AGP Executive Report

FISA Fight: Congress left Washington without renewing Section 702, putting a key warrantless foreign surveillance power on track to expire Friday after a House vote failed amid backlash tied to President Trump’s intel leadership shakeup. Arkansas Courts & Libraries: A federal appeals court heard arguments on whether Arkansas’ 2023 library obscenity law can take effect, with the state saying plaintiffs’ claims are too speculative. Energy & Jobs: Cypress Creek Energy closed $3.5 billion in financing for its Steel River solar-plus-storage project in Arkansas, adding 1.63 GW of solar and 1.9 GWh of battery storage in early phases. Local Agriculture Funding: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for farmers market promotion grants and reduced-cost bag orders, backed by Farm Credit. Teacher Pipeline: Southern Arkansas University earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality for reading instruction preparation. Community Safety: Texarkana police are investigating the discovery of possible human remains near Delaware and Ray streets.

Surveillance Showdown: The House rejected a last-minute extension of FISA Section 702, raising the odds of a lapse in a key foreign spy tool as lawmakers clash over President Trump’s pick of Bill Pulte as acting intel chief. Automation & Jobs: PepsiCo and Gatik announced a driverless heavy-truck rollout across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, moving autonomous freight from tests to revenue routes. Arkansas Courts & Safety: A Yellville man faces more than 20 felony child-exploitation charges after an Arkansas State Police ICAC task force arrest and device seizures. Local Government: Pulaski County school board leaders voted to cooperate with a Sherwood detachment effort, despite the potential for reduced funding. Health & Families: Arkansas is expanding prenatal care through state health units, offering low- or no-cost services aimed at lowering infant and maternal mortality. Business & Economy: Inflation pressure continues as gas prices push costs higher, while a new report highlights how much states spend per public school student.

Driverless Freight in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik announced a multi-year deal to deploy fully driverless Class 8 trucks on routes that include Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, moving autonomous trucking from testing to revenue service. Child Exploitation Case: Arkansas State Police ICAC Task Force and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested Yellville man Jordan Channing Miley on 20 felony counts tied to child sexual abuse material, plus sexual extortion; more charges may follow. Hot Springs Capital Murder Charges: Simon Isaiah Sertuche, 26, was charged with three counts of capital murder in the 2020 killings of a teen, a woman and her 5-year-old son. Local Crime Update (Ashdown): Investigators are probing a fatal shooting in Ashdown; one person is in custody and the case will go to prosecutors after lab review. Fayetteville FOI Lawsuit: A resident sued the city over a Freedom of Information Act request involving Swarm Aero, alleging the city failed to produce a nondisclosure agreement. Arkansas Education & Jobs: Arkansas State University approved faculty promotions and tenure for 2026-27, and the Northwest Arkansas Council launched a regional workforce intermediary led by David Giesige. Sports: Arkansas baseball reportedly added Charlotte third baseman Dawson Bryce via transfer.

Capital Murder Trial: Jury selection is underway in Washington County for Kacey Kawika Jennings, accused of killing and dismembering Allison Maria Castro and scattering her remains around Beaver Lake; prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. State Boards & Commissions: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced 43 appointments, including Benton Police Chief Scotty Hodges to the Criminal Justice Institute Advisory Board and Alexander resident Eric Nelson to the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Board. Energy & Jobs: Arkansas Tech University-Ozark is partnering with Butterball’s Ozark facility to deliver hands-on TIG welding training for employees. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide—including nine in Arkansas—to improve public pricing transparency or face penalties. Agriculture Spotlight: The 2026 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program named eight district farm families, including the Burnett family of Washington County. Culture & Community: Amplify Christian Music Festival returns to Benton June 12-13 with nationally known artists, and admission is free with registration.

