AGP Executive Report

Retail Watch: Walmart’s latest quarter looked strong, but the forecast didn’t. The Bentonville giant topped sales expectations and kept shoppers coming with fast delivery and low prices, yet warned fuel costs are squeezing margins and could push prices higher. Market Pulse: U.S. store sales rose 4.1% (ex-fuel), online sales jumped 26%, and revenue hit $177.8B (+7.3%), but shares slid after guidance missed. Local Business: Hadron, a Little Rock-based specialty insurer, hired Liesel Carvajal as group general counsel and named Ed McGough chief information officer. Public Health: EPA announced $27.5M to help Louisiana replace lead service lines. Arkansas Watch: A federal lawsuit alleges an Ozarks land development rejected a buyer over Jewish ancestry and her Black husband and biracial children. Food Safety: Kroger recalled Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons in multiple states over possible salmonella risk.

Local Regulation Push: Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. says he can’t outright ban data centers, but he’s proposing stricter rules for big AI power users—aimed at guardrails on water and electricity use and “cost shifting,” including a planned Google facility near the airport. Public Health Funding: The EPA announced $76.6 million for Texas to find and replace lead service lines, targeting exposure that’s especially dangerous for children. Education & Military Support: Southern Arkansas University earned the Purple Star Campus designation for support of military-connected students and families. Local Politics: Earle Mayor Jaylen Smith is seeking a second term, pitching continued investment and neighborhood improvements. Legal Fight Over Housing: A federal lawsuit accuses a north Arkansas “whites-only” land group of rejecting a woman because of her Jewish ancestry and her Black husband. Safety & Crime: Little Rock Police Chief Heath Helton will retire May 29, with interim leadership rotating as the city searches for a new chief.

Local Business Spotlight: Made in the Shade Little Rock just landed a Top 5 global franchise ranking for the eighth straight year, reporting 21% net sales growth in 2025 and a 130% jump in outdoor patio shade sales, with automated motorized installs driving much of the momentum. Energy & Infrastructure: Evergy is rerouting a Kansas transmission project after regulators blocked parts of the planned path through the Flint Hills, while Enbridge is moving ahead with a 365MW solar-plus-storage build in Wyoming tied to Meta data-center demand. Tech & Consumer Safety: Two children’s advocacy groups are asking the FTC to investigate Roblox over child-safety claims and “unfair and deceptive” marketing, as the company disputes the allegations. Arkansas Public Safety: Arkansas State Police are investigating a Corning sawmill shooting that left two people wounded; a suspect was arrested. Food & Health: Kroger is recalling seasoned croutons in multiple states due to potential Salmonella risk.

Gas Prices: Nevada drivers are paying up—AAA puts the state average at $5.25 a gallon Tuesday, 72 cents above the national average, with Mineral County topping the list at $5.70. Food Safety: Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons are under a recall in 17 states after a salmonella-linked milk powder issue tied to Sugar Foods LLC; no illnesses reported so far. Public Health & Costs: A Strait of Hormuz closure could tighten global oil supply, and Northeast Arkansas mechanics warn oil-change prices may rise if certain products become harder to source. Politics: A new Libertarian U.S. Senate bid is in play in Arkansas—Bentonville businessman Jeff Wadlin launched his campaign against Tom Cotton and Hallie Shoffner. Local Spotlight: Saline County voters will decide in November whether to cut library funding by about $1.4 million, after a quorum court vote put the measure on the ballot.

Brewery crackdown: Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control fined Burks Brothers Brewery and Taproom $3,100 and put it on 90-day probation after an April hearing tied to a June 2025 fight and alleged “good neighbor” and disorderly conduct violations. Testing and growth: SGS opened a new Bicycle, eMobility and Transit Packaging testing lab in Bentonville, expanding accredited safety and quality testing for e-bikes and micromobility. Public health watch: Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons were recalled over possible salmonella risk; no illnesses reported, and the issue traces to a milk powder ingredient supplier. Local government and preservation: Saline County crews began Phase II of restoring the 1902 courthouse mortar using historically appropriate lime putty. Community safety and services: UCA selected CriticalArc’s SafeZone to modernize campus emergency communications, while Priority Hospital Group highlighted three nurses for their role in a 2024 hostage incident. Immigration fallout: Neighbors in New Orleans East say pet dumping increased after an ICE crackdown, with families leaving and animals left behind.

UAMS Graduation: 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. Violence in the Delta: Three people were injured in a Corning sawmill shooting; deputies arrested a suspect after he fled on foot, and Arkansas State Police are now leading the investigation. Entrepreneurship Push: Arkansas State University is partnering with Epicenter Memphis to launch EpicenterU, offering mentorship and a potential $40,000 fellowship for student founders. New Local Business Tool: Fayetteville Public Library is gathering community input for a new strategic plan, with conversations starting this week. Outdoor/Travel Growth: Bella Vista’s OZ Trails Bike Park is open to members ahead of its June 12 public debut, including Arkansas’ first chairlift-served mountain biking experience. Housing for Veterans: VA interest-rate refinance loans in Arkansas averaged $302,589 in Q1 2026, up 2% from a year earlier. Food Prices Under Pressure: A new look at grocery inflation points to natural disasters hitting farm output—Arkansas flooding in 2025 alone is cited at $99 million in damage.

