AGP Executive Report

Arkansas Data Center Fight: Little Rock’s board unanimously passed Mayor Frank Scott Jr.’s data center land-use regulations after a long meeting, as residents push for broader moratoriums amid AI-driven hyperscale expansion. Medicaid Coverage Pressure: CMS issued interim guidance for Medicaid work requirements, with states facing a tight 2027 rollout and concerns about paperwork failures cutting off eligible people. Forensic Lab Upgrade: The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory earned an international efficiency award for hitting 90%+ peak performance, highlighting operational improvements tied to Project Foresight. Research Funding Boost: UA Little Rock chemistry professor Dr. Noureen Siraj won the 2026 Emerging Research Leaders grant to strengthen her nanomedicine and energy-storage research and improve federal funding readiness. Carbon Removal Expansion: Graphyte’s Loblolly CO2-removal site in southeast Arkansas is set to triple capacity with Sumitomo support, aiming to scale durable carbon removal. Broadband Milestone: Kinetic surpassed 2 million fiber premises passed across its 18-state footprint, signaling continued infrastructure buildout in rural and suburban areas.

AI in Schools: Mountain Home Public Schools testing coordinator Becca Camp warned the board after an AI-assisted analysis (using ChatGPT) initially skewed ATLAS proficiency results, forcing manual checks before reporting. Education & STEM: The district’s three-year assessment trends show math gains in several grades but persistent weakness in content vocabulary across classrooms, plus recurring trouble spots in multi-step problem solving and reasoning. Healthcare Tech & Research: Moonlight Therapeutics launched a first clinical trial of a microneedle “peanut allergy stamp” (MOON101), aiming to desensitize patients by delivering tiny doses of peanut protein into skin immune cells. Forensics: The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory earned the international Foresight Maximus Award for top operational efficiency and scientific excellence. Public Health/Policy: Baptist Health confirmed another 70 Fort Smith hospital job cuts, citing decreased volumes and duplicated roles. Infrastructure & Energy: Fort Smith city directors consider $8.5M for design of a $150M sewer system overhaul, including upgrades to the Massard Water Reclamation Facility. Local Business & Logistics: Seattle-based Carrix/LSI is buying Van Buren’s Five Rivers Distribution to expand inland waterways operations on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System.

AI in Healthcare Education: UA Little Rock is hosting a June 8-12 AI Hackathon and HealthTech Startup Week, with a public Demo-and-Pitch Showcase June 12 (2-5 p.m.) where students will present AI-powered solutions to Arkansas healthcare problems. Cancer Research Expansion: Highlands Oncology in Springdale opened a roughly $4 million Clinical Trials Suite to expand patient access and scale its oncology research program. Biotech Trial in Peanut Allergy: Moonlight Therapeutics launched a first-in-human trial of a microneedle “stamp” (MOON101) designed to desensitize peanut-allergic patients by delivering tiny doses through the skin. Public Health & Access: New federal Medicaid work requirement guidance adds pressure on states with a Jan. 1, 2027 deadline, while a Georgetown report says uninsured rates for kids under 6 rose sharply, with Arkansas among the worst. Forensics Upgrade: The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory received an international Foresight Maximus Award for top operational efficiency and performance. STEM Workforce & Learning: Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service earned a national immunization outreach award, and UA Little Rock announced a slate of 2026 summer camps. Local Tech & Logistics: Carrix/LSI is acquiring Van Buren-based Five Rivers Distribution to expand inland waterways operations on the Arkansas River system.

Education Funding Watch: Arkansas lawmakers are weighing whether LEARNS-era pay boosts are enough, as a new legislative review finds teacher satisfaction is high on paper but only about half feel “generally satisfied and supported” by administration, and Arkansas still lags other states on cost-of-living-adjusted pay. Workplace Tech & Safety: Walmart is limiting employee use of its in-house AI tool “Code Puppy” after heavy demand, a sign companies are tightening costs and usage as AI moves into daily work. Healthcare Spotlight: Baxter Health sleep lab technologist Michael Taylor won a “Heroes with Halos” award after a patient nominated him for care during a sleep study. Public Health Outreach: The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service earned a national award for immunization outreach, highlighting its county-by-county role in connecting rural residents with vaccine education and opportunities. Local Industry & Jobs: CEP USA opened its first U.S. manufacturing facility in North Little Rock for prefabricated electrical substations, aiming to create 27 jobs over five years. Tech & Accountability: Seagate reached a $175M settlement tied to claims it concealed sales of hard drives to Huawei in violation of U.S. export controls.

