AGP Executive Report

Arkansas Politics & Elections: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear told Arkansas Democrats they can win in the South, urging them to “focus, talk normal, and lead with your ‘why’” at a North Little Rock fundraiser. State Government & Money: Arkansas tax collections rose more than 13% in September, with sales and corporate income tax gains driving the jump, according to DFA. Education Policy: A bipartisan bill backed by Sen. Tom Cotton would push states to ban student cellphone use during the school day, offering funding to help schools enforce it. Local Government: Pine Bluff City Council will vote on final readings for a new Bayou Bartholomew Commission, rezoning, and budget changes tied to police and transit. Community & Safety: Columbia County is searching for missing Magnolia resident Whitley Colvin. Business & Jobs: Goodwill Arkansas received an $850,000 BlackRock Future Builders grant to expand skilled-trades training. Sports & Community Events: Bauxite hosts Mayflower tonight as the Miners try to avoid an 0-2 conference start, and Texarkana’s 2nd Annual Pickle Fest returns Oct. 10.

College Sports Policy: The U.S. Senate advanced the Protect College Sports Act, a major step toward an NCAA antitrust exemption and a higher player-pay limit, with Arkansas senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman backing it. Higher Ed & Local Life: Arkansas ACCESS Portal applications are open for high school seniors, tied to the Arkansas Applied Campaign that pushes students toward enrollment, enlistment, and jobs. Statewide Health & Community: White River Health and First Community Bank are hosting HealthFirst, a women’s health event in Batesville with free screenings and education. Business Moves: Rheem bought adjacent land near its Fort Smith campus for future growth, and JK Home Loans marked expansion with a Batesville ribbon-cutting. Public Safety: A man was arrested in a 2021 North Little Rock shooting that killed one woman and injured another. Local Culture: Carbon Coffee Lounge is expanding its neighborhood presence, and Searcy marked 175 years with a heritage-focused celebration. Elections: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear told Arkansas Democrats they can win statewide, pointing to his own reelection win.

Highway Project: ARDOT awarded a $27.03 million contract to replace the flood-prone U.S. 82 railroad overpass near Buckner with an underpass-to-overpass redesign, including a new 856-foot overpass and plans to widen the corridor later. Local Cleanup: ARDOT, Keep Arkansas Beautiful and AG Tim Griffin are teaming up for the Fourche Creek litter cleanup at Benny Craig Park in Little Rock Friday, Oct. 2. Politics/Voting: Arkansas voters will see Issue 1, the “Citizens Only Voting Amendment,” which would change the constitution’s “any person” wording to “only a citizen of the United States” for voting eligibility. Public Safety: Craighead County’s “Operation Sentinel” sex offender compliance sweep led to two more probable-cause hearings, bringing the total to 22 arrests. Business/Economy: Bank OZK announced a higher quarterly common dividend of $0.49 per share and declared a preferred dividend. Health Access: UAMS’ MammoVan brought mammogram screenings to Malvern’s ASU Three Rivers campus as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month outreach. Education/Tech: UA Little Rock and partners are hosting an AWS AI Pitch Competition Oct. 15 with up to $50,000 in services for Arkansas entrepreneurs. Sports: Arkansas football receiver Chris Marshall is surging early, and MMCRU volleyball swept George-Little Rock.

Welfare ad backlash: Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ welfare-to-work campaign spot featuring “Brad” (a white, young gamer) sparked a heated right-wing fight over race and messaging, with critics arguing it’s “anti-white/anti-male” while the ad frames welfare as a choice. Voting rights hearing: U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin pressed Eighth Circuit nominee Lee Philip Rudofsky on how the Voting Rights Act can be enforced, spotlighting Arkansas redistricting and private citizens’ ability to challenge voting power limits. School choice funding: Arkansas Educational Freedom Account recipients may see about $100 to $150 less per student in 2027-28 as foundation funding drops for 2026-27. Health care refunds: The Trump administration has started mailing $500 Obamacare refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Arkansas, for overcharges tied to Healthcare.gov user fees. Energy grid upgrade: Entergy won $13.7 million in federal funding to boost transmission reliability across Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Public safety: Pulaski County clerk’s office real estate and marriage license departments will close Friday for a software update. Local business & jobs: SGS earned CPSC-accreditation for its new Bentonville bicycle testing lab. Sports: Protect College Sports Act cleared the Senate and heads to the House, with Arkansas coach John Calipari backing it.

