AGP Executive Report

Obituary: Willie Washington, longtime Benedict College coach and athletic director, died Monday after a 38-year run that included nine straight EIAC basketball championships. Public Health & Community: The PAYS Coalition and SEED Club marked International Overdose Awareness Day with proclamations in Baxter and Marion counties, aiming to reduce stigma and boost local prevention. Education & Workforce: Northwest Arkansas Community College reported fall enrollment topping 12,000 for the first time, with academic-credit and workforce programs both growing. Mental Health Outreach: UAFS RoarCorps expands youth mental health support through AmeriCorps-style placements, linking students ages 13–18 with resources via community partners. Arts & Wellness: The University of Arkansas School of Art hosts “Papermaking for Collective Wellbeing,” pairing hands-on papermaking workshops with wellness and community engagement. Civic Engagement: Loblolly and Get Loud Arkansas launch “Get Berry Loud” ice cream to encourage voter registration, with QR codes and proceeds supporting outreach. Local Business: HFG Architecture opened a Rogers office, naming Northwest Arkansas native Josh Danish managing director. Sports: Arkansas Razorbacks coach Ryan Silverfield leans into low expectations as the team rebuilds for a tough season.

Public Safety & Justice: Arkansas State Police say a Luxora man resisted arrest and allegedly reached for a trooper’s firearm during a traffic stop near Burdette; the driver escaped and two passengers fled, but all three were later found and charged. Civil Rights & Community: A new maternal health program is expanding to Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, pairing high-risk Medicaid mothers with home visits through age two to build support networks. Education & Youth: NWACC reports its first-ever 12,000+ total enrollment milestone, with academic-credit and workforce growth. Culture & Identity: México en el Corazón brings Mexican folklore, music, and dance to Fayetteville, emphasizing art as community connection. Arts & Literacy: Dolly Parton’s literacy legacy gets fresh attention in Arkansas mailboxes as her Imagination Library work continues. Local Governance: Little Rock Ward 3 candidate Lake Smith pitches a younger, trans-inclusive, door-knocking campaign aimed at shaking up City Hall. Health & Lifestyle: Maternal health providers and mothers stress that community—not just medical care—is key to healthier postpartum outcomes. Higher Ed Expansion: Southern Arkansas University launches a new Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management starting fall 2026.

Corrections Fight: Gov. Sarah Sanders has appointed an outside attorney for the Arkansas Board of Corrections as a key hearing looms, after earlier legal requests were denied—setting up another clash over state control of the Corrections Department. Health & Community: Alpha-gal syndrome is rising fast in Arkansas, with Fayetteville flagged as an emerging hotspot and tick exposure tied to the growing cases. Youth Literacy: UAFS’s RoarCorps is expanding in Fort Smith with a $220,000 Engage Arkansas grant plus private support to place 40 students in education and youth mental health roles. Local Politics: Little Rock Ward 3 candidate Lake Smith pitches a younger, trans-inclusive agenda and challenges the “old guard” in City Hall. Student Well-Being: UA Little Rock is using a state grant to expand movement-focused counseling programs aimed at coping skills, connection, and substance-use prevention. Education Policy: New state deadlines require military education coordinators and Purple Star participation for schools with enough military-connected students. Outdoor Culture: Sanders launched the My Natural State Story contest for ages 10–17, pushing kids to write about real Arkansas outdoor adventures. Arts & Events: Artist INC Express returns as a hands-on workshop for building a sustainable arts practice, plus a reminder of Unsane’s Sept. 6 show at White Water Tavern.

Outdoor Education: Arkansas students ages 10–17 have until Oct. 12 to enter the new My Natural State Story contest, sharing a real outdoor adventure in up to 500 words for prizes that include a lifetime hunting and fishing license. Arts & Community Building: Artist INC Express, a hands-on artist development workshop from Sept. 11–13, is set to help Arkansas artists build long-term practice, goals, and a personal brand. Education Policy & Research: EdPolicyWorks, a Virginia-based-style research center model, is highlighted for its work connecting education research to policy decisions affecting students and teachers. Service & Local Food Security: In Brinkley, the Mustard Seed Garden is expanding produce for people facing hunger, run by church volunteers and community plot holders. Public Culture & Events: The Arkansas Graveler bike tour returns Oct. 6–10 in the Delta Blues Edition, timed with the Delta Heritage Trail opening. Arts Calendar: ARTx3 Campus in Pine Bluff lists September events including Live@5 and a line-dancing workshop. Local Business: Little Rock’s dog-themed Bark Bar and Grille is closing permanently, according to a social media post.

