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Business

10 Arkansas laws taking effect in August

Nearly 900 acts passed by the Arkansas Legislature earlier this year are set to become law on Tuesday.

News

Mapped: Arkansas' Alzheimer's rates

Caring for those with the disease cost an estimated $321 billion nationwide last year.

Health

Northwest Arkansas Council jumpstarts attainable housing project

At its annual meeting Tuesday, the NWA Council revealed its collaboration on a 77-unit apartment project that will permanently earmark 30 units for families earning below the area median income

New opioid research center in Little Rock aims for national impact

The National Center for Opioid Research and Clinical Effectiveness will be housed at Arkansas Children's campus.

Arkansas Children&#x27;s Hospital System last week announced plans to build a first-of-its-kind research center geared toward opioid effects in infants and children.Why it matters: Infants are being born addicted to drugs and young children are dying of opioid poisoning, hospital officials said.

Illustration of a crib sitting beneath a mobile with a hanging medical cross 

More than 500 Arkansans have died of COVID this year

About 3,400 people in Arkansas died of the virus in 2022.

COVID

COVID-19 related deaths for this year reached 530 in Arkansas as of Nov. 4, according to the state Department of Health&#x27;s latest respiratory virus report.Context: That&#x27;s down steeply from past years. About 3,400 people in Arkansas died of the virus in 2022, and nearly 5,300 died in 2021, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the health department" data-vars-click-url="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/4f55fdd341df4e2f854c14b974d6b350/page/Covid-19/?views=Covid-19-Death-Demographics%2C-2021-" data-vars-content-id="e935ae2d-34d0-4582-874c-ffda9cfe7916" data-vars-headline="More than 500 Arkansans have died of COVID this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/4f55fdd341df4e2f854c14b974d6b350/page/Covid-19/?views=Covid-19-Death-Demographics%2C-2021-" target="_blank">according to the health department</a>.

Illustration of a pattern of covid particles and positive signs.

Raising the bar on health care in Arkansas

Arkansas Center for Health Improvement hosted two panels last week.

Two panel discussions — one on health care workforce and the other on innovations in health care — were hosted Thursday in Fayetteville by the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement.The big picture: Arkansas should focus on rural health, training and retaining health care workers, and embracing technology to propel health care forward in the state, experts said.

a lightbulb with a glowing medical cross filament

Arkansas has kicked more than 400,000 people off Medicaid

About 65% of the closures were because of paperwork problems.

Arkansas&#x27; six-month <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Medicaid &quot;unwinding&quot; period" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/25/medicaid-unwinding-off-guard" data-vars-content-id="4ac364d5-edf0-47b9-880d-f73255947bdb" data-vars-headline="Arkansas has kicked more than 400,000 people off Medicaid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/25/medicaid-unwinding-off-guard" target="_self">Medicaid &quot;unwinding&quot; period</a> after the COVID-19 pandemic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is complete" data-vars-click-url="https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/news/arkansas-department-of-human-services-completes-six-month-medicaid-unwinding/" data-vars-content-id="4ac364d5-edf0-47b9-880d-f73255947bdb" data-vars-headline="Arkansas has kicked more than 400,000 people off Medicaid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/news/arkansas-department-of-human-services-completes-six-month-medicaid-unwinding/" target="_blank">is complete</a>, and nearly half a million people have lost their health insurance.Driving the news: Since April, the state reports it has removed 427,459 people from the Medicaid rolls and renewed coverage for 298,257.

Illustration of a red cross being torn in half.

Mejo app simplifies medical record-keeping

Mejo combines important medical information into a single database.

The Shift

Ryan Sheedy, the parent of a child with a rare genetic mutation, became fed up and fatigued by filling out repetitive forms for each new specialist&#x27;s office.<ul><li>So, he built an app.</li></ul>Why it matters: Bentonville-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mejo" data-vars-click-url="https://app.mymejo.com/" data-vars-content-id="e2f450b9-40bd-4cf8-a303-9e95341b449b" data-vars-headline="Mejo app simplifies medical record-keeping" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.mymejo.com/" target="_blank">Mejo</a> combines important medical data like medications, treatments and diagnoses into a single database.

