AGP Executive Report

Arkansas Public Safety: Four people were arrested after an investigation into alleged contraband smuggling into the Pulaski County jail, including a man already serving time for murder; charges include a continuing criminal gang/enterprise and multiple drug-related counts. Health & Food Safety: Albertsons recalled four jalapeño-containing salsa and salad products tied to possible Salmonella contamination, with affected items sold in Arkansas and several other states—customers are told not to eat them and to return for refunds. Water Safety: A boil order is in effect for the Mammoth Spring Waterworks system after a water main break; officials say boil water for one minute and discard ice made from unboiled water. Local Education: Arkansas State University held a white coat ceremony for the inaugural class of its College of Veterinary Medicine, with 120 students starting this fall. Sports (Arkansas ties): Former Razorback Christian Franklin recorded his first MLB hit for the Baltimore Orioles, and Bullard/Arkansas native Hagen Smith was called up by the Chicago White Sox. Tech/Service: Verizon customers in multiple states, including Arkansas, reported a voice service outage; the company acknowledged the issue and said engineers were working to fix it.

Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to imported Mexican jalapeños has sickened 345 people across 27 states, prompting a recall that includes peppers sent to major restaurant chains. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce keeps spreading, with cases now confirmed in 15 states, including Arkansas. Arkansas Community: The Arkansas 4-H Foundation awarded $91,500 in college scholarships to 41 members and $61,500 in sponsorships for 4-Hers headed to National 4-H Congress. Local Jobs: The Benton Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Central Arkansas Job Fair Aug. 21 at the Benton Event Center with 50+ employers and free resume help plus headshots. Arkansas Business/Construction: Mountain Home approved building permits totaling nearly $12M in June, including a major Vantive addition valued over $8M. Sports (Arkansas ties): Arkansas football fall camp continues with the QB battle still open, while the cause of death for Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was ruled accidental from heroin and cocaine effects. Roads: ARDOT/area roadwork updates include ongoing I-30 and U.S. 82 widening and bridge work in parts of the region.

Arkansas Football: KJ Jackson and AJ Hill rotated through the first-team quarterback mix during Arkansas’ third preseason practice, with coaches still sorting out who runs the offense best as camp continues. Razorbacks Special Teams: As field goals stretch longer across the NFL, Arkansas kicker Max Gilbert is leaning into the trend and his own confidence in range. Recruiting: Three-star defensive lineman Tory Clark moved quickly toward a Michigan trip after the Wolverines offered. Public Health: A cyclospora outbreak tied to contaminated iceberg lettuce has reached 15 states, including Arkansas, with health officials urging symptom watch and food-safety precautions. Food Safety: A separate multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeno peppers has sickened hundreds, prompting warnings to avoid recalled products and practice careful kitchen hygiene. Law Enforcement: Arkansas State Police say a high-speed pursuit on I-555 ended in a crash that seriously injured two bystanders, with the driver facing multiple charges. Local Life: A sensory-friendly dog visit room, “Tommy’s Room,” opened in Paragould to help kids with autism or sensory sensitivities feel comfortable around dogs.

School Safety Debate in Bald Knob: City leaders are calling a special meeting after discussing inconsistent school-zone speed limits, with officials weighing new signage and “zero tolerance” during school hours. Homeschool Community in Batesville: The Batesville Homeschool Cooperative hosts a free open house and ice cream social Thursday at Desha Baptist Church, with fall registration now open. Local Law Enforcement Recognition: Midland School District named Officer Jason Cole its Arkansas Safe Schools “KOOL AID” School Resource Officer of the Year for mentorship and student support. Food Safety Watch: A salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños has sickened hundreds across multiple states, prompting major restaurant chains to pull the peppers. Public Health Update: Arkansas has reported more cyclosporiasis cases as the national lettuce-linked outbreak expands. Arkansas Weather: Hot, humid conditions continue across the Natural State through the weekend, with only limited thunderstorm chances. Little Rock Datacenter Tension: A new report highlights growing backlash over data center plans and how state rules limit local governments’ ability to block them. Northeast Arkansas Jobs Push: A-State’s CREST program is expanding workforce training tied to local industry needs, aiming to fill technical roles.