Dolly Parton’s Legacy in Arkansas: The country icon’s death is prompting fresh looks at her film work and her unifying faith—plus a reminder that her Imagination Library keeps sending books to Arkansas children, even as her story moves into a new chapter. Local Arts & Events: Little Rock’s Visitor Information Center is hosting a new watercolor exhibition, while ARTx3 Campus has September programming lined up, including Live@5 performances and community workshops. Education & Accountability Fight: Arkansas continues to debate LEARNS-era school vouchers and oversight, with critics arguing the state’s accountability model doesn’t go far enough. Public Safety & Community Change: A Little Rock dog bar, Bark Bar and Grille, is closing permanently, and Trumann police say a murder suspect arrested in Tennessee has been returned to Arkansas. Rural Health Investment: Gov. Sanders announced nearly $150M in rural health grants, including upgrades and telehealth support for Southeast Arkansas hospitals. Culture Beyond Music: Arkansas TV will air Ken Burns’ “Hemingway,” spotlighting the writer’s Arkansas ties.

School Accountability & Vouchers: A new critique argues Arkansas LEARNS has spent up to $379M on vouchers without meaningful curriculum review or real accountability, calling the oversight “like yelling at an engine” while families and students remain unasked. Education Policy: The U.S. Department of Education orders schools to stop race-based discipline practices, saying rules must be based on behavior, not skin color. Arts & Community: ARTx3 Campus in Pine Bluff announces September events, including Live@5 with Angelica Glass and a line-dancing workshop. Local Culture: Little Rock’s dog-themed Bark Bar and Grille says it’s closing permanently. Literacy in Arkansas: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues delivering books across the state, even as her legacy evolves after her death. Public Health Funding: Gov. Sanders’ $149.3M rural health grants include upgrades and telehealth support for hospitals such as Jefferson Regional. Crime & Justice: Trumann police took custody of a Tennessee murder suspect and returned him to Arkansas for charges. Sports: Mizzou opens its season against Arkansas-Pine Bluff with captains named and eligibility uncertainty still hanging over college football.

Arts Calendar: ARTx3 Campus in Pine Bluff and the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas announced September events, including Live@5 with Angelica Glass (Sept. 4) and a line-dancing workshop (Sept. 11). Local Exhibits: A watercolor exhibition by Laura Remmel Powers opens with a free reception at the Little Rock Visitor Information Center, while Rogers Historical Museum’s “School Days: Education in Rogers” runs through April 3. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced nearly $150 million for 50 rural health projects statewide, including Jefferson Regional’s $3 million HVAC upgrade and regional telehealth and emergency power improvements. Education & Equity: The U.S. Department of Education ordered schools to stop race-based discipline practices, saying discipline must be tied to behavior, not skin color. Maternal Care Access: NYIT at Arkansas State University received a $1.5 million grant to expand a mobile maternal health program and transportation support in rural areas. Culture & Community: A new documentary on Mary Oliver highlights the poet’s feminist values and nature-centered legacy. Sports & School Life: Jacksonville Elementary School in North Pulaski reopens Monday after mold and HVAC repairs. Lottery: Mega Millions climbed to $160 million for Tuesday’s drawing with no grand-prize winner Friday.

Education & Access: A Hot Springs microschool, Nova Roots Academy, abruptly shut down days before classes after parents say the school cut contact—raising questions about how Arkansas oversees these in-between options. School Policy & Culture: Pulaski County Special School District limited students’ access to Central Arkansas Library System online materials after a federal ruling tied to Act 372, while Little Rock School Board adopted new attendance zones for West Little Rock High. Maternal Health: Arkansas Medicaid will cover doula services starting Sept. 1, aiming to expand support in rural areas where labor-and-delivery access is scarce. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sanders announced $149.3M in rural health grants, including $1.5M for NYIT’s mobile maternal health unit. Civic Rights: Pine Bluff hosted a Women’s Suffrage Walk and panel urging voters to use their voices ahead of November. Arts & Reading: Wyoming Public Radio launched a quarterly book club featuring India Hayford’s “The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree,” set largely in rural Arkansas. Local Life: Jacksonville Elementary will reopen Monday after mold and HVAC repairs. Sports: UWF opened its Division I era with a record crowd at its first football game.

