AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters warn Wednesday could bring damaging storms across Arkansas, with up to 60 mph winds and large hail targeting areas including Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, Hot Springs and Fort Smith. Local Water Costs: Mountain Home City Council approved water-rate changes for wholesale customers and introduced an ordinance adjusting water and sewer rates for direct users, including payment dates and penalties. Utility Rate Decisions: Jonesboro’s City Water and Light board approved electric rate increases in phases starting 2027 and 2028, plus bond financing for a new gas plant. Data Center Governance: Pulaski County quorum court advanced a permitting approach to regulate data centers for safety and environmental impact, with further readings planned. Public Health & Buildings: Jacksonville Elementary remains closed Wednesday for mold remediation and air-quality testing, while waiting on repairs to dedicated outdoor air systems. Invasive Tick Alert: Scientists say the Asian longhorned tick has been confirmed in Arkansas and neighboring states, and Mississippi is urging monitoring to catch it early. Tech & Water Security: A report says Iranian cyber sabotage has targeted U.S. water systems, including Arkansas, by probing internet-connected control systems.

Water & Wastewater Costs: Mountain Home City Council approved amendments to contracted water rates for wholesale customers and advanced a separate ordinance adjusting water and sewer rates, payment dates, and fees—aimed at sustaining clean drinking water and system capital needs. Local Energy Rates: Jonesboro’s City Water and Light board approved electric rate increases in phases starting 2027 and 2028, plus bond financing for a new gas plant. Invasive Species Alert: Mississippi State University researchers are urging help detecting the Asian longhorned tick, now confirmed in nearby Arkansas and other states, due to its rapid reproduction and major livestock risk. Data Center Pushback in Arkansas: Pulaski County’s quorum court gave first reading to a permitting approach for data centers tied to safety and environmental impacts, while Clarksville residents filed petitions seeking a public vote on industrial revenue bonds for the Serverfarm project amid concerns about environmental effects and transparency. Wildlife & Forest Health Funding: Arkansas extended deadlines for Southeast Arkansas Hardwood Reforestation grants and the Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program, offering cost-share support for land restoration and pest risk reduction. Climate-Disclosure Fight: Sixteen state attorneys general, including Arkansas, urged the “Big Four” accounting firms to be accountable for climate/ESG commitments they say raise costs for farmers and small businesses.

Medicaid & Health Policy: Arkansas DHS asked CMS for a two-year extension of the ARHOME waiver, saying the current renewal would miss new federal budget neutrality rules—coverage for eligible enrollees continues beyond Jan. 1 while DHS builds a new delivery system. Forestry Grants: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture extended deadlines for Southeast Arkansas Hardwood Reforestation ($2M, priority in five counties) and the statewide Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program ($250K), offering cost-share for planting, site prep, thinning, and prescribed burning. Water & Wastewater Infrastructure: Clarksville Connected Utilities approved engineering work for a wastewater treatment plant overhaul tied to the Serverfarm data center, with Olsson selected and up to $1M authorized for early design and regulatory steps. Data Center Bonds & Local Control: Clarksville residents launched petitions to force a public vote on industrial revenue bonds for Serverfarm, arguing the scale and potential environmental impacts deserve direct voter input. Climate-Reporting Pushback: Arkansas AG Marty Jackley joined a 16-state coalition warning the “Big Four” accounting firms about climate-related financial activism and possible consumer protection issues. Community Fire Safety: State Farm’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety grants sent $10,000 to Arkansas volunteer departments, including Scranton RFD, to buy safety equipment.

Arkansas Accountability: Jefferson County is facing fresh scrutiny after auditors found $305,000 paid for solar panels that still weren’t installed years later, plus nearly $900,000 in misclassified county judge spending—raising questions about public money and promised savings. Clean Water Compliance: The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment and the City of Stuttgart reached a consent order over a Clean Water Act permit renewal lapse, with a $1,000 civil penalty and a requirement to submit a complete renewal application. Food Safety Tech: University of Missouri researchers are testing electron-beam irradiation for poultry to cut pathogens without cooking, but say it must be carefully calibrated and paired with the right packaging. Climate Disclosure Fight: Arkansas joins a multi-state push against the “Big Four” over climate-related financial reporting, arguing it could violate consumer protection rules and drive up costs. Local Wildlife Education: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission funding from fines is pushing nearly $129,000 in wildlife education grants across 14 Deltaplex counties. Jobs & Industry: SANY Nutrition Group has started production in a remodeled Jonesboro facility, investing $30M+ and targeting 150+ jobs over three years.