Medical school and health nonprofit set to open next fall in Bentonville

Both want to approach all aspects of health.

Development

Two major health-focused projects in Bentonville are making progress, with one set to open next fall.State of play: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Whole Health Institute" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wholehealth.org/" data-vars-content-id="805f034b-7013-48e6-b681-730f767ceb29" data-vars-headline="Medical school and health nonprofit set to open next fall in Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wholehealth.org/" target="_blank">Whole Health Institute</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alice L. Walton School of Medicine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.alwmedschool.org/" data-vars-content-id="805f034b-7013-48e6-b681-730f767ceb29" data-vars-headline="Medical school and health nonprofit set to open next fall in Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.alwmedschool.org/" target="_blank">Alice L. Walton School of Medicine</a> — separate entities founded by Alice Walton — are under construction near Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Syphilis rates still a concern for Arkansas health officials

The health department is stressing prevention, testing and treatment.

Arkansas, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="like much" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/04/18/syphilis-rates-rise-seattle" data-vars-content-id="2b0a9357-6c78-4de4-ac93-797f32b2a0b0" data-vars-headline="Syphilis rates still a concern for Arkansas health officials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/04/18/syphilis-rates-rise-seattle" target="_self">like much</a> of the country, continues to grapple with a surge in syphilis cases.Why it matters: Syphilis can cause serious health problems — like blindness, hearing loss or dementia — if left untreated, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the CDC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/stdfact-syphilis.htm" data-vars-content-id="2b0a9357-6c78-4de4-ac93-797f32b2a0b0" data-vars-headline="Syphilis rates still a concern for Arkansas health officials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/stdfact-syphilis.htm" target="_blank">according to the CDC</a>.

Unvaccinated kindergarteners on the rise in Arkansas

Studies have found an increased risk of infection from vaccine-preventable diseases among exempt children.

2.5% of kindergartners across Arkansans were granted exemptions to required vaccines as of the school year ending in 2022, compared to 0.9% in 2012.Why it matters: Vaccinations reduce the spread of childhood illnesses — some potentially fatal — that once plagued the country, such as polio.

Arkansas below nation in COVID-19 hospitalization rates

Hospitalization rates are now one of the best proxies for estimating broader viral spread.

COVID-19 hospitalization rates across Arkansas fell 16% from June to July amid signs of a late-summer wave <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/17/covid-19-cases-2023-uptick-where-why" data-vars-content-id="50e638a2-e2d0-49d3-a6d6-f797783e11c5" data-vars-headline="Arkansas below nation in COVID-19 hospitalization rates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/17/covid-19-cases-2023-uptick-where-why" target="_self">sweeping the country</a>. By the numbers: The average COVID-19 hospitalization rate nationwide rose about 17% between June and July, per the latest available CDC data.

Fayetteville hospital joins program to combat overdoses

Arkansas' NaloxHome program to give free overdose reversal medication to patients.