Medicaid & Work Rules: A new study warns nearly 20% of eligible adults in Medicaid expansion states could struggle to meet the new 80-hours-per-month work reporting rules starting Jan. 1, putting millions at risk of losing coverage—especially women, unmarried people, White adults, and those with limited education. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced $149.3 million in first-round Rural Health Transformation Program grants, including $55.7 million for telehealth and remote monitoring and $93.6 million for specialty access and regional coordination, with more funding expected later. Maternal Care Access: Arkansas Medicaid will cover doula services starting Sept. 1, after lawmakers cleared rules for the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act—aimed at expanding support where labor-and-delivery access is limited. Education & Equity: Fayetteville Public Schools faces a federal civil rights probe over claims teachers were told to consider students’ race in discipline decisions. Libraries & Book Bans: Saline County agreed to pay fired librarian Patty Hector $275,000 after she challenged retaliation tied to local book ban efforts. Little Rock Schools: The Little Rock School Board adopted new high school attendance zones to prepare for West Little Rock High School’s opening, while also setting paths for parents to choose schools. Arts & Community: Exploration Place’s free riverfront concert series returns in September with touring acts and family-friendly seating. Higher Ed Leadership: Arkansas Baptist College named George Herts acting president after the dismissal of President William “Bill” Walker Jr., amid ongoing financial and accreditation challenges.

Little Rock Schools: The Little Rock School Board approved a new high school attendance zone map in a 5-2 vote, reshaping Central and West High boundaries ahead of West High’s 2027 opening. Rural Health: Gov. Sarah Sanders announced $149.3 million in first-round Rural Health Transformation Program grants, including $93.6 million for PACT and $55.7 million for THRIVE, with projects spanning telehealth, maternal care, emergency response, and rural hospital support. Education & Access: A new report finds 1 in 80 public school students now attend fully virtual schools, a sharp rise since pre-pandemic years. Books & Free Speech: Saline County agreed to pay $275,000 to a fired library director after she challenged efforts to limit children’s access to books. Community & Faith: A Jonesboro parish hosted a Diocesan Cursillo “Gran Ultreya” for Hispanic Catholics, focused on renewal through prayer, fellowship, and testimonies. Culture & Activism: Protesters with Friends of Palestine Northwest Arkansas and Indivisible Northwest Arkansas rallied during Bentonville’s Mid-America Aerospace and Defense Summit. Public Safety: Police reported fatal shootings and arrests in Little Rock, plus multiple deadly crashes across Arkansas.

Northwest Arkansas Tech & Education: Bentonville AI startup Triton Ventures opened new headquarters at North ROC, building on a Bentonville High School pitch that grew into AI literacy and workforce programs through its academies, labs, studios, and nonprofit foundation. Dolly Parton & Literacy in Arkansas: As Missouri cuts new enrollments for its Imagination Library, Arkansas leaders say Parton’s book program has reached every county, with millions of books delivered and thousands of 5-year-olds graduating. Local Schools & Community: Little Rock School Board set a vote on new attendance zones, while UA Little Rock alumna Asia Amos credits a single parent scholarship for finishing her degree and pushing her career forward. Public Safety & Weather: Wednesday storms knocked out power for more than 25,000 Arkansas homes, with hail reported near Searcy and fast winds in Fort Smith. Health & Philanthropy: UAMS Chancellor’s Circle awarded 12 grants totaling $313,500 to support medical priorities and research. Culture & Events: Arkansas’ weekend calendar spotlights fairs, car shows, and music nights, including a Seersucker Soirée in Little Rock.

Storm Aftermath: Wednesday storms knocked out power for more than 25,000 Arkansas homes, with Ouachita County hardest hit and hail reported near Searcy. Campus & Community: The University of Arkansas School of Law added Jorge Camacho and Alma Magaña to its faculty, expanding criminal justice and policing-related expertise. School District Watch: The Little Rock School Board will vote Thursday on new attendance zones tied to the upcoming Little Rock West High School, with options affecting racial and income balance. Food & Health: A new Arkansas Hunger Survey shows food insecurity nearing 40%, while a separate swim advisory warns beachgoers to check for E. coli closures before heading out. Literacy Legacy: Arkansas Imagination Library says Dolly Parton’s book-gifting program has reached every county, with millions of books delivered statewide. Youth & Safety Online: Arkansas is set to receive $173 million from Meta’s teen safety settlement, including platform changes aimed at limiting under-18 exposure. Culture & Faith: Taste of Faith fundraisers across the Diocese of Little Rock drew record crowds and raised more than $800,000 for seminarians. Local Life: Wing Wednesday continues to draw big crowds in LRSD, and Fayetteville’s farmers market keeps its music-and-busking culture front and center.

