AGP Executive Report

Education & Accountability: North Little Rock’s new reading requirement is set to hold back about 1 in 8 third graders after low ATLAS reading scores, with Pulaski County districts showing different retention rates. Local Elections: Lee County School Board District 6 (at-large) features incumbent Jada Langford-Fleming facing another candidate in a countywide race. Housing Oversight: HUD has tapped an additional official to help oversee the Little Rock housing authority after earlier management concerns led to HUD taking over and dissolving the board. Public Safety & Courts: Federal marshals and Arkansas partners arrested an Illinois homicide suspect in Little Rock after a multi-hour search, with another out-of-state suspect also taken into custody. Crime & Politics: Benton County Republican judge candidate and state Rep. Austin McCollum faces domestic battery allegations after a probable cause affidavit says he attacked his wife; Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and House Speaker Brian Evans called for consequences. Infrastructure & Tech Security: The Arkansas State Crime Lab says it has cut the backlog for mobile device forensics, improving turnaround times for digital evidence.

Arkansas Politics: Arkansas GOP Rep. Austin McCollum was arrested Saturday on domestic battering charges, with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and House Speaker Brian Evans calling for resignation and removal from leadership roles as the case moves through Benton County. Public Safety & Courts: US Marshals say they captured an Illinois murder suspect, Isaiah H. Houston, after he was found hiding in Arkansas and will face extradition. Cybersecurity: Federal officials warn that Iran-linked hackers may be targeting internet-connected water systems; the FBI/EPA alert follows attacks that disrupted operations in multiple states, including Minnesota. Forensics Capacity: The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory says it has cleared a major backlog in mobile device examinations, cutting turnaround times by processing devices as submitted. Education & Religion: LifeWise Academy is expanding its opt-in released-time Bible instruction in Arkansas public schools, raising fresh questions about how districts draw the line. Everyday Life: Powerball keeps rolling toward a roughly $748M Monday drawing, while Arkansas SNAP benefits for August run Aug. 4-13.

Benton County Politics: Arkansas GOP Rep. Austin McCollum was arrested Saturday on domestic battering charges, with additional allegations including aggravated assault and first-degree false imprisonment; Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and House Speaker Brian Evans both called for resignation and Evans moved to strip him of leadership roles while he remains jailed pending a bond hearing. Local Governance: Pulaski County Quorum Court rejected a proposed one-year pause on new data centers, keeping an AVAIO Digital project in Wrightsville on track despite resident concerns about power, water use, and rural land impacts. Education & Culture Wars: LifeWise Academy is expanding its opt-in, off-campus “released time” religious study program into Arkansas public schools, raising questions about how the program fits within constitutional limits and school neutrality. Cybersecurity: Federal officials warned that Iranian-linked hackers are targeting internet-exposed systems controlling water and other critical infrastructure, with Arkansas readers urged to treat local utilities’ cyber readiness as urgent. Public Safety: Fort Smith Police earned CALEA accreditation again, marking its eighth time achieving the standard. Health & Leadership: UAMS named Wendy N. Nembhard as dean of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health effective Sept. 1.

Benton County Politics: Republican nominee for county judge Austin McCollum was arrested Saturday on suspicion of aggravated assault on a family member, false imprisonment and misdemeanor domestic battery; no formal charges yet and a bond hearing is pending. Public Safety & Courts: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin is appealing a ruling that a Ten Commandments monument on state capitol grounds is unconstitutional, arguing it’s protected by history/tradition. Health Policy: UAMS named Wendy N. Nembhard as dean of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, effective Sept. 1. Medicaid Watch: A federal Medicaid work-requirement rule took effect, with Arkansas previously seeing coverage losses tied to paperwork failures; the policy is set to begin enforcement in 2027. Law Enforcement Capacity: Arkansas State Crime Laboratory says it has cleared a mobile-device backlog and improved turnaround times after staffing and workflow changes. Local Government Filings: Candidates filed for municipal offices in Benton and Washington counties ahead of the Nov. 3 election. State Economy/Business: James & James LLC will build a $9.4 million Heber Springs factory, creating 47 jobs over four years. Public Health/Community: Arkansas Rural Water Association joined a committee seeking voter approval for bonds tied to irrigation and infrastructure.

