AGP Executive Report
Last update: 11 hours agoState Budget Watch: Arkansas closed FY2026 with a $655 million general revenue surplus, the fifth-largest in state history, after $8.686 billion in gross collections and a net available total of $7.149 billion. SNAP Changes: Starting July 1, Arkansas SNAP recipients can’t buy soft drinks and candy with benefits, even though the state says the federal court ruling that struck similar waivers elsewhere doesn’t apply here. Direct Democracy in Court: A federal judge again struck down parts of Arkansas’ initiative/referendum rules, keeping the fight over ballot access in the spotlight. Local Politics: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders called a special election to fill the south Arkansas Senate seat vacated by Ben Gilmore, with a Sept. 15 GOP primary and a Nov. 3 general election. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police reported two fatal crashes, including a head-on collision on Hwy. 227 in Garland County and a deadly Hwy. 530 crash in Jefferson County. Crime & Courts: Ouachita County Chief Deputy Collector Erica Johnson was charged with theft of property, and Alexander Councilwoman Lou “Juanita” Wilson was charged with forgery. Economy & Growth: Arkansas opened nominations for new Opportunity Zones to spur private investment, and the state also pushed forward with a plan to reduce litter on highways.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.