AGP Executive Report

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.

Food Safety & Public Health: The FDA upgraded a massive egg recall tied to Salmonella Enteritidis to its highest-risk Class I status, affecting about 1.6 million cartons distributed in Arkansas and several other states, with sell-by dates running through mid-August—so shoppers should check brands and codes before eating. Extreme Heat & Energy Relief: Heat Advisories returned across much of Arkansas, and SWEPCO said it’s suspending residential disconnections for nonpayment through the end of the week while urging customers to stay cool and use bill-assistance options. Water Infrastructure: Ozark voters will decide in a Nov. 3 special election whether to repurpose the city’s 1% sales tax to fund about $23 million in water-system improvements, with a potential rate increase if the measure fails. River Navigation & Jobs: U.S. Sen. John Boozman marked completion of the Three Rivers Project to protect Arkansas River navigation and prevent harmful convergence with the White River, supporting an estimated 55,000 jobs tied to river transport. Conservation & Wildlife: Arkansas landowners can get 75% reimbursement (up to $20,000) for approved feral hog trapping systems through the 2026 Feral Hog Conservation Incentive Program. Local Climate Tech: Little Rock airport is installing geothermal wells to heat and cool facilities and cut natural gas use. Education & Conservation: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission honored 31 schools statewide as School of Conservation Leadership for 2026-29, including multiple Northwest Arkansas campuses.

Extreme Heat & Fire Risk: SWEPCO is suspending residential disconnections for nonpayment through the end of the week as Arkansas faces dangerous heat, urging customers to cool off and seek bill help early. Burn Bans: Seven-day burn bans were issued for Bowie and Cass counties, and Jefferson County also moved under a countywide burn ban due to hot, dry conditions. Geothermal Upgrade (Little Rock): Work at Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is expanding a geothermal well field to cut natural gas use for heating and cooling, with officials aiming to eliminate gas except for restaurant cooking. Wildlife Management: The AGFC is considering a new draw system for about 1,000 acres of the St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA to reduce crowding during duck season, with public comments open for 30 days. Water & Pollution: A federal appeals court sent the Illinois River pollution case back to district court to revisit a settlement plan tied to phosphorus runoff from poultry litter. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a recall affecting about 1.6 million egg cartons to Class I after Salmonella concerns, with products sold in Arkansas and several other states. Conservation Farming Help: USDA expanded emergency haying and grazing options on CRP acres for wildfire-impacted livestock producers, including in Arkansas.

Precision Agriculture: University of Arkansas researchers say growers may get early crop-stress signals using free satellite imagery plus drones and handheld sensors—often showing similar field trends without immediately buying new tech. Drone Delivery: Uber and Zipline plan to expand drone deliveries through Uber Eats, aiming for one million deliveries a day by 2029, starting in existing Zipline markets like Dallas and Houston. River Navigation: The U.S. Army Corps finished the Three Rivers project early near Tichnor and Desha County to prevent river connections that could disrupt Southeast Arkansas navigation. Heat & Fire Risk: Dry conditions are tightening burn ban concerns across Arkansas, with officials warning Boone County could be next as wind-driven embers raise wildfire danger. Clean Energy Upgrade: Little Rock’s airport is building a geothermal well field to cut natural gas use for heating and cooling. Food Safety: FDA upgraded a large salmonella egg recall to Class I, with Arkansas among states where affected cartons were sold. Wildlife & Habitat: Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation received a major Benton County land donation to protect habitat and expand public conservation access. School Choice Costs: Arkansas expects 5,500 more students in its Educational Freedom Account program for 2026-27, pushing total participation toward 50,000.

Wildfire Risk: Dry heat is pushing Boone County toward possible burn bans, with Harrison officials warning that wind-driven embers can turn tall grass into fast-moving fires. Clean Energy in Little Rock: The Little Rock airport is building a geothermal well field to cut natural gas use for heating and cooling, aiming for a closed-loop system. School Choice Growth: Arkansas expects about 5,500 more students in the Educational Freedom Account for 2026-27, bringing participation to roughly 50,000 and topping $367 million. Heat Dome Watch: A dangerous, long-lasting heat wave is gripping much of the U.S., with Little Rock facing oppressive humidity and little nighttime relief. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Texas egg recall to Class I after salmonella illnesses and hospitalizations, including distribution into Arkansas. Wildlife & Research: Arkansas researchers are using “genetic neighborhoods” to spot harmful poultry bacteria, and AGFC is promoting habitat tips for deer and wildlife.

Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a massive salmonella egg recall to Class I, its highest-risk level, covering about 1.6 million dozen eggs sold under multiple brands (including Kroger and Brookshire’s) with sell-by dates running through Aug. 17; the eggs were distributed across Texas and several states including Arkansas, and the FDA says there’s a reasonable probability of serious harm or death. Public Health & Climate: A dangerous heat dome is keeping extreme heat and humidity locked over much of the U.S., with Little Rock in the mix and little nighttime relief expected—officials warn it could be deadly. Wildlife & Agriculture Science: Arkansas researchers are using “genetic neighborhoods” to sort harmful poultry bacteria strains from harmless ones, aiming to improve disease control. Conservation in Northwest Arkansas: A Benton County landowner donated a 150-acre farm to the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation to protect habitat and expand public conservation access. Animal Health & Research: Federal efforts to control feral hogs are expanding, with new focus on science-based approaches to reduce damage and disease spread. Education Policy: Arkansas officials expect 5,500 more students in the Educational Freedom Account school choice program for 2026-27, pushing costs above $367 million. Local Workforce: The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber was named ACT’s 2026 Workforce Policy Champion for linking schools and employers through WorkKeys and career readiness. Health Care Access: New interventional cardiology clinics opened in El Dorado and Camden to expand specialty heart care in South Arkansas.

Heat & Health: A late-summer “heat dome” is pushing dangerous heat and humidity across much of the U.S., with about 97 million people under heat advisories and Little Rock facing little nighttime relief—raising the risk of deadly heat stress. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a salmonella egg recall to Class I, its highest risk level, covering about 1.6 million dozen eggs sold under multiple brands (including Kroger and Brookshire’s) with sell-by dates running into mid-August; shoppers are urged to check carton codes and dates. Arkansas Policy & Schools: Arkansas officials project 5,500 more students in the Educational Freedom Account school choice program for 2026-27, bringing total participation to about 50,000, while lawmakers also reviewed EFA changes and energy rules. Wildlife & Waterfowl Habitat: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall joined a letter urging the Fish and Wildlife Service to keep wetland easement protections that support the “duck factory” Prairie Pothole region. Internet Safety: Arkansas lawmakers highlighted National Internet Safety Month, citing rising online harms involving minors and noting court challenges have paused parts of recent protections. Local Workforce: The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber earned ACT’s 2026 Workforce Policy Champion award for linking WorkKeys and career readiness to area schools and employers.

Food Safety Crisis: The FDA upgraded a multistate salmonella egg recall to Class I, its highest risk level, covering about 19 million eggs sold under brands including Kroger, Brookshire’s, Country Morning, Simple Truth, and Sunups; illnesses have reached nearly 100 with 26 hospitalizations, and the eggs’ sell-by/best-by dates can run through Aug. 17—so Arkansas shoppers are urged to check cartons and not eat recalled eggs. Extreme Heat: A “heat dome” is pushing 97 million people under heat advisories, with dangerous humidity making it feel near 115°F in parts of the South; forecasters warn of little nighttime relief and urge hydration and staying cool. Arkansas Policy Watch: The Arkansas Legislative Council reviewed state revenue, education funding changes to the Educational Freedom Account, and new wind energy permitting and safety rules. Local Wildlife & Livestock Risk: UAPB extension warned that New World screwworm is confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, and Arkansas sheep/goat producers should treat it as an active threat during warm months. Community & Health Workforce: Southern Arkansas University wrapped its second Health Careers Opportunity Program academy, training rising freshmen from the Delta region through hands-on healthcare simulations. Tech & Rural Economy: A UADA researcher says AI data centers may bring benefits to rural counties like Calhoun and Dallas, but impacts have limits compared with other industries.

