AGP Executive Report

Maternal Health & Education: Arkansas is expanding hydroponic learning in classrooms, equipping 21 teachers across 17 schools with tower-garden training so students can grow food indoors while learning science and nutrition. Public Health: Arkansas’ doula workforce is growing fast, and UAMS researchers say the support model is linked to better pregnancy and postpartum outcomes, with the state building a stronger doula network and certification/reimbursement pathways. Agriculture & Food Tech: Arkansas researchers are using AI and DNA data to identify bacteria that affect how long fresh beef stays bright red, aiming to cut billions in food waste from premature browning. Energy & Supply Chain: Arkansas is launching the fourth Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator cohort, bringing battery and critical-mineral startups into a statewide program connecting them with producers, researchers, investors, and manufacturers. AI & Privacy: A privacy fight over Flock-style automated surveillance continues as more Arkansas communities reconsider or end camera use over concerns about tracking and data collection. Infrastructure: Arkansas reused crushed old concrete on a 20-mile I-30 project near Little Rock, avoiding quarrying and reducing hauling fuel costs. Environment: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture says wildfire risk is high statewide, with most counties under burn restrictions and guidance to avoid outdoor flames.

Privacy & Surveillance: Arkansas communities are pushing back on Flock Safety license-plate cameras, which use AI to capture more than cars—raising privacy worries as several cities vote to end or pause use. Food Science: Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station researchers are using AI plus DNA data to identify bacteria that drive premature beef browning, aiming to cut the industry’s estimated $3.7B annual losses. AI & Jobs: A Stanford study suggests AI isn’t causing mass job loss, but Arkansas State University says it could make first-job hiring tougher—so schools are weaving AI practice into coursework. Energy & Data Centers: Google confirmed a major AI data center plan in Clarksville, Arkansas, with at least $1B in investment and up to 300 megawatts of power capacity. Lithium Supply Chain: The Venture Center, Standard Lithium, and the University of Arkansas launched the fourth Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator cohort, touring companies across the state to connect startups with producers, researchers, and investors. Health & Training: NYITCOM at A-State’s Dr. Amanda Deel was installed as president of the Arkansas Academy of Family Physicians board. Education Equity: New county-level six-year bachelor’s completion figures highlight gaps for Black and Hispanic/Latino students at Arkansas public four-year institutions.

AI Infrastructure in Arkansas: Google confirmed plans for a major AI data center in Clarksville, investing at least $1B on 300+ acres with initial 150 MW power capacity that could scale higher, aiming to bring hundreds of construction jobs and about 150 permanent roles. Higher Ed Funding & Campus Activism: The U.S. House passed a bill cutting federal aid to colleges that participate in covered boycotts of Israel, raising stakes for student funding tied to campus policy. Education Tech & Access: New data shows fully virtual public school enrollment has doubled since pre-pandemic levels, with quality concerns resurfacing as online schooling keeps expanding. Local School Planning: Little Rock School District released “LRSD Forward” options that could close multiple schools and reshape programs to close a projected $4M–$7M gap ahead of 2027-28. Workforce Training Update: Arkansas’ workforce plan modification was approved for 2026-27, targeting job training alignment as Southeast Arkansas faces a projected net job loss. Healthcare Tech/Operations: Arkansas regulators approved Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s strategic affiliation with Cambia, citing shared technology infrastructure and improved access to care. Sustainability in Transportation: Arkansas reused crushed I-30 concrete in place on a 20-mile project, avoiding quarrying 95,000+ tons of new stone and cutting truck fuel costs. STEM Career Signals: UAMS’ Nathan Johnson, Ph.D., was recognized by the Department of Defense’s ESGR for supporting Guard and Reserve service.

Workforce & Education: The U.S. Department of Labor approved an update to Arkansas’ Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act plan for 2026-27, aiming to better link job training with employers—especially in Southeast Arkansas, where projections show a net loss of 1,817 jobs from 2022 to 2032. Healthcare Tech & Access: Arkansas regulators approved Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s strategic affiliation with Cambia Health Solutions, saying the deal will expand access to care and bring Cambia’s technology infrastructure while keeping Arkansas Blue Cross’s local identity. Local Schools: Little Rock School District released “LRSD Forward” recommendations that could close several elementary campuses and adjust middle school options to close a $4 million to $7 million budget gap ahead of the 2027-28 school year. Research & STEM Policy: Rep. Bruce Westerman advanced legislation to transfer the federally owned Crossett Experimental Forest to the state, preserving its forestry research and education mission. Public Health: Colorado lifted a water contact advisory for John Martin Reservoir after E. coli levels returned to state recreational standards following a downstream sewage spill. STEM in the Community: UAMS’ Nathan Johnson, Ph.D., received a U.S. Department of Defense ESGR Patriotic Employer Award for supporting Guard and Reserve faculty.

