AGP Executive Report

FISA Fight: Congress failed to extend Section 702, putting a key foreign surveillance tool on track to lapse after a House vote collapsed over the Trump pick for acting DNI, Bill Pulte, with Democrats demanding he be withdrawn before renewal. Abortion Pills vs. EPA: Arkansas and other Republican AGs urged the EPA to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant, arguing it threatens waterways despite health experts saying there’s no evidence of harm. Internet Safety Month: Arkansas officials highlighted rising online risks for minors, including a near-30% jump in reports tied to child sexual abuse material, while noting 2025 laws aimed at protecting kids online remain paused due to court challenges. Local Justice Support: Miller County Prosecutor’s Office added a PAWS for Justice facility dog program to comfort victims and witnesses at the courthouse, with Noah expected to be jury-ready in July. Data Center Politics: A Pulaski County justice of the peace resigned amid contentious data center debate, as the county’s moratorium effort was pushed back to July. Arkansas Energy Deal: Cypress Creek secured $3.5 billion for the Steel River Energy Center, a major Arkansas solar-and-storage project expected to generate hundreds of millions in tax revenue over its lifetime. Courts & Public Safety: Texarkana police are investigating badly decomposed human remains found while mowing, with identification pending.

Federal Surveillance Fight: Congress failed to extend FISA Section 702, putting a key U.S. foreign-intelligence tool on track to expire Friday at midnight, as Democrats tied renewal to changes in President Trump’s intelligence leadership plan. Arkansas Politics & Elections: In Little Rock’s District 2 race, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is set to campaign with Democrat Chris Jones on June 19, boosting a bid against incumbent French Hill. Direct Democracy in Arkansas: Central Arkansas petition drives are underway with less than a month left before a July 3 deadline, including a proposal aimed at rolling back recent restrictions on citizen initiatives. Local Governance: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin’s opinion says cities can’t control zoning outside their boundaries anymore under Act 314, shifting extraterritorial planning power to counties. Statewide Government Watch: A Fayetteville lawsuit alleges the city violated the Arkansas FOI Act by withholding a nondisclosure agreement tied to Swarm Aero drone work. Social Security: A new analysis warns the average Arkansas retiree could face a $430 monthly Social Security cut in 2032 if the trust fund becomes insolvent. Community & Culture: Jonesboro’s Freedom Fest fireworks for America 250 is moving to Arkansas State University’s campus on July 4.

Education Policy: Arkansas’ new LEARNS Act literacy rules are colliding with local discretion, as districts including Springdale and others are granting exemptions so many third graders can advance despite missing end-of-year ATLAS reading/writing targets. Higher Education Leadership: The University of Arkansas named Clemson architecture professor James C. Stevens as the next dean of the Fay Jones School, with acting leadership in place during the transition. Courts & Civil Liberties: A federal appeals court heard arguments over Arkansas’ Act 372 library obscenity provisions, with the state arguing plaintiffs’ claims are too speculative. National Security: Congress failed to extend FISA Section 702, putting U.S. foreign surveillance powers at risk as lawmakers clash over President Trump’s acting intel pick and a broader fight over who controls the program. Local Governance & Public Safety: Arkansas’ role in the data-center debate keeps growing, with reporting highlighting how some local officials are moving to block or halt projects. Energy & Environment: NAACP and environmental groups updated their lawsuit against xAI’s Southaven, Mississippi power plant, citing a higher turbine count and alleged unpermitted pollution. Business & Tech: PepsiCo and Gatik announced driverless heavy-duty trucks operating on routes that include Arkansas, signaling more automation pressure on freight jobs. Sports & Community: USA Baseball tapped Michigan coach Tracy Smith as an assistant for the collegiate national team, with Arkansas pitching coach Matt Hobbs also on staff.

FISA Showdown in Congress: The House rejected a last-minute extension of the FISA Section 702 spy authority, with the vote failing as lawmakers protest President Trump’s choice of Bill Pulte as acting intelligence chief—raising the risk of a lapse as the Friday deadline nears. Arkansas in the Automation Push: PepsiCo and Gatik announced a driverless heavy-truck rollout across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, moving autonomous freight from testing to revenue routes without safety drivers onboard. Arkansas Courts & Families: A young Arkansas woman filed a $2.35M lawsuit against Delta and Endeavor after alleging a flight attendant accused her father of trafficking during a turbulent flight, leading to armed law enforcement involvement. Local Governance: Baxter County cleared the way for a new Sixth Street voting center and assessor/collector annex, transferring $5 million to build the county-owned facility. Public Service Scrutiny: Arkansas Girls State volunteers allege a “culture of fear and shame” in the 2026 program after more than 70 staff quit on the final day. Economy Watch: Rising gas prices helped push inflation to a three-year high in May, complicating the political outlook for the administration. Labor & Industry: Teamsters filed unfair labor practice charges against Cargill tied to a Fort Morgan beef plant lockout.