LGBTQ Youth Support: NWA Equality and The Equality Crew announced plans to unite their youth and family programming, folding The Equality Crew’s trusted spaces into NWA Equality’s structure to expand long-term support for LGBTQ families. Road Safety Education: ARDOT expanded Street Smart for the 2026-27 school year, adding a new grades 9-12 curriculum with lessons on speeding, impaired driving, and what to do when pulled over. Education & Access: Single parents in Arkansas County can apply for Fall 2026 scholarships (up to $1,600) through the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, with mentorship and career guidance included. Community Health & Schools: Jacksonville Elementary will stay closed Wednesday as officials await final mold air-quality results and replacement parts for its outdoor air systems. Local Food & Culture: Hazel’s Public House opens in Little Rock’s River Market with burgers, sandwiches, salads, and homemade pie. Public Safety Accountability: Arkansas State Police completed an internal investigation into a trooper who punched a Black teen during a traffic stop, citing failures to identify himself and excessive profanity. Arts & Community Events: Cane Hill Harvest Festival returns Sept. 19 with history, live music, an “Arts and Eats” market, sorghum demos, and kids activities.

Dolly Parton’s Legacy: The Queen of Country’s death is drawing bipartisan tributes, and Arkansas readers are reminded how her Imagination Library reaches every county, with millions of books mailed statewide. Local Government & Tech: Pulaski County’s Quorum Court gave first reading to a proposed data center ordinance aimed at regulating safety and environmental impact, with more readings set for September and October. Civil Rights & Public Safety: Arkansas Black lawmakers pressed for answers after State Police Director Mike Hagar skipped a meeting tied to a trooper’s viral punch of a Black teenager during a traffic stop. Education & Culture: Jonesboro’s Bradbury Art Museum won an NEA Big Read grant for a year of programs around Joy Harjo’s “An American Sunrise.” Community & Schools: Pine Bluff High School is set to return to a new campus on Sept. 8 after a successful millage push. Arts & Film: Little Rock filmmaker Jeff Nichols discussed his Arkansas-shot “King Snake” in a Variety interview, with Neon acquiring U.S. rights. Sports: UTA volleyball opens its 2026 season with a reshaped roster and a renewed focus on team chemistry. Food & Local History: Springdale’s beloved AQ Chicken is remembered after its 2023 closure, including its long run as a regional fried-chicken gathering spot.

Arts & Entertainment: Dolly Parton has died at 77, with tributes highlighting her dual legacy as a country icon and film star, including “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias.” Higher Education & Research: Arkansas Tech University is ranked No. 1 in Arkansas for both student access and earnings in a Carnegie study, while UA Little Rock COSMOS research has secured three PACIS 2026 paper acceptances tied to AI-fused analysis of digital activism. Community & Education: Fayetteville Public Schools is under a U.S. Education Department investigation over discipline practices tied to “restorative justice,” and the Education Department is also pushing new guidance that warns schools not to consider students’ race in discipline. Faith in Schools: A Pew study finds Americans are split on Ten Commandments displays and school prayer, and a Louisiana teacher is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block the state’s classroom posting law—one that Arkansas and other states have adopted. Local Life: Benton and Bryant are turning the Salt Bowl rivalry into a blood drive and donation contest, and Arkansas State University’s new College of Veterinary Medicine opened with an inaugural class of 122.

Road Safety in Schools: ARDOT rolled out Phase Two of Street Smart, expanding its road-safety lessons from grades 6-8 to grades 9-12 for 2026-27, with new modules on work zones, speeding, impaired driving, and what to do when pulled over. AI Policy from the Classroom: Two Springdale sophomores helped draft student-focused AI school guidelines at MIT’s America’s Youth AI festival, and the mock legislation passed 82-16. Arts & Reading: Arkansas State University’s Bradbury Art Museum won an NEA Big Read grant for a year of programs tied to Joy Harjo’s “An American Sunrise.” Local History: Pine Bluff and the Quapaw Nation unveiled an Arkansas250 historic marker honoring Chief Saracen at Lake Saracen. Jobs & Economy: Arkansas unemployment fell to 4% in July for the third straight month. Elections Prep: Arkansas voters are urged to start planning now for the Nov. 3 general election and upcoming statewide ballot issues. Public Safety Leadership: ADEM appointed John Hogue as the next Arkansas State Fire Marshal.