State News
Friday, April 10, 2026 · Marion County
FBI to Study Serial Killer Case: Insights Could Aid Arkansas Investigations
The FBI plans to analyze the Rex Heuermann case, where he confessed to murdering eight women. Officials aim to understand his motivations as a way to improve future criminal investigations.
Despite National Decline, Elevated Opioid Prescriptions Still a Concern in Arkansas
Opioid prescriptions in the U.S. have decreased overall, but remain significantly higher than in past decades. A recent report highlights the considerable differences in prescribing rates from county to county.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Diabetes Diagnoses Show Regional Variations, with Arkansas' Rate Under Scrutiny
Newly diagnosed cases of diabetes are showing geographical variations across the United States. A recent study highlights state-specific data, offering insights into these trends.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Stroke Deaths Plateau: A Cause for Concern in Arkansas
The rate of decline in stroke-related deaths has slowed, despite ongoing medical advances. Approximately 800,000 individuals experience a stroke annually, resulting in over 140,000 deaths and lasting disabilities for many survivors.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC Report: Obesity-Related Cancers a Growing Concern in Arkansas
A recent CDC report indicates that while overall cancer rates are declining in the U.S., specific cancers linked to overweight and obesity are on the rise. The report states that in 2014, 40% of cancers diagnosed in the U.S. were associated with overweight or obesity.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Mifepristone Access Ruling in Louisiana Could Reshape Abortion Access in Arkansas
A federal judge in Louisiana has issued a ruling regarding a lawsuit challenging Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations on mifepristone. The case, brought by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, involves access to the abortion drug. The ruling's specific details and implications are still unfolding.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC Report: Disability Affects One in Four U.S. Adults; Implications for Arkansas
Approximately 25% of adults in the United States experience a disability, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. The study, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, highlights the prevalence and impact of disabilities on daily life.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC Investigates Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats; Arkansas Residents Urged to Take Precautions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections. The source of the infections is potentially linked to meats sliced at deli counters, according to the agency.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC to Track Pregnancy Outcomes Related to Zika Virus; Impacts Arkansas Women
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is initiating a new reporting system focused on pregnancies with laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection. The surveillance will track adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations Could Impact Arkansas Residents
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will convene to discuss revisions to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. The meeting will include presentations on vaccine effectiveness and safety data. Public comment opportunities are also available.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine Not Recommended for Upcoming Season: Impact on Arkansas
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has advised against using the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), also known as the nasal spray flu vaccine, for the 2016-2017 flu season. The recommendation stems from concerns about the vaccine's efficacy.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Arkansas Seniors and Immunocompromised Now Recommended for Second COVID-19 Vaccine Dose
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 65 and older and those with compromised immune systems. This recommendation follows a meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Friday, April 10, 2026
Study: Newborn Heart Screening Linked to Fewer Infant Deaths; Arkansas Could Benefit
A study indicates that mandatory screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) in newborns is associated with a decrease in infant mortality. Researchers found a more than 33% reduction in CCHD-related deaths in states with mandated screening.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Arkansas Healthcare Providers on Alert as CDC Reports Rise in Drug-Resistant Bacteria
A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report has documented a rise in infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. The findings raise concerns about the effectiveness of current antimicrobial treatments. Health officials are monitoring the situation and considering strategies to mitigate the spread.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Arkansas at Risk: CDC Reports Rising Congenital Syphilis Cases Amidst High STI Rates
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates cases of syphilis in newborns increased again in 2024. The report also highlights the ongoing prevalence of sexually transmitted infections across the US.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Heroin Overdose Deaths Rose Sharply in 2013: Arkansas Must Prepare
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2013 data indicates a continued rise in heroin-related overdose deaths. While prescription opioid deaths remained stable, heroin fatalities have increased for the third straight year. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) released the figures.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC Report: Secondhand Smoke Still a Public Health Threat in Arkansas
A new CDC report highlights the ongoing dangers of secondhand smoke exposure. Millions in the U.S. are still exposed, facing increased risks of respiratory issues, heart disease, and stroke. The report emphasizes the need for continued public health efforts.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Federal Officials Address Coronavirus Response: What it Means for Arkansas
Federal health officials convened to discuss the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The briefing covered vaccine rollout progress, emerging variants, and continued efforts to encourage public health measures.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meat: Arkansas Residents Urged to Take Precautions
A Listeria outbreak connected to deli meat is expanding across multiple states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak has caused illnesses and at least one death, prompting an ongoing investigation.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Bird Flu Case in Missouri: What Arkansas Poultry Workers Need to Know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a human case of avian influenza A(H5) virus in Missouri. The affected individual worked with poultry and experienced mild symptoms. Health officials maintain the risk to the general public is low.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Flint Water Crisis Echoes in Arkansas: CDC Report Highlights Lead Exposure Risks
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study found elevated blood lead levels in Flint, Michigan children following the city's water source change. The report details the potential health impact of lead contamination during that period.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC Urges Early Sepsis Recognition; Arkansas Healthcare Providers Encouraged to Act
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging heightened awareness of sepsis symptoms to facilitate prompt medical intervention. The agency also stressed the significance of preventing infections that can lead to sepsis development.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Arkansas Teens and Tobacco: New CDC Report Signals Ongoing Challenge
A new CDC report indicates that almost 23% of high school students are current tobacco users. The data comes from the latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). The study highlights ongoing public health concerns.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Opioid Overdoses Surge: How Arkansas ERs Are Feeling the Strain
Emergency department visits related to suspected opioid overdoses surged by 30% across 16 states between the third quarter of 2016 and the third quarter of 2017. The rise highlights the ongoing impact of the opioid crisis on healthcare systems. Data was collected from states significantly impacted by the epidemic.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC Report: Opioid Overdoses Rise in Emergency Departments; Arkansas Vulnerable
A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report indicates a rise in opioid overdoses presenting in U.S. emergency departments. The data points to a continued worsening of the opioid crisis.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Arkansas Faces Challenges Despite National Drop in Smoking Rates
Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a historic low in adult cigarette smoking rates in the United States. Despite progress, the CDC emphasizes ongoing efforts are necessary to address disparities among specific populations. Targeted strategies are needed to support those who continue to smoke.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Arkansas Residents Urged to Get Flu Shot as CDC Predicts Severe Season
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising individuals to get vaccinated against the flu and to seek prompt antiviral treatment if they are at high risk and develop symptoms. Initial data indicates the 2014-2015 flu season may be severe.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Study Highlights High Opioid Prescription Rates Among Arkansas Women of Reproductive Age
A recent study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) details opioid prescription rates among women of reproductive age. The study analyzed data from women enrolled in Medicaid and with private insurance between 2008 and 2012.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Arkansas at Risk: Study Shows Hundreds of Thousands Affected by C. difficile Infections Annually Nationwide
A recent study indicates a significant burden of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections in the United States. Researchers estimate that almost half a million Americans contract the infection each year.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Arkansas Must Take Note: U.S. Suicide Deaths Increased in 2022; What does this mean for the Natural State?
Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates an increase in suicide deaths in the United States during 2022. This follows previously observed upward trends in suicide rates. The CDC released these latest estimates recently.
Friday, April 10, 2026