Local Government & Transparency: A Fayetteville resident sued the city under the Freedom of Information Act, saying it failed to turn over a nondisclosure agreement tied to Swarm Aero’s drone facility—despite emails referencing a digital NDA draft. Public Safety & Courts: Garland County prosecutors filed three capital-murder counts against a Hot Springs-area man over the 2020 killings of a teen, a woman, and her 5-year-old son. State Policy & Education: The Arkansas State Library Board is proposing rules that would require libraries receiving state funds to restrict “sexually explicit” materials and limit access for minors, with a narrow puberty-related exception. Health Care Funding: Hempstead County voters approved a 3/4-cent sales tax to support the local hospital, with backers crediting community organizing after Steward’s bankruptcy filing. National Politics & Surveillance: Senate Democrats signaled they’ll block short-term renewal of a key surveillance authority unless the Trump administration drops its plan to install Bill Pulte as acting intelligence chief. Economy & Infrastructure: Fayetteville’s Swarm Aero fight and other tech/data-center debates continue as national attention grows on how automation and big projects affect jobs, costs, and oversight. Everyday Life: Powerball climbed to $238 million for Wednesday’s drawing.

Capital Murder Trial: Fayetteville jury selection is underway for Kacey Kawika Jennings, accused of killing and dismembering Allison Maria Castro and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Healthcare Cost Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500 hospitals nationwide, including nine in Arkansas, to improve public pricing disclosures or face penalties up to $2 million annually. Culture-War Politics: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ June “Fidelity Month” proclamation is being framed as conservative counter-programming to Pride, with other GOP-led states using similar branding. LGBTQ+ Rights: A new report highlights transgender Arkansans and families weighing whether to move due to state restrictions on gender-affirming care. Energy & Environment: Solar hit a new U.S. milestone, surpassing coal for the first time in monthly electricity share, even as Trump backs coal. Local Governance: Pulaski County Special School District took first steps toward a possible Sherwood detachment, approving resolutions and hiring a consultant. Agriculture: Arkansas Farm Family of the Year named eight district finalists ahead of the statewide announcement in December. Sports & Education: John Calipari and other college coaches backed federal “Protect College Sports Act” on eligibility and transfer rules; A-State trumpet students placed second at an international competition.

Pulaski County Data Center Fight: The Pulaski County Quorum Court is set to vote tonight on a proposed 12-month moratorium on hyperscale data centers, after a similar effort narrowly failed last month and residents flooded justices with concerns about water use, power demand, and noise. Little Rock Tech & Local Control: Fayetteville City Council is moving toward stronger rules to discourage data centers, even as state law limits outright bans. State Appointments: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders named new members to Arkansas boards and commissions, including Criminal Justice Institute Advisory Board appointee Dr. Terisa Riley (UAFS). Rural Health Funding: Arkansas DFA is opening applications for the second round of Rural Health Transformation Funding, with $93.6M available for rural health system upgrades. Public Safety & Health: Southern Arkansas University launched a new B.S. in Emergency Management for Fall 2026. Crime & Courts: A federal watchdog referred 101 UNRWA staffers for suspension or debarment tied to alleged links to Hamas after Oct. 7. Local Tragedy: Rogers and Centerton communities held memorials for Capt. Christopher Kelley after his death from an explosion near Gravette.

Local Government & Housing: Northwest Arkansas Community College cleared the way for its first on-campus residence hall, approving a specific site and a self-financed funding model, while a separate contractor procurement step failed on a 7-1 vote. City Politics: Little Rock released candidate paperwork for the Nov. 3 mayor and city board races, with signature requirements and a filing window set for late July into early August. State Elections: A Pulaski County judge dismissed Bryan Norris’ challenge to the Arkansas secretary of state GOP runoff recount, saying he didn’t prove election law violations. Public Policy & Health: A new state law targets “buy and dry” water transfers out of the Arkansas River Basin, requiring revegetation with native plants before water can be moved elsewhere. Civil Rights & Community: Juneteenth is set for June 19 as the nation’s newest federal holiday, with reporting noting President Trump has not ended it but has removed free national park admission for the day. Education & Civic Life: Arkansas is partnering with the American Cornerstone Institute to bring new civics resources to educators ahead of America’s 250th birthday. Energy & Economy: Fuel prices remain volatile; separate reporting highlights low points for diesel and midgrade gas in multiple Arkansas counties in the week ending May 30.

