AGP Executive Report

Little Rock Data Center Fight: The Little Rock Board unanimously approved an ordinance regulating data center development and operations, setting rules on zoning, noise, landscaping, and utilities as residents push back on a major Google-backed project. Culture-War Messaging: Across GOP-led states, June proclamations are shifting from Pride to “family” branding—Tennessee’s “Nuclear Family Month” and Arkansas’ separate “Fidelity Month” are framed by supporters as traditional values, while critics call it political counterprogramming. Public Safety & Courts: A Crawford County deputy was badly injured trying twice to rescue a woman who died in a Dyer house fire. Higher Ed Leadership: The University of Arkansas School of Law named former OU College of Law dean Katheleen Guzman interim dean starting July 1. State Criminal Justice: Arkansas State Crime Laboratory earned an international efficiency award. Health Policy: Medicaid coverage could be threatened as CMS moves forward with a new work requirement rule, drawing strong concern from patient groups. National Security Oversight: House lawmakers are pushing draft NDAA language to block DoD cuts or closures of military health facilities. Local Government Watch: Cleveland County Judge Don Triplet asked residents to help find stolen road signs, warning of safety risks and potential penalties.

UCA Graduation: The University of Central Arkansas held spring commencement for about 1,200 graduates at the Farris Center in Conway, with students from Benton, Bryant, Alexander and nearby communities earning degrees across nursing, business, education and more. Girls State Workaround: After up to 150 Arkansas high school girls were blocked from American Legion Auxiliary Girls State over a spring-break deadline, state lawmakers launched the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute, giving participants a mock legislative experience with leaders from the Secretary of State, Supreme Court and Governor/Attorney General offices. Public Media Funding: The Arkansas TV Foundation says it has cleared its $2 million goal to keep PBS affiliation, securing FY27 dues and commitments for FY28-29, with the board set to revisit the issue. Food Benefits Security: Arkansas DHS says summer nutrition assistance recipients must reset PINs after benefit thefts, warning cards won’t work until PINs are changed. Gas Tax Push Stalls: A proposed gas tax suspension is losing momentum in Congress and didn’t take off in Arkansas, with Sen. Tom Cotton calling it an unworkable “durable solution.” Nursing Home Watch: CMS data highlights mixed results in Arkansas nursing homes, including a low-rated Pine Bluff Transitional Care (rating 1) and larger facilities in Sebastian County with ratings below the state average. Arkansas Boys State Elections: Local students won statewide mock offices at Arkansas Boys State, including a Secretary of State and Attorney General.

Education Policy: Arkansas Department of Education says applications for the state’s Educational Freedom Accounts ticked up to 54,442 for 2026-27, a slight rise from last year’s 52,529, as the LEARNS-era school choice program moves into its fourth year. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge in the Western District of Arkansas denied Josh Duggar’s bid to overturn his child pornography conviction, ruling his motion was filed too late and questioning his credibility. Health Care Jobs: Baptist Health confirmed it will cut another 70 jobs in its Fort Smith area, citing decreased service volumes and duplicated roles, continuing a broader downsizing since late March. Local Governance: Pulaski County’s data center fight remains active, with a special election tied to District 44 mentioned in the latest coverage, while Little Rock’s proposed data center rules face criticism from a city panel. State Law Enforcement: The Arkansas State Police Commission set its next meeting for June 11 in Little Rock. Community & Culture: Crystal Bridges’ 114,000-square-foot expansion is set to open to the public this weekend, reshaping the visitor experience.

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS laid out how states must implement the new Medicaid work requirement, sticking closely to federal exemptions and warning that homelessness alone won’t qualify—raising pressure on Arkansas and other states to police eligibility by Jan. 2027. Summer EBT Security: Arkansas DHS ordered Summer EBT recipients to reset card PINs immediately after theft reports, warning cards won’t work until the change is made. Education & Pay: A legislative review says Arkansas teacher pay is lagging when cost of living is considered, even as LEARNS Act boosts are touted; meanwhile the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System approved up to $160M in new investments. Local Schools: Lamar School Board updated student transfer and electronic device policies, including rules tied to concurrent credit courses. Courts & Politics: A Saline County judge allowed a former sheriff candidate’s amended defamation lawsuit to proceed after depositions, keeping the dispute alive. Girls State Fallout: 74 Arkansas Girls State counselors resigned and accused American Legion Auxiliary leaders of mistreatment and a “culture of fear,” while the program’s leaders denied the claims. Capitol Civics: Arkansas Boys State, Girls State, and the Civic Leadership Institute brought students to Little Rock for mock legislative sessions.

