AGP Executive Report

Autonomous Freight in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik announced a multi-year rollout of fully driverless Class 8 trucks on a fixed corridor linking distribution hubs, with deployments starting immediately across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas—another leap from testing to revenue routes. Manufacturing Workforce: Arkansas Tech University-Ozark is delivering customized TIG welding training for Butterball employees at its Ozark facility, aiming to strengthen industrial skills and safety. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reported Arkansas regular gas averaging $3.98 for the week ending May 30, with Pope County hitting $3.98 at the lowest station; separate reports also flagged E85 lows in Craighead County at $2.88. Road Safety: ConsumerAffairs ranked Arkansas worst for road rage, citing aggressive or careless driving in 47% of fatal crashes and 48% of traffic deaths. Agriculture Spotlight: The Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program named eight district farm families, underscoring the state’s mix of cattle, poultry, hay, honey and timber operations. Education & Health: Dr. Jo Alice Blondin was named interim president of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, starting July 13.

Data Centers & Local Power/Water: Pulaski County Quorum Court postponed a vote on a 12-month data center moratorium to July 14 after tense public input and concerns the energy-use threshold could deter other businesses. Fayetteville meanwhile is moving toward new rules aimed at protecting water and electricity rates as data centers expand, with council members saying they’re not banning the facilities but tightening safeguards. Food Hall Financing: Little Rock’s board is set to vote on a $20M financing plan to upgrade the River Market food hall, letting the city pay certain costs first and then reimburse via bond proceeds. Public Health & Consumer Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa leaf powder supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting additional FDA recall coverage. Energy & Industry Signals: Solar hit a new milestone in the U.S., surpassing coal for the first time in monthly electricity share, even as federal policy favors coal. Agriculture & Livestock: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in the U.S., with new entry requirements for animals headed into Arkansas. Workforce & Education: Southern Arkansas University launched a new B.S. in Emergency Management for Fall 2026, and UCA named about 1,200 Presidential Scholars plus nearly 1,500 students to the Dean’s List. Logistics Tech: PepsiCo is scaling autonomous freight with Gatik across North America to improve on-time delivery and route flexibility.

Autonomous Logistics Expansion: PepsiCo is scaling a multiyear autonomous freight partnership with Gatik across its North America food and beverage supply chain, building on live operations in Texas, Arizona and Arkansas to improve route flexibility and push for 98%+ on-time delivery. Oil & Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest Sebastian County premium price at $4.39 for the week ending May 30, with Arkansas premium averaging $4.78; other local price posts show regular and diesel staying volatile statewide. Healthcare Pricing Pressure: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide, including nine in Arkansas, to post clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2 million annually, with several Arkansas facilities also being asked for corrective action plans. Fair Housing Outreach: Arkansas Fair Housing Commission announced a June 17, 2026 community education event in Jonesboro focused on housing equity, consumer protections and accessible homeownership. Workforce & Growth Programs: Endeavor Heartland’s ScaleUp Accelerator highlighted a new cohort of high-growth companies backed by Arkansas Economic Development Commission matching funds, aiming to help established businesses scale. Public Safety Leadership: Arkansas State Fire Marshal Dennis Free announced retirement effective July 1 after 45 years in fire protection and prevention.

Partnership & Innovation: North Little Rock’s Onterris will collaborate with Greentown Labs, linking the environmental tech firm to 250+ startups across energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and climate resilience. Agriculture & Biosecurity: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in Texas; Arkansas ranchers and animal owners are urged to monitor and take prevention steps as rules tighten in other states. Energy & Fuel Policy: A year-round E15 ethanol blend bill cleared the U.S. House but faces an uncertain Senate path, with the vote count hinging on support from refiner-heavy states. Textiles & Manufacturing: Benton-based Crystal DTF launched its Summer 2026 ready-to-press design collection, aiming to speed short-run apparel production for decorators and small businesses. Healthcare Policy: Rep. Bruce Westerman reintroduced the Fair Care Act, targeting “use-it-or-lose-it” flexible spending account waste and proposing a simpler health savings approach. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Northwest Arkansas Community College approved a location and self-financed model for on-campus student housing, advancing its construction planning. Food Access: Pulaski County summer meal programs are expanding to keep kids fed during school breaks. Antitrust: Arkansas AG Aaron Ford filed a brief in the Meta antitrust case, backing efforts to protect competition.

Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports Lafayette County’s lowest premium hit $4.99 (week ending May 30), while Washington County’s lowest premium was $4.15 and Benton County’s lowest midgrade was $3.93—statewide averages for premium and midgrade also eased to $4.78 and $4.44, respectively, as national prices stay volatile amid Middle East shipping worries and refinery outages. Power & Construction: SWEPCO marked progress at its Hallsville site with a major concrete pour for a new turbine foundation, a key step toward a 450-megawatt natural gas plant expected to start commercial operations in December 2027. Food Manufacturing & Leadership: Tyson Foods named Wes Morris COO, effective June 15, overseeing chicken, beef, pork, prepared foods and international operations. Tech & Logistics: Engine and Nuqleous completed a merger to form Engine, expanding analytics and category-management tools for CPG brands; PepsiCo also rolled out driverless truck deliveries in Arkansas and other states. Broadband Expansion: Kinetic topped 2 million fiber premises built across its 18-state footprint, including Arkansas. Local Business Growth: Handel’s Ice Cream announced a Fayetteville opening June 18 near the University of Arkansas, with free ice cream for the first 50 guests. Agriculture Watch: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in south Texas, prompting Arkansas ranchers to monitor herds closely.

Retail & Jobs: Walmart told Arkansas associates at its Associates Week that AI is meant to “improve jobs, not replace them,” rolling out OpenAI tool certification and sharing how AI is being used in product design, logistics, store operations and customer service. Agriculture: New University of Arkansas research warns cotton growers that potassium deficiency is costing yield and fiber quality, with potassium fertilization boosting yields up to 70% in deficient soils. Food Safety & Litigation: A Florida mother and daughter filed suit against Campbell’s and Walmart alleging SpaghettiOs were contaminated with worms/parasites, seeking damages after reported illness. Logistics Law: The U.S. Supreme Court’s Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II ruling opens the door to liability suits against freight brokers for safety-related claims, with Arkansas-area carriers like J.B. Hunt flagged by the coverage. Ag Innovation: Jonesboro startup GreenLab raised $10M+ to turn corn into a sugar substitute using brazzein proteins, aiming at a no-calorie, low-glycemic alternative. Local Governance: Pulaski County’s data center moratorium was corrected after a clerk said a vote was miscounted—so the pause “did not pass” and applications can continue. Energy & Consumer Pressure: Walmart CEO John Furner said fuel costs are squeezing lower-income shoppers, with Sam’s Club showing more frequent, smaller fill-ups. Transportation & Infrastructure: OSM Aviation Academy secured a five-year lease to scale pilot training at Drake Field in Fayetteville, targeting 700 graduates annually. Community & Public Safety: Jonesboro received a DOJ grant for 38 new tactical SWAT carrier systems for police.

Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Ouachita County at $4.94 (two stations) and the lowest premium in Pope County at $4.55, while other Arkansas spot checks show midgrade and diesel deals varying by county as national prices stay volatile amid global oil and refinery disruptions. Agriculture & Livestock Health: Arkansas ranchers are urged to watch for New World Screwworm after USDA confirmed it in a Texas calf near the border; officials say the threat is contained but monitoring continues. Business & Workforce Development: Arkansas APEX Accelerator will host a free Hot Springs workshop on government procurement and federal small business certifications, aimed at helping entrepreneurs win contracts. Community & Housing: Rogers launched a Pattern Zone program with preapproved residential building plans to speed up housing projects, and Magnolia’s proposed 60-unit affordable townhouse complex is in the tax-credit pipeline. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Jonesboro received a federal grant to buy protective SWAT carrier systems for police, and Arkansas National Guard Museum secured funding to modernize exhibits. Aviation & Training: OSM Aviation Academy is expanding pilot training at Drake Field in Fayetteville, targeting large-scale throughput.

Agriculture & Aviation: Arkansas rice leaders say small airports and general aviation are critical for aerial herbicide, fungicide and fertilizer applications on flooded fields—covering up to 1,600 acres a day to protect yields. Livestock Health: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in a Texas calf near the border, prompting Arkansas ranchers to watch for symptoms and report concerns. Housing & Construction: Rogers launched a Pattern Zone program with free, preapproved home designs to speed permitting and cut upfront uncertainty for missing-middle housing. Energy & Jobs: A new federal push would channel about $700M into coal, including $425M for existing plants in multiple states that includes Arkansas, plus grants for new builds. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Little Rock approved modest data center regulations, while Kinetic said it has passed 2 million residential fiber premises. Business Climate: Job growth stayed strong in May (172,000 added) even as mass layoff notices hit their lowest level so far this year. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported Arkansas prices easing in late May, with some counties seeing notably low regular, midgrade, diesel and E85 rates. Tech & Policy: Lawmakers warned foreign influence could target U.S. data center development tied to AI.

Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the week ending May 30 brought some of the lowest local prices for drivers—Crawford County’s E85 hit $3.14 (single station), White County’s premium fell to $4.37, and Pulaski County’s midgrade bottomed at $3.99. Energy Policy: U.S. lawmakers are pushing back on Trump’s coal push, as the administration moves nearly $700M into coal power using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority, including funding tied to Arkansas’s Flint Creek Coal Plant in Gentry. AI & Security: House leaders warn foreign influence may be targeting U.S. data center development tied to AI, urging a White House investigation into possible CCP-backed efforts. Workforce & Education: Arkansas Tech’s Upward Bound summer program is underway with about 100 students on campus in Russellville, while UA Hope-Texarkana highlights community college as a lower-debt pathway into careers. STEM in Action: Arkansas 4-H teams competed at the International SeaPerch Challenge, with Grant County’s Deep Water Vanguard placing second overall in their division. Local Governance: Fort Smith Public Schools is moving toward opening the Global Innovation Academy charter for military-connected families, aiming for fall 2027.

Coal & Power: President Trump says the federal government will spend $700M using the Defense Production Act to extend and modernize coal plants, including support tied to Arkansas facilities, with new builds planned in Alaska and West Virginia. Electricity Costs: New EIA-based mapping shows residential power prices rising in many states; Arkansas is up about 8.3% year over year, as grid investment and demand pressures grow. Energy Policy Pushback: A separate report frames the coal package as “saving” aging plants rather than building renewables, while critics argue coal remains the most expensive option. Local Utilities & Grants: Summit Utilities opens applications for its 2026 Summit Cares Grant Program, offering $5,000–$10,000 to Arkansas nonprofits focused on essentials, student STEM, community enrichment, and conservation. Water & Drought: Conway and Morrilton remain under mandatory water curtailment orders tied to low Brewer Lake levels, with rules based on street address parity. Food Supply: Northwest Arkansas school districts keep summer meal programs running with free breakfast and lunch sites and pickup options. Housing for Veterans: Fayetteville’s Patriot Park veteran-focused development is nearing leasing, with buildings expected ready by mid-July. Tech & Industry Debate: Pulaski County residents get a public roundtable on hyperscale data centers and a proposed moratorium as AI-driven projects move forward. Agriculture & Fuel: Ethanol exports and E15 expansion were highlighted at a House Ag Committee hearing, with Senate action still pending.

Retail Fuel Watch: Walmart CEO John Furner warned on fuel prices, as Arkansas-area GasBuddy reports show midgrade and regular deals in multiple counties (including Independence County’s lowest midgrade at $4.27 and Nevada County regular at $3.98 for the week ending May 30), while diesel pricing stays higher statewide (AAA pegs Arkansas diesel around $5.03). Energy Policy & Politics: A FACT FOCUS explainer pushes back on claims inflation is a “red vs. blue” issue, pointing instead to gas-driven costs tied to Middle East tensions and shipping impacts; meanwhile, Arkansas Senate nominee Hallie Shoffner attacks Tom Cotton over gas prices but previously backed a carbon tax plan that critics say would raise energy costs. Historic Preservation: Seven Arkansas properties landed on the National Register of Historic Places in May, including campus dorm districts at UA Monticello and major landmarks at Arkansas Tech. Workforce & Industry Leadership: Ace Hardware announced new 2026 board leadership, adding Brandi Joplin, a former Sam’s Club CFO. Cyber & Engineering Talent: UA Little Rock grad Colin McNerny built VR simulations for cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection through the CORE Center. Coal Push: Trump unveiled a $700M federal push to revive coal plants and exports, with Arkansas listed among targeted states.

Energy & Industry Policy: President Trump announced a $700 million push for coal plants and export infrastructure, using the Defense Production Act to protect 13 coal plants and support upgrades across states including Arkansas, aiming to lower electricity costs and boost jobs. Local Infrastructure & Utilities: Bull Shoals mayor Bill Stahlman gave conflicting accounts of a voter-approved 1% sales tax tied to a sewer bond—one version says the tax was collected but transfers weren’t made; another says it was never collected—prompting renewed questions about city handling of funds. Healthcare Construction: CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock received a $5 million matching gift to expand advanced cardiac care via the Anthony Center, with construction expected to start this fall and finish in 2027. Tech & Growth Planning: Pulaski County candidate Wendell Griffen proposed a 12-month moratorium on data centers, as the county weighs how to regulate the fast-growing industry. Economy & Jobs: Arkansas’ unemployment rate held steady at 4.3% in March-to-April, with non-farm payroll jobs rising by 5,800. Transportation & Fuel Costs: GasBuddy reported several Arkansas counties hitting weekly lows for regular and diesel prices, reflecting ongoing volatility tied to global oil and refinery conditions.

