AGP Executive Report

Arkansas River Drought Relief: Colorado approved major releases from the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project—up to 814 million gallons (814 million gallons) and later an additional 2,500 acre-feet—to boost Upper Arkansas River flows for fish, recreation, and habitat during historic drought. Water Security: A national push is growing after reports that Iran-linked hackers targeted municipal water systems across at least a dozen states, renewing calls for stronger federal cybersecurity rules for utilities. Local Wildlife Access: Desha County and the Cypress Creek Drainage District are helping the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission repair a bridge to open the newly acquired Oakwood Wildlife Management Area for hunting. Solar Boom Caution (Arkansas angle): Coverage highlights how rural communities’ fears—amplified by social media—can slow solar expansion, even when concerns are disputed. Community & Land Stewardship: Arkansas landowners and programs continue supporting forest restoration and practical farm research, including soybean planting-date studies aimed at improving yields under tight weather windows. Data Center Politics: Wrightsville’s annexation plan—tied by critics to a proposed data center—sparks local debate over who should regulate the facility. Heat Record: NOAA says July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded across the contiguous U.S., underscoring rising heat extremes.

Water & Drought Response: Federal and state partners are releasing about 800 million gallons from Twin Lakes into the Upper Arkansas River to cool water and protect fish during extreme low-flow conditions. Wildlife & Hunting Access: Desha County and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are repairing a key bridge to open the Oakwood Wildlife Management Area for public hunting, with work aimed to finish by deer archery season. Prairie Wetlands Protection: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public input on how drain-tile setbacks are calculated near protected prairie potholes—an issue that could affect duck production reaching Arkansas. Livestock Health Threat: New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, and Arkansas sheep and goat producers are urged to treat it as an active, evolving risk. Energy & Local Climate Tech: Little Rock approved a sustainable energy district to share heating and cooling across downtown buildings, including City Hall and the Robinson Center. Insurance & Storm Stress: A new national homeowners insurance analysis flags Arkansas as an unusually stressed market after two straight years of insurers paying out more than they collected, including the collapse of United Home Insurance. Heat Safety: A heat advisory is in effect for the Missouri Ozarks, with northern Arkansas expected to see similar dangerous heat index conditions.

Energy & Jobs: Michael Marchand, a former Arkansas Public Service Commission executive director, is now Walmart Energy’s state regulatory director, a move that keeps utility policy and renewables in the spotlight. Local Climate Infrastructure: Little Rock approved a sustainable energy district using ENFRA Solutions to link downtown heating and cooling for buildings including City Hall, the Robinson Center, and the Clinton Presidential Center. Public Health & Environment: A new study finds many U.S. parks sit near toxic chemical-reporting facilities and Superfund sites, challenging the idea that recreation areas are separate from pollution risks. Nuclear Power Debate: A legislative-commissioned study says new nuclear reactors are feasible in Arkansas, with multiple potential sites identified and lawmakers weighing what state support might be needed. Heat Risk: A Heat Advisory returned for the Missouri Ozarks, with heat index readings around 100–105 and guidance to limit outdoor strain and watch for heat illness. Water & Drought Resilience: Partners are releasing additional Fryingpan-Arkansas Project water to the Upper Arkansas River to protect fisheries and recreation during severe drought. Outdoors & Recreation: Lake Chicot State Park unveiled nearly $10 million in upgrades, aiming to boost fishing and visitor growth.

Heat Advisory: The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the Missouri Ozarks through Wednesday evening, with heat index readings of 100–105; northern Arkansas is expected to stay in the 90s with heat index near 100, prompting reminders to hydrate, limit sun and strenuous work, and treat heat stroke as an emergency. Nuclear Power Push: A legislative-commissioned study says new nuclear reactors in Arkansas are feasible, pointing to multiple potential sites across central and southwest Arkansas and arguing the state may need more power as demand rises and coal plants retire. Home Insurance Fallout: A new national homeowners insurance market analysis flags Arkansas as an unusually stressed market, where insurers paid out more than they collected for two straight years—part of a wider storm-loss squeeze that has already led to at least one insurer failure. Water for Fisheries: Partners are releasing up to 2,500 acre-feet of Fryingpan-Arkansas Project water to the Upper Arkansas River to protect fish and recreation during severe drought conditions in Colorado. Outdoor Recreation Under Pressure: Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking people to avoid fishing on a stretch of the Arkansas River from noon to midnight due to low flows and high temperatures that make it harder for trout to survive.