Rural Connectivity Boost: Brightspeed launched multi-gig fiber service in Coal Hill, Hartman, and nearby areas, aiming to improve remote work, school access, and telehealth in underserved Johnson County. Biotech & Mental Health: Minerva Neurosciences formed a Scientific Advisory Board to guide development of roluperidone for schizophrenia’s negative symptoms, including an ongoing Phase 3 trial. Local Manufacturing Jobs: CEP USA opened its first U.S. prefabricated electrical substation facility in North Little Rock, investing nearly $1M and targeting about 27 jobs over five years. Tech, Trade, and Accountability: Seagate agreed to a proposed $175M settlement tied to claims it concealed sales of hard drives to Huawei in violation of U.S. export controls. Child Safety Online: A bipartisan group of state attorneys general, including Arkansas’ Jay Jones, opposed the federal KIDS Act, arguing it could limit state enforcement of child online safety rules. STEM Education Pipeline: UCA held spring commencement with about 1,200 degrees and certificates across science, engineering, and health programs. Health Access in the Delta: Coverage highlights ongoing staffing and care gaps in Arkansas’ Delta and the role of medical training programs in expanding local providers.

Arkansas AI & misinformation: A Fort Smith police alert warned residents about an AI-generated video falsely claiming an injured officer was already home—another sign lawmakers may need clearer rules as AI use spreads. Local business & jobs: Farmers Bank & Trust confirmed it’s moving its corporate headquarters to Little Rock, citing workforce access and airport connectivity. STEM in the community: Civil Air Patrol is recruiting for a new South Arkansas squadron, with a June 7 meeting inviting volunteers (not just pilots) to support aerospace education and search-and-rescue. Education transportation tech: Little Rock School District expanded a partnership with Rock Region Metro using a state Transportation Modernization Grant to help students get to class, including free rides and bike-safety support. Industry & materials: Tetra Technologies advanced its Evergreen bromine project near Stamps with a conditional final investment decision, aiming to secure domestic bromine supply for energy and completion fluids. Health & policy: A national look at Medicaid work requirements highlights budget pressure and potential service cuts—an issue Arkansas policymakers will likely watch closely.

AI in Arkansas: Fort Smith police warned residents about an AI-generated video falsely claiming an injured officer was home, underscoring how fast synthetic media is spreading locally as lawmakers weigh next steps on AI impacts. Public Health Policy: States are balking at Medicaid work requirements as budgets tighten, with North Carolina facing major cuts and potential ripple effects for rural clinics and hospitals. Medical Education & AI: A national healthcare commentary argues AI isn’t the core problem in training doctors—systems may be failing to teach what real patients need. UAPB AI Workforce: The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff launched a Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics to train faculty and build AI/data skills across the Delta. Mars Manufacturing Research: A University of Arkansas mechanical engineering grad studied whether metal 3D printing could work in Mars-like carbon dioxide air, aiming to reduce the need for argon on the planet. Local Science & Tech in Schools: UAPB nutrition and Arkansas school STEM items also surfaced, including an AI-themed student competition mention and hands-on learning tied to archery programs. DNA Accountability in Arkansas: DNA tech helped identify a Plainview sailor killed at Pearl Harbor, finally leading to a hometown burial 85 years later.

Mars Tech: A University of Arkansas mechanical engineering grad reports research suggesting metal 3D printing on Mars could work in carbon dioxide instead of argon—potentially cutting the need to ship shielding gas. AI & Education: UAPB launched a Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics to train students and help regional leaders adopt AI tools as the university pushes toward higher research activity. Healthcare Infrastructure: UAMS ended service agreements with the owner of Arkansas’ only proton therapy center after unpaid invoices, while pledging to keep current patients on treatment. Forensics: The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory received an international Foresight Maximus Award for top operational efficiency and scientific performance. STEM in Schools: UAM recognized top students across forestry, agriculture, plant/soil science, wildlife, and waterfowl programs. Local STEM Pathways: UAFS electrical engineering student Danu Regalado is biking 4,000 miles for Journey of Hope, supporting disability advocacy. Agriculture Security: A UF/IFAS survey finds strong public concern across the region about pests and diseases and support for stronger protections.

