AGP Executive Report

Medicaid Fight: Arkansas’ hybrid Medicaid expansion (ARHOME) is in limbo again after the Trump administration denied renewal; DHS is asking for a two-year extension through 2028 to smooth a transition for 200,000+ people. Local Education: North Little Rock marked a major construction milestone with a “topping off” ceremony for its new middle school, backed by a $20.8M state facilities grant and a voter-approved millage. Lottery Watch: Powerball rolled again with no jackpot winner Saturday; the next drawing is estimated at $905M after numbers 5-9-35-54-63 and Powerball 7 (Power Play 3x). Aviation Dollars: Gainesville Regional Airport accepted $12.6M in federal grants for a new general aviation terminal and expanded commercial apron. Sports & Community: Southern Arkansas baseball added Matt Page to its 2027 staff; and North Little Rock hosted a weeklong jazz fundraiser featuring Grammy-nominated Gerald Albright. Public Health: Cyclospora cases keep rising nationally, with Arkansas among the affected states.

Public Safety: Pulaski County says four people, including a man already serving time for murder, were arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs and other contraband into the county jail. Health Alert: Albertsons recalled four jalapeño-containing salsa and salad products sold in Arkansas and several other states due to possible Salmonella contamination—don’t eat them; return for a refund. Local Government & Community: Jonesboro Right Now highlights a milestone for Arkansas State University’s new veterinary college, with a white coat ceremony for the inaugural class. Water Safety: Mammoth Spring Waterworks issued a boil order after a water main break, advising residents to boil water before drinking or cooking. Tech/Service Disruption: Verizon customers in multiple states, including Arkansas, reported a voice-service outage; Verizon says engineers are working to fix it. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas football camp notes a mandatory off day, while Arkansas basketball’s schedule includes a Nov. 13 home game vs. Central Arkansas. Business/Policy: Sen. John Boozman says he’ll bring the Farm Bill back after a committee vote stalled, focusing on SNAP accountability disputes.

Local Youth & Education: 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 in Atlanta. Benton Growth & Jobs: Benton’s chamber is set to host the Central Arkansas Job Fair Aug. 21 at the Benton Event Center, with 50+ employers and free headshots and resume help. Roadside Landmark: Buc-ee’s is coming to Benton—its first Arkansas location opens Aug. 17 along I-30/Highway 229, bringing 120 fuel pumps and 200+ jobs. Public Safety & Health: Arkansas cyclosporiasis keeps climbing as the multistate outbreak expands, with officials urging caution around salad greens and recalled produce. Sports (Arkansas ties): Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke’s death has been ruled accidental by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, citing heroin and cocaine effects. Community Cleanup: Registration is open for the Great Arkansas Cleanup, running Sept. 12 through Oct. 31 statewide.

Food Safety: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled fresh jalapeno peppers has sickened hundreds in 27 states, including Arkansas, with health officials urging people to check recalls and wash produce well. Public Health: A cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce has spread to 15 states, and the Arkansas Department of Health confirmed cases in Miller County; officials say symptoms like diarrhea and stomach cramps can show up after exposure and persistent symptoms should be checked. Local Crime & Courts: Arkansas State Police say a high-speed pursuit on I-555 ended in a crash that seriously injured two people in a third vehicle; the driver faces multiple felony charges. Health Care & Community: UAMS chancellor Lowry Barnes is returning to the Pine Bluff area as UAMS and Jefferson Regional expand services across southeast Arkansas. Sports: Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died from an accidental overdose involving heroin and cocaine, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner. Arts & Education: The Institute for the Creative Arts charter school in Fort Smith is still accepting applications for the 2026-27 year.