Supreme Court Delay: The U.S. Supreme Court punted a major Voting Rights Act fight, sending back lower-court cases over who can sue to enforce what’s left of the law—leaving voters waiting while the conservative majority raised the bar for redistricting claims. Veterans & Housing: Ashley Watters of eXp Realty joined the National Veterans Chamber to expand VA-loan guidance for military families in Central Arkansas. Real Estate Deals: Colliers brokered an $8 million sale of a 106-unit Fort Smith apartment portfolio, with plans for future unit growth. Economic Development: Gowan Milling announced an $8.7 million Blytheville expansion expected to add 34 jobs over five years. Tech & Growth: Uniti Wholesale reported new dark-fiber and colocation agreements in Mississippi, Alabama, and Oklahoma. Local Business Buzz: Hot Springs Metro Partnership landed a $2 million AEDC grant for site development, while Conway’s retail leaders say the market is pacing strong neighbors.

Softball Spotlight: Arkansas keeps rolling in the NCAA Fayetteville Regional, run-ruling South Florida 10-2 in the title game and finishing the weekend 3-for-3 with every win ending early—setting up a best-of-three Super Regional vs. Duke. Public Safety: A man from Oakland, Arkansas, was arrested after online threats of a mass shooting tied to a hantavirus lockdown scenario, according to Marion County officials. Workforce & Education: UACC-Batesville is launching a Farm and Ranch Management program this fall and building a regional agriculture hub around its Gateway Center and new training partnerships. Local Government: Fort Smith’s board will consider whether a change-of-government question goes on the 2026 or 2027 ballot—or not at all. Business & Policy: Minnesota’s 340B hospital discount bill failed to get a House vote on the legislature’s final day, after Senate passage. Community Calendar: Little Rock’s MuralFest returns May 30, with painting under the 6th Street Bridge plus music and a kids’ zone.

Local Workforce Expansion: Arkansas Tech University-Ozark is bringing more career education to Russellville, with evening classes starting this fall at the Arkansas Tech Career Center—covering automotive service technology, air conditioning and refrigeration/facilities maintenance, and welding, plus business English and technical math. Higher Ed Philanthropy: The Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas is getting a $1.5 million gift that creates a scholarship covering full tuition and fees for qualifying undergraduate architecture students. Community Events: Little Rock’s MuralFest is set for May 30 on 6th St., and the city’s Career Climb job fair runs May 28. Public Safety: In Marion County, an Oakland man was arrested after authorities say he threatened a mass shooting at a Walmart if the country shut down again due to hantavirus. Business & Consumer Pressure: A new national analysis highlights how “middle class” income thresholds vary sharply by state, with Arkansas among the lower-cost states.

Threats & Arrests: An Oakland man, Aaron Keith Bynum, 20, was arrested after authorities say he threatened a mass shooting at his local Walmart if the U.S. shut down again due to hantavirus—an FBI tip tied to an online game led to subpoenas, a home search, and felony terroristic threatening charges. Public Safety: In Benton, a vehicle chase early Friday ended in a crash; four were arrested, including Dominic Gibson, 20, with multiple felony counts tied to breaking/entering and endangering minors. Energy Markets: U.S. natural gas futures jumped to a seven-week high as output fell, with Arkansas and Louisiana among the states seeing declines. Environment & Industry: A new U.S. Senate probe targets coal plant operators over alleged “corrupt” Clean Air Act exemptions sought through a never-before-used presidential power. Local Notes: Lonoke County reports a jail inmate death; KASU marks its 69th birthday with fundraising events in Jonesboro. Community Calendar: Lovegrass Music Festival’s free summer concert series returns in Hays with three downtown shows.

Buc-ee’s Expansion: Benton’s first Arkansas Buc-ee’s is officially set for a grand opening Aug. 17, bringing an estimated 200 jobs, after construction began in April 2025 at I-30 and AR 229. Local Government: Searcy is moving ahead with a new police station plan that could be funded by pledging franchise fees, while the city approved a higher-than-expected $850,666 traffic signal bid for a “dangerous intersection” and renamed Riverside Park to Little Red Riverpark. Infrastructure & Growth: Saline County will cut the ribbon May 29 on the first 2-mile Southwest Trail segment, part of a future 65-mile route linking Little Rock Central High to Hot Springs. Community & Health: Saline Memorial Hospital hosts a free Beautiful Beginnings Baby Fair June 6 in Benton. Weather & Food Costs: A new national report warns drought and heat are driving a $5.1 billion annual hit to U.S. farm output, with more than 60% of the country in drought.