Arkansas Wildlife Education Funding: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved $690,625 statewide for wildlife education grants, with nearly $129,000 available across 14 Deltaplex counties for K-12 and conservation projects. Jonesboro Jobs and Food Manufacturing: SANY Nutrition Group has started production at a remodeled former Butterball facility in Jonesboro, investing more than $30 million and targeting 150+ jobs over three years, with capacity up to 400 million snack items annually. Climate Disclosure Fight in Arkansas Leadership: AG Brenna Bird and AG Hilgers co-led coalitions challenging the “Big 4” accounting firms over climate-related financial reporting requirements, arguing the push may conflict with professional duties and raise costs for small businesses. Water, Weather, and Risk Watch: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for the Mid-South until 10 pm, with damaging winds and hail concerns, while Arkansas also faces dry conditions that are fueling wildfire risk. Feral Hogs Control Debate: A federal program aimed at reducing feral hog damage is under scrutiny, with researchers weighing whether early results justify expanded funding. Arkansas River and Habitat Planning: Arkansas is moving forward with water and land-related projects, including Riparian Flats housing plans and ongoing Upper Ark water releases.

Ballot Watch: A Talk Business & Politics–Hendrix College poll finds Arkansas voters leaning strongly toward the “Citizens Only Voting” amendment (60% for) and the right-to-bear-arms amendment (67% for), with other referred issues also on the fall ballot. Air & Water Safety: Arkansas regulators say a Fort Smith chemical plant that spilled in May operated without a required stormwater permit, and state officials also flagged missing hazardous-chemical inventory filings. Health Access: A new report says 44% of Arkansas counties are maternity care deserts, raising alarms about how “pro-life” policy claims square with where women can actually give birth. Wildlife Education Funding: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved $690,625 in conservation education grants funded by wildlife and boating violation fines for the 2026–27 school year. Local Climate/Water Stress: Harmful algal bloom alerts were issued for Lake Hamilton in Garland County, underscoring ongoing water-quality pressure. Renewables Misinformation: A Louisiana parish blocked a $175M solar farm after AI-driven falsehoods spread online, a reminder of how fast misinformation can derail clean-energy projects.

Severe Weather & Air Quality: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for the Mid-South until 10 p.m., with damaging winds over 70 mph, large hail, and heavy downpours possible, while a Code Orange ozone alert remains active for the Memphis area through sunset. Water & Pollution Watch: Arkansas regulators say a Fort Smith chemical plant that spilled in May operated without a required stormwater permit, and state officials say they were unaware of the facility before the incident. Toxic Algae Alert: The state issued a harmful algal bloom advisory for Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs after cyanobacteria were visually confirmed, warning of possible illness symptoms for people and pets. Wildlife & Hunting Policy: The AGFC approved conservation education grants funded by wildlife and boating violation fines, and a separate debate continues over proposed changes to duck hunting access at St. Francis Sunken Lands. Health Access Pressure: Hospitals in Northeast Arkansas warn that Medicaid changes coming in 2027 could deepen financial strain as reimbursement lags and costs rise. Food Safety: A Midwest Poultry Services egg recall’s sell-by guidance has expired, but federal investigators say the outbreak investigation is still ongoing. Critical Minerals & Water: A California appeals court ruling blocks Imperial County’s lithium and geothermal project over water supply and air-quality concerns, highlighting how water limits can stall clean-energy mining.

Data Center Debate: A Little Rock-area op-ed says the city and Pulaski County won’t impose moratoriums on Google or AVAIO, but argues for a pause on new hyperscale applications while approvals get a closer look—aiming to protect electric ratepayers and residents. Air Quality & Storms: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch covers the Mid-South until 10 p.m., with damaging winds, microbursts, hail, and heavy rain; meanwhile Shelby County extends a Code Orange ozone alert through Saturday, warning sensitive groups to limit outdoor time. Pollution & Permits: Arkansas regulators say a Fort Smith chemical plant involved in a May spill operated without a required stormwater permit and was not previously inspected, with enforcement still pending. Water Safety: The state issued a harmful algal bloom advisory for Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs after cyanobacteria were visually confirmed, warning of possible toxic effects. Health Access: A report highlights maternity care deserts across Arkansas—33 of 75 counties lack obstetric hospitals, birth centers, or obstetric clinicians—raising concerns about emergency access. Wildlife Education Funding: AGFC approved $690,625 in conservation education grants funded by wildlife and boating violation fines for the 2026-27 school year.

Water Quality Watch: Arkansas regulators issued a harmful algal bloom advisory for Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs after cyanobacteria were visually confirmed, warning of possible toxins and symptoms like headaches and GI illness. Pollution & Permits: A Fort Smith chemical plant tied to a May spill allegedly operated without a required stormwater permit, and state records show it also missed hazardous-chemical inventory filings. Drought & Soil Moisture: Southeastern Arkansas remains very dry, with subsoil moisture near the driest levels in the Delta and officials warning that extreme heat has been driving rapid drying. Wildlife & Hunting Rules: The AGFC approved a permit-draw system for about 1,000 acres of St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA to cut crowding, with weekly $5 applications and assigned hunting locations. Local Health Impact: Northeast Arkansas hospitals say Medicaid changes coming in 2027 could add uncertainty as reimbursement lags while costs rise. Conservation Education: AGFC awarded $690,625 from wildlife and boating violation fines for conservation education grants for the 2026-27 school year.