Local Government: Little Rock directors Capi Peck and Kathy Webb back a temporary moratorium on data centers as the city weighs new rules; Mayor Frank Scott Jr. says the ordinance would set buffer zones and limit construction to industrial areas, but state law restricts how far cities can go. Housing/Permitting: Rogers launched its Pattern Zone Program, offering free, pre-approved residential building plans (15+ options) to speed up homebuilding while still requiring site-specific permitting review. Public Safety/Justice: A Washington County deputy resigned after an arrest for alleged DWI, fleeing, and resisting law enforcement. Attorney General: Tim Griffin announced the arrest of a Little Rock woman on felony theft warrants tied to repeated Marshalls shoplifting totaling about $12,000. Social Services: Arkansas DHS says Summer EBT recipients must reset PINs after theft reports, warning families to use only official call/online channels. Community Impact: Meals on Wheels of Benton County shut down after more than 40 years, citing volunteer and donation shortfalls. Regional/Crime: Chickasaw County, Miss., authorities arrested 59 people and seized 164 fighting roosters in a major cockfighting bust with alleged interstate participation.

Military on Arkansas roads: Arkansas is bracing for more Arkansas National Guard convoys and training traffic through mid-June, with motorists warned to expect delays and increased presence on highways and interstates. Marijuana policy ripple: The DOJ’s move to downgrade medical cannabis to Schedule III could unlock some federal tax benefits for Arkansas businesses, but the bigger federal-state split still leaves uncertainty as the DEA weighs broader changes. Little Rock data center fight: Little Rock’s proposed data center rules face pushback from a city environmental panel, which says the draft is too weak and urges more transparent engagement with residents—especially as water-use questions swirl around a planned Google site. Education transportation grant: Little Rock School District is expanding free transit options with Rock Region Metro using a state Transportation Modernization Grant, highlighting how LEARNS Act funding can translate into practical access for students. Public safety and accountability: Arkansas Advocate staff won multiple state journalism awards, including for prison overcrowding coverage, while separate reporting flags cargo theft tactics getting more organized. Local governance and community: A Centerton police captain/reserve deputy died in an explosion on Highway 72; and Pine Bluff’s Wear Orange Day set for June 5 targets gun violence awareness with community partners.

Education & Transportation: Little Rock School District is using a $42,885 Arkansas Department of Education Transportation Modernization Grant to expand free rides with Rock Region Metro and add bike safety gear and racks, after other districts said they barely knew about the program. Public Safety: Benton County reserve deputy and Centerton police captain Chris Kelley was killed in an explosion along Highway 72 while working on his farm; the cause hasn’t been released. Community & Recreation: Lake Wedington in the Ozark National Forest reopened for a day after years of closure, drawing nearly 1,000 visitors via a nonprofit-led, free event. State Services & Tech: Arkansas rolled out driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet, building on its Mobile ID program for in-person and online use. Politics & Culture: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared June “Fidelity Month,” a direct contrast to Pride Month. Voting Rights: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling narrowing Voting Rights Act protections is prompting renewed statehouse efforts to redraw districts. Healthcare Policy: States are balking at Medicaid work requirements as budget crunches force cuts, with rural providers warning of fallout. Local Governance: Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers urged school board leaders to address district turmoil tied to lawsuits, a reported cyberattack loss, and staffing contract delays.

Medicaid Work Requirements Backlash: States are balking at Medicaid work requirements as budgets tighten, with North Carolina and Arizona facing major knock-on impacts for rural care and potential layoffs. Arkansas Digital ID Upgrade: Arkansas expanded Mobile ID by adding driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet, with in-person and online use plus Apple Watch options at select venues. Little Rock School Board & Title IX: The Little Rock School Board approved a plan for Central High’s softball team to share the new baseball facility, a move framed as a short-term Title IX fix but met with pushback from softball families. Central Arkansas Youth Services: Carter’s Crew broke ground on a youth success center in east Little Rock, funded by an Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership grant, after federal funding cuts threatened the nonprofit. Data Centers vs. Public Trust: An editorial argues Arkansas needs a moratorium on data centers until questions on power, water, environmental risk, and tax impacts are answered. Public Safety & AI: Fort Smith police warned residents about an AI-generated video falsely claiming an injured officer had returned home. Pearl Harbor Homecoming: Arkansas native Fireman Third Class Royle Luker was finally laid to rest in Plainview after DNA identification 85 years later. Criminal Trial Update: A Sevier County capital murder case was continued, with the state seeking the death penalty.