Missing-Youth Rescue: A multi-agency operation rescued 21 missing and endangered young people across Lee, Collier and Hendry counties, with investigators still interviewing survivors and checking whether charges are needed. Agricultural Security: A UF/IFAS survey found Arkansans and neighbors increasingly worry about pests and diseases and back stronger rules to protect food systems and public health. AI Consumer Protection: State AGs are stepping up enforcement on algorithmic pricing and online age verification, signaling higher compliance risk for companies serving minors. Forensics Upgrade: The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory earned an international Foresight Maximus Award for top operational efficiency and scientific performance. UAMS Proton Center: UAMS ended unpaid service agreements with the company behind Arkansas’ only proton therapy center, while pledging continued care for current patients. Higher Ed Leadership: The University of Arkansas named Katheleen Guzman as interim School of Law dean starting July 1. Mobile IDs: Arkansas expanded driver’s licenses and state IDs into Apple Wallet, adding another verification channel for residents. Pearl Harbor Return: DNA-based identification brought North Little Rock sailor Royle Bradford Luker home to Arkansas for burial with honors.

Arkansas Cancer Care: UAMS ended its service agreements with the owner of the state’s only proton therapy center, citing about $916,000 in unpaid invoices, while saying existing patients can keep treatment and new requests will be reviewed case-by-case. University Research Funding: Arkansas State University professor Dr. Andrew “Drew” Fleming won an Emerging Research Leaders Program grant aimed at boosting faculty success in competitive federal funding. Law School Leadership: The University of Arkansas named Katheleen Guzman interim dean of its School of Law starting July 1, replacing Emily Suski after months of political controversy. Public Health & Wildlife: Arkansas Game and Fish says chronic wasting disease remains a growing threat to deer, with new detections reported across multiple counties. STEM in the Community: UAFS sophomore Danu Regalado will bike coast-to-coast to promote disability inclusion as part of the Journey of Hope. Energy & Industry: TETRA Technologies conditionally approved funding for its Evergreen bromine project in Arkansas, advancing development near Stamps. Tech & Health Devices: Oura rolled out new health-tracking features for its Oura Ring 5, including live workout tracking and expanded health monitoring.

Rural Health Funding: Baxter Health filed the first of four applications for Arkansas’ new federal rural health money, proposing THRIVE at Home to expand telehealth, emergency response, home-based care, remote monitoring, and a “Hospital at Home” model across nine north-central counties. Maternal Care Innovation: UAMS launched the ADAPT (Advancing Doulas and Perinatal Teams) Toolkit to help hospitals integrate doulas into maternity teams, with Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas using the approach to improve support during labor and delivery. Workforce & Tech Leadership: Arkansas State University professor Dr. Andrew “Drew” Fleming won the Emerging Research Leaders Program grant to build federal funding skills, while Pierce County (WA) named a new CIO to push cybersecurity and AI initiatives. Health & Safety Watch: Northeast Arkansas health officials report a sharp rise in alpha-gal syndrome after tick bites, warning reactions to red meat can appear months later. STEM in Action: UAMS emergency medicine residents trained for mass-casualty care using a realistic simulated bus-and-truck scenario. Community STEM Access: Lyon College opened its dental patient care clinic in Little Rock, partnering with the city and a local fund to support uninsured patients.

Arkansas Higher Ed & Health: Arkansas State University trustees picked Dr. Todd Shields as ASU System president starting July 1, while naming Dr. Calvin White interim A-State chancellor—an important leadership shift for STEM and workforce training statewide. Dental Access: Lyon College School of Dental Medicine opened its Little Rock Patient Care Clinic, partnering with the city and Little Rock Cares Fund to support a patient assistance pool for uninsured residents. STEM Workforce Training: A-State ASBTDC will host a free marketing workshop in Paragould, and UA Hope-Texarkana Workforce & Community Education announced a hands-on PLC 1 course for industrial automation skills. AI & Youth Innovation: Pine Bluff High student Taylor Calhoun will compete in the national NAACP ACT-SO AI/computer science event after building an AI tool to track student progress. Public Safety & Environment: Saline County postponed a Southwest Trail ribbon-cutting due to weather, while new research warns rattlesnakes face higher risk from deadly infections. Research Funding: A-State professor Dr. Andrew “Drew” Fleming received an Emerging Research Leaders Program grant to boost federal proposal success.