Medicaid Crossroads: The Trump administration rejected Arkansas’ request to renew its hybrid Medicaid expansion (ARHOME), setting up uncertainty for coverage of more than 200,000 low-income Arkansans as the waiver ends Dec. 31. Education & Accountability: A federal lawsuit in Little Rock alleges the Little Rock School District failed to properly train teachers on learning disabilities after an art teacher reportedly fractured an elementary student’s elbow. Public Safety & Justice: The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory says it has nearly eliminated its mobile-device forensic backlog, with turnaround times improving after staffing and workflow changes. Law Enforcement Pipeline: ADLEST recognized graduates of Basic Police Training Class 2026-B at ALETA in East Camden, with 65 cadets from 45 agencies. Water Infrastructure Ballot Fight: A committee backed by the Arkansas Rural Water Association is pushing Issue 4 for up to $500 million in state bonds for water, irrigation, and pollution reduction on the Nov. 3 ballot. Digital Defense: Cyber Shield 2026 tested Arkansas Guard and partners’ ability to defend critical infrastructure against realistic cyberattacks. Campaign Trail: Democratic Senate challenger Hallie Shoffner visited a Van Buren senior center as she takes on Sen. Tom Cotton. Local Courts: A judge dismissed a Fayetteville lawsuit over Ramay Junior High plans, citing lack of legal standing. Consumer Watch: Arkansas’ back-to-school sales tax holiday runs this weekend, with rules on what’s exempt.

Constitutional Battles: Arkansas’ proposed “Ballot Measure Rights” amendment failed to reach the signature threshold, with the Secretary of State citing signature problems and alleged fraud/facial errors—so it won’t be on the November ballot. Courts & Public Libraries: The 8th Circuit cleared the way for Arkansas to enforce its law restricting access to library materials, rejecting challenges that claimed First Amendment problems. Prisons & State Power: A Pulaski County judge allowed current and former Arkansas Board of Corrections members to intervene in a lawsuit over the board’s authority to fire top prison officials. Digital Forensics: The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory says it has cut mobile-device processing backlogs, with all cases assigned and none pre-dating March 2026. Elections & Voting Rights: Arkansas voters will still consider three legislatively referred constitutional amendments this November, including one clarifying citizen-only voting and another on the right to keep and bear arms. State Politics & Governance: Little Rock Public Radio reports seven candidates filed for Little Rock elected posts as filing begins. Economic Development: Issue 3 would set up economic development districts under the state constitution, as Arkansas prepares for another round of ballot measures.

Election & Direct Democracy: Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester rejected the “Ballot Measure Rights Amendment” petition, throwing out 108,837 signatures over title/name mismatches and alleged signature problems, including duplicates and alleged forgery. Courts & Libraries: The 8th Circuit cleared the way for Arkansas to enforce key parts of Act 372 of 2023 limiting access to “obscene” materials for minors, and AG Tim Griffin praised the ruling after plaintiffs were found to lack standing on one part and failed on another. State Politics & Elections: Randolph County is weighing switching from fixed polling sites to vote centers for the next election, aiming to ease staffing and accessibility issues. Special Election: Arkansas Senate District 1 will hold a special primary Aug. 18 to fill Ben Gilmore’s seat, with GOP candidates Laura “Missy” Wardlaw and Harrell Wilson and Democrat Tomeka Butler. Veterans & Transportation: The Trump administration launched “Freedom Haulers,” expanding a CDL skills-test waiver for veterans (window now 24 months) and adding a fast-track path for veterans without heavy-vehicle experience. Public Safety & Justice: Columbia County jail booking/release lists continued to roll out for July 29-30. Health & Research: UAMS will purchase the Proton Center of Arkansas so proton therapy can resume under UAMS management.

Pharmacy Access Fight: Arkansas’ State Board of Pharmacy voted not to enforce a 2025 law limiting which pharmacies can buy drugs after a federal judge struck it down as unconstitutional, setting up more legal and legislative pressure around Act 630. Courts & Elections: The 8th U.S. Circuit Court lifted an injunction so a law targeting minors’ access to certain library materials can take effect, while a separate bench trial on Arkansas election-law constitutionality wrapped without an immediate ruling. Public Safety: A Springdale-area murder case was paused after the defendant was found unfit to proceed in Pulaski County. Local Government: Saline County’s municipal candidate filing period opened for the Nov. 3 election. Housing & Federal Programs: New HUD rankings show Jefferson County near the top for Housing Choice Vouchers, while several smaller counties sit low in assisted-unit totals. Business Watch: Tyson Foods is expected to report gains in its fiscal third quarter, as leadership transitions approach. Defense & Jobs: Lockheed Martin won a massive Patriot interceptor production contract, with Camden, Arkansas tied to expanded output. Statewide Economy: The Fed held rates steady despite dissent, and GDP growth came in sluggish—context for Arkansas households facing stubborn inflation.