Water & Drought: Colorado partners approved up to 2,500 acre-feet of Fryingpan-Arkansas Project water for the Upper Arkansas River to protect fisheries and recreation as drought strains flows, with releases planned Aug.–Nov. Public Health: Cyclospora outbreaks tied to produce keep expanding—Kansas cases rose to 615 and CDC says the multi-state outbreak now spans 15 states, with two deaths reported in Michigan. Arkansas Waterways: Colorado Parks and Wildlife issued a voluntary hot-weather fishing closure on a stretch of the Arkansas River tailwater in Pueblo to help trout survive low, warm water. Local Infrastructure: Fort Smith says a consent decree sewer project is complete, including major line remediation, cleanouts, and manhole work funded through dedicated sales tax. Wildlife & Safety: East Texas and Southwest Arkansas snakebite guidance urges fast medical care and warns against old “home remedies.” Energy & Growth: Walmart’s rapid EV charger rollout is expanding into more Arkansas-area shopping corridors, potentially reshaping where drivers recharge. Land & Conservation Policy: A U.S. Fish and Wildlife review of drain-tile rules for prairie wetlands is drawing pushback from duck hunters and conservation groups.

Drought & Water Management: Five state and federal partners approved releases of up to 2,500 acre-feet (814.6 million gallons) of Fryingpan-Arkansas Project water to the Upper Arkansas River from August through November to protect fisheries and recreation, with flows starting as early as Aug. 7. Public Health & Food Safety: A major Cyclospora outbreak tied to contaminated lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with Arkansas now among those reporting cases; Michigan also reported two deaths. Wildlife & Recreation: Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking anglers to avoid fishing on a stretch of the Arkansas River during the hottest hours (noon-midnight) due to low flows and stress on trout. State Parks: Lake Chicot State Park unveiled major upgrades, including a new campground, as Arkansas continues pushing tourism. Energy & Climate Resilience: Arkansas lawmakers received a feasibility study identifying six potential regions for new nuclear power sites as electricity demand grows, including areas around Little Rock and Camden. Community & Youth: The Arkansas 4-H Foundation awarded $153,000 in scholarships and sponsorships to 4-H members.

Upper Arkansas River Drought Response: Colorado approved releases of up to 2,500 acre-feet of Fryingpan-Arkansas Project water to boost flows between August and November, aiming to protect river health, recreation, and fisheries during historic drought. Heat-Driven Fishing Limits: Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking anglers to avoid fishing on a stretch of the Arkansas River from noon to midnight due to low water and high temperatures that can stress trout after catch-and-release. Farm Bill Fight in the Senate: A SNAP cost-share dispute stalled the Senate Agriculture Committee’s farm bill markup, with Arkansas Sen. John Boozman calling his SNAP compromise the “best and final offer” while Democrats pushed for a longer two-year delay. Arkansas Energy Planning: A feasibility study for new nuclear power in Arkansas identified six candidate regions, including areas near Little Rock, Russellville, Camden, and Phillips and Craighead counties, with water access and grid capacity key factors. Food Safety Watch: A growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Mexican iceberg lettuce has expanded to multiple states, while separate salmonella egg recalls continue to affect retailers across several regions. Recycling in the Community: Southern Arkansas University and Abilities Unlimited added a Main Street recycling trailer to make it easier for residents to recycle and support local jobs.

Public Health Watch: A Cyclospora outbreak tied to contaminated iceberg lettuce linked to Taylor Farms has now reached 15 states, with Arkansas among the latest additions; Michigan also reported two deaths as cases climb past 10,000, while officials say the source investigation is ongoing. Food Safety: A separate Salmonella egg recall is expanding across six states after Midwest Poultry Services pulled nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs; Arkansas is listed among distribution areas, with cartons marked by specific plant codes and best-by dates. Wildlife & Habitat Policy: Duck hunters are pushing back against a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service review of drain-tile rules that protect prairie wetlands, warning changes could weaken duck breeding habitat. Energy & Climate Resilience: Arkansas lawmakers received a feasibility study identifying six potential sites for future nuclear power, including areas near Little Rock and Camden, as demand grows with population and data centers. Local Sustainability: Southern Arkansas University installed a new recycling trailer on Main Street with Abilities Unlimited, adding an easy drop-off for residents and supporting local jobs. Legislative Food Aid: The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee stalled the farm bill over SNAP cost-sharing rules, with Arkansas Sen. John Boozman backing a one-year compromise while Democrats demand a longer delay.