Arkansas Health & Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños linked to a common grower in Sinaloa, Mexico has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations reported; Chipotle and Qdoba pulled jalapeños nationwide while the FDA and CDC keep investigating and a distributor recall is underway. Public Health Watch: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps expanding, with the latest state figures putting cases at 12,485 and two deaths, while health officials say risk is easing as the highest-exposure period passes. Local Community & Parks: Little Rock’s 30 Crossing Park is getting a major boost after the Bezos Earth Fund selected the city for a Greening America’s Cities award, aimed at turning underused downtown land into a new river-connected green space. State Politics & Policy: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has been discharged from rehab and will continue recovery at home, while Arkansas Sen. John Boozman marked up “Farm Bill 2.0” in the Senate Ag Committee. Sports & Community Events: Arkansas football fall camp continues with quarterback competition in focus, and local calendars include a White County commodity distribution Aug. 13 and ScotsFest 2026 Oct. 23-25 in Batesville.

Salmonella Recall: Midwest Poultry Services is recalling more than 19 million eggs across six states after a Salmonella outbreak linked to 98 illnesses and 26 hospitalizations, with no deaths reported. The recall covers five brands (including Kroger and Brookshire’s) sold with sell-by/best-by dates through Aug. 17, and includes eggs distributed in Arkansas. Cyclospora Outbreak: The CDC says the lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak has expanded to 15 states, with Arkansas now among those reporting cases tied to Taylor Farms/Taco Bell. Public Health: A Code Orange ozone advisory was issued for the Memphis metro area, including Crittenden County, urging residents to limit prolonged outdoor activity Friday. Local Economy/Community: Brandi Schulz completed Year 2 of UCA’s Community Development Institute in Conway, training local leaders on economic development and partnerships. Education/Health Workforce: Ozarka College celebrated its 2026 Surgical Technology graduates, and Arkansas Colleges of Health Education received approval to launch a Doctor of Executive Leadership program online. Crime & Courts: A Springdale man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft tied to selling property he didn’t own. Energy Policy: A legislative panel heard a feasibility study saying new nuclear reactors in Arkansas are “feasible and advisable,” but state support may be needed.

Cyclospora Alert: The CDC says the iceberg-lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak now involves 15 states, adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina; officials report thousands of cases nationwide and urge people to watch for prolonged diarrhea and seek care. Food Safety: A separate salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños served at Chipotle and Qdoba has expanded to 27 states, with both chains removing jalapeños from menus “out of caution.” Public Health & Care: Lifeline Blood Services issued a critical blood donation appeal after two major local emergencies depleted supplies. Local Government: Mountain Home canceled its Thursday City Council meeting for lack of an agenda, but will hold a workshop on proposed mobile vendor rules. Crime & Courts: Prosecutors in Marion County asked a judge to revoke bond and keep Steven L. Manson Sr. jailed after new felony drug and gun charges while awaiting trial. Education: Arkansas State football opened fall camp with quarterback competition and defensive front battles as the season opener nears. Lottery: Powerball jackpot climbed again to an estimated $856 million for Saturday’s drawing.

Arkansas Politics: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders will launch a special-election process to fill former Rep. Austin McCollum’s House seat after his resignation following an arrest tied to alleged domestic assault. Local Governance: Little Rock City Director Ken Richardson, absent from meetings for much of his term, won’t seek reelection; five candidates filed for his Ward 2 seat. Public Safety: A Shannon Hills police officer was arrested and charged after Little Rock police say he hit his girlfriend and daughter with a service flashlight. Health Watch: Arkansas reported 32 new cyclosporiasis cases since Monday, bringing the state total to 205, as a multistate lettuce-linked outbreak now spans 15 states. Food Safety: Federal health officials also say a salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has sickened people across 27 states. Transportation: A fiery crash on I-530 near Sweet Home blocked lanes and triggered major traffic delays. Community & Development: Jonesboro leaders are weighing a permanent site for the Northeast Arkansas Children’s Museum, while ARDOT seeks public input on a possible Jonesboro-to-Osceola highway connection. Sports: Arkansas football opened fall camp under Ryan Silverfield with Day 1 practice; the Razorbacks also finished a 4-0 Bahamas Summer League run with a 105-48 win over Calgary.