Arkansas Research & Education: Three Lyon College students presented summer work at UAMS’s 13th annual Arkansas Undergraduate Summer Research Symposium, including projects on cancer cell drug triggers and protein purification tied to antibiotic-resistance research. Forest Science Investment: UAM will hold an Oct. 2 ribbon-cutting for the Arkansas Forest Health Research Center, funded with $16.8M in ARPA money plus state settlement support and private giving—aimed at testing for forest diseases, invasive insects, and climate threats. Lithium & Batteries in Arkansas: The Venture Center launched the fourth cohort of the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator (ALTA) in Magnolia and will connect companies with producers, researchers, investors, and manufacturers to advance the state’s battery supply chain. STEM Workforce & Grants: SAU nursing faculty Dr. Alice Fanning received a Sigma research grant to support first-semester nursing student wellness through a 12-week intervention and a dedicated Wellness Room. Tech Policy & Surveillance Debate: Beebe officials won’t renew their Flock camera contract, citing the shrinking regional network and public concerns about surveillance. Local Energy & AI Infrastructure: Entergy Arkansas and Google are in federal court over who pays for power behind Google’s West Memphis data center, with the dispute tied to a solar-and-battery project.

Retail Banking Shift: Simmons Bank plans to close 26 branches across six states, including a Jonesboro location, as it consolidates its footprint and pushes customers toward nearby branches and digital options. Surveillance Policy Pushback: Arkansas cities are tightening rules around Flock automated license plate readers—Beebe won’t renew its contract auto-renewal, and Van Buren is cutting retention to seven days while restricting access to in-state law enforcement. Cybersecurity & Defense: North Little Rock will host the Forge Summit on cybersecurity and emerging threats, bringing utilities, policymakers, and tech leaders together to strengthen grid and network defenses. Lithium Supply Chain Acceleration: The Venture Center named the fourth cohort of the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator (ALTA), connecting startups with producers, researchers, investors, and manufacturers to advance battery materials and commercialization. AI + Power Costs: Reporting on Google’s Arkansas data-center buildout shows major commitments tied to solar, battery storage, and transmission—highlighting electricity as a key constraint for AI growth. STEM Education & Research: A-State hit a new fall enrollment record near 18,775 students, while UAPB researchers spotlight sweet potato leaves and other work tied to agriculture and food security. Tech in Homes: Arkansas designers say “smart” furniture and home upgrades are trending toward subtle, built-in tech like charging and app-controlled features.

Arkansas Health & Research: UAMS researchers say Arkansas’ rapidly growing doula workforce is linked to better maternal and infant outcomes, highlighting the Doula Alliance of Arkansas and new certification/reimbursement pathways. Rural Health & Care Access: Baxter Health added a new kidney specialist to its nephrology clinic, expanding care for north central Arkansas and southern Missouri patients. Public Health Policy: Rheumatology groups warn a new Medicaid “community engagement” exemption approach could wrongly restrict access for people with autoimmune diseases, arguing frailty isn’t stable and should track treatment response. STEM Workforce & Training: Texarkana College won FAA approval to offer Light-Sport Repairman Maintenance training starting this fall, building local aviation maintenance skills. Energy & Materials (Arkansas Lithium): LG Energy Solution signed a binding 10-year, take-or-pay deal for 8,000 tonnes/year of battery-grade lithium carbonate from Smackover Lithium, with deliveries expected in 2029. Tech & Data: A court data honor recognized the Ward District Court Clerk’s Office for timely, accurate case-citation filing—an operations win for Arkansas justice systems.

Arkansas STEM & Tech: Arkansas Athletics is rolling out major Razorback Stadium upgrades for the 2026 season, including 250+ new LED lights with synced laser/light-show tech, refreshed audio systems, and a new Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass field iteration tuned for cold tolerance. Public Health & Biology: A Fayetteville-area report highlights alpha-gal syndrome’s rapid spread in Arkansas, with suspected cases nearly doubling in 2025 vs. 2026 so far, pointing readers to tick exposure and allergy management. Education & Workforce: Texarkana College received FAA approval for a Light-Sport Repairman Maintenance course starting in November, pairing online study with hands-on training for small aircraft maintenance. Climate Resilience: Environmental Equity Information Institute (E2I2) and Visibility Outreach Touch Engage South Arkansas (VOTE SoAR) won Climate Smart Community funding for a grassroots flood-resiliency project in Hempstead and Lafayette counties. AI in Public Services: Jonesboro Police will test an AI “call taker” for non-emergency calls to help triage and route requests while live dispatchers monitor. Research & Health Equity: UAMS researchers say Arkansas’ doula workforce is expanding quickly and may be improving maternal and infant outcomes, supported by new statewide organization and policy efforts.

