AGP Executive Report

SNAP/EBT Rule Change: Louisiana is tightening SNAP access starting May 26—EBT cards will work only in Louisiana and in approved border-area ZIP codes in nearby states, with out-of-area purchases blocked; travelers can request short-term access that expires at the start of the next month. Road & Travel Watch: Gas prices are still climbing heading into summer travel, with Arkansas regular averaging about $4.03 for the week ending May 16 and diesel averaging $5.39 in Prairie County. Water & Outdoor Planning: Low Arkansas River flows are leaving rafting outfitters and communities bracing for a rocky summer. Local Events: Batesville is getting a July rodeo—Experience Independence and CK Rodeo bring a two-night show July 17-18 at the Batesville Rodeo Arena. Public Safety: Three people were killed in Arkansas crashes Monday and Tuesday, including a motorcycle-deer collision in Little River County and a fatal multi-vehicle crash in Harrison. Leadership Update: Central Arkansas Library System has chosen an Ohio search firm to help find its next executive director.

Immigration Sentences: A Homeland Security Task Force says seven people tied to a Guatemala-based smuggling operation were sentenced for moving undocumented immigrants across the Mexican border and routing them through stash houses in states including Arkansas. Gas Watch: Memorial Day travel is hitting drivers as prices stay elevated—AAA says the national average is at its highest level in four years, while Arkansas reports show regular gas lows like $3.87 in Prairie County and $3.79 in Greene and Lee counties for the week ending May 16. Sports & Tourism Energy: Arkansas State announced its 2026 Butch Jones Summer Camps on campus, and Arkansas baseball is set for a big SEC Tournament matchup with Texas at Hoover Met. Health Alert: The CDC warns the U.S. remains vulnerable to malaria reintroduction as imported infections meet mosquito populations.

Gas Watch: Memorial Day travel is hitting Arkansas with higher fuel costs—AAA puts the national average at $4.56, and Poinsett County’s lowest reported regular price is $3.99 (statewide average $4.03 for the week ending May 16). Road Safety Push: Arkansas law enforcement is stepping up seatbelt enforcement for “Click It or Ticket,” with extra nighttime patrols and a primary seatbelt law (base fine $25). Holiday Travel Pressure: Northeast Arkansas drivers say gas prices are forcing cutbacks, while Craighead Forest Park RV spots are nearing full capacity. Hot Springs Sports Weekend: Majestic Park hosts the “Weekend of Champions” state title run starting today, with baseball/softball and soccer championship games drawing big crowds. Local Culture & Community: Pine Bluff City Council boosted Downtown Development funding to $150,000 to support revitalization and tourism. Weather: A dry stretch holds through Thursday evening, then scattered showers and storms move in overnight into early Friday.

Memorial Day crackdown: Arkansas law enforcement is stepping up seatbelt enforcement as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” push, with extra nighttime patrols and the state’s primary seatbelt law in play—officials say 152 people have died in crashes statewide so far this year. Travel surge prep: TSA expects big Memorial Day lines, including about 52,000+ travelers through Memphis International and nearly 32,000 through Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, with REAL ID issues flagged as a common cause of delays. Natural State summer mode: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is reminding boaters to prep early and launch calmly as lake season ramps up. Local downtown momentum: Pine Bluff City Council approved a major boost for Downtown Development Inc., raising funding from $45,000 to $150,000 to support revitalization, tourism, and small business growth. Health watch: Alpha-gal syndrome cases are rising in Northeast Arkansas, with tick bites linked to delayed reactions that can make red meat and pork risky for life.

Diamond Discovery at Crater of Diamonds: A Pennsylvania woman, grieving the loss of her son and recently burying her father, found a 3.09-carat diamond at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park—an emotional win that turned a tough trip into a memorable one. Power & Infrastructure: Evergy is rerouting a major powerline project after regulators flagged sensitive ecological areas, with construction allowed only in limited sections. Travel Costs Watch: New rankings and fresh reporting keep spotlighting how airfare and gas prices are shaping Memorial Day plans, with drivers facing the highest prices in years. Memphis Tourism Spotlight: A new Downtown Project installment looks at how tourism is slowly returning to Memphis even as downtown office life stays in recovery mode. Local Calendar & Events: This week’s listings include riverfront fun, open mics, and community gatherings—good fuel for short trips and weekend plans. UAMS Tennis for a Cause: The UAMS Health Little Rock Open starts May 24 with free admission, raising support for the cancer institute’s bone marrow transplant program.

Court Update: Joseph Duggar, facing child sex-crime charges in Florida, asked a judge to loosen a no-contact order so he can have unsupervised contact with his own biological children; his lawyer filed the motion after Duggar didn’t appear for a May 18 hearing, with a new pretrial date set for July 14. Public Safety: An Arkansas woman was arrested in Florida after a hit-and-run that killed a 14-year-old bicyclist; she pleaded not guilty and is awaiting further proceedings. Family Travel & Events: Memorial Day kicks off with local happenings in the May 21-28 event calendar, while AAA notes summer travelers may pay some of the highest gas prices in years. Tourism Spotlight: The UAMS Health Little Rock Open returns May 24-31 at Rebsamen Tennis Center with free admission, and Bella Vista’s OZ Trails Bike Park opens to members ahead of its June 12 public debut. Community & Health: UCA is rolling out SafeZone for campus safety and emergency communications.