Data Center Fight in Pulaski County: The Pulaski County Quorum Court is set to vote tonight on a proposed 12-month moratorium on hyperscale data centers, after residents flooded officials with concerns about water use, power demand, noise, and costs. Google’s Private Meeting: Google is holding an invite-only meeting Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Little Rock about its proposed Port of Little Rock data center, drawing questions about who was invited and why. Rural Health Funding: Arkansas has opened applications for a second round of Rural Health Transformation Funding, with $93.6 million available to expand access, improve coordination, and modernize rural care. Public Safety & Mental Health: U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet introduced a bill to boost community policing and mental health crisis response, including mobile crisis teams and co-responder programs. Sports & Education: Fayetteville’s Zeb Allen committed to Arkansas baseball; UCA named spring Presidential Scholars and Dean’s List students; and SAU launched a new Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management for Fall 2026. Health, Crime, and Community: A trooper rescued a baby and three children after a Camden chase crash; a body-cam video shows a deputy’s failed rescue attempt in a Dyer house fire; and West Memphis Mayor pitched small nuclear plants as a way to power major new business growth.

Hot Springs Festival: Hot Springs kicked off its 20th annual Running of the Tubs, with 29 teams competing in traditional, modified and stock classes along Bathhouse Row. Local Government: Clarksville City Council approved rezoning for a proposed RV park near South Rogers Street, but tabled a related special permit over concerns about conditions. Business & Growth: Little Rock-based BOND.AI and BankBound announced a partnership aimed at helping banks use AI-driven customer intelligence to grow deposits and engagement. Community & Education: UA Little Rock received a $25,000 gift establishing the Mimi San Pedro Enduring Opportunity Endowed Scholarship to help students overcome financial barriers. Public Safety & Weather: A meteorologist went viral after continuing a live tornado report while a studio fire broke out. Kids & Schools: Arkansas ranked 43rd in the KIDS COUNT child well-being report—up in some areas, but down in education and health. Economy & Industry: U.S. Steel says it plans up to $2.5 billion in Mon Valley Works upgrades, projecting thousands of jobs and tax revenue. Tech & Logistics: PepsiCo began driverless freight deliveries in multiple states, including Arkansas, using autonomous trucks to move Frito-Lay snacks and drinks.

Foster Care & Savings: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders says Arkansas will enroll about 3,400 foster kids in the federal “Trump Account” program starting July 4, with a $1,000 one-time federal contribution for eligible children. Child Well-Being: A new KIDS COUNT report puts Arkansas at 43rd for child well-being, with gains in economic and family/community measures but drops in education and child health. Food Assistance Rules: Arkansas is among states rolling out SNAP limits on “non-nutritious” items like soda and candy, with dates tied to USDA waivers. Local Homelessness: Fayetteville hired its first homelessness strategy coordinator, aiming to better coordinate shelters, housing, and extreme-weather response. Corrections Staffing: An Arkansas Board of Corrections member pressed the Department of Corrections over low staffing and high vacancy rates at multiple units. Politics & Courts: A Pulaski County judge dismissed an election challenge to the Saline County recount for Arkansas secretary of state runoff results. Business & Energy: Arkansas Department of Agriculture opened applications for farmers market promotion funding, while Pantera Minerals says it’s exploring silver and antimony in southwest Arkansas.

Housing Watch: Arkansas Development Finance Authority documents show Cubit Development Group is seeking federal tax credits for “Enclave Estates” in Magnolia, a roughly $13 million, 60-unit townhouse project west of Lelia Street. Child Well-Being: A new Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT report says Arkansas ranks No. 43 for overall child well-being, up from 45, but with declines in education and child health and warnings that looming federal benefit cuts could worsen outcomes. Family-Month Push: Arkansas joins a growing list of states rebranding June away from Pride, with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declaring “Fidelity Month,” as lawmakers and activists clash over the message. Local Business & Growth: Walmart is telling employees at its Arkansas headquarters that AI will “improve jobs, not replace them,” while Northwest Arkansas mayors and housing advocates trade lessons on speeding up permits and building more housing types. Agriculture Alert: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in south Texas, prompting Arkansas ranchers to monitor herds closely. State Higher Ed: Arkansas State University System trustees named Chancellor Todd Shields as system president effective July 1. Sports: Razorbacks picked up three commitments for the 2027 class, and Tyson Foods named Wes Morris COO.