Abortion Courts Fight: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin joined Alabama and Louisiana in a federal lawsuit targeting 29 defendants accused of shipping abortion pills across state lines, arguing it violates consumer protection and public nuisance laws. Supreme Court Push on “Shield Laws”: The same three states also asked the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down blue-state abortion “shield laws” that they say block investigations and protect pill providers. Medicaid Work Requirements Backlash: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ welfare-to-work ad featuring a fictional “Brad” sparked criticism from both sides—NAACP Arkansas for stereotyping and conservatives for allegedly targeting white men. Health Care Refunds: The Trump administration says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Arkansas, will receive $500 ACA refund checks tied to federal exchange overcharges. Public Health Watch: Measles cases topped 3,600 nationwide, with Pennsylvania reporting additional deaths; Arkansas is still listed as having no recorded cases. Energy & Local Leadership: DOE awarded Entergy $13.7 million to upgrade grid reliability across Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, and Northwest Arkansas Land Trust CEO Grady Spann announced his retirement with a successor named. Education Spotlight: ASMSA was ranked No. 1 public high school in Arkansas by Niche for the fifth straight year.

Welfare ad backlash: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is drawing fresh conservative heat after a welfare-to-work campaign video featuring a young white “Brad” gamer sparked accusations of stereotyping and “anti-white” messaging. Public safety tech: Arkansas launched Rapid DNA at booking stations, aiming to speed DNA matches to crime-scene profiles and boost public safety. Rural health funding: Sanders announced $54.6 million in Rural Health Transformation Program grants, including projects tied to healthy eating, workforce recruitment, and rural care expansion. Higher ed spotlight: TIME ranked the University of Arkansas among the top 100 public institutions. Business and jobs: Union Pacific added the Southwest Arkansas Mega Site to its focus network, and Air Methods is teaming with Pafford to start southern Arkansas helicopter transport bases in October. Agriculture cost relief: Sanders temporarily allowed red-dyed diesel on state highways for farmers and loggers through Oct. 30 as diesel prices strain profits. Local politics: Washington County judge candidates squared off in Springdale, pitching less partisanship and more focus on growth and infrastructure.

Transportation & Infrastructure: Pine Bluff’s draft 2027–2030 road plan lays out millions in upgrades starting next year, including a first phase of I-530 access improvements in Jefferson County and safety work along Highways 65, 65B and 425. Local Service & Community: United Way Day of Caring in Northeast Arkansas brought 600 volunteers together for 63 projects and 3,500 hours of service. Politics & Agriculture: Sen. John Boozman says the Farm Bill “2.0” path is moving as the Senate Agriculture Committee advances its version and negotiations with the House continue. Public Safety: A car crashed into a Maumelle Waffle House, killing employee Tracy Long; the driver faces charges including DWI and negligent homicide. Schools & Social Media: Fort Smith Public Schools voted to join a national lawsuit targeting major social media companies over alleged compulsive-use design for minors. Elections & Voting: Arkansas is nearing the voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 election, with key dates set for checking status and registering. Business & Consumer Tech: Walmart says its digital price labels won’t use personal data like income or shopping history to set prices.

Crime & Courts: A woman was identified after a fatal crash into a Maumelle Waffle House; Tracy Long, 59, was pinned under the vehicle, and the driver, Ranisha Peebles, pleaded not guilty to negligent homicide and related charges. State Politics: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is defending Arkansas’ welfare-to-work push after conservatives erupted over a new ad portraying a “Brad” welfare recipient as a young white man. Elections: Maumelle voters will choose a new mayor in five weeks, with Neil Allen challenging incumbent Caleb Norris, both citing public safety as a top priority. Public Safety Rules: ARDOT reminded campaigns that placing signs on highway right-of-way is unlawful and will be removed. Attorney General: AG Tim Griffin’s Fraud and Consumer Protection Summit drew more than 800 registrants, with day two set to tackle Medicaid fraud, AI deepfakes, and identity theft. Business/Jobs: Smackover Lithium amended its Trafigura offtake deal, adding up to 4,000 more tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate per year. Community & Health: Arkansas Imagination Library received a $60,000 grant to support Northwest Arkansas operations long-term, and a new Arkansas Full Table Fund aims to reduce statewide food insecurity with Walmart Foundation backing. Sports: Arkansas Sports Media High School Football Poll highlights Bentonville, Conway, and Shiloh Christian at the top.

