AGP Executive Report

Arkansas History & Culture: On Sept. 24, Meriwether Lewis Randolph—Thomas Jefferson’s grandson—died in 1837, and Hot Springs’ St. Joseph’s Infirmary (now CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs) opened in 1888. Wildlife & Outdoors: Conservation news from the region: more than 258,000 endangered Indiana bats are returning to Hannibal’s Sodalis Nature Preserve for winter. Health & Travel Safety: Measles cases are rising in Missouri, and an Arkansas pediatrician urges families to confirm vaccination status—especially with travel and crowded events. Local Tourism & Community Events: A “Shoot to Cure” sporting clays tournament at Remington Gun Club benefits Arkansas Children’s Hospital, pairing a day outdoors with a cause. Food & Local Business Watch: Little Rock’s Hillcrest Japanese restaurant Kemuri is listed for lease, raising questions about its future. Family-Friendly Fun: Lake Hamilton’s volleyball win at Wolf Arena keeps the Wolves climbing in the 5A South. Sports Calendar: MSU finalized a tough men’s basketball slate that includes Arkansas on Thanksgiving in Detroit.

Tourism & Events: Jonesboro’s First Community Bank Sportsplex is nearing an early-2027 opening, with officials saying the new venue will boost the sports tourism economy as more tournaments and family events are booked. Community & Heritage: Descendants of Alexander Foreman gathered at the restored Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum in Oklahoma, highlighting the cabin’s ties to early ferry operations and Arkansas-area history. Local Business & Travel: Buffington Homes by Toll Brothers announced the final chance to buy in Bentonville’s McKissic Springs, with only five homes left near XNA—an easy draw for visitors and home-seekers. Outdoor Recreation: USACE Little Rock District will waive day-use fees at recreation areas Sept. 26 for National Public Lands Day (boat ramps and swim beaches). Road Safety for Travelers: Arkansas Agriculture urges drivers to slow down during harvest season and watch for farm equipment, wide turns, and blind spots. Public Health Alert: Measles exposure warnings were issued after a traveler passed through Philadelphia International Airport, reminding travelers to check immunity and monitor symptoms.

National Public Lands Day: USACE Little Rock will waive day use fees at its recreation areas Sept. 26, covering boat launch ramps and swim beaches (camping fees excluded). Defense & Jobs: Hanwha Defense USA will build a $2.2 billion artillery ammunition factory at the Pine Bluff Arsenal, creating about 400 jobs. Travel & Access: Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) saw a slight August dip in outbound enplanements (-0.3% year over year) but expects about 3% growth to a record 1.3 million enplanements in 2026. Outdoor Recreation: Fall camping demand remains steady—campground bookings are pacing slightly ahead of last year, with Arkansas among the stronger growth states this September. Local Tourism & Events: Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville launched a community survey to shape its next three-year plan for arts, culture, wellness, and lodging. Family Fun: Arkansas High’s tennis teams notched wins in Magnolia, a reminder that local sports weekends keep visitors coming.

Community & Culture: Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville launched a community survey (Sept. 21–Oct. 9) to shape its next three-year strategic plan, asking visitors what they value most and what priorities should come next for the nonprofit’s arts, culture, wellness, and gathering spaces. Music & Live Events: The Edgar Loudermilk Band returns to KASU-FM’s Bluegrass Monday series on Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Collins Theatre in Paragould. Food Tourism: Nominations are open through Sept. 30 for the 2026 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, honoring long-standing restaurants and people who share Arkansas culinary heritage with visitors. Outdoor & Travel Demand: A new report says Arkansas is among the states seeing strong campground growth this September, with fall bookings pacing slightly ahead of last year. Road Safety for Travelers: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture urges drivers to slow down during harvest season and watch for farm equipment on state and county roads.