Local Government & Permitting: Little Rock Board member Kathy Webb is set to propose an 18-month moratorium on permits for “hyperscale” data centers, including a planned Google facility at the Port of Little Rock, with required public hearings every six months during the pause. Elections & Ballot Access: A federal bench trial over the constitutionality of Arkansas election initiative rules wrapped without an immediate ruling, with a judge planning a decision by Sept. 1. State Policy & Voting: Gov. Sarah Rhoden joined 22 Republican governors urging the U.S. Senate to pass the SAVE Act, arguing for nationwide voter eligibility standards. Healthcare Workforce & Research: Arkansas State University will participate in ORAU’s new rural health Research Innovation Cluster, focused on workforce, access to care, women’s health, and preparedness. Defense & Jobs in Arkansas: The Pentagon awarded Lockheed Martin a up-to-$58.6 billion Patriot interceptor production deal, and Lockheed says it will expand hiring at its Camden, Arkansas line. Civic Engagement: The League of Women Voters of Arkansas announced three new local chapters serving the Upper Delta, Garland County, and the Jonesboro area. Arkansas Courts & Drug Access: The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy voted not to enforce a 2025 law limiting drugmakers’ pharmacy distribution restrictions after a federal judge struck it down.

Fort Smith Politics: Longtime city Director Kevin Settle says he won’t seek reelection this year, ending 20 years on the board and citing personal and family reasons. Federal/Intelligence: The U.S. Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence, with Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton backing the nominee while Democrats raised concerns about political pressure. Arkansas Government & Tax Policy: Arkansas’ Tax Free Weekend is set for Aug. 1-2, with DFA reminding shoppers that the 6.5% state sales tax (and local tax) won’t apply to qualifying items, including back-to-school basics. Public Health & Environment: A “Great North American Smokeout” framing highlights how wildfire smoke is blanketing parts of the U.S., turning wildfire conditions into a cross-border air quality problem. Campaign Trail (Arkansas): Hallie Shoffner held a Bryant town hall, pitching her priorities on farming, Social Security, education, immigration, and constituent service ahead of her race against Sen. Tom Cotton. Local Safety: Rogers police escorted the body of Officer Fred Marsh after he drowned while trying to help a swimmer in Missouri. Health Care Watch: Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley are seeing hospital reorganizations and service cuts as systems reposition amid rapid growth.

Education Appointments: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed Gary Stark to the Arkansas State Board of Education, replacing Adrienne Woods, as the state continues pushing education reforms. State Government & Courts: A Pulaski County judge dismissed the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s public records suit over data center contract documents, sending the dispute to the Public Service Commission instead of circuit court. Local Governance: Pulaski County Quorum Court rejected a data center moratorium proposal tied to AVAIO after a contentious meeting featuring Wrightsville residents’ fire and reliability concerns. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police are investigating two separate in-custody deaths—one in West Memphis after a hospital incident and another in Fayetteville after a detention booking. Federal Politics: The U.S. Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence in a 51-47 party-line vote, with Democrats challenging his qualifications. Business & Economy: Containerboard and kraft paper producers announced new price hikes, signaling continued cost pressure across packaging markets.

Consumer Fraud Focus: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin is gearing up for a two-day Little Rock summit on scams, including robocalls and benefit fraud, as he also tees up next legislative session priorities. Public Safety in Custody: Arkansas State Police are investigating two separate in-custody deaths—one in West Memphis and one in Fayetteville—after a woman showed signs of possible drug ingestion following booking. Courts & State Policy: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed educator Dr. Gary Stark to the Arkansas State Board of Education, replacing Adrienne Woods. Infrastructure & Local Government: Clarksville officials discussed financing options for a roughly $35 million wastewater treatment upgrade, while Johnson Regional Medical Center updates negotiations tied to a nearby data center community benefits agreement. Energy & Heat: The DOE authorized emergency backup power for 17 states, including Arkansas, amid extreme heat and blackout fears. Environment & Industry: A proposed federal settlement would fine Domtar $1.5 million over air pollution issues at its Ashdown paper mill. Health & Public Health: A University of Arkansas researcher is working to better understand soybean cyst nematodes after grant support, aiming to protect yields.

