AGP Executive Report

Defense & Space: Starfighters Space says it’s adding launch, range, licensing and mission-integration support by teaming with Integrated Launch Solutions as the U.S. defense buildout pushes demand for delivery capacity. Campus Safety: University of Central Arkansas is switching to CriticalArc’s SafeZone for emergency communications and targeted alerts. Kids’ Health Expansion: Arkansas Children’s Hospital is moving ahead with its $371M expansion, unveiling new lobby/gallery space and the Champions Pavilion for same-day outpatient care. Federal Lands: The Senate confirmed Steve Pearce as the new BLM director, setting up a fresh policy direction for public lands. Arkansas Education & Careers: UAPB hospitality student Semiyah Smith won a national scholarship with mentorship support, while UAMS held commencement for 1,237 health professionals. Food & Weather Pressure: Arkansas farmers continue adapting as natural disasters drive up costs, with recent coverage tying grocery inflation to weather-hit agriculture. Local Debate: Central Arkansas remains split over proposed data centers, with Pulaski County officials pushing for transparency and rules.

UAMS Graduation Surge: UAMS held commencement for 1,237 students, awarding 1,249 degrees and certificates across Medicine, Nursing, Health Professions, Pharmacy, Public Health, and the Graduate School. Drought Relief Watch: Arkansas drought conditions eased with more rain moving into the River Valley and northwest counties, though parts of the state still need improvement. Farm Disaster Costs: New reporting puts Arkansas farm losses to natural disasters at $63.4M per year, as extreme weather continues to squeeze yields and food prices nationwide. Lithium Push: EnergyX signed an agreement with Compass Minerals to explore a up-to 30,000-ton commercial lithium direct extraction facility near Utah’s Great Salt Lake. Poultry Health Alerts: Arkansas Extension is urging poultry owners to prepare for ongoing H5N1, with upcoming online trainings. Local Outdoors & Community: Bentonville gets a native-plant walk event, and Sebastian County trail planning continues as officials chase more tourism through connected greenways.

Veterans & Housing: Ashley Watters of eXp Realty has joined the National Veterans Chamber of Commerce to expand specialized VA loan and military relocation guidance across Central Arkansas. Local Economy & Growth: Conway is moving toward a major data-center push, with plans tied to a Fortune 100 partner and potential billions in construction and long-term investment. Ballot Watch: Arkansas initiative groups are ramping up signature drives with a July 3 deadline looming, as competing campaigns push constitutional and education-related changes. Health & Care: UAMS researchers report simple sound machines can reduce anxiety for patients in gynecology oncology exam rooms. Environment & Community: A nonprofit-led effort in Cañon City, Colorado, is finally giving residents near a uranium-mill plume free water testing—an example of what happens when official testing plans lag. Sports: Oklahoma State softball punched its ticket to the NCAA super regional with a win over Stanford.

Agriculture Education Push: University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville is launching a new Farm and Ranch Management program this fall, aiming to turn the campus into a regional agriculture hub—complete with a 55-acre Gateway Center and hands-on training tied to precision agriculture. Local Community Calendar: Little Rock’s MuralFest is set for May 30 under the 6th Street Bridge, with live music and a kids’ zone, while the city’s Career Climb job fair runs May 28. Health Watch: Pennsylvania is rolling out tracking for alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-related red-meat allergy, after hundreds of suspected cases and a growing need to spot trends early. Outdoors & Water: With drought squeezing rivers nationwide, rafting operators say they’re adapting—smaller boats, rerouting, and constant monitoring—while Arkansas anglers are gearing up for creek fishing season. Sports Spotlight: Oklahoma State softball kept rolling, beating Stanford 11-5 to reach the NCAA super regional.

Low-Water Reality Check: Arkansas rafting and other river businesses are already adapting to low flows—smaller boats, constant reroutes, and shifting to paddleboards or inflatable kayaks when stretches get too shallow or rocky. Community Calendar: Little Rock’s MuralFest returns May 30 on 6th St., with live music, a kids’ zone, and artists painting under the 6th Street Bridge; the city’s Career Climb job fair is set for May 28. Outdoors & Wildlife: Stream fishing season is gearing up for June–October, and Arkansas turkey hunting is surging—AGFC says the 2026 spring harvest is the best in two decades. Sports Spotlight: Magnet Cove’s archery teams dominated the national NASP tournament in Louisville, while Arkansas tennis is back—UA reinstated men’s and women’s programs after donor short-term funding. Health Note: UAMS research suggests simple sound machines can ease anxiety for patients in gynecology oncology clinics.