Local Courts & Politics: The Arkansas Supreme Court dismissed Gov. Sarah Sanders’ appeal over special-election timing, while the state’s AG office also took another hit in a fair-housing fight over a statute-of-limitations argument. Legal Pressure on Cannabis: A second antitrust lawsuit has been filed against Arkansas-based Good Day Farm, adding to the growing legal scrutiny around the industry. Public Safety: Police arrested a Benton woman in the April 14 homicide of Joe Musteen, and Arkansas State Police are investigating a separate officer-involved shooting that killed a Jacksonville man in Searcy. Community & Culture: UA seniors marked graduation season with Dickson Street traditions and a local production of “MATT & BEN,” while Volunteer Arkansas lists multiple weekend ways to help across the state. Business Watch: Global Captive Management is expanding into Tennessee and South Carolina, with Arkansas approval still pending.

Deal Closes in NWA: Business Modification Group says it has closed the sale of a 20-year residential HVAC company serving North Central Arkansas, with broker Patrick Lange handling the transaction and Phelps Dunbar LLP advising the seller—another sign that local, reputation-driven trades businesses are still drawing buyers. Retirement Reality Check: A new MoneyLion study finds retirement costs vary wildly by state, with Hawaii the priciest and West Virginia among the cheapest—coming as inflation, housing, and healthcare keep squeezing fixed incomes. Sports & Schools: Arkansas tennis is back at the University of Arkansas after being cut earlier this month; athletic director Hunter Yurachek reversed course after donor commitments for short-term funding. Public Life & Policy: Arkansas residents have until June 15 to weigh in on proposed state library standards that would restrict access to certain materials to keep eligibility for state aid. Everyday Costs: AAA reports gas prices are easing in some places but still headed higher nationally ahead of Memorial Day.

Arkansas Tennis Reversal: The University of Arkansas reinstated its men’s and women’s tennis programs just 20 days after cutting them, citing short-term donor funding and a push toward a long-term endowment. Gas Tax Fight: A Cave Springs lawmaker is pushing a special session to suspend Arkansas’ gas tax for 90 days, arguing it would give families “breathing room” while opponents warn of major transportation funding losses. NWA Growth Watch: Urban planners are in Northwest Arkansas this week to study how fast growth is reshaping infrastructure, housing, and design. Drone Facility Tension: Swarm Aero’s Fayetteville town hall drew resistance and tough questions about safety and the company’s role in warfare. Local Infrastructure Dollars: Jonesboro is seeking a $21 million federal grant to add sidewalks and improve traffic near the Ridge Athletics Center. Business Shock: Inuvo shares slid after a steep Q1 revenue drop tied to a “strategic reset” of its Bonfire platform. Public Safety Milestone: Jonesboro Fire Department earned CDC/NIOSH “Gold Helmet” status for cancer-prevention participation.

Walmart restructuring hits Arkansas workers: Walmart says it’s cutting or relocating about 1,000 corporate jobs as it simplifies tech and product operations into a more unified platform—employees are left asking which roles are truly safe, and many affected workers are reportedly being steered toward Bentonville or Northern California. Retail and consumer ripple effects: The company is also expanding “secret” delivery depots in vacant retail spaces to speed up grocery drop-offs, while Dillard’s posted a stronger first quarter helped by a $104.1 million litigation settlement. Education and workforce push: Arkansas launched the #GoBeyondGrades campaign to help families track reading progress and connect to LEARNS Act supports. Farm pressure stays high: A Senate Ag chair is pushing for more farmer aid as input costs and farm bankruptcies worsen. Community need, up close: Second Baptist Church in Drew County says its food pantry has surged from serving dozens to hundreds in just weeks. Tech and health news: REGENXBIO reported positive Phase III topline results for Duchenne gene therapy, and EarthOptics opened a bigger soil lab facility in the Raleigh-Durham area.

Officer-involved shooting: Arkansas State Police are investigating a fatal Searcy-area incident after an SPD officer shot and killed 38-year-old Cordney Sherod Stewart during a disturbance call at a service station Tuesday afternoon; the case is now headed to the White County prosecutor once the CID probe wraps. Education & workforce: The ASU System is rolling out a new scholarship for Arkansas adults who waited at least three years after high school to return, with support across multiple campuses and online programs. Public safety training: Jonesboro launched mock traffic-stop training under the new Blue Envelope Program, designed to help officers and drivers with autism or other cognitive challenges communicate more smoothly. Community giving: Gearhead Outfitters in Jonesboro donated $10,000 to the city’s D.A.R.E. program, citing the need to fund free programming for about 1,400 students. Business & growth: Bentonville is moving ahead with major Rainbow Curve intersection upgrades plus other city projects, while BSR Real Estate Investment Trust reported lower first-quarter income as it reshaped its Texas apartment portfolio. Lottery: Powerball’s Wednesday jackpot was estimated at $69 million.