Education & Local Recognition: Arkansas Tech announced spring 2026 President’s and Dean’s List honors, with 1,526 students making the Dean’s List and 690 earning President’s List status. Local History: A new Arkansas history look spotlights Old Hickory in Conway County, once a rural commercial hub with a post office, church, school, and general store before fading away. Civic Training: Arkansas Boys State wrapped its 85th annual session at UCA in Conway, bringing 580 delegates to build a working model of government and run mock elections. State Government & Courts: The 4th Circuit agreed to rehear challenges to 340B contract pharmacy laws, with Arkansas already cited as having upheld similar rules. Elections & Voting Rights: The Trump administration is pushing the Supreme Court to allow states to purge voter rolls for noncitizens close to elections, a move critics say risks disenfranchisement. Public Safety & Community: Arkansas Girls State faced a shake-up after a majority of legacy staff resigned at the closing ceremony, raising questions about the program’s future.

Military & Roads: Arkansas drivers are being warned to expect slower traffic and minor slowdowns from National Guard convoys traveling to Fort Chaffee through June 15. Public Safety: A 43-year-old McRae man accused of ramming a Searcy patrol unit during a March pursuit has been formally charged with aggravated assault. Civic Education: Arkansas Boys State wrapped its 85th session at UCA, welcoming 580 delegates and inducting Matthew Shepherd and Darrin Williams into the Hall of Fame. Legal/Politics: An Arkansas law professor has sued UALR and AG Tim Griffin after being fired over comments tied to Charlie Kirk’s death, arguing protected political speech. Health Care: UAMS ended service agreements with the owner of the state’s proton therapy center, citing about $916,000 in unpaid invoices, while saying existing patients can finish treatment. Government/Privacy: AG Tim Griffin led a multistate amicus brief challenging the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail as an unlawful surveillance risk to Americans’ financial data. Community & Culture: The Arkansas Folklife Festival returns June 26-28 at North Little Rock’s Riverfront Park, spotlighting Arkansas traditions and food. Statehouse Symbolism: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders proclaimed June 2026 as “Fidelity Month,” positioning it as a faith-and-family counterpoint to Pride Month. Veterans: An Arkansas sailor lost at Pearl Harbor, Fireman Third Class Royle Bradford Luker, returned home after more than 80 years for burial with full honors.

Arkansas FOIA Fight: All four Saline County circuit judges recused themselves from a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by Jimmie Cavin against Sheriff Rodney Wright and County Judge Matt Brumley, with the Arkansas Supreme Court appointing retired Judge Ralph Wilson—citing an appearance of impropriety because the quorum court funds the judges’ offices. Pulaski County Data Center Vote: A yearlong data center moratorium in Pulaski County failed to take effect after the county clerk said she miscounted the vote; the measure fell short of the 10-vote threshold needed for emergency passage, raising questions about whether the quorum court can revisit the ordinance and how an exemption for AVAIO Digital fits in. Death Row Appeals Push: Arkansas Attorney General Jay Jones joined a multi-state effort backing a federal rule change aimed at speeding up death row appeals by making it easier for states to set timelines if they also provide attorneys. Military & Veterans: A retired Arkansas National Guard NCO, Joe J. Shelby, received a Purple Heart nearly 20 years after his Iraq service, while Arkansas State Police also reported a fatal motorcycle crash on the Pig Trail Scenic Byway in Franklin County. Civics at the Capitol: Arkansas Boys State, Girls State, and the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute filled Little Rock’s Capitol with student lawmakers learning how government works firsthand.

UALR Lawsuit: A UALR law professor fired over social media posts about Charlie Kirk has sued UALR officials and Arkansas AG Tim Griffin, arguing her dismissal violated her First Amendment rights. Housing Governance: HUD’s federal takeover of the Little Rock housing authority is now overseen by a two-person board from HUD, replacing the dissolved local commissioners. Education Policy: Arkansas education leaders are seeking federal approval for “Reclaiming Arkansas Education,” aiming to cut federal reporting, reshape accountability, and expand local control. Ballot Access Fight: Supporters and opponents are mobilizing around two Arkansas amendment petition drives tied to education rights and ballot-measure rules, with a July 3 signature deadline looming. Pulaski County Data Centers: Pulaski County’s emergency data-center moratorium failed after a clerk/parliamentarian review found the vote didn’t reach the required 10 affirmative votes; the planned exemption for a specific project remains unclear. Internet Safety: AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, warning it would weaken protections and age-verification standards. Military Traffic: National Guard vehicle convoys are expected on Arkansas interstates May 29–June 15 for annual training. Crime & Courts: Jacksonville police arrested a second suspect in the May 17 killing of a 6-year-old; a Washington County Mental Health Court celebrated its first diversion-program graduate.