Travel & Outdoors: Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging drivers to slow down and share the road during peak harvest, when combines, tractors, grain carts and module trucks move between fields across state and county highways. Family Fun & Local Events: Fayetteville’s Ozark Hill Hikers invites walkers to a Wednesday route along the Razorback Greenway, University of Arkansas and downtown, and Beaver Lake hosts a Saturday Volunteer Day cleanup at Hickory Creek Park. Arts & Culture: Arkansas State University-Mountain Home’s performing arts series brings Artrageous to the Vada Sheid Community Development Center Wednesday night. Road Trips & Planning: Buena Vista’s weekend calendar highlights open mic, a stewardship gala, free eye clinic, 14er Fest and a Dolly Parton Memorial Pub Crawl. Community & Safety: Fayetteville-area officials continue mourning after two Woodland Junior High students died in a UTV rollover; the investigation remains active. Big News for Arkansas: Hanwha Defense USA is moving forward with a $2.2 billion artillery ammunition campus at the Pine Bluff Arsenal, creating about 400 jobs. Tourism Watch: Arkansas Tourism Ticker reports tourism tax revenue up more than 8% through June.

Airport Access Upgrade: Northwest Arkansas National Airport gets a boost as Highway 642 now links the Springdale Northern Bypass (I-42) directly to XNA, improving travel flow for visitors heading to the region. Tourism Economy Check: Arkansas’ 2% tourism tax revenue rose 8.5% in the first half of 2026, hitting $14.234 million from January–June, with June setting a new monthly record at $2.961 million. Family-Friendly Campus Plans: UAM’s Parent/Family Appreciation Day returns Sept. 26 with games, music, and a Walk of Champions parade before the 6 p.m. football kickoff. Local Events on the Calendar: The Columbia County Fair and Livestock Show Parade rolls at 5 p.m. Sept. 21 in Magnolia, starting at University Plaza and looping through downtown. Travel Perk for Service Members: TSA expands “Honor Lanes” at 30+ airports for military flyers and families, offering faster security access with valid ID. Culture & History for Travelers: A look at how “The Negro Motorist Green Book” helped Black travelers find safe lodging and services during segregation—Route 66 history with real travel lessons. Community Impact Grants: Summit Utilities’ Summit Cares program awarded $175,000 statewide, including support for a Pine Bluff lodging program for cancer patients and families.

Transportation & Access: Northwest Arkansas travelers got a boost as XNA’s connection improved: Highway 642 opened Sept. 4, linking the Springdale Northern Bypass (now Interstate 42) directly to the airport, with the second phase of the bypass also celebrated—easing congestion and setting up future extensions east of Springdale. Tourism Economy: Arkansas’ 2% tourism tax revenue climbed 8.5% in the first half of 2026, reaching $14.234 million from January through June, with June alone hitting a new monthly record of $2.961 million; the tax covers lodging, camping fees, short-term rentals, watercraft rentals, and attraction tickets. Outdoors & Travel Inspiration: A Little Rock group is chasing cooler temps and silver salmon in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands—an example of how Arkansas anglers are turning to far-flung trips when summer heat hits home. Culture & Storytelling: A travel podcast segment highlights presidential campaign songs and Johnny Appleseed roots, adding another reason to plan heritage-focused stops and listening-friendly road trips. Community Events: Little Rock-area sports and local matchups continue to draw visitors regionally, including Austin Peay’s upcoming conference opener in Little Rock.

Arkansas Outdoors: Little Rock anglers are chasing silver salmon in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, trading Arkansas’s 100-degree heat for 40–50 degree fishing days near Cold Bay—though the trip is logistically tricky and not built for tourists. Rural Health & Tech: A $777,351 grant will expand the Arkansas Health Survey into THRIVE RADAR, a statewide rural health map showing needs, care resources, and service gaps. Travel & Weather: A meteorologist’s El Niño-linked snowfall map is pointing to above-average snow potential across many states this winter, fueling planning chatter for road trips and winter getaways. Local Sports Tourism: Jacksonville University’s men’s soccer team heads to Central Arkansas on Sept. 26, adding another stop for visitors in Conway. Community Events: UAM’s Parent/Family Appreciation Day is set for Sept. 26 with a parade and tailgate cookout ahead of the football game. Food & Shopping: Trader Joe’s opened in Lafayette with big crowds and long lines—another reminder that “where to go” news drives travel decisions.