Air Quality & Health: Arkansas DEQ issued a harmful algal bloom advisory for Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs, warning of cyanobacteria toxins and urging people to avoid exposure. Pollution & Permitting: Fort Smith regulators say a chemical plant tied to a May spill operated without a required stormwater permit and was never inspected before the incident. Drought Impacts: Ben Oswald Soccer Park in Colorado closed to protect turf amid extreme drought and water restrictions, a reminder of how dry conditions are reshaping outdoor use. Water & Climate Stress: Arkansas reports early tree stress and leaf color changes tied to heat and drought, while southeastern Arkansas soil moisture remains extremely low. Wildlife & Hunting Rules: AGFC approved a permit-draw system for about 1,000 acres at St. Francis Sunken Lands to reduce crowding, with weekly $5 permits and location assignments. Education & Training: UA Little Rock opened a Child Welfare Learning Lab to train new caseworkers with realistic simulations before they enter the field. Conservation Education Funding: AGFC approved $690,625 in conservation education grants funded by wildlife and boating violation fines.

Harmful Algal Bloom Alert: Arkansas environmental officials issued a harmful algal bloom advisory for Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs after cyanobacteria were visually confirmed, warning of possible toxins and symptoms like headaches and gastrointestinal illness. Wildfire Watch: With dry conditions persisting, the Arkansas Forestry Division says all 75 counties are at moderate wildfire risk or higher and burn bans remain common, urging vigilance as fire danger can spread fast. Drought Stress in the Delta: Southeastern Arkansas still needs major rainfall to recover from drought, and much of the Delta shows extremely low subsoil moisture, raising concerns for crops and heat impacts. Early Tree Stress: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture reports some trees are turning colors early in eastern Arkansas, likely tied to heat and prolonged drought stress, with officials warning it can signal possible die-off. AGFC Conservation Education Grants: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved $690,625 in wildlife-violation fine money for conservation education grants for schools statewide. St. Francis Sunken Lands Hunting Changes: AGFC approved a permit-draw system for about 1,000 acres to reduce crowding, with a $5 weekly application fee and designated spots, after public comments and opposition from local hunters. Local Mold Closure: Jacksonville Elementary will stay closed Monday and Tuesday after mold was found in multiple areas, with students’ absences excused and alternative instruction offered. Wildlife Science Spotlight: NTCC professor Dr. Chris McAllister coauthored a new second edition guide to Arkansas amphibians and reptiles, updated for researchers and naturalists. Affordable Housing Plan: 7hills Homeless Center says it plans to sell its south Fayetteville day center site for an affordable housing development, while keeping day center services at its Walker Campus.

Storm impacts and spills: Monday’s severe storms in White County brought possible microbursts, downed trees, power outages, an overturned semi, and a Gin Creek spill, with emergency managers saying the spill followed rain in Searcy while most power restoration happened within a day. Upper Arkansas River releases: Officials also announced additional water releases in the Upper Ark as drought and low flows keep pressure on regional water planning. Early drought stress in forests: Arkansas Department of Agriculture reports trees across eastern Arkansas are turning fall colors early, pointing to heat and prolonged drought stress that can precede leaf drop and possible tree death. Wildfire risk and burn bans: With dry conditions persisting, the Arkansas Forestry Division says all 75 counties are at least moderate wildfire risk and most counties remain under burn bans; extension experts urge residents to clear leaf litter and stay vigilant. St. Francis Sunken Lands hunting changes: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved a permit-draw system for about 1,000 acres to reduce crowding, with hunters paying $5 and being assigned designated spots; the plan was modified after heavy public pushback, including concerns from Trumann officials and local hunters. Waterfowl lottery details: AGFC also approved a lottery for a portion of the WMA with multi-day hunts, limited party sizes, and rules on removing blinds after hunt hours. Nuclear policy push: Rep. Jack Ladyman says he’ll sponsor a bill next year to fund Arkansas’s dormant “atomic coordinator” role, aiming to align state law with federal nuclear grant opportunities. South Arkansas drilling filings: New Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission reports list drilling permits and plugging/abandonment activity in the Pace City Field and other areas, underscoring ongoing extraction activity amid environmental scrutiny.

