Alzheimer’s Care Push: The Arkansas Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council is urging lawmakers to expand dementia training for health care professionals and emergency teams, grow a statewide Dementia Resource Center pilot, add caregiver respite support, and expand Medicaid coverage for diagnostic testing for people under 65. Medicaid & Kids Coverage: A new Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families report says the rate of uninsured Arkansas children is still the highest in a decade, with nearly 57,000 kids uninsured in 2024—especially in low-income working families and among Hispanic and foreign-born children. State Budget Watch: At the Capitol, lawmakers reviewed Arkansas’ financial picture, including general revenue collections and reserve transfers tied to Educational Freedom Accounts and Medicaid funding. Care Access for Families: Arkansas plans to expand supportive living services for families on the CES Waiver waitlist, aiming to reduce strain on caregivers and add about $17 million in costs. Public Health on the Ground: Watson Chapel Schools will offer on-campus flu clinics in October with Arkansas Department of Health support. Local EMS Transition: White County justices of the peace praised NorthStar EMS as it transitions to new ownership under Pafford EMS. Food Security Pressure: New federal data shows SNAP losses continue nationwide, with millions losing food assistance since major eligibility changes. Research & Training: The University of Arkansas is set to receive $1.95 million in federal NIH funding to expand hands-on biomedical research experiences for undergraduates across the state. Health System Safety: Arkansas State Police are investigating an inmate death at the Greene County Detention Center, with an autopsy pending.