Federal Clean Air Act Probe: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is pressing 17 coal-plant operators over “unprecedented” Trump-era exemptions from mercury and other toxic chemical rules, arguing the relief may have been granted outside the law’s narrow limits. Green Steel Push: A new look at the U.S. steel transition shows how hard it is to move off coal—air pollution, climate pressure, and union jobs all collide with the cost of switching to gas or hydrogen. Health & Anxiety Tech: UAMS researchers report that simple sound machines can ease exam-room anxiety for gynecology oncology patients. Arkansas Outdoors & Community: Lake Ouachita State Park is gearing up for summer crowds, while Saline County prepares to open the first Southwest Trail segment May 29. Drought Watch: More than 60% of the U.S. is in drought, with heat and dry conditions worsening impacts on farms and food supply. Local Sports: Arkansas tennis programs are back after donors stepped in—weeks after they were cut.

Arkansas Sports & Community: The University of Arkansas tennis drama is over—three weeks after cutting men’s and women’s programs, Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek says donors stepped in with short-term funding, and both teams are reinstated effective immediately as coaches prepare for 2026–27. Voting Rights: A new Supreme Court voting rights ruling could reshape Southern ballots by raising the bar for proving racial discrimination, with major risk to Black representation. Drought & Food Costs: More than 60% of the U.S. is in drought, with extreme conditions spreading; a new report links climate disasters to a $5.1 billion annual hit to the nation’s food supply. Local Outdoors: Saline County will open the first Southwest Trail segment with a ribbon cutting May 29, a 2-mile start to a future 65-mile route. Money at the Pump: Arkansas gas averages $4.076 a gallon—up 44% from last year—prompting extension tips for trimming driving and household spending.

Urban Design & Social Infrastructure: At the first Congress for the New Urbanism in Arkansas, sociologist Eric Klinenberg urged cities to invest in the “spaces and places” where people actually meet—arguing social infrastructure is as vital as roads and buildings. Mega Millions: Tonight’s Mega Millions drawing is estimated at $251 million, with tickets now $5 after last year’s price increase. Arkansas Agriculture & Drought: After a few rounds of rain, Arkansas corn and rice planting is nearly done—corn at 98% and rice at 93%—but drought still lingers, with exceptional drought covering about 17.54% of the state. Local Water Expansion: Central Arkansas Water approved nearly $3.3 million for the next Ferndale service phase in western Pulaski County, extending lines where residents currently rely on wells. College Sports Shockwave: Arkansas tennis is back—men’s and women’s programs reinstated after donors stepped in with short-term funding, while a long-term endowment is still the goal. Youth Mental Health: Arkansas ranks #46 out of 51 for youth mental health, a reminder for parents to watch access to care and rising teen stress.

Arkansas Tennis Reversal: The University of Arkansas is bringing back its men’s and women’s tennis programs just 20 days after cutting them, with Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek saying donors stepped in with short-term funding and that a “significant endowment” is still the only long-term fix. Local Water Infrastructure: Central Arkansas Water approved a nearly $3.3 million contract to extend service to Ferndale in western Pulaski County, adding 3.5 miles of lines and building on earlier phases. Food & Industry: Symrise opened a Northwest Arkansas “food studio” to speed up tastings and co-creation with customers, while Gowan Milling announced an $8.7 million Blytheville expansion expected to create 34 jobs. Agriculture & Weather: Arkansas farmers are pushing through planting as drought lingers, with corn and rice near the finish line but dry conditions still a major worry. Health & Care: UAMS researchers tested simple sound machines to reduce anxiety for gynecology oncology patients in exam rooms.

Arkansas Tennis Rebound: The University of Arkansas reversed course and reinstated its men’s and women’s tennis programs effective immediately—just 20 days after cutting them—after donors stepped in with short-term funding and supporters raised about $5 million toward a longer-term endowment. Health & Education: Arkansas Children’s Hospital is partnering with Lyon College’s School of Dental Medicine to expand pediatric dental care, training, and research. Cyber & Safety: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin is co-chairing a national AG push for AI and online safety guardrails, while Alabama and Oklahoma AGs urged the EPA to protect chemical facility data from cyber misuse. Local Growth: Gowan Milling announced an $8.7 million Blytheville expansion expected to add 34 jobs over five years. Community Spotlight: Fayetteville hosted visiting urban planners studying NWA’s rapid growth, and Logoly State Park continues its mission as an environmental education hub.

Education & Families: Arkansas is rolling out the #GoBeyondGrades campaign to help parents track reading progress, with a statewide survey showing 84% of parents think kids are on grade level and new supports tied to the LEARNS Act. Local Business & Community: Insight Karate in Conway says it’s still growing from its long-running Harkrider Street location, serving kids through adults. Tech & Industry: EarthOptics is expanding its soil lab operations with a new Raleigh-Durham facility, while Atmus Filtration names Kevin Carpenter as senior VP and chief supply chain officer. Environment & Energy: Smackover Lithium says the U.S. DOE has finished its NEPA review for its South West Arkansas project with a Finding of No Significant Impact. Public Safety & Health: Jonesboro is testing the Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism and other cognitive challenges, and the Jonesboro Fire Department earned a Gold Helmet cancer registry designation. Local Watch: Fayetteville residents packed a town hall over Swarm Aero’s new drone-related facility, with noise and safety concerns front and center.

