AGP Executive Report

Surveillance showdown: Section 702 of FISA is set to expire after Congress failed to extend the foreign-intelligence program, with Democrats and some Republicans rejecting the temporary DNI pick tied to Bill Pulte; the standoff is now pushing lawmakers to decide what comes next for U.S. spy powers. Autonomous freight in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik announced a multi-year, driverless heavy-truck partnership expanding across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, moving autonomous logistics from testing to revenue routes. Big solar financing in Mississippi County: Cypress Creek Energy secured $3.5 billion for the Steel River Energy Center, advancing major solar and battery storage phases expected to boost grid reliability and create construction jobs. Broadband push: Arkansas State Broadband Office signed a grant agreement with Amazon Leo for low-Earth-orbit satellite internet, targeting more than 1,700 locations with about $2.4 million total investment. Data-center politics: A Pulaski County data center debate continues to draw scrutiny, with a county judge candidate urging caution and more information about impacts on rural communities and utility costs. Food safety recall: FDA warned of metal contamination in Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers, triggering a recall affecting more than 20 states including Arkansas. Utility storm readiness: Entergy Arkansas is urging customers to prepare for summer storms as it ramps grid hardening, vegetation management and response drills. Retail expansion: Home Depot opened a 106,206-square-foot store in Buckeye, Arizona, underscoring continued big-box growth. Local business recognition: Arkansas Black Hall of Fame named its 2026 class, including Pine Bluff-area honorees tied to education and entrepreneurship.

Surveillance Showdown in Congress: Section 702 of FISA is set to expire after a bipartisan House vote failed to extend the spy authority, with lawmakers citing national security stakes while Democrats tied renewal to changes in President Trump’s intelligence leadership picks. Autonomous Freight in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik announced driverless Class 8 trucking across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, moving autonomous delivery from tests to revenue routes. Big Solar Financing for Mississippi County: Cypress Creek Energy secured $3.5 billion for the Steel River Energy Center, targeting 1.6 GW of solar and 1.9 GWh of battery storage by phase one/two, with major local tax and construction impacts. Local Business & Retail Logistics: Walmart opened “depots” in Dallas, New Jersey and Arkansas to speed deliveries, using app-driven fulfillment from stores the public can’t access. State Workforce Pay: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced merit pay increases for Arkansas executive-branch employees. Community & Courts: Miller County launched PAWS for Justice facility dogs to comfort victims and witnesses in courthouse proceedings. Outdoor Economy Boost: Bella Vista’s OZ Trails Bike Park opened to the public with the governor on hand, betting on cycling tourism.

Autonomous Freight in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik are rolling out driverless Class 8 trucks across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, moving autonomous logistics from pilots to revenue routes. Energy Investment: Cypress Creek Energy closed $3.5 billion in financing for the Steel River solar-and-battery project in Mississippi County, Arkansas, targeting major capacity growth by 2029. Local Retail Tech: InConvenience is expanding delivery and loyalty tech across its convenience stores in Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas via Lula Commerce and Velocity Logic. Politics & Campaign Trail: Pete Buttigieg is set to appear in Little Rock June 19 to campaign for Chris Jones in Arkansas’ 2nd District race. Arkansas Economy Watch: A new analysis warns Arkansas retirees could face a $430 Social Security cut in 2032 if trust funds run out. Community & Tourism: Jonesboro’s Freedom Fest fireworks for America 250 is moving to Arkansas State University’s campus July 4, with a bigger, campus-wide show. Workforce/Skills: SkillsUSA named an Arkansas student gold medalist in automotive refinishing, highlighting career-tech pathways. Policy Headline: Congress failed to extend FISA Section 702, setting up a potential lapse in a key foreign surveillance program.

Solar & Storage Financing: Cypress Creek Energy closed $3.5 billion for Phase 1 and 2 of the Steel River Energy Center in Arkansas, backing 1.63 GW of solar and 1.9 GWh of battery storage, with the full three-phase buildout targeting 2.45 GW and 2.9 GWh by 2029. Local Economic Growth: The Walton family selected Bjarke Ingels Group to plan and design a new STEM university in Bentonville on the former Walmart Home Office site, with about 422,000 square feet in initial buildings and a first class expected in 2029. Energy & Automation: PepsiCo and Gatik announced a multi-year partnership deploying fully driverless Class 8 trucks on corridors linking distribution hubs across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas. Legal/Policy Watch: Employer groups urged the 8th Circuit to revisit class certification in an ERISA case tied to tobacco-use health plan surcharges. Environment & Industry: NAACP and environmental groups updated their lawsuit against xAI over alleged unpermitted emissions at its Southaven, Miss., power plant, citing a turbine count now totaling 57. Arkansas Agriculture: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for a Farmers Market Promotion Program (and reduced-cost bag orders) funded through Farm Credit. Markets/Costs: Gas prices fell for a third straight week, with the national average dropping to about $4.12 a gallon.

