Arkansas

The United Nations has drafted a document outlining preparations for a future pandemic. The plan is expected to cover international coordination and readiness measures, though details of its contents have not been widely reported. The news was carried by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, and discussion so far remains limited.

Officials in Lincoln, Arkansas are weighing new options to fund the city's fire department after a state attorney general opinion questioned its fire surcharge. Ideas under consideration include raising water rates or putting a tax measure before voters in a special election. The ruling has left the city searching for a legal way to replace the disputed revenue source.