Antitrust & Big Tech: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office filed a brief in the Meta antitrust case, joining a broader push to challenge the FTC ruling that favored Meta. Abortion Litigation: In the abortion-ban lawsuit, Arkansas opposing attorneys sought to depose Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, arguing the state’s near-total ban harmed a Fayetteville plaintiff after delays in getting care. Elections: A Pulaski County judge dismissed an election challenge tied to the GOP secretary of state runoff, saying the plaintiff failed to prove alleged recount and tally violations by Saline County officials. Local Housing & Homelessness: Northwest Arkansas Community College approved a site and self-financed model for its first on-campus student housing, while Fayetteville hired its first homelessness strategy coordinator to coordinate shelter and housing efforts. Child Welfare & Food Policy: Gov. Sanders announced Arkansas foster youth will be enrolled in the federal “Trump Account” savings program, and Arkansas child well-being data showed mixed gains but continued lag in health and education. Public Safety: Little Rock police identified a man killed in a West 24th Street shooting; North Little Rock also investigated a fatal apartment shooting.

Child Well-Being Watch: Arkansas moved up to 43rd in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT (2026) but still slid in child health and education, with advocates warning looming federal cuts could worsen outcomes. Family-Values Counterprogramming: Arkansas joined other states rebranding June as “Fidelity Month,” part of a broader push to replace Pride with pro-marriage, faith-and-family messaging. Statehouse Outdoors: House Natural Resources leaders advanced plans to reauthorize the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund, aiming to keep maintenance money flowing for parks and public lands. Legal/Justice: A judge dismissed a murder charge against Arkansas sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer after a dashcam memory card issue, keeping the case’s fallout tied to his campaign. Professional Conduct: The Arkansas Supreme Court Office of Professional Conduct says attorney discipline is rising again after a low 2024, with more complaints expected this year. Local Economy/Infrastructure: Rogers is moving forward on airport hangar and apron expansion with city contracts and FAA funding. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show volatile fuel costs statewide, including a Sebastian County low E15 price of $3.69/gal and diesel lows in multiple counties.

Pediatric Health Advocacy: A Fayetteville family, Evvy Wigington and her mother Brittany, spent two days on Capitol Hill for Children’s Hospital Association Family Advocacy Day, pushing lawmakers to back stronger pediatric care after Evvy’s spinal muscular atrophy diagnosis and gene-therapy treatment at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police released details on a May 24 Camden-area chase that topped 100 mph and ended with a 4-month-old being ejected when the SUV flipped; ASP says troopers didn’t know children were inside and emphasized the danger created by the driver’s refusal to stop. Medicaid Work Requirements: CMS issued interim guidance on Medicaid work rules, and cancer advocates warn the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow, raising fears some seriously ill Arkansans could lose coverage over paperwork and verification hurdles. Local Recovery Effort: Malvern is preparing to open The Connection Center, a downtown addiction recovery hub funded through the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership, aimed at treatment, education, and justice-system support. Economy Watch: GasBuddy price reports show continued volatility across Arkansas counties, with diesel and E85 deals appearing in limited stations while statewide averages remain elevated. Politics & Culture: A Kansas move to ban boys from girls’ sports is part of a broader national push tied to federal Title IX enforcement changes, with Arkansas named among states following the approach.

Medicaid Work Requirements: CMS says Arkansas Medicaid cancer patients must now prove they’re medically frail enough to avoid work requirements or risk losing coverage, narrowing exemptions to a two-part test. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police defended a May 24 pursuit near Camden that hit 100+ mph and ended with an infant ejected after a crash; troopers say they didn’t know children were in the vehicle. Local Housing Finance: Magnolia may see a $12.9 million, 60-unit affordable townhouse complex after ADFA awarded low-income housing tax credits, though the mayor says plans aren’t finalized. Small Business & Government Contracting: Arkansas APEX Accelerator will host a free Hot Springs workshop on navigating federal procurement and SBA certifications. Culture-War Politics: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ “Fidelity Month” proclamation is part of a broader GOP push to counter Pride Month. Arkansas Economy Watch: GasBuddy reports Hempstead County’s cheapest premium gas at $4.59 (week ending May 30) and midgrade at $4.19. National Security: Sen. Tom Cotton and others warn Trump’s intelligence surveillance tool (FISA Section 702) could expire June 12, creating collection gaps. Arkansas Legal Politics: A judge dismissed a murder charge against Lonoke County sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer after ruling evidence handling was “egregious.”

