COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Arkansas.

By the numbers: The state Department of Health reported an increase of 2,087 active cases over a one-week period ending Tuesday, compared to an increase of 1,289 the week prior and 507 the week before that.

• Hospitalizations also increased by 110 in the past two weeks, putting the total at 186. The state added only four hospitalizations during the week ending May 31.

Context: While Arkansas has seen more than 1,800 hospitalizations at one time — back in January — this is the highest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations the state has had since March.

The big picture: New Omicron strains capable of evading immune protections and causing breakthrough infections now account for more than 21% of total COVID cases in the U.S., Axios' Adriel Bettelheim writes.

• The BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 variants that dominated the disease map this spring now account for about 78% of cases. The new lineages aren't associated with more severe disease, but they are likely evade antibodies from earlier Omicron infections.

What you can do: The CDC recommends a booster shot for everyone at least five months after being fully vaccinated and a second booster for those who are immunocompromised or older than 50.

State of play: As far as second boosters for people who don't meet that criteria, the Arkansas Pharmacists Association recommends that pharmacies in Arkansas stick to the CDC guidance, CEO John Vinson told Axios.

• However, Vinson said he's sure some people have received second boosters regardless. He clarified that pharmacies are not legally prohibited from giving second boosters and do have some discretion, such as if a patient says they or their doctor feel they need a second booster.

What's next: Kids as young as 6 months may soon be able to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Go deeper

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the U.S. as of last year.

Why it matters: June 19, 1865 was the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, received the news that then-President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier, Axios' Ross Terrell writes.

What they're saying: Laquan Austion, founder of The Juneteenth Foundation based in Washington, D.C., says people of all races should view June 19 as an American holiday.

How to celebrate:

• Learn the history: Austion says this is a moment to be introspective and ask: "Why were people still enslaved in 1865? Why didn't they get the information in Galveston?"
• Scholarships: He encourages people to give to historically Black colleges and universities.
• DEI: Push your company on diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
• Celebrate: Austion says it's important to recognize that for some people, this is a "moment of solace and mourning." Still, people should go to events and use this as an "opportunity to learn and hear."

On being an ally: "Definitely go out, be an ally, be an asset," Austion says. "But don't be tone deaf and try to hijack it as your own. Don't try to commercialize it. Go out there and enjoy the festivities and learn and celebrate this as Americans."

Zoom in: Some Juneteenth events in NWA include:

• Freedom Festival: The University of Arkansas and the NWA Juneteenth Planning Committee are hosting this free festival with games, food trucks and live music. The event runs from 1-9pm Sunday at Shiloh Square on Emma Avenue in Springdale.
• Black Film Showcase: See films and hear a panel discussion from Arkansas Black filmmakers and get free admission to the temporary art exhibition, "The Dirty South." The event is from 6-10pm tonight at Crystal Bridges. It's free, but tickets are required. Get them online.

💰 Washington Regional Medical System gave $10,000 in scholarships to Fayetteville Public Schools students in a certified nursing assistant program. (KNWA)

🧑‍⚖️ A three-judge panel heard arguments in Arkansas' appeal of the preliminary injunction issued against the state's ban on gender-affirming treatment for people under age 18. (AP)

🚛 Tontitown-based P.A.M. Transportation Services Inc. purchased Metropolitan Trucking Inc. of Saddle Brook, New Jersey, for about $79.8 million. (Talk Business & Politics)

⛪️ Arkansas native Bart Barber will be the Southern Baptist Convention's next president. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

🔥 Hot and fresh local job listings.

1. Associate Director, Key Accounts Marketing at KPMG.
2. Social Media Manager at University of Arkansas.
3. Java Developer at Kitestring Technical Services.

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Springdale Public Schools will have the highest starting salary for teachers in the state beginning this fall, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.

What's happening: The school board on Tuesday approved a $1,500 increase to the certified salary schedule, which means a first-year teacher with a bachelor's degree will earn $50,282.

• The increase will raise the average teacher pay about 2.5% for the district. Classified staff, such as maintenance and food service workers, will also receive a 2.5% pay raise.

Zoom out: Fayetteville recently became the first school district in the state to set a minimum starting salary of $50,000.

• The salary for a first-year teacher with a bachelor's degree is $48,755 at Bentonville Public Schools and $48,000 at Rogers Public Schools.

Father's Day is Sunday, and you may want to get your plans set now.

For some inspiration, consider:

🪓 Ozark Axe House: Dads get to throw axes for free all weekend and can expect surprise giveaways. Book online with the code DADDAY. The venue is open 3-10pm Saturday and 12-6pm Sunday at 718 N. Second St. in Rogers.

⚾️ Northwest Arkansas Naturals: The first 500 fathers at the baseball game this Sunday against the Arkansas Travelers will receive a "#1 Dad Naturals" t-shirt. Also, hot dogs are only $1. The game is at 2:05pm at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Get tickets for $7-$14 online.

🏓 PB&JJ's: The pickleball venue at JJ's Live in Fayetteville is hosting a "Papa Loves Pickleball Tournament" at 1pm on Father's Day. It costs $50 for each team of two and includes two beers. Enter online.