Autonomous Freight in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik announced a multi-year deal to deploy fully driverless Class 8 trucks on a fixed corridor linking distribution hubs across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, moving autonomous trucking from tests to revenue routes. FISA Fight in Congress: The House rejected a last-ditch short-term extension of FISA Section 702 after President Trump’s pick for acting intel chief, Bill Pulte, triggered bipartisan backlash—raising the odds of a Friday lapse. Arkansas Business & Logistics: A Little Rock op-ed warns against losing the FedEx-style opportunity to a new Google data center at the Port of Little Rock, framing it as a major local economic bet. Local Government Watch: Baxter County quorum court approved $5 million for a new Sixth Street annex building that will include county assessor/collector offices and an enhanced voting center. Workforce & Health Policy: CMS work requirements for Medicaid are set to take effect, with an 80-hour-per-month requirement for many adults unless exempt. Education & Community: UA Little Rock named Dean’s List and Presidential Scholars, while UAMS received a $7 million Windgate Foundation grant for scholarships.

Autonomous trucking: PepsiCo and Gatik announced a multi-year, driverless Class 8 truck deployment across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, moving from testing to revenue routes on a fixed corridor. Local business & growth: Ritter Communications added Jerry Sorrentino as VP of outside plant construction and engineering to support RightFiber expansion in new markets. Workforce pipeline: The Northwest Arkansas Council launched a regional workforce intermediary, naming David Giesige as founding executive director to better align employer needs with education and training, backed by the Walton Family Foundation. Arkansas economy & costs: Consumer inflation hit 4.2% in May, with energy driving the jump, and the U.S. monthly deficit topped $292.6 billion. Public records & secrecy: A Fayetteville resident sued over a FOIA request tied to Swarm Aero, alleging the city failed to produce an NDA attachment. Higher education: Arkansas State University approved 2026-27 faculty promotions and tenure, effective July 1. Healthcare funding: UAMS received a $7 million Windgate Foundation grant for tuition scholarships and a new Chancellor’s Scholars endowment. Energy & environment: Arkansas trout anglers are urged to be extra cautious as stocking levels remain reduced, and Hempstead County voters approved a 3/4-cent sales tax to support a local hospital.

Federal Lobbying & Agriculture: HBS added Andrew Fisher, a former USDA chief of staff, as a principal on its federal team, signaling more push on Farm Bill, crop insurance and disaster relief issues. Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals, including nine in Arkansas, to improve public pricing disclosures or face penalties up to $2 million annually. Education Funding: UAMS received a $7 million Windgate Foundation grant to expand full-tuition scholarships and create a Chancellor’s Scholars endowment. Workforce Development: Arkansas Tech University-Ozark partnered with Butterball to deliver customized TIG welding training for employees at the Ozark facility. Energy & Power Markets: New data shows solar overtook coal for the first time in U.S. electricity share, even as policy debates favor coal. Local Business/Infrastructure: Little Rock’s city board is set to vote on a $20M financing plan for River Market food hall upgrades. Energy Prices (Gas): GasBuddy reported the cheapest premium gas in Yell County at $4.78 and the lowest E85 in Craighead County at $2.88 for the week ending May 30. Public Safety (Courts): Jury selection began in Washington County for Kacey Kawika Jennings’ capital murder trial tied to the death of Allison Maria Castro.

Data Centers & Local Rules: Fayetteville City Council is set to vote next week on updated regulations aimed at discouraging data centers, with officials saying the city can’t ban them outright but can set “reasonable” health and safety limits. County Moratorium Fight: In Pulaski County, the Quorum Court is voting tonight on a proposed 12-month moratorium on hyperscale data center development, after residents flooded officials with concerns about water, power costs, and noise. Food Hall Financing: Little Rock’s board will vote on a $20 million financing plan to let the city pay upfront for River Market food hall upgrades and then reimburse via bond proceeds. Rural Health Funding: Arkansas has opened the application process for a second round of Rural Health Transformation Funding, with $93.6 million available for projects expanding access and coordination in rural areas. FTC Fertilizer Probe: The FTC launched a major investigation into fertilizer pricing practices, responding to farmers’ complaints about sharp input-cost increases. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show diesel and midgrade prices varying across counties, with Little River County’s lowest diesel at $4.99 in the week ending May 30. Public Health Recall: The FDA says a Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting additional recall coverage.