Food Safety Crisis: The FDA upgraded a multistate egg recall to a Class I “highest risk” after salmonella concerns, covering about 1.6 million dozen eggs produced in Texas and sold under brands including Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Country Morning and Sunups. The eggs were distributed across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico and Mississippi, with some cartons still within July 20–Aug. 17 sell-by dates—FDA says consumers should not eat them. Extreme Heat: A heat dome is pushing dangerous temperatures and humidity across much of the U.S., with Little Rock among areas seeing little nighttime relief and heat advisories through Wednesday. Arkansas Outdoors & Wildlife: An Arkansas high school player in Maumelle found a 2-foot cottonmouth inside his helmet during practice; animal control removed it and released it nearby. Water & Drought Watch: Colorado wildlife officials say a 2,500 acre-feet drought release tied to the Upper Arkansas River will stay in Pueblo Reservoir to offset sediment losses, not flow downstream into parts of the lower Arkansas Valley. Land & Habitat: The AGFC is set to host a private-lands event Aug. 28 in Saline County to help landowners improve deer and wildlife habitat.

FDA Class I Egg Recall: The FDA upgraded a Midwest Poultry Services recall of nearly 1.6 million dozen cage-free eggs to Class I, its highest risk level, tied to possible Salmonella Enteritidis. The eggs were produced in Texas and sold under multiple brands, with some cartons still carrying sell-by or best-by dates through Aug. 17. Heat & Health: An oppressive heat wave is gripping much of the U.S., with Little Rock among areas facing dangerous heat plus high humidity and little overnight relief—conditions that can raise mortality risk. Arkansas Medicaid Uncertainty: KFF Health News reports about 200,000 low-income Arkansans could see major Medicaid coverage changes next year after the Trump administration said it won’t renew a key waiver, citing new “budget neutrality” rules. Local Food Safety Checks: Arkansas Department of Health inspection updates include Wingstop storage violations corrected at follow-up and other compliance notes posted on the state food inspection portal. Arkansas River Drought Response: Colorado partners dedicated 2,500 acre-feet of water to the Upper Arkansas River to support fishery health and recreation through November. Wildlife Reminder: A Maumelle High School player found a two-foot cottonmouth inside his helmet—an alert to check outdoor gear before use.

Water & Heat Watch: A prolonged dangerous heat wave is forecast to hit Arkansas through at least Aug. 23, with heat index values around 109–114 and flash-drought risk rising as soils and small creeks dry out. River Health: In the broader Arkansas River basin, Colorado dedicated 2,500 acre-feet (about 815 million gallons) to the Upper Arkansas River to protect fishery habitat and recreation during historic low flows. Energy Efficiency: Pine Bluff’s Convention Center is retrofitting remaining non-LED lights to LEDs with Entergy Arkansas funding, cutting electricity use and estimated carbon emissions. Wildlife & Habitat: Northwest Arkansas Land Trust protected 66 acres in Madison County with a conservation easement, preserving riparian corridors, wetlands, and forest habitat in the War Eagle Creek watershed. Public Health: The FDA upgraded a multistate Salmonella egg recall to Class I, with affected eggs shipped to Arkansas and other states; consumers are urged to check carton codes and dates. Local Policy & Environment: Arkansas lawmakers are set to debate lithium mining in a 2027 session, as counties weigh incentives and profitability questions for “Lithium Valley.” Community & Access: Independence County Library announced free community events, including a financial seminar and a dinosaur exhibit.

Food Safety Shock: The FDA upgraded a multistate egg recall to its highest risk level after Salmonella Enteritidis concerns, with affected eggs shipped to stores and foodservice in Arkansas and other states; officials say illnesses began months before the earliest recalled eggs left Texas farms, so the recall may explain some cases but not all. Wildlife & Community: A local bird-lover is asking what “bird funerals” can teach us about grieving wildlife losses caused by human activity. Public Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing nationwide, with Florida reporting hundreds more as the CDC totals rise. Arkansas Education & Science: UALR plans a Museum of Natural History using its science collections, aiming for early displays by end of 2026 and a public opening in spring 2027. Energy & Industry: Standard Lithium says battery testing of South West Arkansas lithium carbonate worked in downstream LFP cell production, while South Arkansas oil and brine operations reported new well completions and plugging work. Agriculture & Waterfowl: Arkansas rice-water habitat remains a key driver for wintering ducks, with researchers urging attention to flooded acres as conditions shift.