National Guard Cost: The White House’s National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C. through 2029 is projected to cost about $1.4 billion, according to a Defense Department estimate. Local Law Enforcement: A Tennessee murder suspect was arrested after a 120 mph chase that ended in an Arkansas crash, with authorities citing outstanding warrants. State Politics: Bill Teeter won the special election for House District 44, filling the seat after Rep. Stan Berry’s death. Education & Arts: Arkansas State University–Mountain Home launched a national Art Walk for sculptors, moving from local displays to a juried exhibition with a Sept. 15 application deadline. Healthcare Access: Baxter Health added an OB/GYN physician to its Women’s Clinic in September, aiming to expand care in a region that struggles to recruit providers. Business & Jobs: James & James is investing more than $9.4 million in a Heber Springs manufacturing facility, planning 47 new jobs over four years. Sports: Arkansas’ preseason football slate is flagged as among the toughest nationally, with multiple top-ranked opponents on the schedule.

Buc-ee’s Expansion: The travel giant is bringing its first Arkansas location to Benton, opening Aug. 17 at 1400 Highway 229 with 120 fueling stations and plans to hire 200+ workers. Public Safety & Health: Arkansas cyclosporiasis cases climbed to 173 statewide, with more than 100 in Benton County, as officials track a multistate outbreak. Consumer Alert: Walmart’s bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter is under a salmonella recall tied to a specific lot. Law Enforcement: Arkansas State Police are investigating a Cotton Plant shooting that left one dead and two injured. Justice System: A Carlisle woman, Traci Wagner, was arrested on 28 counts for allegedly exploiting nursing home residents by cashing checks from their accounts. State Politics: AG Tim Griffin joined a bipartisan push urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act and to preserve federal hemp rules. Local Transit: West Memphis unveiled West Memphis Connect, a new public transportation service launching in October, with Southland Casino covering the first 1,000 rides. Sports: Arkansas closed its Baha Mar Summer League run with a 105-48 win over Calgary.

Medicaid Fight in Arkansas: Arkansas providers are alarmed after the state’s hybrid Medicaid expansion (ARHOME) won’t be renewed, leaving uncertainty for more than 200,000 enrollees and raising fears of more uncompensated care for already-stressed hospitals. School Choice Push: Thirty-one states, including West Virginia and Ohio, have opted into the federal Education Freedom Scholarship Program, while Arkansas remains part of the national debate over oversight and accountability. Powerball Fever: The jackpot is climbing again—estimated $786 million for Wednesday—with no Monday winner; the prize is among the biggest in game history and could be claimed as a lump sum or annuity. Local Government Watch: Baxter County Quorum Court is set to consider $1.3 million in appropriations, including airport hangar work and coroner’s building funding. Investigative Journalism Win: Mountain Home Observer publisher Chris Fulton took top honors in Arkansas SPJ’s investigative awards for reporting on DCFS hotline failures and a governance collapse. Sports & Community: Arkansas football continues quarterback-battle coverage as preseason camp ramps up, while SAU on the Square in Magnolia expands hands-on experiential learning for students.

Local Elections: Three more candidates filed for Little Rock municipal races, with Mayor’s office and six director seats on the Nov. ballot; Kathy Webb (Ward 3) seeks reelection, while Lake Smith filed to challenge her, and Virgil Miller Jr. (Ward 1) and Lance Hines (Ward 5) also filed for another term. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police are investigating a Woodruff County shooting in Cotton Plant that left one man dead and two women injured, with one victim in stable condition and another in critical condition. Health & Community: Craighead County’s Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund is accepting fall 2026 applications, offering $400 to $1,600 plus mentorship for eligible single parents. Politics & Accountability: Republican state Rep. Austin McCollum faces calls to resign after domestic violence-related arrest; Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge withdrew her endorsement. Business & Growth: Sam’s Club unveiled a modern store makeover in Lebanon, Tennessee, as it rolls out tech upgrades and a membership price change. Sports (Arkansas): Arkansas men’s basketball is set to face Toros del Valle in the Bahamas at 5 p.m. central, with Miikka Muurinen still awaiting eligibility clearance.

