SUMMARY: Martha Murphy, an Arkansas mother, overcame breast cancer after discovering she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation, which significantly increases cancer risk. Following her diagnosis, she opted for a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Eleven years later, her daughters underwent genetic testing; one tested positive for the mutation while the other was negative. Both sisters chose preventive double mastectomies to minimize their cancer risks. Leslie, the sister who tested positive, shared her journey through her blog, “The Road Less Traveled,” to inspire others. Together, the family’s story highlights the importance of courage, genetic awareness, and support in the face of health challenges.

An Arkansas mom of three is sharing her story of overcoming breast cancer, and how an unexpected genetic twist led to some big decisions.

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SUMMARY: Arkansas Democrats are drafting a resolution to amend the state constitution, which currently permits slavery for criminal punishment. Former inmate Lauren Nix, who served over 30 years, advocates for this amendment, citing her experiences with forced, unpaid labor in prison. She, along with the nonprofit Decarcerate, pushes for change in the prison system, urging that incarcerated individuals should be compensated for their work. Representative Jay Richardson supports the bill to eliminate slavery exceptions in Arkansas, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment. If passed, the issue may be decided by voters in February, while Governor Sanders expresses the need to review the legislation further.

There’s language in the Arkansas Constitution that has exceptions for slavery or involuntary servitude, but a bill recently filed in the Arkansas House is looking to erase that.

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SUMMARY: The Trump Administration’s proposed cap on National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding alarms research universities nationwide, including Arkansas institutions. The plan would lower the maximum indirect cost rate to 15%, reducing funds for organizations like UAMS, UAF, and Arkansas Cancer Coalition, which rely heavily on NIH grants. Arkansas Children’s Hospital and cancer research programs could lose millions, impacting screenings and treatment access. UAMS alone faces a $10 million annual loss. Experts warn of long-term effects on healthcare and medical research. However, a federal judge in Massachusetts has temporarily halted the cuts, delaying their immediate impact.

Organizations across the country have to figure out next steps after the National Institute of Health announced a plan to cut biomedical funding nationwide.

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