Wildfire Watch: Dry conditions are pushing Arkansas wildfire risk higher, with all 75 counties now at moderate risk or worse and burn bans still active; the Arkansas Forestry Division says the state could stay dangerous even after brief showers, and it’s pointing residents to a new Active Wildfire Dashboard for real-time updates. Wildlife & Hunting Rules: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved a permit draw system for duck hunting on the St. Francis Sunken Lands Wildlife Management Area near Trumann, after public pushback led to a smaller, zone-based plan with buffers and limited party sizes. Oil & Gas Oversight: Arkansas regulators and public records are spotlighting drilling activity in South Arkansas, including new permits in the Pace City Field and recent plugging and abandonment work—raising the stakes for how the state monitors wells. Water & Infrastructure: U.S. Sen. John Boozman highlighted completion of the Three Rivers Project and new USDA funding for Mulberry’s water treatment upgrades, tying navigation and clean-water repairs to local jobs. Public Health Pipeline: The Arkansas Department of Health and UAMS launched the Stead Scholars program’s latest cohort, continuing paid internships that build future public health capacity. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeños keeps expanding nationwide, with federal data showing rising case counts.

Childcare Safety: Tennessee investigators say a 6-year-old died after being left in a Cordova daycare van in extreme heat; staff allegedly failed required checks, and the center has surrendered its license and closed—prompting parents across the Mid-South to scrutinize daycare safety. Water & Climate: Drought-linked algae left a Colorado city’s tap water smelling and tasting like a “swamp,” with officials tracing the issue to reservoir operations and warm conditions; they say detected compounds aren’t expected to pose a health risk. Arkansas Medicaid: Arkansas is asking the federal government for a two-year extension after ARHOME renewal was verbally denied, putting coverage for 200,000+ people at stake. Data Centers & Power/Water: Arkansas cities are weighing data-center rules and limits as officials cite electricity, water, noise, and rates; Fayetteville and Little Rock adopted standards, while Pulaski County considered a moratorium. Arkansas River & Drought Impacts: Colorado water managers struck a last-minute deal to keep the Upper Arkansas River cool for fish during low-flow, high-temperature conditions. Local Environment Enforcement: ADEQ and DHS entered a consent order over alleged Clean Water Act permit renewal failures tied to a Mansfield wastewater facility discharging to an Arkansas River tributary. Wildlife & Habitat: Google announced $2.3M to Oklahoma for invasive eastern red cedar removal tied to data-center water offsets, with more funding planned for watershed projects.

Data Centers & Power Strain: Arkansas cities and counties are weighing new rules or pauses on data centers as officials cite electricity, water, noise, and rising rates; Fayetteville adopted planning requirements with buffers and utility standards, Little Rock set limits and standards for hyperscale sites (including water, generators, landscaping), and Pulaski County’s moratorium attempt failed after a corrected vote. Water & Permits: ADEQ and DHS reached a consent order over alleged Clean Water Act permit renewal failures at the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center, where wastewater discharges to a tributary feeding the Arkansas River. Chemical Spill Accountability: State regulators say a Fort Smith plant that spilled corrosive acid and killed thousands of fish operated without required stormwater permitting and had not disclosed hazardous chemical handling. Wildlife & Habitat: Arkansas Game and Fish named 31 schools as School of Conservation Leadership for 2026-29, expanding conservation education statewide. Extreme Heat & Livestock: Heat stress guidance for cattle highlights early warning signs and the need to protect fertility and productivity during hot, humid stretches. Local Environment Watch: Jacksonville Elementary in Pulaski County is closed for mold cleaning after elevated mold levels were found in multiple rooms. Arkansas River Recreation: Colorado managers released extra water from Twin Lakes Reservoir to keep the Upper Arkansas River cooler for fish and rafting during drought-driven low flows. Energy & Agriculture Policy: A push for year-round E15 gasoline is stuck in the U.S. Senate without deals for small refineries, with supporters citing farm benefits and opponents raising smog and land-use concerns.

Conservation Education: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission named 31 schools statewide as School of Conservation Leadership for 2026-29, spanning Pre-K through high school and including multiple Little Rock-area and Northwest Arkansas campuses. Wildlife & Public Lands: Trumann Mayor Jay Paul Woods is pushing back on a proposed duck hunting lottery at the St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA, arguing it could change access and crowding dynamics; the AGFC is taking public comments before a vote. Water & Drought Impacts: As Western rivers run low, water managers are coordinating releases to protect fish habitat and recreation, including efforts on Colorado’s Upper Arkansas River to moderate temperatures and support trout spawning. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a large egg recall to its highest-risk category due to Salmonella concerns, with products distributed across multiple states including Arkansas. Local Growth: SANY Nutrition Group opened and remodeled the former Butterball facility in Jonesboro, investing $30 million and targeting 150+ jobs over three years. Community & Learning Outdoors: A new outdoor classroom opened at Glenn Duffy Elementary in Gravette, adding raised garden beds and an open-air pavilion for hands-on nature learning.