Capitol Hill Advocacy: A Fayetteville family with a child treated at Arkansas Children’s Hospital spent two days in Washington for Children’s Hospital Association Family Advocacy Day, pushing lawmakers to back pediatric care policies. Retail & Cost Pressures: Walmart CEO John Furner says fuel prices are squeezing budgets, with “signs of stress” showing up more at lower-income shoppers even as higher-income customers keep spending. Medicaid Work Rules: New federal guidance lays out how states should verify Medicaid work status ahead of the 2027 deadline, raising fears of coverage losses from paperwork and system failures. Arkansas Safety: Arkansas State Police reported three deaths from separate Friday crashes, including a Fayetteville man killed in a rural Washington County wreck and a Damascus man who died after a motorcycle crash in Faulkner County. Local Business Help: Arkansas APEX Accelerator is hosting a Hot Springs workshop on government procurement and federal small business certifications. Community Development: UCA’s Center for Community and Economic Development selected 25 Northwest Arkansas leaders for a three-year pipeline program supported by the Walton Family Foundation. Missing Person: A Silver Alert was issued for a missing 71-year-old man from Hamburg.

Arkansas Politics & Courts: A judge dismissed the murder charge against Lonoke County sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer, saying the sheriff’s office mishandled evidence in the case tied to the 2024 killing of Michael Fosler, who faced allegations involving Spencer’s daughter. Housing & Development: Rogers launched a “Pattern Zone” program with preapproved home designs to speed up building and cut upfront uncertainty, while a separate Arkansas Development Finance Authority tax-credit award points to a possible 60-unit townhouse-style project near Lelia Street in Magnolia. Business & Small Firms: The Arkansas APEX Accelerator is hosting a free Hot Springs workshop on government procurement and federal small business certifications. Agriculture Watch: USDA confirmed the New World screwworm in a Texas calf near the U.S.-Mexico border, prompting Arkansas ranchers to monitor livestock for symptoms. Culture-War Politics: Arkansas joined other states in issuing “Fidelity Month” proclamations as a counter to Pride Month, framing the move around family and civic commitments. Sports: Arkansas baseball added pitchers Ridge Harvey and Lance Alexander to its offseason transfer haul.

Arkansas Politics & Courts: A judge dismissed the murder charge against Lonoke County sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer after ruling the sheriff’s office mishandled evidence in the 2024 killing of a man accused of sexually abusing Spencer’s daughter. National Security: U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton and Sen. Chuck Grassley warned the Trump administration to prepare for possible gaps in intelligence if a key surveillance authority expires June 12. Arkansas Sports: Arkansas baseball kept stacking pitching depth with commitments from JUCO national champion Lance Alexander and Belmont left-hander Ridge Harvey, adding to Micah Henson’s earlier pledge. Arkansas Community & Culture: The Arkansas Black History Commission marked the state’s 250th birthday with a Reconstruction-era symposium honoring the first Black legislators to serve in the Arkansas General Assembly. Economy & Jobs: New federal job data showed employers added 172,000 jobs in May while unemployment held at 4.3%, even as layoff notices remain a concern. Agriculture & Health: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf, prompting Arkansas ranchers to watch for symptoms and report concerns. Medicaid Watch: Russellville Medicaid dental payments totaled $626,583 in 2024, while De Queen pathology and lab services reached $140,507.

Alligator Management: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is launching a June 22 deadline pilot that lets landowners in alligator country enroll properties so nuisance alligators can be removed through a regulated public permit draw. Local Health Funding: Hope residents heard details on a proposed 3/4-cent sales tax to support Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center, including upgrades like a new roof, MRI/CT equipment, and radiology improvements. STEM in Arkansas Schools: Arkansas 4-H teams competed at the International SeaPerch Challenge in Maryland, with Grant County’s Deep Water Vanguard taking second overall in the high school stock class. Energy Policy Watch: The federal government announced $700 million for coal power infrastructure, including funding tied to plants in Arkansas. Medicaid Work Rules Anxiety: A new survey finds many Medicaid enrollees don’t realize 2027 work requirements are coming, raising fears of coverage losses. Pulaski County Politics: County judge candidates say the biggest challenge is public trust as Pulaski weighs major development and data center decisions. Community Grants: Summit Utilities opened applications for its 2026 Summit Cares nonprofit grant program, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.