Autonomous logistics in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik launched a multi-year, commercial-scale deployment of driverless freight trucks delivering Doritos and drinks, with operations already live in Texas, Arizona and Arkansas—an expansion that’s pushing automation beyond pilots and into everyday supply chains. Local planning & growth: North Little Rock’s Onterris will collaborate with Greentown Labs, aiming to move environmental tech from concept to pilot deployments. Education and workforce: Northwest Arkansas Community College approved a location and self-financed funding model for its first on-campus student housing, a step toward easing student living costs and improving enrollment stability. Banking tech partnership: BOND.AI and BankBound announced a partnership to help financial institutions use transaction-level data and AI-driven marketing to grow deposits and engagement. Community business spotlight: Arvest is taking nominations for its Charity of the Year through June 26, feeding nonprofits via its Aug. 22 charity golf tournament. Energy costs watch: GasBuddy reported Dallas County’s lowest diesel price at $4.87 per gallon for the week ending May 30, while Arkansas diesel averaged $5.03. State economy & kids: Arkansas ranked 43rd in the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book, with economic well-being improving but education and health slipping.

Antitrust & Big Tech: Arkansas Attorney General Ford filed a brief in the Meta antitrust fight, backing the view that the FTC case should be judged on the facts at the time it was filed. Agriculture & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm has been detected in Texas; Arkansas ranchers and pet owners are urged to stay alert as the USDA and state agriculture officials ramp up preparedness. Food & Families: Summer meal programs are keeping kids fed across Pulaski County, with library-led efforts like Be Mighty Little Rock helping ease household budgets. Housing & Higher Ed: Northwest Arkansas Community College’s board approved a site and self-financed model for its first on-campus student housing facility. Public Health & Child Welfare: Arkansas’ child well-being ranking improved to 43rd in the KIDS COUNT report, but advocates warn federal benefit cuts could stall progress. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy price checks show diesel and regular gas prices easing in parts of Arkansas, while broader fuel volatility remains tied to global oil and refinery conditions. Homelessness: Fayetteville hired its first homelessness strategy coordinator to better coordinate services and expand shelter and housing efforts. Farmers Markets: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for farmers market promotion funding and reduced-cost bag orders.

Retail Expansion: Handel’s Ice Cream is opening a new Fayetteville shop near the University of Arkansas on June 18, with the first 50 guests getting free ice cream for a year; the location at 2345 N. College Ave will offer 48 rotating flavors plus pickup and delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats and Postmates, and catering. Housing & Development: A Magnolia project called “Enclave Estates” is seeking federal tax credits through ADFA for an estimated $13 million, 60-unit townhouse development west of Lelia Street—positioned to be the city’s largest non-student apartment complex if built. Corporate Moves: Tyson Foods named Wes Morris its chief operating officer, overseeing Chicken, Beef, Pork, Prepared Foods and International, effective June 15. Workforce & Tech: Walmart told employees at its Arkansas headquarters that AI is meant to improve jobs, not replace them, and announced OpenAI tool certification for U.S. staff. State Economy Watch: Arkansas ranked No. 43 for child well-being in the Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT report, improving overall but slipping in education and child health. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data for the week ending May 30 found one Sebastian County station selling E15 at $3.69—the lowest reported in the county.

Walmart & Fuel Pressure: Walmart CEO John Furner told reporters during shareholder week in Bentonville that higher fuel costs are squeezing budgets, with “signs of stress” showing up more at lower-income shoppers even as higher-income customers keep spending. AI at Work: Walmart is also trying to calm AI fears after tech-related layoffs, telling associates AI will “power our future” and offering OpenAI certification for U.S. staff. Gas Prices Watch (May 30 week): Arkansas fuel stayed volatile: diesel hit a low of $5.19 in Perry County; E85 lows included $3.04 in Greene County and $3.18 in Saline County; midgrade lows included $4.27 in Prairie County and $4.08 in Sebastian County; premium lows included $4.99 in Bradley County and $4.55 in Pope County. Local Business & Community: UCA’s Center for Community and Economic Development picked 25 Northwest Arkansas leaders for a Walton-backed development pipeline program (2026-2028). Aviation Expansion: OSM Aviation Academy signed a five-year lease to scale a pilot training hub at Drake Field in Fayetteville, targeting up to 100 aircraft and 700 graduates annually.