Flood Mapping Gap: New reporting says many flood maps are missing a key river data component, raising fresh questions about how well “once-every-two-years” flood assumptions hold up as channels shift. UA Tennis Fight: In Fayetteville, supporters say they’ve lined up about $5 million in pledges to keep UA’s recently cut men’s and women’s tennis programs alive for two more years. Data Center Backlash: Kansas residents are packing meetings over data centers after a 20-year tax break law, and Conway locals are also pushing back—worried about power bills, water use, and rushed decision-making. Arkansas Health & Safety: UAMS researchers report progress on regrowing eye nerves after injury and disease, while Jonesboro’s fire department earned a Gold Helmet cancer-registry designation. Regional Water & Power: Kansas regulators told Evergy to rethink a transmission route through the Flint Hills, and Oklahoma’s AG is appealing rejections tied to an Illinois River settlement.

Early Honors Graduation: UA Little Rock volleyball setter Kaylee Smith is graduating early magna cum laude (GPA 3.8+), balancing academics and athletics in the MBA track. Pharmacy Workforce: A new national push argues pharmacists can help close the worsening doctor shortage—but warns the missing piece is the payment and system infrastructure to scale clinical care. Arkansas Agriculture Science: Researchers at the Arkansas Fruit Breeding Program identified a key genetic region tied to primocane-fruiting in blackberries, a breakthrough that could speed new high-yield varieties. Water & Data Centers: Central Arkansas Water says the proposed Google and AVAIO data centers could each need about 4 million gallons a day for cooling, and the projects will pay standard commercial rates. Community & Environment: The African American Mayors Association and partners highlight 12 cities taking action on air quality, extreme heat, and lead infrastructure—moving from plans to implementation. Local Public Safety: Jonesboro launches the Blue Envelope program training, giving drivers a simple way to communicate sensory or communication differences during police interactions.

Record Heat in Arkansas: A new Stacker ranking puts May among the hottest on record since 1895, with statewide averages around the low 70s and highs climbing into the low 80s. Water & Data Centers: Central Arkansas Water says Google’s Port of Little Rock plan and the AVAIO project could each need about 4 million gallons a day for cooling at peak demand—prompting a new community Q&A site. New Outdoor Access: Arkansas Game and Fish helped open the Upper Illinois River Water Trail, a 15.5-mile paddle route that now connects Arkansas to Oklahoma. E-Waste Push: An e-waste recycling event is set for May 16 in Poncha Springs, with a long list of electronics accepted. Public Safety Training: Benton opened a long-planned fire training facility Monday, built for hands-on drills with smoke and monitored heat. Security & Tech: A-State is partnering with Kalmer Solutions to launch a student-led cybersecurity Security Operations Center in fall 2026. Health & Community: A heartbroken visitor found a 3.09-carat diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park, describing it as something she “really needed.”

College Sports Clash: Texas coach Steve Sarkisian is going scorched-earth on college football’s “wild West” culture, warning that when rules can be challenged through lawsuits, “no one is afraid of the consequences.” Middle East Energy Shock: With Iran tensions keeping the Strait of Hormuz in play, analysts say disruptions can ripple through global oil markets—helping explain why U.S. gas prices stay jumpy. NBA Lottery: The Wizards won the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery and will pick No. 1, with the Jazz, Grizzlies and Bulls next in line. Arkansas Health Watch: Arisa Health says a $4.4 million funding loss will force changes across 41 counties, including Northeast Arkansas—some services and locations will be cut after June 30. Fort Smith Spill Oversight: EPA has stepped back and state and local officials are now leading cleanup after the May 2 chemical spill. Local Youth: Sebastian County Extension is rolling out free summer youth events, including a “School’s Out Pirate Bash” on May 29.

Air Permits & Bottlenecks: Arkansas environmental leaders heard a practical “streamlining” pitch at the AEF Air Seminar, with Ben Holden and Walter Wright pointing to ADEQ tools like permit flexibility, administrative amendments, alternative operating scenarios, and temporary/alternative monitoring to speed approvals without raising emissions. Fort Smith Spill Fallout: Residents downstream of a Fort Smith chemical spill say the damage is bigger than initial reports, worrying about long-term impacts as cleanup and fish-kill counts continue. Local Governance: Commissioners reviewed seven department updates and building-code issues, while also discussing a lease tied to the Valley View Schoolhouse. Transportation With a Green Nod: Jonesboro’s Aggie Road-to-Airport Road connector cleared a major environmental step—FHWA issued a FONSI—paving the way for roundabouts, sidewalks, and drainage upgrades. Community & Outdoors: NWA’s green spaces and volunteer work got the spotlight, plus a slate of free bird walks and nature events. Health & Safety Training: A new law enforcement training facility opened in East Camden, expanding capacity and adding a live-fire range. Economy Watch: The Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose above growth-neutral for a third straight month, signaling steadier manufacturing momentum.