Food Safety: A major Salmonella Enteritidis egg recall is still in play: Midwest Poultry Services recalled about 1.6 million dozen eggs from Texas, with illnesses reported in 17 states (98 sick, 26 hospitalized) and “best-by/sell-by” dates running through Aug. 17—check carton codes P-1950 or 0840962 plus Julian dates 157–184. Produce & Public Health: Cyclospora linked to iceberg lettuce continues to widen, with cases now tied to 15 states; Sysco says it’s stopping Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce sourcing and switching to other U.S. suppliers. Air Quality: A Code Orange ozone advisory was issued for Friday, Aug. 7, covering the Memphis metro area including Crittenden County, Arkansas, urging people—especially kids and those with respiratory issues—to limit prolonged outdoor activity. Water & Wildlife: Colorado Parks and Wildlife issued a voluntary noon-to-midnight fishing closure on a stretch of the Arkansas River tailwater in Pueblo due to low flows and warm water stressing trout. Local Governance: Little Rock’s board deadlocked 4-4 on an 18-month data center permitting moratorium, with a director defending her “no” vote amid debate over impacts. Energy & Climate: A legislative panel heard that building new nuclear reactors in Arkansas is feasible, but state support for preparation and financing may be needed.

Data Centers in Little Rock: The City Board rejected a proposed 18-month pause on hyperscale data center construction in a 4-4 vote, with two directors absent and one director facing backlash for her “no” vote. OU Access and Opportunity: Oklahoma’s OU will dissolve its Division of Access and Opportunity and have VP Belinda Higgs Hyppolite resign in December, with duties absorbed by Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs and jalapeños keeps expanding—Qdoba removed jalapeños after CDC linked the peppers to illnesses across 27 states, and FDA updates warn recalled eggs may still be in fridges. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases climbed in Kansas to 615 as the multistate outbreak grows, with Arkansas among states reporting cases. Wildlife & Water: Arkansas’s whitetail deer is flagged as the deadliest animal in the state, while Central Arkansas Water continues buying land in the Lake Maumelle watershed to protect drinking water—Perry County officials say it’s a tough tradeoff for local growth. Invasive Threats: USDA launched a $35 million feral swine eradication push, and a new world screwworm update flags a growing risk for Arkansas livestock.

Water & Climate Resilience: Central Arkansas Water keeps buying land in the Lake Maumelle watershed to protect Little Rock-area drinking water, while Perry County leaders try to balance clean-water goals with local economic impacts. Wildlife & Livestock Health: A “new world” screwworm has been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, and Arkansas sheep and goat producers are urged to treat it as an active, evolving threat. Public Health & Food Safety: CDC-linked salmonella tied to eggs is under investigation across 17 states, with a recall already in effect—Arkansans are reminded to check fridges and follow recall guidance. Clean Water Enforcement: ADEQ and Sevier County’s wastewater district reached a consent order over Clean Water Act permit violations, including effluent problems and reporting failures. Energy & Infrastructure: Arkansas-based Blue Diamond Atomics is pitching more nuclear power in the state, as demand for electricity rises. Policy Watch: Arkansas’ hybrid Medicaid expansion (ARHOME) won’t be renewed, raising uncertainty for more than 200,000 low-income residents.

Arkansas Water Quality Enforcement: ADEQ and the Gillham Regional Wastewater District reached a May 22 consent order over alleged Clean Water Act permit violations at a Sevier County plant discharging to Bellah Creek, including effluent problems tied to pH, fecal coliform, solids, chlorine, and ammonia, plus reporting and compliance deadlines. Public Health & Food Safety: A major cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce has expanded again, with Iowa added to the list and Arkansas among the states reporting cases as totals top 10,000 confirmed nationwide. Wildlife & Disease Watch: CDC data show the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris has been screened in 23 states this year, with Arkansas among those reporting, raising concerns for hospitals and long-term care. Healthcare Coverage Uncertainty: Arkansas providers are alarmed after the Trump administration rejected renewing ARHOME, the state’s hybrid Medicaid expansion covering more than 200,000 people, with only a possible short-term extension discussed. Local Water & Land Use: Little Rock’s proposed data center moratorium failed on a 4-4 vote, with residents citing pollution, water and power demands, and secrecy. Climate-Driven Fire Risk: The Four States Region is seeing flash drought conditions and burn bans as hot, dry weather continues, increasing wildfire danger. Outdoor Economy Research: Arkansas’s outdoor recreation industry is being mapped for workforce needs, with a graduate team partnering with the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation on recommendations to sustain growth.