Westrock Coffee turnaround: The Little Rock-based company says it hit a financial milestone in Conway, reaching free cash flow positive in Q2 as sales rose and losses narrowed. Public Safety: A “final determination” found “lawful deadly force” was used in a May 12 officer-involved shooting in Searcy. Health Watch: The CDC-linked Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled lettuce and Taco Bell has surged nationwide, with Arkansas among newly added states and case totals climbing. Education & Courts: Batesville’s former superintendent Ginni McDonald is suing the district after her termination, while the board named David Campbell as the new superintendent. Local Life Outdoors: Lake Chicot State Park unveiled nearly $10 million in upgrades, including new and renovated camping and facilities. Sports (Arkansas): Razorbacks fall camp continues with a crowded wide receiver battle as the team sorts its two-deep options. Business & Community: Arkansas Tech’s dining changes as Sodexo takes over campus food service under an ATU graduate.

Public Health: The FDA expanded its Cyclospora investigation tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, saying confirmed cases now top 6,000 across 15 states, including Arkansas. Food Safety: The CDC-linked Salmonella jalapeño outbreak tied to restaurants has spread to 27 states, with Qdoba and Chipotle removing jalapeños from menus as officials track illnesses. Medicaid & Housing: A KFF Health News report says Medicaid work rules are leaving some homeless people without care, raising fears about coverage loss. Local Crime: Arkansas State Police are investigating a deadly shooting in Warren after a man was found outside an apartment early Wednesday. Arkansas Community: Hope’s 50th annual Watermelon Festival kicks off Thursday with music, vendors, contests, and a Saturday night concert. Lottery Watch: Powerball keeps climbing—no jackpot winner Wednesday—pushing the estimated prize to $856 million for the next drawing Saturday. Weather: Hot, mostly sunny conditions continue in parts of Arkansas with only a small chance of storms.

Food Safety: The CDC says the iceberg lettuce cyclospora outbreak now links to 15 states, adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina; investigators are still focused on recalled lettuce tied to Taylor Farms, with cases reported in at least 47 states this year. Public Health: In a separate update, a jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak tied to Chipotle and Qdoba has spread to 27 states, with Qdoba and Chipotle removing jalapeños from menus while health officials investigate. Local Government: North Little Rock formally regains ownership of Dickey-Stephens Park after the Arkansas Travelers’ construction debt was repaid, and a new long-term lease keeps the team there through 2046. Crime & Courts: Arkansas State Police are investigating a deadly Warren shooting that left a 53-year-old man dead, and a federal case in Strong alleges the mayor used extortion and made false statements to the FBI. Business & Jobs: Buc-ee’s set an Aug. 17 opening for its first Arkansas travel center in Benton, bringing more than 200 jobs. Education & Community: Pulaski Tech will launch a paid construction-and-GED program for chronically homeless housing through a $1.8 million federal grant.

Heber Springs Jobs: James & James is investing more than $9.4 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Heber Springs, aiming to create 47 jobs and expand into lumber milling and more B2B work for designers. Little Rock/Arkansas Politics: House Democrats added 12 Republican-held districts to their midterm target list, including Arkansas Rep. French Hill’s seat, as they push for control of the House. Arkansas Courts & Public Safety: A Tennessee murder suspect, Lamarkius Ross, was arrested after a 120 mph chase that ended in Arkansas near Trumann, with Arkansas State Police intervention flipping the vehicle. Health & Consumer Warning: A new report highlights women paying for “facial scan” services that score beauty and recommend costly procedures—raising concerns about misleading advice. Local Law Enforcement: Jasper County promoted Deputy Matt Harrell to CID investigator and introduced new deputy Lauren Nick. Arkansas Sports: Arkansas basketball continues its Bahamas run, while Arkansas football’s fall camp questions include the quarterback battle under new coach Ryan Silverfield.