Housing & Development: Rogers launched its Pattern Zone program, offering preapproved residential building plans to speed up permitting and cut upfront costs for “missing middle” homes. Small Business & Procurement: The Arkansas APEX Accelerator is hosting a free Hot Springs workshop on navigating government contracting and federal small-business certifications. Healthcare & Recovery: The Connection Center is set to open in downtown Malvern as a one-stop recovery hub, funded through Arkansas opioid settlement money. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data highlights ownership and quality snapshots for several Arkansas nursing facilities, including The Blossoms at Conway and Pleasant Valley Rehabilitation and Nursing. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest Arkansas prices for the week ending May 30, with Hempstead County premium at $4.59 and midgrade at $4.19. Agriculture: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in a Texas calf, prompting Arkansas ranchers to monitor livestock for symptoms. Education & Workforce: A U of A School of Law student was selected for a 2026 Civil Rights Fellowship, underscoring Arkansas talent feeding national policy circles.

Retail & Investment: Blackstone, the parent of Jersey Mike’s, also owns fast-growing coffee chain 7 Brew—an expansion strategy that’s already pushed 7 Brew to hundreds of new franchise openings. Public Health & Philanthropy: Arkansas Children’s Hospital kicked off a Walmart Neighborhood Market campaign in Texarkana, with the fundraising drive running June 8 through July 5. Labor Market Watch: U.S. employers posted fewer mass layoff notices in May while the economy added 172,000 jobs and kept unemployment at 4.3%, according to the latest government data. Agriculture Biosecurity: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in a Texas calf near the Mexico border; Arkansas ranchers are urged to monitor livestock and wounds. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show spotty but notable Arkansas price moves for E15, premium and diesel in the week ending May 30, with statewide averages generally easing. Local Business/Community: Little Rock’s Black History Commission symposium highlighted the state’s first Black legislators during Reconstruction, tying history to the broader Arkansas 250 celebration. Sports & Talent Pipeline: Arkansas landed JUCO pitcher Lance Alexander, a key piece of Johnson County Community College’s JUCO national title run.

Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy data shows Arkansas drivers saw mixed prices in the week ending May 30, with Benton County diesel hitting a low of $4.77 and E85 as low as $3.05; Saline County premium fell to $4.29, while Crawford County midgrade bottomed at $4.24. Healthcare Policy: A new survey finds 55% of Medicaid enrollees don’t know 80-hours-per-month work requirements are set to start Jan. 1, 2027, raising fresh coverage-loss fears. Local Healthcare Funding: Hope’s proposed 3/4-cent sales tax for Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center would support upgrades like MRI/CT and air conditioning, with officials citing jobs and patient volume. Business Growth: New York-based Hackberry Lane bought four Fayetteville student housing properties totaling 167 beds, its first Arkansas move. Energy Industry: The federal government is backing coal power projects with Defense Production Act funding, including support tied to Arkansas’s Flint Creek Coal Plant in Gentry. Tech & Adoption: Microsoft data ranks Vermont near the bottom for AI tool use, with 23.3% of working-age residents using generative AI.

Energy Costs: A new EIA-based map shows residential electricity prices rising fastest in places like Washington, D.C. (+22.5% year over year), while Arkansas is up 8.3%—a reminder that grid investment and demand pressures are turning power into a bigger household bill. Coal Push: President Trump is using the Defense Production Act to funnel about $425 million to keep 13 coal plants operating, including an Arkansas listing, as well as funding modernization and an export terminal. Walmart & AI: Walmart leaders highlighted the retailer’s history and pressed AI adoption during shareholder week in Bentonville, even as the company faces scrutiny over how automation is affecting workers. Local Governance: Pulaski County judge candidates say residents have lost trust in county government amid budget disputes and the data center debate. Housing for Veterans: Fayetteville’s Patriot Park veteran-focused development is nearing leasing, with buildings expected ready by mid-July and a waiting list of 120. Arkansas Economy Watch: Arkansas reported Q3 2025 individual income tax revenue down 13.7% from the prior quarter, adding to the state’s fiscal pressure points. Medicaid Work Rules: As stricter Medicaid work requirements roll out in other states, advocates warn coverage losses could worsen health access—an issue Arkansas watchers are already tracking.