Immigration Aftermath: Neighbors in New Orleans East say they’ve kept caring for pets abandoned during the ICE crackdown, with more strays arriving after families left. Travel Pressure: A new survey finds 37% of Americans aren’t planning summer trips, mainly because they can’t afford it—pushing more day trips, shorter stays, and “quietcations.” Arkansas Campus & Culture: UA Little Rock English instructor Frank Thurmond won a major debut-novel award, while UAPB hospitality student Semiyah Smith earned a national scholarship. Safety Tech: UCA selected CriticalArc’s SafeZone to modernize emergency alerts and campus communications. New Outdoor Draw: 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. Road & Fuel Reality: AAA says Memorial Day travelers face the highest gas prices since 2022, even as some drivers get brief relief. Sports Spotlight: NCAA men’s golf regionals began Monday, and Arkansas-related local sports coverage continues to build toward postseason play.

OZ Trails Bike Park: Bella Vista’s new OZ Trails Bike Park is open to founding members ahead of its June 12 public debut, and it’s Arkansas’s first chairlift-served mountain biking experience—nearly 20 miles of trails with rentals and dining planned. Memorial Day Travel: AAA says Memorial Day travelers face the highest gas prices in four years, with the national average around $4.51 and Arkansas listed near $4.06. Air Travel & Lodging: Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas is getting lodging upgrades via an Air Force deal with IHG, with Little Rock AFB also on the multi-year list. Tourism & Outdoors: Bentonville is hosting on-foot events and native plant learning, while Sebastian County trail and park work continues as officials push for a “great natural environment.” Safety Watch: An Arkansas man was arrested for allegedly threatening a Walmart mass shooting tied to hantavirus lockdown fears. Sports Spotlight: NCAA men’s regionals kicked off Monday, and Arkansas softball is set for a Fayetteville super regional after a 10-2 win over South Florida.

Arkansas Softball Spotlight: The Razorbacks are hosting an NCAA super regional for the fourth time in program history after a 10-2, run-rule win over South Florida, setting up a best-of-three series at Fayetteville against either Duke or Arizona. Local Sports Buzz: In Little Rock, UALR’s men finished 3rd and women 4th at the OVC Track and Field Championship, with standout wins including a 200-meter title by freshman Jeremiah Patton. Tourism & Travel Watch: Buc-ee’s Benton is inching toward opening—local officials say the first Arkansas location is targeting Labor Day (or mid-September), with plans for about 300 jobs. Community & Safety: Memorial Day water-rescue training is underway on Lake Hamilton as crews gear up for a busy holiday weekend. Business & Growth: Movers & Shakers updates include new leadership at First Community Bank and Harding University’s next dean of Bible & Ministry. Offbeat National Note: A Texas League star, Dylan Dreiling, was named Player of the Week after a big series that included four homers.

Super Regional Spotlight: Arkansas softball is hosting an NCAA super regional again after a 10-2, run-rule win over South Florida in Fayetteville, setting up a best-of-three vs. either Duke or Arizona. Duke’s Ticket-Punch: Duke beat Arizona 9-4 in Game 7 of the Durham Regional, with Layla Lamar going 3-for-4 and driving in two. Memorial Day Travel Moment: A motorcycle caravan for Run for the Wall rolled through Central Arkansas on its way to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Holiday Safety Prep: Hot Springs crews trained on Lake Hamilton ahead of Memorial Day weekend, adding new rescue gear after past boating tragedies. Tourism & Outdoors: Lake Ouachita State Park is gearing up for summer with more recreation programming, while Searcy’s Riverside Park is rebranded as Little Red Riverpark to build a bigger outdoor draw. Local Business Buzz: Buc-ee’s is in a brand-infringement lawsuit fight, and Arkansas road funding is moving forward for unpaved road upgrades in rural counties.

Buc-ee’s vs. copycats: Texas travel giant Buc-ee’s is suing a Georgia convenience store, Teddy’s Market, claiming brand infringement over a similar mascot and branding—and it’s also facing customer chatter around its new pay-at-the-pump card policy. Memorial Day water safety: Hot Springs first responders are training on Lake Hamilton ahead of the holiday rush, with new rescue gear funded by a 2024 Entergy grant after last year’s deadly boating collision. Outdoor escape ideas: Arkansas anglers are being pointed to creek fishing season, with guides highlighting prime flowing-water spots for smallmouth and bass. School pride: Magnet Cove’s archery team just dominated at the national NASP tournament in Louisville, stacking top finishes across multiple events. Health watch: The Arkansas Department of Health says hantavirus risk to the public remains extremely low as it monitors the rare cruise-ship outbreak. Roads & travel: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced unpaved road funding for six counties, aiming to improve drainage and stormwater management.