Arkansas Politics & Welfare: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is drawing backlash after a “welfare-to-work” ad depicts a lazy white gamer named “Brad,” a move critics say plays into tired welfare stereotypes and could make benefits harder to access. Medicaid & Health Policy: As Medicaid work requirements begin, some states are tightening rules beyond federal guidance, including requiring medical proof sooner—raising concerns that people who can’t afford care may be denied coverage. Agriculture & Rural Economy: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced “Farm Bill 2.0,” with Sen. John Boozman saying it would expand support for farmers and rural infrastructure. Public Safety: Fayetteville honored four officers for stopping a 2025 apartment shootout, including Sgt. Levi Samuels and Cpl. Jason Bailey. Health & Community: Jefferson Regional’s surgery chief, Dr. Charles Mabry, received the American College of Surgeons’ top Distinguished Service Award. Education & Workforce: UA Little Rock received nearly $3 million to build an AI-powered simulation center to help students practice real-world professional skills. Food & Events: Nominations are open for the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, and White River Health and First Community Bank host a women’s health event Oct. 6 in Batesville. Business & Industry: Smackover Lithium amended its deal with Trafigura to allow up to 50% more lithium sales. Journalism: The Arkansas Advocate won national first place for its prison overcrowding reporting series.

Economic Power & Growth: Arkansas is touting its No. 1 inbound-mover ranking and affordability gains, but a new focus is how continued access to affordable, reliable electricity will decide whether that momentum holds. Wildfire Response: The state is battling its worst wildfire season since 2012, with 1,478 wildfires and tens of thousands of acres burned so far, pushing crews to rely on satellites, contract aircraft, and more air support. Local Business & Banking: Farmers & Merchants Bank plans a new Chenal Parkway branch in Hazen, while Crafton Tull in Rogers promotes Daniel Ellis to COO as the firm keeps expanding. Housing & Lending: Federal changes tighten condo lending, requiring higher reserves and more scrutiny of condo association finances—likely meaning fewer deals and higher fees. Education & Community Service: Arkansas high school seniors must complete 75 hours of community service under the LEARNS Act, with implementation expected to swell volunteer ranks. Elections Watch (Union County): A complaint filed against the Union County Election Commission is now in the state’s hands, while commissioners lay out key ballot measures and vote-center details ahead of Nov. 3. Public Safety: Arkansas Highway Police report major drug seizures on I-40 during commercial vehicle stops. Crime & Courts: Lonoke County will pick a new sheriff after a candidate’s murder case drew national attention. Sports & Culture: Yuna Nishimura wins the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship in Rogers; and Saracen Casino’s operating authority votes to remove two top executives amid misconduct allegations.

College Football: Texas A&M is now unranked after a 35-6 loss at LSU, setting up next Saturday’s matchup with Arkansas, which beat Tulsa 34-6 and was picked last in the preseason SEC poll. Arkansas Crime & Safety: Arkansas Highway Police report two major drug busts on Interstate 40 during commercial vehicle stops, including 254 kilos of cocaine and 2 kilos of meth, plus another seizure involving marijuana, meth, mushrooms, and a stolen UTV. Food Assistance: New federal data show more than 330,000 Americans lost SNAP access between May and June, with millions losing benefits since last year’s eligibility changes. Retail Tech & Prices: Walmart says it won’t use personal data or shopping behavior to set prices as it expands digital shelf labels. Health Policy: Federal Medicaid work rules are starting in January, and at least six states—including Arkansas—will require medical proof instead of self-attestation for some exemptions. Business/Workforce: Starbucks plans to close 250 stores across North America, raising concerns for employees. Local Notes: A Maumelle Waffle House employee died after a car crashed into the restaurant; the driver was arrested.

Medicaid Fight: Work requirements for some Medicaid beneficiaries begin in January, and several Republican-led states are tightening rules by demanding medical documentation sooner than federal guidance—advocates warn it could block care for people too frail to work. Abortion Ban Court Challenge: A lawsuit challenging Arkansas’ near-total abortion ban gets its first hearing as the state argues for dismissal and plaintiffs say emergency care was denied. Local Politics/Data Centers: Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde vetoed an ordinance that would regulate large-scale data centers, setting up a possible Quorum Court override. Tribal Gaming: Saracen Casino Resort’s operator voted to terminate top executives tied to alleged conflicts and financial mismanagement, with reports naming the general manager and chief market officer. Elections: Arkansas’ Oct. 5 voter registration deadline is one week away ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas football rolled past Tulsa 34-6 as WR Chris Marshall posted 195 yards and Ben Bogle sparked an improved defense. Community & Food: The Arkansas rice industry donated 201,500 pounds of rice to the Arkansas Foodbank, and a Centerton pantry shut down after 15 years due to lost space.