Veterans Legal Access: The Legal Services Corporation rolled out a new toolkit to help legal aid groups and volunteer attorneys expand civil legal help for veterans, targeting issues like evictions and discharge-related problems. Education Appointments: Gov. Sarah Sanders named Gary Stark to the Arkansas State Board of Education, replacing Adrienne Woods, with a focus on teacher effectiveness and student outcomes. Attorney General & Data Privacy: AG Tim Griffin announced Arkansas will receive $431,937 from a proposed multistate settlement with 23andMe over a 2023 genetic data breach; the deal still needs court approval. Surveillance Backlash in Northwest Arkansas: Pea Ridge police are ending their Flock license plate reader program after reviewing costs, effectiveness, and community concerns. Arkansas Law Enforcement Ops: A Secret Service-led operation seized seven card skimming devices across the Little Rock metro and Northwest Arkansas, working with local agencies to protect consumers. State Government & Courts: Arkansas is among states backing Iowa in a fight over pension oversight staying with state regulators. National Security Industry: L3Harris secured a long-term framework agreement to nearly triple propulsion output for PAC-3 MSE missile interceptors. Local Wildlife Management: Arkansas Game and Fish is considering a drawn waterfowl permit unit on the St. Francis Sunken Lands Wildlife Management Area to address hunter crowding concerns. Arkansas Sports/Community: Kiwanis’ Texas-Oklahoma district convention drew hundreds to Texarkana, mixing leadership training with local service projects.

Education Appointments: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders named Gary Stark, a Cleburne County educator and Walton philanthropy executive, to the Arkansas State Board of Education, replacing Adrienne Woods and extending the governor’s education board footprint. Consumer & Legal Accountability: Attorney General Tim Griffin announced Arkansas’s share of a multistate settlement with 23andMe over a 2023 genetic data breach, with the company set to pay $18 million to states and Arkansas receiving $431,937. Capitol Religious Display Fight: Griffin is appealing a federal ruling ordering removal of the Ten Commandments monument on Capitol grounds, arguing the display is constitutional and that precedent was ignored. Higher Ed Growth: UA Little Rock reported preliminary fall enrollment gains, including higher undergraduate credit hours and first-time freshman and transfer growth. Elections & Voting Security Pressure: DHS is pushing states to scrub voter rolls for alleged noncitizens; California’s secretary of state says it’s reviewing DHS’s letter. Public Safety: A Bella Vista man died after his vehicle hit a portable toilet that fell from a truck on I-49 in Bentonville. Local Immigration Tension: An Arkansas community festival faces a boycott call tied to local police participation in a federal immigration program.

Arkansas Education & School Choice: Arkansas’ Educational Freedom Account program sent more than $60 million to private schools in 2025-26, with just 10 schools taking the biggest shares—Shiloh Christian School and Little Rock Christian Academy each topping $10 million—raising fresh questions about how state dollars flow under the LEARNS Act. Public Media & Censorship Claims: A look back at Arkansas Educational Television Network history renews the debate over alleged censorship, including recent complaints tied to programming changes at Arkansas PBS. Arkansas Courts & Records: A federal fight over Arkansas crypto-mine limits continues as newly surfaced texts from the Sanders administration show officials weighing how to handle claims about Chinese ties—now part of a broader lawsuit challenging state laws. Local Government & Public Safety: Jonesboro and Craighead County move forward on a new E-911 center and a Real Time Crime Center, aiming to upgrade emergency communications and response coordination. Elections in Arkansas: A roundup notes there are races for Congress and the U.S. Senate in Arkansas this year, with Democrats challenging GOP incumbents across multiple seats. Crime & Community Impact: The Devil’s Den killings case remains in focus a year later, with the state continuing its prosecution of the man arrested in the 2025 park murders. Road Safety: A national analysis highlights drunk driving as the deadliest reckless-driving behavior, underscoring the stakes for Arkansas road safety.

Natural Disasters & Federal Coordination: Rep. Celeste Maloy helped rally federal and state leaders to Beaver after flash floods tied to the Cottonwood Fire destroyed mud lines, downed electrical lines, and wiped out three hydropower plants—renewing debate over forest management. Public Safety & Local Government: Fort Smith’s Board of Directors will review Tuesday a nearly $10M phased plan to redevelop a former dealership into a police training facility and precinct space. Agriculture: Arkansas rice acreage fell to 851,000 acres—the lowest in 50 years—raising fears the dip could linger. State Economy: Arkansas unemployment edged down to 4.1% in June, while payroll jobs declined seasonally. Food Assistance Security: DHS will launch a new ebtEDGE New app next week to curb SNAP EBT fraud after suspicious transactions targeted cardholders. Education & School Choice: Arkansas Educational Freedom Accounts sent over $60M to private schools in 2025-26, with a small number of large schools taking the biggest shares. Election Policy: Voter ID and citizenship verification measures are heading to ballots across the country as Congress debates election security. Crime & Courts: A vehicle went into Booneville Lake, killing two and sending a third to medical care. Infrastructure Finance: Highfill plans up to $14M in water and sewer bonds for system upgrades and easements. Tech & Workforce: UA Hope-Texarkana launched a Certificate of Proficiency in Artificial Intelligence. Public Health: Arkansas marked 20 years since its indoor smoking ban took effect.