Higher Ed Leadership: Arkansas State University System trustees selected A-State Chancellor Todd Shields as the next system president (effective July 1) and named Calvin White interim A-State chancellor. Data Center Fight: Pulaski County’s quorum court approved a yearlong moratorium on new data centers but carved out an exemption for AVAIO Digital’s project near Wrightsville—prompting fresh backlash over water, farmland, and electricity costs. Affordable Housing: ADFA announced $13.3M in 9% LIHTC funding to build 698 affordable units statewide, with tax credits claimed over 10 years. Public Safety: A 20-year-old Fort Smith man drowned at Bluff Hole Park in Mulberry Wednesday afternoon. State Politics on the Ballot: Issue 3 would create economic development districts and let the legislature (and local governments) steer loans/grants and public funds toward development projects. Outdoor & Conservation: Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation named 2026 Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees and a Steve Smith Spirit of Giving Award recipient. Crime/Justice: Arkansas AG warned of tax scam letters targeting residents.

Ballot & Education: Arkansas voters will see Issue 3 on the Nov. 3 ballot, a constitutional change that lets the General Assembly create Economic Development Districts to spur jobs and projects, including in rural areas. The state also submitted plans to the U.S. Department of Education seeking waivers to loosen federal K-12 requirements under a “unified education plan,” drawing criticism from advocates worried about equity guardrails. Public Safety & Courts: A man was arrested in the killing of a 6-year-old Jacksonville boy, facing capital murder charges. In federal court, an Eastern Arkansas judge sentenced a New York man to 135 months for a multi-state meth conspiracy. Law Enforcement: A Little Rock police officer is on leave after Arkansas State Police arrested him for DWI and speeding off duty. Local Government: Pulaski County approved a yearlong data center moratorium but carved out an exemption for a specific project, angering opponents. Consumer Watch: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin warned of forged tax notice scam letters. Energy: GasBuddy reported Arkansas County’s lowest midgrade price at $4.24 (week ending May 16). Crime & Tragedy: Park rangers fatally shot a machete-wielding man near Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

Arkansas Abortion Fight: A procedural hurdle cleared, reviving a legal challenge to the state’s near-total abortion ban, keeping the issue in the courts and in the spotlight. State Government & Justice: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin announced a $5.5 million settlement with Family Dollar over rat infestation conditions at a West Memphis distribution center, with $3.9 million to the state. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police defended a trooper’s actions after dashcam footage showed him backing up and then driving forward again, killing a second gosling while trying to move a goose family off an interstate. Elections: Early voting is underway for a special election to fill a vacant Arkansas House seat. Health & Infrastructure: FEMA approved more than $24.2 million in post-disaster Public Assistance funding for Arkansas projects, while EPA funding targets lead exposure in drinking water. Broadband: The Broadband Association of Arkansas announced executive director Joe Molinaro will retire at year’s end, starting a search for his replacement. Policy Watch (Regional): Tennessee’s PBM law is headed to court as CVS sues over the FAIR Rx Act, a fight that could ripple for retail pharmacies nationwide.

Energy & Courts: Georgia AG Chris Carr urged the U.S. Supreme Court to toss a Boulder County lawsuit that would let one local government effectively dictate national energy policy over “global climate change,” arguing it’s unconstitutional and would raise costs. Local Government: Russellville’s City Corporation fired employees after “suspicious” credit card purchases triggered an internal investigation, a criminal probe, and a forensic audit—while promising no utility rate or service changes. Elections: The 8th Circuit denied the state’s bid to rehear Arkansas’s “wet signature” voter rule fight, leaving in place the ruling that digital signatures are valid. Public Safety & Accountability: Arkansas Court of Appeals ruled AT&T improperly assessed certain telephone fees for Clark County and Gurdon, reviving the counties’ challenge. Higher Ed Leadership: Arkansas State University System named Todd Shields as system president starting July 1, with Calvin White as interim chancellor. Kids Online: AG Brown joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act as a threat to state protections for children online.