Arkansas Travel & Tourism: Little Rock tech economy: Laura Fine was appointed to the Little Rock Technology Park Authority Board, strengthening UA Little Rock’s push to grow the city’s innovation economy. Fayetteville game-day draw: No. 2 Georgia opens SEC play at Arkansas in Fayetteville at noon Saturday on ABC, a major weekend magnet for visitors heading to Razorback Stadium. Family-friendly campus plans: UAM’s Parent/Family Appreciation Day is set for Sept. 26, with a parade, tailgate cookout, and free game tickets for early registrants—an easy add-on for travelers staying in Monticello. Outdoor & local history: A Johnson County historical archive story highlights how local collections and community volunteers preserve Arkansas heritage. Health travel watch: Health officials warned about a measles case tied to an Amtrak trip from Chicago to Los Angeles, with potential spread across multiple counties—worth noting for anyone planning rail travel. Community sports tourism: Southern Arkansas hosted the Lois Davis Invitational, with the Muleriders finishing third in both men’s and women’s divisions.

Arkansas Razorbacks Game Day Buzz: No. 2 Georgia heads to Fayetteville for an SEC opener at noon Saturday, with kickoff at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on ABC (streaming via WatchESPN/Fubo options mentioned). UAMS Northwest Arkansas Expansion: UAMS celebrated the ribbon cutting for the region’s first multiple sclerosis clinic on its Fayetteville campus, aiming to reduce the need for patients to travel out of state for specialized care. Local Campus Family Fun: UAM’s Parent/Family Appreciation Day is set for Sept. 26, with music, games, a Walk of Champions parade, and a Chancellor’s Tailgate Cookout leading into the football game. TSA Travel Ease for Trusted Flyers: TSA rolled out “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting eligible members get a free pass to access gate areas for greetings, dining, and shopping at participating airports. Little Rock Tech Leadership: Laura Fine was appointed to the Little Rock Technology Park Authority Board, supporting the city’s innovation and small-business ecosystem.

Northwest Arkansas Travel & Health: UAMS opened Northwest Arkansas’ first dedicated multiple sclerosis clinic with a ribbon cutting in Fayetteville, aiming to keep about 1,000 local MS patients from having to travel to Little Rock, Oklahoma, or farther for specialized care. Scenic Road Trip Planning: An open house is set for Sept. 26 at the Buena Vista Heritage Museum to celebrate Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway—an easy add-on for Arkansas travelers looking for a fall drive along the Arkansas River corridor. Arkansas Sports & Visitor Buzz: The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees approved a competitiveness review for Razorback Athletics, a move that could shape future football resources and fan travel plans. Local Tech & Community: Laura Fine was appointed to the Little Rock Technology Park Authority Board, strengthening UA Little Rock’s push to grow the city’s innovation economy. Fall Getaway Inspiration: A new TravelAwaits guide spotlights Eureka Springs as a “Little Switzerland” style escape for fall colors and hot-spring stays.

Weather Watch: NOAA says El Niño is strengthening fast, with a 90%+ chance of a very strong event this fall/winter and a 75% shot at “historic” strength; the agency also released an October forecast map for every state, useful for planning Arkansas fall trips. Travel & Access: TSA launched “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting eligible members request a free pass to go beyond security at participating airports—Arkansas’ Little Rock’s Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is included. Local Health on the Go: UAMS installed an on-demand telehealth booth at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) to help travelers handle nonemergency issues right at the terminal. Road Trip Costs: AAA reports gas prices pushing past $4 in the Mid-South, with Arkansas and Tennessee both above $4—another reminder to budget for driving. Weekend Fun in Arkansas: Arkansas Comic Con returns to Little Rock, and the Downtown Food Truck Festival in Little Rock runs Sunday under the I-30 bridge. Eureka Springs Getaway: A new roundup highlights top Airbnbs in Eureka Springs for a scenic fall trip.