Disability & Medicaid: Arkansans with severe disabilities are facing new worries after federal changes that end a requirement for home- and community-based care, with advocates pointing to Arkansas’s PASSE managed-care system and caregiver pay as part of the problem. Road Safety: Arkansas State Police report fatal crashes are down year-to-date—245 deaths so far in 2026 versus 292 at the same point in 2025—crediting enforcement and trooper visibility. Local Economy & Jobs: Simmons Bank says staff reductions are part of a regular operational review, while UAMS named Dr. Ronald Robertson permanent dean of the College of Medicine. Education: North Little Rock’s third-grade reading results show 13% of students (76) may be held back, raising concerns for families. Community & Culture: Central Arkansas Library System is opening Library Square Books, a used-book store in downtown Little Rock, with a ribbon-cutting Aug. 20. Business Growth: James & James plans a $9.4M Heber Springs facility expected to create 47 jobs over four years.

Little Rock Housing Oversight: HUD has tapped Ellis Wilson-Henri to help oversee the Little Rock Housing Authority after HUD took over earlier this year, with the new two-person board authorizing her as a contracting officer to review procurement and contracts. Local Spending: The Little Rock Board of Directors approved about $121,600 to buy 21 additional surveillance cameras and related equipment. Crime Update: Federal marshals and Arkansas law enforcement arrested Isaiah H. Houston, an Illinois suspect wanted for first-degree murder, after a multi-hour search in Little Rock; he’s awaiting extradition. Public Safety: A Saline County crash on Arkansas 9 killed a 79-year-old Monroe, Louisiana woman, while the driver was taken to Baptist Health. Politics & Courts: Benton County judge candidate and state Rep. Austin McCollum was arrested on domestic battery and related charges, with a probable cause affidavit alleging serious harm to his wife. Weather: Heat and humidity are building back across Arkansas this week. Sports (Arkansas): The Razorbacks rolled past Carleton University 98-58 in the Bahamas, with Jordan Smith posting a triple-double and Abdou Toure showing early promise.

Cybersecurity & Water Systems: Federal authorities warn that malicious hackers have remotely tampered with internet-connected controls at water and wastewater systems in multiple states, with Iran suspected after a Minnesota attack disrupted operations. Forensics Upgrade: The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory says it has cut the backlog for mobile device exams, now processing devices as they’re submitted and improving turnaround times. State Politics & Public Safety: Republican Rep. Austin McCollum was arrested on domestic battering charges; Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders called for his resignation and House Speaker Brian Evans moved to strip leadership roles. Local Crime & Courts: A North Little Rock woman pleaded guilty to Medicaid fraud and was ordered to pay more than $13,000 in restitution, fines, and court costs. Education & Community: LifeWise Academy is expanding its released-time religious study program in Arkansas public schools, while Jonesboro’s “Stuff the Bus” drive collected thousands of school supplies for students. Arkansas Basketball: Jordan Smith Jr. and Jeremiah Wilkinson showed off a new backcourt in a big Arkansas win over Carleton at the Baha Mar Summer League. Weather & Daily Life: Arkansas shoppers are using the state’s back-to-school sales tax holiday, and SNAP benefits follow an August schedule that includes Arkansas payments from Aug. 4-13.

Domestic Violence & Accountability: Arkansas Rep. Austin McCollum was arrested on domestic battering charges, with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders calling for his resignation and House Speaker Brian Evans stripping him of leadership roles while details of the incident remain limited. Local Governance: Pulaski County rejected a proposed one-year pause on a controversial Wrightsville data center project, with residents citing power, water, and land-use concerns and officials saying the meeting process wasn’t set up for broad participation. Public Safety: Arkansas traffic fatalities are reported down midyear, while separate crash reports include a deadly 4-wheeler rollover in Kansas involving the Arkansas River. Health Watch: Experts warn of rare Bourbon virus after a first New York case, noting there’s no vaccine or specific treatment and urging tick prevention. Sports (Arkansas): The Razorbacks opened the Baha Mar Summer League with a 106-59 win over the Bahamas and return Saturday vs. Carleton; meanwhile, Arkansas football training camp under Ryan Silverfield begins with big roster questions. Community & Civic Life: Delta Sigma Theta’s Pine Bluff chapter plans a Women’s Suffrage Walk and panel discussion Aug. 15.