Arkansas Manufacturing & Power: Eaton is pouring $242+ million into a new North Little Rock facility to expand Fibrebond modular electrical enclosure production, aiming to double U.S. capacity and create 1,200 jobs. Health Tech & Research: RenovoRx will present at the H.C. Wainwright conference, including updates tied to RenovoCath use at CARTI Cancer Center Little Rock and progress on its Phase III TIGeR-PaC pancreatic cancer trial. STEM Workforce & Training: ASU-Beebe’s computerized machining program received a Gene Haas Foundation grant to fund scholarships, SkillsUSA competition support, and instructor training—boosting hands-on CNC pathways. Cyber & Public Safety Tech: Fort Smith approved $3.3M in consent-decree sewer upgrades, while Pea Ridge police issued guidance on safer use of e-bikes and electric dirt bikes for minors. Energy Infrastructure: Entergy says work on the Port of Little Rock’s Frazier Pike substation is complete to support expanding manufacturers and future investment. AI & Education Policy: A national report highlights states rejecting an AI-led “2 Hour Learning” charter pitch, even as voucher pathways sometimes accept similar schools. Bio/Environment Watch: Arkansas’ alpha-gal syndrome concerns continue as suspected cases rise, with Northwest Arkansas flagged as a hotspot.

Lithium Supply Deal: LG Energy Solution signed a decade-long agreement with Smackover Lithium for 8,000 tons per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate starting in 2029, tying Arkansas production to North American battery demand. Rural Health Tech & Networks: St. Bernards will use $14.5 million in state funding to build a regional care network and roll out “smart rooms” with remote two-way audio/video for clinicians. NSF Drought-Resilient Crops: Arkansas State University leads a $2.2 million NSF project on drought tolerance in rice and wheat using mycorrhizal inoculants, running through 2030. Workforce Training Grants: ASU-Beebe’s CNC program received a $19,000 Gene Haas Foundation grant for scholarships, SkillsUSA competition fees, and instructor development. Campus Innovation Space: Arkansas State University opened the $25 million Windgate Hall of Art and Innovation, designed to connect art/design with engineering and computer science. Water Infrastructure Funding: Arkansas launched a Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program with a Sept. 11 deadline for shovel-ready projects. AI in Education Caution: A new report says AI tutors aren’t proven to work at scale in the U.S., with human-led tutoring still showing stronger results. Data Center Transparency Fight: Entergy Arkansas asked a federal judge to block publication of details about a Google data center agreement in West Memphis.

Lithium Supply Chain Boost: LG Energy Solution signed a 10-year lithium carbonate deal with Smackover Lithium for 80,000 metric tons from the South West Arkansas Project, with deliveries starting in 2029—enough for batteries for about 1.8 million EVs. More Arkansas Lithium Offtake: Smackover Lithium also announced LG as a second major customer for the project, adding momentum for direct lithium extraction plans in south Arkansas. Rural Health Funding: Arkansas’ Rural Health Transformation program awarded CMS-funded grants, including THRIVE and PACT awards, to expand telehealth, emergency response, and preventive care across high-need rural regions. STEM Workforce & Training: Southern Arkansas University launched a new B.S. in Emergency Management for Fall 2026, aiming to support public safety and emergency management tech needs tied to regional growth. AI Regulation Watch: The EU designated ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine under the Digital Services Act, putting the chatbot under strict compliance timelines. STEM Learning for Youth: The Arkansas 4-H Food Plot Project opens registration for hands-on wildlife and plant science learning, with a Sept. 1 deadline. Community Tech Recognition: Uniti Group was named NASTD’s first-ever Corporate Champion of the Year for supporting state government connectivity and technology delivery.

Arkansas Lithium Push: Smackover Lithium’s South West Arkansas Project landed a second binding offtake deal with LG Energy Solution—8,000 metric tons of battery-quality lithium carbonate per year for 10 years (about $1.5B), following an earlier Trafigura agreement, putting the project on track for financing and a targeted 2026 final investment decision. Emergency Management Degree: Southern Arkansas University launched a new B.S. in Emergency Management starting Fall 2026, designed for incident command, homeland security, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, and emergency management technology. Rural Health Tech Funding: Arkansas’ Rural Health Transformation Program awarded first-round grants totaling nearly $150M, including THRIVE and PACT awards aimed at telehealth, health monitoring, and access improvements across rural counties. Public Safety Cameras Debate: Jonesboro Police says its 55 Flock cameras integrated into its Real Time Crime Center are essential, while other cities across Arkansas have paused or ended similar automated license plate surveillance amid privacy concerns. UAMS Opioid Response: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin and UAMS staff distributed 1,000 free naloxone kits to support opioid overdose emergency treatment. STEM Learning for Youth: The Arkansas 4-H Food Plot Project offers hands-on wildlife and plant science training for ages 9–19, with registration due Sept. 1. AI Regulation Watch: The EU designated ChatGPT as a “Very Large Online Search Engine” under the Digital Services Act, raising compliance expectations for generative AI at scale.