Memorial Day prep turns tense: Arkansas police arrested Aaron Keith Bynum after an online threat to carry out a mass shooting at a Walmart if the U.S. shut down again over hantavirus fears, charging him with terroristic threatening and harassing communications. Public Safety on the water: Hot Springs crews trained for Lake Hamilton emergencies ahead of the holiday rush, citing last year’s deadly boating collision and new rescue gear funded by a $160,000 Entergy grant. Rural roads, real impact: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture announced unpaved-road funding for six county projects, targeting drainage and stormwater improvements. Tourism calendar: Van Buren’s King Opera House hosts “A Wrinkle in Time” (May 22-24) and Fort Smith’s Arts On Main continues “The Western District,” while Lake Ouachita State Park gears up for summer with more recreation programs. Family travel logistics: Walmart and Amazon are pushing faster delivery to rural America, aiming to win customers beyond big metro areas.

Trail & Waterfall Tourism: A new hiking guide spotlights the Big Creek Cave Falls trail near Newton County—no sign at the turn, rough gravel access, and limited facilities, but big payoff for waterfall chasers. Family & Community Events: Benton’s Saline Memorial Hospital hosts a free Beautiful Beginnings Baby Fair June 6 (baby boot camp, Q&A, car seat safety, and giveaways). Summer-Ready Attractions: Lake Ouachita State Park is gearing up for peak season with winter maintenance, new visitor-center branding, and more recreation programming like snorkeling/swimming tours, kayaking, and an astronomy event around July 4. Local Trail Expansion: Saline County will cut the ribbon on the first Southwest Trail segment May 29—about 2 miles—part of a planned 65-mile connection toward Hot Springs. Road Trip Costs: AAA reports only “little relief” for drivers as national gas prices dip then rise again ahead of Memorial Day. Cultural Stops: Texarkana dedicates a Freeman-Custis historical marker honoring the Red River Expedition of 1806.

NCAA Softball Shockwave: Stetson just knocked off host Florida State 8-3 in the Tallahassee Regional opener, never trailing, and now sets up a May 16 matchup with the winner of UCF vs. Jacksonville State. Arkansas Outdoors & River Tourism: Even with low flows, Arkansas River outfitters say reservations and customer traffic are steady—low water means clearer water and more technical rapids. Family-Friendly Summer Plans: The Arkansas 4-H Center is gearing up for day camps and overnight camps, with activities like swimming, paddleboarding, rock climbing, and archery. Local Travel Disruption: Jacksonville drivers should expect overnight ramp closures on Highway 67/167 for construction and lane-widening work. Community Spotlight: Arkansas State University staff were honored for retirement and years of service, underscoring the steady civic backbone behind tourism and events. Gas Watch: AAA reports the national average is edging back up ahead of Memorial Day, keeping travel costs top of mind.

Title IX Spotlight: A Title IX violation at Little Rock Central High is back in focus, with parents and students pointing to major gaps between boys’ baseball facilities and girls’ softball conditions—an equity fight the district has tried to “wait out.” Festival Buzz: Magnolia’s Blossom Festival and the World Championship Steak Cook-Off roll into the weekend with an all-day art crawl, market stops, and ticket pickup details. Road & Travel Watch: AAA says Memorial Day gas prices are poised to be among the highest in four years as the national average dips then rises again. Buc-ee’s Expansion: Buc-ee’s is opening new Florida locations and rolling out a pay-at-the-pump policy that changes how cardholders pay at the pump. Arkansas Sports: UALR falls to Southeast Missouri State 4-2; Arkansas State blanks South Alabama 10-0 (7). Community Health: NAACP Sebastian County Branch plans a town hall on changes at Baptist Health Fort Smith.

HBCU Funding Push: Arkansas HBCU leaders joined Reps. French Hill and Alma Adams in Washington to announce the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, aiming to boost federal grants for campus improvements at Arkansas’s four HBCUs. Public Safety & Justice: A deathbed confession is driving a search near Chester for a boy’s remains, while in federal court a North Carolina man was sentenced to 27 years for child sex crimes involving an Arkansas girl, and an Australian man tied to an Arkansas sting received 28 years for CSAM. Family Travel & Local Tourism: Buc-ee’s in Benton is set to open Aug. 17, 2026, and Ozark cut the ribbon on a new pedestrian bridge on Highway 65—part of the Chadwick Flyer Trail. Roads & Outdoor Planning: Independence and Sharp counties are among six getting unpaved-roads funding, and USACE says Beaver Lake dam conduits will open May 14 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) with strong-flow warnings. Community Events: The Pulaski County Fair runs May 14-24 in North Little Rock, and Logoly State Park continues its environmental education mission under Superintendent Corbin Merriott.