Arkansas Football: Pine Bluff native Courtney Crutchfield is back in the Razorbacks spotlight, with Arkansas coaches stressing he must earn a real role after a tough start to college. Local Food & Health: Arkansas rice mills donated 201,500 pounds of rice to the Arkansas Foodbank for National Rice Month, aiming to help families during Hunger Action Month. Higher Ed & Community: The Arkansas Community Foundation launched the Arkansas Full Table Fund, a statewide $10 million grant effort to fight food insecurity through nonprofit applications starting Oct. 1. Public Safety & Privacy: Camden became the latest Arkansas city to cancel its Flock Safety camera contract, saying the move is about transparency and public trust. State Policy Watch: Medicaid work requirements are starting nationwide, and some Republican-led states are tightening rules beyond federal guidance—sparking lawsuits and concerns for new applicants. Sports (Arkansas): Yuna Nishimura took a one-shot lead after an 8-under 63 at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship in Rogers.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced $54.6 million in Rural Health Transformation Program grants, including nutrition and prevention projects plus workforce development, with major awards across Northeast Arkansas. Food Security Push: Arkansas Community Foundation launched the Arkansas Full Table Fund, backed by a $10 million Walmart Foundation grant and support from Tyson Foods and Cargill, with nonprofits able to apply starting Oct. 1. State Policy & Work Requirements: Arkansas DHS is rolling out an outreach toolkit ahead of new ARHOME work requirements starting Jan. 1, 2027, for non-exempt recipients. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Camden is canceling its Flock Safety camera contract, saying transparency and discrepancies drove the decision; cameras will be covered until removed. Gaming Leadership Shakeup: Saracen Casino Resort’s operator recommended termination of top executives over alleged conflicts and mismanagement. Health Watch: A new report says Arkansas’ obesity rate fell for the second straight year to 36.7%, but the state remains in the national top 10. Agriculture Rescue Loan: Arkansas approved a $5 million bridge loan to help Delta Peanut process the harvest while a possible sale is negotiated. Politics & Courts: A Pulaski County judge kept a block on laws that would let the governor fire top prison officials, citing constitutional conflict.

Rural Health Funding: Arkansas announced $54.6 million in second-round Rural Health Transformation Program grants, with projects under HEART (healthy eating, active recreation and transformation) and RISE AR (recruitment, innovation skills and education) aimed at boosting prevention, workforce capacity and chronic disease care across the state. Health Care Expansion: Heartland Whole Health Institute in Bentonville launched Heartland Whole Health Connect, backed by $8.4 million in first-year Rural Health Transformation Program funding to scale a rural healthcare transformation model using added workforce, stronger care delivery and telehealth tools. Data Privacy: Acting Attorney General Cori Mills and a multistate coalition announced a settlement with Labcorp tied to the 2019 AMCA medical debt data breach, emphasizing that HIPAA-covered entities must properly vet and oversee vendors handling sensitive patient information. State Government & Courts: A judge rejected a proposed settlement between the Arkansas Board of Corrections and the governor’s office, saying it would have “absurd” consequences by shifting hiring and firing power over top prison officials. Elections & Rules: ARDOT reminded candidates that campaign signs are illegal on highway right-of-ways and will be removed for safety. Education: Little Rock School District board members discussed expanding accelerated classes, 2027 budgeting and a revised hiring plan, citing improved district grades. Business & Local Growth: North Little Rock expanded the Argenta Outdoor Dining District, extending boundaries toward the riverfront as new hospitality projects come online.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Sanders announced $54.6 million in second-round Rural Health Transformation Program grants, including $27.4 million for HEART nutrition and activity projects and $27.2 million for RISE AR workforce training. Local Schools: Little Rock School District put two employees on paid leave while it investigates concerns about students meeting athletic eligibility requirements. Immigration Enforcement: Benton County Quorum Court approved creating a fund for the county’s 287(g) ICE program and also backed applying for a DOJ grant tied to jail expansion. Education & Community: Supporters of Watson Elementary urged the Little Rock School Board to keep the school open as budget cuts could force campus closures. Business & Jobs: Bentonville’s Arkade startup accelerator added 14 member companies in its first year, with many landing pilots or contracts. Healthcare Expansion: MGA Homecare acquired Care IV’s private duty nursing division to expand services for medically complex patients in Arkansas. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police reported three fatal crashes over a six-day period. Sports: NCAA cleared Arkansas forward Miikka Muurinen to play this season; Arkansas soccer drew Georgia 2-2.