Higher-Education Leadership: Arkansas State University System trustees picked A-State chancellor Todd Shields as the next system president, with Calvin White named interim A-State chancellor starting July 1. Pediatric Care Innovation: HealthySteps is bringing whole-family developmental and behavioral support into Arkansas pediatric clinics, aiming to boost access and well-child visit follow-through. Tech in Sports: UAMS Little Rock Open adds video replay and live electronic line calling, bringing more precise officiating to the tournament. Public Health Policy: Arkansas submitted requests to loosen federal K-12 requirements, while a separate Medicaid update outlines new work requirements that could affect older adults and families. Digital Government: Arkansas driver’s licenses and state IDs are now available in Apple Wallet, expanding digital ID use beyond the standalone app. STEM Research for Arkansas Agriculture: UA researchers report potassium management can sharply improve cotton yield and fiber quality, especially in potassium-deficient soils. Invasive Species Watch: The Asian needle ant is spreading, with painful stings and allergy risk raising concern for Arkansas residents. Space Tech: UA research suggests metal 3D printing could work in a carbon dioxide atmosphere—closer to Mars conditions—though layer rust may weaken parts. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Pulaski County approved a data-center moratorium with an exclusion for a specific project, while Baxter County advanced funding for a courthouse annex and sheriff aviation training.

Space Tech & Manufacturing: University of Arkansas research suggests metal 3D printing could work in a carbon dioxide atmosphere—closer to Mars conditions—though rust between layers may weaken parts. Moon Exploration: NASA awarded next-generation lunar rover (LTV) contracts to Lunar Outpost and Venturi Astrolab, aiming to test multiple designs for longer-term Moon presence. STEM Education in Arkansas: UAM’s School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences recognized top student award winners in calculus, biology, and chemistry. Energy & Grid Policy: A new report card grades state rules for connecting solar and storage to the grid, highlighting how interconnection policies can slow or speed up adoption. Digital Safety Policy: Arkansas and other attorneys general are pushing back on the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority and reduce accountability for online harms to children. State Tech Services: Arkansas expanded mobile ID access by adding driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet, with broader use planned for university venues. Environment & Water: Arkansas wastewater enforcement action details Clean Water Act permit violations at a Grant County facility, while national reporting spotlights worsening Colorado River conditions and looming urban water pressure.

Higher Ed Leadership Shake-Up: Arkansas State University System trustees picked Chancellor Todd Shields as the next system president, effective July 1, and named A-State provost Calvin White as interim chancellor—setting up a major transition for the state’s second-largest public university system. Broadband & Connectivity: The Broadband Association of Arkansas announced longtime executive director Joe Molinaro will retire at year’s end, starting a search for his replacement after nearly two decades of steering the industry through big tech and policy changes. Energy, Water, and Drought Reality: With drought tightening supplies, Entergy Arkansas is adjusting recreational water releases below Remmel Dam, while the U.S. drought map shows Arkansas among the hardest-hit areas. Lithium Buildout in South Arkansas: Smackover Lithium awarded a key construction contract for the South West Arkansas Project’s central processing facility, a step toward battery-grade lithium production. Public Health Tech Legacy: Baxter Health said IS director David Fry retired after 33 years, spanning the hospital’s shift from paper records to digital care and telehealth.

Dental Access Boost: Lyon College opened a Patient Care Clinic in Little Rock, teaming with the city and the Little Rock Cares Fund to create a Patient Assistance Fund for uninsured and low-income patients. Workforce Pipeline: UA Northark in Harrison is restarting its CDL training after a FedEx Freight donation of two tractors and two 48-foot trailers, aiming to get students into jobs faster. AI in the Classroom: Two Springdale students will represent Arkansas at a national K-12 AI policy summit this summer, helping draft guidance for how schools use AI. Local Infrastructure Pressure: A Fort Smith water system funding plan still isn’t moving, despite warnings that major replacement needs are approaching $600 million. STEM & Research Momentum: UA System updated its mission and strategic pillars, while U of A researchers secured major NIH funding to study how depression affects smoking-cessation treatments. Business & Tech Growth: Tenhold (formerly Jotto Desk) rebranded and expanded its public safety vehicle product line from a consolidated Rogers facility.