Energy & Jobs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia will pursue next steps after a White House $700M energy push, pointing to Defense Production Act-backed upgrades at coal-linked projects. Arkansas Politics: Pulaski County judge candidates say residents have lost trust in government amid budget breakdowns and data center fights, with voters weighing a November decision. Culture & Community: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has proclaimed June as “Fidelity Month,” part of a broader GOP trend of rebranding June amid Pride Month backlash. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police highlighted a Ouachita County pursuit where a vehicle overturned and children were removed by troopers, urging parents to prioritize child safety. Courts: A judge dismissed murder charges against Lonoke County sheriff candidate Aaron Spencer after a dash-camera memory card was lost. Local Development: Fayetteville’s veterans-focused Patriot Park housing is expected to start leasing in mid-July. National Impact: A new report warns Social Security could face automatic benefit cuts by 2032, averaging about $500 a month.

Arkansas Courts & Public Safety: A judge dismissed a murder case against Arkansas sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer after investigators lost dash-cam footage tied to the October 2024 shooting of Michael Fosler, calling the missing video an “extraordinary and extreme remedy.” Local Government & Infrastructure: In South Jacksonville, the city approved a $2 million demolition permit for the former AT&T American Transtech property, clearing the way for new industrial development. Health Policy: Arkansas State Police urged parents to stay vigilant online during Internet Safety Month, warning summer and back-to-school can bring spikes in online enticement cases. Community Events: Benton will hold its fifth annual Juneteenth celebration June 13, featuring food, music, vendors, and family activities. Business & Growth: Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff opened its 318-room hotel for overnight stays, extending the Quapaw Nation’s investment in Arkansas. Sports: NCAA baseball Super Regionals begin with Little Rock set to play Troy. Consumer Tech: Walmart is expanding restaurant delivery by adding Subway meals inside Walmart stores, aiming to reach all 1,400 Subways by late July.

Local Courts & Public Safety: A judge dismissed the murder charge against Lonoke County sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer, saying deputies mishandled and lost a dash-cam memory card tied to his case. Arkansas Politics & Governance: Pulaski County’s data-center fight heats up again as a candidate pushes a new 12-month moratorium for Quorum Court. Economic Snapshot: Arkansas’ unemployment rate stayed steady at 4.3% in April, with non-farm payroll jobs rising. Internet Safety: Arkansas State Police urged parents to step up online protections during Internet Safety Month. Local Business & Growth: LSI acquired Five Rivers Distribution, expanding inland waterways logistics on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. Sports: Arkansas is set to face North Carolina in the SEC-ACC Challenge on Dec. 1 in Chapel Hill. Energy Policy: Trump announced $425M in Defense Production Act support for coal plants, including Arkansas. Community & Housing: Greenwood cut the ribbon on a Main Street extension of the Greenwood bypass, while Siloam Springs weighs housing incentives to manage growth.

Drug Enforcement: Arkansas DFA agents and Corning police seized more than 25 pounds of illegal THC products at Pacific Green in Corning, arresting owner Ben Bennett and employee Sharia Shipman on multiple felonies tied to operating outside hemp/medical marijuana rules and alleged underage access. Public Media: Arkansas PBS funding is secured for FY2027, with Friends of Arkansas PBS raising $2.15 million to keep the station on air through at least 2027, including major support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Education Policy: The Arkansas Department of Education submitted a unified education plan to the U.S. Department of Education aimed at cutting overlapping federal reporting and shifting more control to the state and districts. Local Business/Tech: Northwest Arkansas Pathology Associates adopted Techcyte Fusion for remote pathology signout to help address staffing shortages. Community & Culture: Little Rock Public Radio won regional Murrow and state journalism awards, including honors for its podcast and reporting. Health/Finance: A new analysis warns Social Security trust fund depletion could trigger an average $500 monthly benefit cut by 2032.