas Folklife Festival announced its full music lineup for June 26-28 at Riverfront Park in North Little Rock, featuring Grammy winners Lucinda Williams and Bobby Rush.

WCWS Update: UCLA run-ruled Arkansas 11-0 in an elimination game in Oklahoma City, with Megan Grant smashing UCLA’s career home run record (91) during a nine-run second inning that ended the Razorbacks’ season. NCAA Baseball (Arkansas): Arkansas beat Missouri State 9-5 in the Lawrence Regional opener, using a six-run fifth to move into the winners bracket and set up a Saturday matchup with Kansas. Local Sports (Little Rock): Little Rock upset Southern Miss 7-4 in the Hattiesburg Regional opener, then pushed the Golden Eagles into the losers bracket. Courts & Health Policy: The 4th U.S. Circuit agreed to rehear challenges to 340B contract pharmacy rules, a fight that also involves Arkansas and Louisiana. Community & Grants: RRCU Gives opens grant applications June 1 for nonprofits tackling hunger, housing, and financial education across five states, including Arkansas. Arkansas History: May 30, 1874 marked the Brooks-Baxter War’s ongoing fight in Little Rock, with “Lady Baxter” positioned to command the statehouse area.

UAMS Proton Center Exit: UAMS says it terminated its agreements with Proton International Arkansas LLC, citing about $916,000 in overdue payments, with the Proton Center of Arkansas’s physician and support services agreements halted effective Friday. NCAA Baseball Update: Kansas beat Northeastern 6-3 in the NCAA Lawrence Regional opener; the Jayhawks will host the winner of Arkansas vs. Missouri State Saturday at 5 p.m. Little Rock Education Facilities: Little Rock School District faced crowding and rain-related graduation headaches, with ceremonies held at Barton Coliseum after other venues limited graduations. Criminal Justice Reform: A new episode of “Unpacking the Issue” spotlights Arkansas criminal justice reform ideas, from alternative courts to pretrial services. Local Courts: Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson announced retirement June 30; the Quorum Court will pick an interim judge. Free Fishing Weekend: Arkansas’ license-free fishing weekend runs June 12-14, with statewide events and derby activities planned. Arts & Community: Arkansas Center for the Creative Arts announces a full slate of summer camps in Fort Smith starting Monday.

WCWS Heartbreak in Oklahoma City: Nebraska’s Ava Kuszak hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the 10th to beat Arkansas 5-3 in the Razorbacks’ Women’s College World Series opener. Nebraska’s Jordy Frahm pitched all 10 innings, and Arkansas got on the board with a Kailey Wyckoff two-run shot before trading runs late. Local Health & Rural Care: Baxter Health filed the first of four applications for Arkansas’ new rural health funding, pitching THRIVE at Home to expand telehealth, emergency response, and home-based care across north central Arkansas. New Provider in Mountain View: Baxter Health Family Clinic added nurse practitioner Brooke Whitt, now accepting new patients. Community Calendar: The 26th Red White & Blue Festival returns to ASUMH June 26-27 with a rodeo, 5K, parade, vendors, and live music. Public Safety Reminder: Arkansas State Fire Marshal reports fire fatalities are up sharply in 2026, with many victims in homes lacking working smoke alarms. Road Safety: Three people died and two were injured in three Arkansas crashes Wednesday, including a fatal motorcycle crash in Franklin County and a multi-vehicle wreck in Craighead County.

Little Rock Public Safety: A man was arrested on a capital murder charge in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Jacoby Green on West 36th Street. Police say Green died after being found shot Wednesday afternoon, and Quadaurise Dunn, 21, is accused in the killing. Civic & Education: Magnolia High School seniors Michael Boyd and Tomoko Schneiderwind met U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett during a student roundtable in Bentonville, part of Crystal Bridges’ civic engagement program. Health & Policy: A new report details how Arkansas’ abortion ban forced Emily Waldorf to seek care in Kansas, with serious complications after doctors said the law limited what they could do. Fire Safety: Arkansas fire fatalities rose to 28 in 2026, with officials pointing to a lack of working smoke alarms as a major preventable factor. Local Government: A Pulaski County data center moratorium vote failed to pass as an emergency ordinance after a review found it didn’t reach the required 10 affirmative votes. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas’ Women’s College World Series run continues as the Razorbacks open against Nebraska, while the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline reshaped the 2026-27 roster picture for John Calipari’s team.

Higher Education: Arkansas State University System trustees picked A-State chancellor Todd Shields as the next ASU System president, effective July 1, and named Calvin White interim A-State chancellor. Local Government: Baxter County Quorum Court will formally accept a $180,000 recycling grant for the Baxter Day Service Center, funding vehicles and equipment. Sports (Arkansas): The UAMS Little Rock Open added video replay with video review and live electronic line calling, and Arkansas’ WCWS opener vs. Nebraska is set for Thursday. Public Health & Safety: Arkansas’ fire fatalities are rising in 2026, with reports pointing to a lack of working smoke alarms. Water & Infrastructure: Southwest Arkansas Water Facilities Board got an extra $100,000 loan for water system improvements, while Eudora residents say a long-running water crisis is pushing some families to leave. Arts & Community: Walton Arts Center announced the return of “AMP Up the Arts.”

Public Safety & Health: A boil order was issued for parts of Alma after a water main leak on Dean Springs Road, with affected customers told to boil water for one minute. Crime & Justice: Arkansas State Park rangers in Pulaski County shot and killed a machete-wielding man near Pinnacle Mountain State Park; investigators say no rangers were hurt. Fire Risk: The Arkansas State Fire Marshal reports 28 fire fatalities so far in 2026, urging residents to ensure smoke alarms are working. Gov/Tech: Arkansas now lets residents add driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet on iPhones and Apple Watches. Education: Arkansas State University System trustees named Dr. Todd Shields as the next system president, effective July 1. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas football released kickoff times for its first three 2026 games, including a 3:15 p.m. Sept. 5 home opener vs. North Alabama and an 11 a.m. Sept. 19 SEC game vs. Georgia on ABC. Outdoors & Community: Free fishing weekend is set for June 12-14 statewide, with standard rules still applying.

Consumer Protection: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin announced a $5.5 million settlement with Family Dollar over a West Memphis distribution center rat infestation, with $3.9 million to the state and $1.6 million suspended. Public Safety: A Little Rock neighborhood is pushing for speed changes after an 8-year-old boy died in a hit-and-run; police say the driver has been charged. Local Governance: Pulaski County approved a 12-month moratorium on new data center permits, allowing two existing projects to continue while officials seek more community input. Education: Little Rock School District reports a 10% jump in third-grade reading proficiency under the state’s new literacy requirements. Sports: Arkansas softball is headed to the Women’s College World Series after a run-rule win over Duke, while the Razorbacks’ SEC baseball run ended with a loss to Georgia. Community: DHS honored Arkansas’ 2026 Foster Family of the Year at a gala, and the Peitz Cancer Support House plans an Honor Walk June 6.