Lithium Supply Chain Boost: LG Energy Solution signed a 10-year, $1.5B offtake deal to buy battery-quality lithium carbonate from Smackover Lithium’s South West Arkansas Project, targeting 8,000 metric tonnes per year after commercial production—another step for Arkansas’ EV and energy-storage pipeline. Rural Health Tech Funding: Mercy Fort Smith is set to receive more than $19M to expand telehealth, upgrade technology, and strengthen rural care across western Arkansas. Workforce for Outdoor Careers: National Park College launched a new outdoor recreation program with stackable certificates and an Associate of Applied Science path, aiming to feed jobs in parks, tourism, and trail maintenance. Public Health at Scale: Walk Across Arkansas registration is open for the fall session (Sept. 7–Nov. 1), with past participation tied to reported improvements in stress, sleep, weight, and health markers. UAMS Outreach Leadership: Dr. Omair Ali was named director of global and community outreach at UAMS Jones Eye Institute, leading mobile screenings and cataract access efforts. Startup & Investment Focus: Onward FX returns to Little Rock (Oct. 25–26) with investors targeting industrial, energy, aerospace, and defense/dual-use opportunities.

UAFS RoarCorps: The University of Arkansas–Fort Smith is expanding its AmeriCorps-style volunteer program, replacing Jumpstart and adding service areas like youth mental health, environmental stewardship, and healthy futures—aimed at placing more UAFS students with local nonprofits. Food security in Jonesboro: Open Studio in Jonesboro teamed with the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas to make handmade bowls for a fundraiser, supporting meals for an estimated one in five Arkansans facing food insecurity. Courts data quality: The Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts recognized the Jonesboro and Lake City district court clerk offices for timely, accurate criminal/traffic case-citation filing—highlighting how better records can improve how justice information is managed. AI for business in Bentonville: ERP.io launched an AI-native ERP/CRM platform built to unify operations, workflows, analytics, and automation for modern companies. Tech + agriculture: Arkansas researchers and partners are gearing up for an “AI in Agriculture” symposium Sept. 21 at the Don Tyson Center in Fayetteville, focusing on practical uses of AI across farming and food systems. Community health: Keep El Dorado Beautiful is preparing for the Great Arkansas Cleanup (Sept. 12–Oct. 31), with local groups registering cleanups and receiving supplies.

AI & Business Tech: Bentonville-based ERP.io launched an AI-native ERP/CRM platform built to unify data, automation, analytics, and AI across sales, operations, finance, and workflows. Ag Tech & Research: The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s AI in Agriculture Symposium is set for Sept. 21 at the Don Tyson Center, bringing together ag researchers, students, and engineering/data science experts. Public Health & Data: A new Arkansas-focused survey finds thousands of families still face food insecurity even with assistance programs, with many “getting some help” but still not enough to eat. Health Care Infrastructure: Freeman Health System’s Bentonville and Springdale hospitals were upgraded to Level III trauma centers, improving prompt trauma care and transfer coordination. Law Enforcement Tech: The Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police endorsed responsible use of automated license plate readers, while noting the need for strict policies and safeguards amid local backlash. Education Policy: Microschools are expanding under the Arkansas LEARNS Act with limited state oversight, raising questions about accountability as virtual and small-scale options grow. Local Tech/Community: Hot Springs’ Birding Festival of the South opens field trip registration Sept. 6 for Oct. 8-10 events.

Mental Health in Focus: Experts weighed in after a spate of murder-suicides and public suicides in Northwest Arkansas, pointing to the difficulty of spotting trends while demand for crisis support keeps rising; Arkansas Crisis Center counselors handled more than 20,000 crisis contacts in 2025, up 114% year over year. Public Safety Tech Debate: The Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police backed responsible use of automated license plate readers like Flock, arguing for strong policies, oversight, and safeguards as multiple Arkansas cities pause or end programs over privacy concerns. Rural Health & Trauma Care: Freeman Health System’s Bentonville and Springdale hospitals were designated Level III trauma centers, upgrading from Level IV, while Arkansas also announced major rural health grant awards tied to the Rural Health Transformation Program. STEM & Learning Opportunities: Arkansas State’s ASBTDC announced free September “Funding Your Business” sessions, and the AI in Agriculture Symposium is set for Sept. 21 at the Don Tyson Center in Fayetteville. Tech in the Real World: Walmart is reportedly testing 3D-printed construction for new store builds, building on earlier 3D-printed wall work in several states including Arkansas.