Washington Regional Medical Center is the latest Arkansas hospital to take part in the state&#x27;s NaloxHome program to dispense free, take-home overdose reversal medication.Why it matters: Fatal drug overdoses are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/03/02/arkansas-fentanyl-crisis-fatal-overdose" data-vars-content-id="174b64c6-a493-4192-8c3a-de32a1ab9339" data-vars-headline="Fayetteville hospital joins program to combat overdoses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/03/02/arkansas-fentanyl-crisis-fatal-overdose" target="_self">on the rise</a>. Arkansas numbers climbed from 388 in 2019 to 637 in 2021 — or 64% — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement" data-vars-click-url="https://achi.net/naloxhome/" data-vars-content-id="174b64c6-a493-4192-8c3a-de32a1ab9339" data-vars-headline="Fayetteville hospital joins program to combat overdoses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://achi.net/naloxhome/" target="_blank">according to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement</a>.Washington Regional treats about 300 drug overdoses a year, spokesperson Natalie Hardin told Axios.Background: ACHI, the office of the state drug director and the Arkansas Department of Human Services launched the project last year.<ul><li>The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration funds the program through the state DHS, ACHI spokesperson John Lyon told Axios.</li></ul>How it works: Hospitals send patients who were treated for an overdose home with naloxone because <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they&#x27;re at high risk" data-vars-click-url="https://achi.net/news-releases/new-program-aims-to-reduce-opioid-overdose-deaths-in-arkansas-by-sending-naloxone-home-with-at-risk-patients/" data-vars-content-id="174b64c6-a493-4192-8c3a-de32a1ab9339" data-vars-headline="Fayetteville hospital joins program to combat overdoses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://achi.net/news-releases/new-program-aims-to-reduce-opioid-overdose-deaths-in-arkansas-by-sending-naloxone-home-with-at-risk-patients/" target="_blank">they&#x27;re at high risk</a> for another overdose.<ul><li>The amount of naloxone a hospital receives initially is based upon need estimates by hospital officials. Refills are unlimited, according to Lyon.</li></ul>Zoom out: Mercy Hospital in Rogers is also among the 44 Arkansas infirmaries taking part in the program.

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

The House is slated to vote to expel Santos on Friday.

Politics & Policy

Ahead of a vote that could make him the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than 20 years, Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) is introducing an expulsion resolution on Thursday targeting a House lawmaker from his own state. Why it matters: Santos — who faces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uphill battle in a vote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" target="_self">uphill battle in a vote</a> to remove him from office following a scathing House Ethics report — is seeking an expulsion vote on Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaal Bowman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" target="_self">Jamaal Bowman</a> (D-N.Y.), who pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings.

George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers

Rep. Robert Garcia encouraged fellow Democrats to support Republicans' expulsion measure.

House Democrats and Republicans finally have something they agree on: booting Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" data-vars-content-id="4eec0a24-5338-46c4-8b6e-5526cda73c0f" data-vars-headline="George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) from Congress.Driving the news: In an email sent to Democratic congressional offices on Thursday, Rep. Robert Garcia&#x27;s (D-Calif.) office advocated for Republicans&#x27; resolution to expel the embattled Long Islander.

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Multiple GOP lawmakers expect former House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" data-vars-content-id="dbdacc28-b2ed-40c2-a4cb-3bf4792a4d9b" data-vars-headline="GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" target="_self">Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.) to step down from his seat before the end of the year, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The potential exit of McCarthy — who privately told donors he is looking to &quot;get the hell out,&quot; according to a source familiar with the conversation — could leave the House GOP with an even narrower majority.

Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social

Trump warned that his indictments have opened up a "very big and dangerous Pandora's Box."

Former President Trump has spent the last 24 hours on Truth Social unleashing a torrent of grievances, vengeful promises and links to online conspiracy theories about his political rivals.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s online rhetoric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently dipped into violent extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" data-vars-content-id="4ce9173c-4439-425e-8986-ec54c92037e6" data-vars-headline="Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" target="_self">frequently dipped into violent extremism</a> since he left office, escalating as his legal troubles have mounted. Public fatigue and the pro-Trump echo chamber created by Truth Social have at times softened the shock value of the GOP front-runner&#x27;s daily musings.

Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote

Santos is the first Republican to be expelled from the House.

The House on Friday voted to expel Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) over his many fabrications on the 2022 campaign trail and his two federal indictments.Why it matters: The vote makes Santos just the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sixth lawmaker" data-vars-click-url="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" target="_blank">sixth lawmaker</a> – and first Republican – to be expelled from the House in U.S. history.

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