Surveillance Fight: Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton and Sen. Chuck Grassley warned the Trump administration to prepare for a possible lapse of FISA Section 702 after negotiations reportedly collapsed, urging steps to prevent intelligence “gaps” tied to the program’s June 12 expiration. Courts & Public Safety: A judge dismissed the murder charge against Lonoke County sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer after ruling the sheriff’s office mishandled evidence in the killing of a man accused of sexually abusing Spencer’s daughter. Arkansas History: The Arkansas Black History Commission held a Reconstruction-era symposium in Little Rock honoring the state’s first Black legislators, noting dozens of Black men elected to the General Assembly from 1868 to 1893. Military & State Facilities: The Arkansas National Guard Museum won a $975,000 modernization grant to redesign its central gallery and expand interactive exhibits. Energy & Economy: A coalition of 21 states and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce backed the Air Force in a lawsuit over the Tarague Beach detonation range in Guam, arguing a major ruling could disrupt permitting nationwide.

Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the cheapest diesel in Benton County at $4.77/gal (week ending May 30), with the county average at $4.96; Arkansas diesel averaged $5.03. Energy & Prices: Nationally, analysts point to volatile 2026 fuel markets tied to global oil shocks and refinery outages, with prices expected to stay jumpy. Local Spotlight: Arkansas 4-H teams from Grant County earned top-five finishes at the 2026 International SeaPerch Challenge in Maryland, including a second-place overall win in the high school stock class. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police renewed warnings after pursuits involving children, including a Camden-area chase that ended with four kids injured. Culture Wars: A new national push to rename June with “family” themes continues as Republicans counter Pride Month, while critics say it’s a direct attack on LGBTQ rights. Courts & Religion: Liberty Counsel filed an amicus brief urging the Eighth Circuit to uphold Arkansas’ Ten Commandments posting law after a lower court blocked classroom compliance. Health Policy: A survey finds many Medicaid enrollees don’t know about the planned 2027 work requirements.

Pulaski County Election: County judge candidates Wendell Griffen and Michael Rushin say the biggest problem is public distrust, as the race heads toward Nov. 3 and data-center fights loom. Law Enforcement & Public Safety: Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar renewed calls for parents to pull over when signaled after a Camden-area pursuit with four young children ended in a crash; ASP says fleeing with kids will be met with serious consequences. Courts & Campaigns: A judge dismissed murder charges against Lonoke County sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer after investigators lost a dash-cam memory card tied to the shooting of his daughter’s alleged abuser. Local Government & Housing: Fayetteville’s Patriot Park veterans housing project is on track to start leasing by mid-July, with a waiting list already building. Gun Violence Prevention: Little Rock’s “Wear Orange” weekend roundtable highlights gun safety and suicide prevention efforts. Energy Policy: The Trump administration’s $700M coal push using the Defense Production Act is drawing fresh scrutiny, including impacts on Arkansas and other states.

Sheriff Race Legal Fallout: An Arkansas judge dismissed a second-degree murder charge against Lonoke County sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer, citing due process violations after a dash-cam memory card went missing, dealing a major blow to the prosecution just before the November ballot. Family Safety & Child Welfare: Arkansas lawmakers heard updates on DCFS prevention and in-home services, with quarterly results showing most kids stay safely with families and far fewer enter foster care after early intervention. Medicaid Work Requirements: CMS issued interim guidance for Medicaid work rules, but states face a tight Jan. 1, 2027 rollout deadline and critics warn eligible people could lose coverage over paperwork and system failures. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices in Arkansas show mixed movement—Pulaski diesel hit $4.69 in the week ending May 30, while E15 and premium/midgrade prices varied by county. Public Safety Push: Arkansas State Police urged parents to use National Internet Safety Month resources as online enticement cases often rise in summer and at the start of school. Local Government Watch: Bull Shoals mayor Bill Stahlman gave conflicting accounts about a voter-approved 1% sales tax tied to a sewer bond, raising new questions about city handling and reconciliation.