Buc-ee’s Expansion: The travel giant is set to open its first Arkansas location in Benton on Aug. 17, a 74,000-square-foot site with 120 fueling stations and plans to hire 200+ workers. Back-to-School Giving: Premium Service Brands franchisees, through Kids-Lift, are funding classroom refreshes and school support efforts including a Little Rock repaint/refresh project. Public Safety & Health: Arkansas cyclosporiasis cases keep rising, reaching 173 confirmed infections statewide (most in Benton County) as a nationwide outbreak grows. Attorney General Watch: AG Tim Griffin is leading a bipartisan push urging Congress to preserve tighter federal hemp restrictions and also backed the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act to expand Medicaid Fraud Control Unit authority. Local Crime: A Carlisle woman, Traci Wagner, was arrested on 28 counts tied to alleged financial exploitation of nursing home residents. Community Mobility: West Memphis unveiled West Memphis Connect, a new public transportation service launching in October, with Southland Casino Hotel covering the first 1,000 rides. Sports: Arkansas closed its Baha Mar Summer League run with a 105-48 win over Calgary.

Arkansas Disability Care: Families using Arkansas’ PASSE Medicaid program are worried after coverage rules and waitlists leave some people with complex disabilities stuck without needed supports, like a ceiling lift for a teen in a wheelchair. State Politics & Safety: Arkansas GOP Rep. Austin McCollum faces calls to resign after an affidavit says he punched his wife and slammed her head to the ground; he’s set to appear in court Sept. 8. Health Policy: Providers are alarmed that Arkansas’ hybrid Medicaid expansion (ARHOME) won’t be renewed, putting coverage for more than 200,000 people in limbo as the waiver ends Dec. 31. Weather: Heat stays intense across Arkansas, with Magnolia expecting heat-index readings over 100 and highs near 98–99. Community & Education: Magnolia High is seeking projects for students to complete 75 hours of community service for graduation. Business/Tech: Little Rock’s Webb says the city should pause data center permits for 18 months, not 6. Lottery: Powerball climbs again to an estimated $786 million for Wednesday.

Arkansas Politics: Little Rock directors are weighing two options to pause new hyperscale data center permits—one six-month moratorium with a Google carve-out, and one 18-month pause without an exception—after concerns about power demand and growth. Medicaid & Health: CMS has verbally denied Arkansas’ bid to renew ARHOME, a hybrid Medicaid program that buys private insurance for about 200,000 low-income adults, pushing the decision back to the state legislature. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police are investigating a Woodruff County shooting that left one man dead and two women injured. Wildlife & Outdoors: Game and Fish is seeking public input on its Stream Black Bass Management Plan, while dove field permits open now and leftover special deer hunt permits (nearly 500) go on sale first-come, first-served. Sports: Arkansas men’s basketball rolled past Toros del Valle 91-49 in the Bahamas, starting the second half with a 23-2 run. Agriculture: Peanut acreage in Arkansas is down more than 35% this year, and the state’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable school program is set to distribute $3.376 million. Business: GFI Digital acquired Lowell-based TDS IT, expanding managed tech services across Arkansas.

Arkansas Disability Care: Advocates warn Arkansas’ Medicaid PASSE managed-care system may leave families with severe disabilities waiting longer and getting less support as federal rules shift, with one Highfill mother saying a key lift for her wheelchair-using daughter stopped being covered and led to falls. Little Rock Health Leadership: UAMS promoted interim dean Dr. Ronald Robertson to permanent dean of the College of Medicine, effective immediately. Heat Safety: National athletic trainers and high school sports groups are urging new heat rules for football linemen after recent hospitalizations, including an Arkansas case, and concerns that punishment drills can raise risk. Road Safety: Arkansas State Police report fatal crashes are down year-to-date, citing enforcement and trooper visibility. Education & Housing: Little Rock’s HUD oversight and surveillance-camera approvals are part of ongoing local governance moves, while a new reading requirement is flagged as a major hit to North Little Rock 3rd graders. Local Economy & Growth: Simmons Bank addresses layoff rumors amid efficiency reviews, and Tyson Foods posts its Q3 2026 results. Weather: Hot, mostly sunny conditions continue into midweek, raising dehydration and heat-illness risks.