Trucking & Manufacturing: XPO unveiled a patriotic trailer fleet built at its Searcy, Arkansas facility, highlighting the company’s in-house trailer manufacturing and the role of freight in the U.S. economy. Energy Policy: President Trump is set to announce $700 million for coal plants and a new export terminal, with Arkansas among the supported sites—an industry move that could ripple through mining, rail, engineering, and construction. Gaming & Jobs: Saracen Casino Resort’s 14-story hotel in Pine Bluff is now open, adding hundreds of jobs and expanding its event-center lineup. Broadband Expansion: Kinetic says it has surpassed 2 million fiber premises passed across its 18-state footprint, with Arkansas among the markets benefiting from ongoing buildout. Retail & Supply Chain: Northwest Arkansas retail tech leaders say AI is now a must-have for logistics and supply chain operations, not a differentiator. Food Industry: A Cornell study finds GLP-1 use is changing grocery and restaurant spending patterns, with fewer purchases of calorie-dense foods. Local Economy: The St. Louis Fed Beige Book reports Arkansas activity is up slightly but businesses worry about supply chain disruptions and higher fuel costs. Agriculture & Community: Arkansas County Extension Homemakers marked EHC Month with food preservation and community service projects. Media & Public Broadcasting: The Arkansas TV Commission rescinded its PBS disaffiliation decision after the Arkansas TV Foundation secured dues funding. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Arkansas regular gas averaging $3.98 for the week ending May 30, with multiple county-level lows reported.

Broadband Expansion: Little Rock-based Kinetic says it has passed 2 million residential fiber premises across 18 states, citing scaled construction and partnerships as demand grows. Local Tech Policy: Little Rock’s board unanimously approved data center regulations after a long public fight over a proposed Google-backed project near the Port of Little Rock, with residents raising concerns about noise, water use, environmental impact, and transparency. Manufacturing Moves: Central Moloney moved its corporate headquarters to North Little Rock while keeping Pine Bluff as its main manufacturing hub, planning $8M–$10M in capital investment there. Healthcare & Aging: CMS ranked Little River Nursing & Rehab No. 2 among county nursing homes in Q1 2026, with no fines or penalties reported. Community & Business: Batesville’s Launchpad Expo brought local companies together under an “outer space” theme, aiming to connect residents with services they didn’t know existed. Agriculture Finance: FARM Champions are being rolled out to help farmers navigate financial stress, taxes, and asset protection during a tough season. Consumer Retail: Macy’s reported stronger comparable sales and raised its outlook, pointing to merchandise changes and improved customer service. Industry Watch: The FTC launched a major investigation into fertilizer pricing practices amid farmer complaints about a broken market.

Local Governance: Little Rock’s Board unanimously passed Mayor Frank Scott Jr.’s data center regulations after a long meeting, with residents pushing for tougher limits and even moratoriums amid hyperscale Google plans in Pulaski County. Infrastructure & Utilities: Kinetic says it has surpassed 2 million fiber premises passed across its 18-state footprint, underscoring continued broadband buildout. Water & Wastewater: Fort Smith approved $8.57 million for design work tied to a $150 million Massard Water Reclamation Facility upgrade to meet federal consent decree requirements. Agriculture & Food: Arkansas researchers are validating DNA markers to help grape breeders predict seedlessness and flower sex type, targeting muscadine improvements. Energy & Industry: Black Hills Energy highlights resilience investments across its multi-state utility footprint, including major infrastructure spending. Business & Tech: First Orion expanded INFORM Branded Calling via a self-service portal, aiming to speed onboarding for Arkansas-area businesses. Public Health: A salmonella outbreak tied to imported “super greens” supplements has been reopened after additional illnesses.

Hospitality & Tourism: Beechwood Hospitality was tapped to take over day-to-day operations of Fayetteville’s 78-room Stonebreaker Hotel, starting in late May, as the Arkansas-based operator leans into the property’s local “retreat” identity. Agriculture & Policy: A new federal move eases tariffs on some agricultural and industrial equipment, cutting duties on items like combines and harvesters from 25% to 15% through 2027 while keeping the broader metals protection plan in place. Logistics & Ports: Logistic Services Inc. bought Five Rivers Distribution’s assets, expanding its inland rivers network with multimodal terminals in Van Buren and Fort Smith for barge, rail and truck connections. Local Infrastructure: Fayetteville finalized a sewer main break damage payout after ordinance changes, allowing compensation above a prior $100,000 cap. Energy & Growth: XNA in Benton County says enplanements are rising and promoted Ashton Collier to chief financial officer. Tech & Regulation: Little Rock approved new data center zoning and operating rules after long public input on noise, power strain and water impacts. Food Safety: FDA and CDC reopened a salmonella supplement probe after additional illnesses tied to imported moringa leaf powder. Severe Weather: Reports say the 2026 tornado season has been marked by fewer, high-impact bursts hitting rural areas.