Arts & Tourism Boost: Arkansas is seeing a push to keep live theater thriving, with the state’s Live Theater Tax Credit program awarding 28 inaugural grants totaling $7 million—supporting productions and venues and giving a direct lift to the visitor economy, including a Lowell-area recipient. Rural Healthcare Access: Baxter Health landed major state funding through the Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program to expand rural access via THRIVE at Home and the Baxter Health Rural Access Network. Travel Costs Hit: AAA reports gas prices have surged past $4 a gallon across Tennessee and Arkansas, with Mid-South drivers saying it’s cutting into trips and “tourist stuff.” Weekend Fun in Little Rock: The Downtown Little Rock Partnership’s 15th Food Truck Festival brings dozens of trucks plus vendors, music, and a Kids Zone under the I-30 bridge. Family-Friendly Fundraiser: Ronald McDonald House serving the region is hosting “Blue Jeans and Bubbles” Sept. 24 at the Capri Theater to support lodging for families during medical crises. Local Getaway Guide: A new Eureka Springs travel guide spotlights the town’s walkable, quirky downtown—plus stays like Rock Cottage Gardens B&B and stops like MoJo’s Records.

Razorback Game-Day in Fayetteville: Fayetteville will close a section of North West Avenue Friday morning for “Rumble in the Ramble: Hogs and Dogs,” a free 5–10 p.m. tailgate with mascots, live entertainment, games, and a wing competition benefiting Fayetteville High School spirit programs. Hot Springs Film Festival: The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (Oct. 9–17) unveiled its 2026 lineup, including Penny Lane’s “Wild Inside” to open and “Climb Machu Picchu” to close, plus U.S. premieres and a documentary roundtable. Pine Bluff Trail of Tears Marker: A new National Historic Trail marker was unveiled in Pine Bluff, honoring John Ross and John Horse and recognizing the Arkansas River route used during forced removal. Jonesboro Golf Cart Theft Case: Arkansas State University police arrested three men after surveillance footage tracked a stolen A-State golf cart around Jonesboro; the cart was valued at $4,750. Tourism & Travel Planning: Arkansas families are pushing for action on Medicaid-funded in-home aid waitlists, while separate coverage highlights how major travel infrastructure and schedules can shift plans for visitors.

Music & Heritage Tourism: Walnut Ridge’s free Beatles at the Ridge festival returns Saturday, Sept. 19, drawing thousands with live bands, 110 vendor spots (including 18 food vendors), kids’ activities, and a car show—plus the Liverpool Legends headline at 7 p.m. Family-Friendly Health Access: TeamSmile and Colgate brought free dental care to underserved kids at the University of Arkansas Randal Tyson Track Center, pairing dentistry with a fun, sports-themed setup that includes exams, cleanings, X-rays, and possible procedures. Local Travel & Events: Texarkana’s weekend calendar highlights a Senior Expo (Fri.), Gateway Farmers Market (Sat.), Legacy Heart Walk (Sat.), and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle poker run fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association (Sat.). Historic Trail Tourism: Pine Bluff will unveil a Trail of Tears marker downtown on National Trail of Tears Remembrance Day, with a 45-minute ceremony starting at 11 a.m. Road Access: Arkansas DOT lane closures are set for U.S. 412 in Springdale to support box culvert construction, with overnight center-lane shutdowns scheduled Friday through Monday.

Sports Tourism & Community Impact: Arkansas State University and the First Community Bank Sportsplex in Jonesboro announced a multiyear deal making A-State the Sportsplex’s Official Education Partner and naming the complex cafe the Red Wolves Cafe, with the 200,000-square-foot venue set to open in early 2027 and already booking tournaments. Big-Event Draw: Metallica added a Razorback Stadium stop on May 26, 2027, with presales starting Sept. 21 and local presales Sept. 24. Fall Travel Planning: Lake.com released a 2026 Fall Foliage Map for 100 lake destinations, estimating peak-color timing and drive access for water-focused getaways. Road-Trip Costs: AAA says gas prices vary widely for fall travel; Arkansas is currently below $4 for regular, while AAA highlights cheaper fill-ups across the South and Midwest. Food & Fun Calendar: Arkansas Food Bites spotlights events like Razorback football weekend festivities in Fayetteville, Oktoberfest at Crisis Brewing Co. (Sept. 19-20), and Central Arkansas Restaurant Week (Sept. 21-27). Local Weekend Events (Texarkana): Texarkana’s Sept. 18-20 lineup includes a Senior Expo, Gateway Farmers Market, Legacy Heart Walk, plus a motorcycle Poker Run fundraiser and rodeo/expo activities.