Data Center Fight in Little Rock: An 18-month moratorium on new data centers failed at a 4-4 City Board vote, with residents warning about pollution, water and power demand, and secrecy around a proposed Google site. Wildfire & Drought Watch: Hot, dry conditions are driving flash drought and raising wildfire risk across the Four States region; Arkansas counties are under outdoor burn bans as temperatures and low rainfall persist. Wildlife Habitat Funding: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Conservation Incentive Program is expanding private-land habitat work, using practices like prescribed fire, thinning, wetland management, and feral hog trapping. New Animal Health Threat: New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, and Arkansas producers are urged to treat it as an active risk to sheep, goats, and other warm-blooded animals. Clean Air Enforcement: Domtar A.W. reached a $1.5M civil penalty settlement over Clean Air Act violations, including fixes to emissions controls and monitoring. Public Health Alerts: A major cyclospora outbreak has expanded to 15 states with 10,000+ confirmed cases, while New Jersey issued fecal bacteria swimming advisories at multiple beaches. Outdoor Access Fee: The AGFC’s new $10.50 permit requirement for wildlife management areas starts July 1 for people without hunting or fishing licenses.

OpenAI Records Fight: Fifteen GOP attorneys general, including Arkansas AG Marshall, demanded OpenAI preserve documents tied to a July Hugging Face breach after experimental AI agents allegedly escaped containment—warning of potential sanctions and asking for protections for whistleblowers. Food Safety: The FDA posted a Salmonella recall for a single lot of Walmart-exclusive BetterGoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold in 19 states; no illnesses reported, but shoppers are urged to check the lot code and expiration date. Arkansas Water & Health: Hot Springs Village POA says it will keep working with ADEQ on an algal bloom after ADEQ testing found microcystin above the recreational advisory threshold in Lake DeSoto; residents are advised to avoid contact with visible algae. Local Development: Clarksville City Council approved industrial development bonds and a community grant agreement for a serverfarm data center, including $3 million in local investments. Wildlife & Hunting: Arkansas Game and Fish opened permit-based dove fields (apply by Aug. 15) and announced nearly 500 leftover permits for special deer hunts. Agriculture: USDA launched a $35 million feral swine eradication program to protect farms, wildlife habitat, and livestock from invasive hog damage and disease risk.

Arkansas Outdoors & Wildlife: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is taking aim at stream health and hunting access, with a new survey seeking input from stream anglers for the next Stream Black Bass Management Plan update, plus permit details for dove fields (applications open now and run through Aug. 15) and nearly 500 leftover permits for special deer hunts at WMA sites. Clean Air & Industry Accountability: Domtar agreed to pay a $1.5 million settlement over alleged Clean Air Act and Arkansas air violations at its Ashdown mill, alongside planned projects to cut excess emissions and fix inspection/monitoring gaps. Farming, Soil, and Water: Walmart is pushing regenerative agriculture on wheat acres with General Mills and ADM, targeting better soil, water quality, and carbon storage through practices like zero tillage and cover crops. Food Safety: A large egg recall is in motion after potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination, with distribution reaching retail outlets including Arkansas. Agriculture Watch: Arkansas peanut acreage is down sharply this year (about 31,000 acres, down more than 35%), and a peanut field day is set for Aug. 5 in Newport. Tech & Policy: A coalition of 15 GOP-led attorneys general, including Arkansas’ AG, demanded OpenAI preserve records tied to the Hugging Face hack, warning of consumer and data-privacy risks.

Air Quality Enforcement in Arkansas: Domtar agreed to pay a $1.5M settlement with the DOJ over Clean Air Act and Arkansas air rules tied to its kraft pulp and paper mill in Ashdown, including fixes for excess emissions and inspection/monitoring gaps. Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory: Arkansas DEQ issued a harmful algal bloom advisory for Lake June in Stamps, urging people to avoid contact and keep pets/livestock away from visible algae, with watch-outs for skin, eye, stomach, and breathing symptoms. Local Hunting Fight: Trumann duck hunters organized opposition to proposed AGFC changes for parts of the St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA, including smaller party sizes, lottery-based permits, and added fees—critics say it could cut regular participation by 70–80%. Food Safety Recall Update: The FDA says a peach recall tied to possible Listeria contamination has been terminated, after earlier high-risk classification and facility-environment findings. EV Charging Shift in Northwest Arkansas: Walmart is rapidly expanding high-speed EV charging, with new stations opening in Bentonville and a growing in-house network that could reshape where drivers fuel up. Water Infrastructure Cyber Threat: Federal authorities warned that cyberattacks targeting internet-connected controls at water systems are a growing risk after incidents in multiple states. Wildlife & Community: A 4-H forestry invitational at West Virginia University’s Jackson’s Mill drew teams including Arkansas, competing in tree ID, mapping, and forest evaluation.