Heat Safety in Football: The National Athletic Trainers’ Association and high school sports officials are urging coaches to change preseason practices to prevent heatstroke in linemen, including skipping punishing exertion drills and avoiding certain early-season conditioning tests after recent hospitalizations in Arkansas and Louisiana. Little Rock Housing Oversight: HUD has named Ellis Wilson-Henri to help oversee the Little Rock housing authority after HUD dissolved the board earlier this year, with a new two-person board supervising recovery efforts. Local Government Tech: Little Rock officials approved spending about $121,600 for 21 more surveillance cameras and related equipment. Public Health Alert: A federal egg recall is tied to drug-resistant Salmonella illnesses across 17 states; shoppers should check cartons for specific codes and sell-by dates. Crime/Justice: U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement arrested two out-of-state homicide suspects in Arkansas, including an Illinois suspect captured in Little Rock after a search. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas basketball rolled past Carleton 98-58 in the Bahamas, with Jordan Smith Jr. posting a triple-double as the Hogs set up Monday’s matchup vs. Toros del Valle.

Arkansas Tech University: First-time and transfer students will be welcomed at ATU’s fall 2026 orientation Aug. 16-18, led by 52 returning students and coordinated by Russellville, Little Rock, and Warren seniors. Public Health & Safety: Lake June in Stamps is under a harmful algal bloom advisory; officials urge residents to avoid contact and keep pets away. Healthcare Upgrade: Baptist Health Medical Center-El Dorado is rolling out a new Philips MR 5300 MRI aimed at faster, more comfortable scans. Crime Lab Progress: The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory says it has cleared a mobile-device digital evidence backlog, cutting turnaround times. Cybersecurity Watch: Federal officials warn multiple states reported cyberattacks targeting water systems, with Iran suspected. Local Politics: GOP Rep. Austin McCollum was arrested on domestic battering charges; Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders called for resignation and House Speaker Brian Evans moved to strip leadership roles. Sports: Arkansas basketball’s new backcourt—Jordan Smith Jr. and Jeremiah Wilkinson—turned in a triple-double in a big Baha Mar win over Carleton. Economy & Cost of Living: A new study ranks Arkansas among the states where a $100 grocery budget goes the furthest. Lottery: Powerball jackpot rolled again after no Match 6 winner; Arkansas had multiple smaller winners.

Arkansas Basketball: The Razorbacks opened the Baha Mar Summer League with a 106-59 rout of the Bahamas, using defense to force 26 turnovers and rack up 19 steals and 13 blocks. Arkansas Basketball: One day later, Arkansas beat Canada’s Carleton University 98-58 as Jordan Smith Jr. posted a triple-double (20 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds) and Jeremiah Wilkinson returned after an injury scare. Local Politics: Benton County GOP Rep. Austin McCollum was arrested on domestic battering charges, prompting Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and House Speaker Brian Evans to call for resignation and for him to be removed from leadership roles. Public Safety & Health: Arkansas officials and experts are watching rising tick-borne illness concerns after a rare Bourbon virus case was reported in New York, with no vaccine or specific treatment. Community & Culture: Lyon College earned a CASE Circle of Excellence Silver Award for its W.C. “Dick” Winningham Player Reunion, highlighting alumni engagement efforts.

Arkansas Public Safety: ADLEST recognized 65 cadets graduating Basic Police Training Class 2026-B at East Camden ALETA, with training spanning constitutional law, crisis response, firearms and community policing. Public Health & Safety: A weak front brings a shot at isolated thunderstorms Saturday in Magnolia, with cooler, less humid weather Sunday and Monday. State Government & Health Care: Arkansas’ Medicaid work requirement rule took legal effect nationally, setting up major coverage changes starting enforcement in 2027; Arkansas previously saw thousands lose coverage in 2018 after paperwork failures. Local Economy: James & James LLC will build a $9.4 million hardwood furniture factory in Heber Springs, creating 47 jobs over four years. Weather/Outdoors: Cove Lake in Paris is getting attention as a quiet, lesser-known Arkansas swimming and camping spot. Lottery: Mega Millions rolls to a $60 million jackpot for Tuesday after no grand prize winner Friday. Civic Notes: Candidates filed for office in Benton and Washington counties ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.