Arkansas

Arkansas tick season brings warning about Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Published

2 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Arkansas tick season brings warning about Alpha-Gal Syndrome

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Ticks are out as people head outdoors this spring, and a doctor is warning about a little-known illness on the rise.

Dog ticks, deer ticks, Gulf Coast ticks and Lone Star ticks are among the most common in Arkansas. New York Institute of Technology at Arkansas State Dean Dr. Shane Speights said they can be found nearly anywhere in the state.

“So, when you think about certainly the deep woods in northeast Arkansas, along like the Spring River and things like that, anything along the rivers or large bodies of water, you’re going to be at a higher risk,” Speights said.

Those ticks can carry diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme Disease. Speights said there is a growing concern with another disease — Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

The Lone Star Tick carries a molecule that can transfer to humans through a bite and can cause an allergic reaction to red meat.

“That’s a smaller percentage of the population. But it can last for a long, long time. And it can be a violent response in terms of eating, you know, just a little bit of steak or a hamburger. You can get violently ill,” Speights said.

Data from the Arkansas Department of Health showed a sharp increase in Alpha-Gal Syndrome confirmed or probable cases in the state, from 70 in 2023 to 344 in 2024 and 249 in 2025.

The most common symptoms after a tick bite are fever and chills, aches and pains and rash. Speights said a person should seek medical attention after 36 hours if the tick is still attached.

“If the tick has been attached for more than 36 hours, we recommend you start antibiotics, promptly,” Speights said. He said antibiotics can be prescribed by a physician.

Ticks should not prevent someone from enjoying the outdoors. Speights said there are things people can do to prevent a tick hopping on them, like wearing light-colored clothing, pants, high socks and boots.

If one does get on a person, Speights said to remove it as quickly as possible to reduce the possibility of infection.

“You should remove the tick by carefully lifting up on the back of it with some tweezers and just kind of gently pulling until the teeth, um, let go of your skin. Uh, cause you do worry about, you know, parts of the tick being left there can cause infection,” Speights said.

Doctors say the best defense is to avoid tall grass, wear light-colored clothing and shower within two hours of being outdoors.

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Arkansas

Arkansas State Police accepting applications for their next Troop Class

Published

15 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Press Room

Arkansas State Police accepting applications for their next Troop Class

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Arkansas State Police has announced that they are now accepting applications for Troop Class 2027-A as part of a two-month recruitment program.

The training program is a 21-week law enforcement training program scheduled to start in January that is open to both certified and non-certified applicants.

“With the return of The Big Hat Law has come a renewed investment in our Troopers,” said Colonel Mike Hagar, Director of the Arkansas State Police (ASP). “This is more than a job – it’s a calling. We’re looking for the best of the best who are ready to step up, serve with honor, and wear the hat with pride.

New Troopers will receive the following compensation package:

Starting salary of $67,675
Family health insurance coverage
Non-contributory retirement plan
Total compensation valued at $108,684
Overtime Opportunities

In addition to the compensation package, ASP says that their new Troopers will also earn the privilege of serving the public on the front lines, protecting communities, enforcing the law, and being a part of the 91-year-old nationally recognized tradition.

“Arkansas is investing in the next generation of state Troopers because we know that more law enforcement equals safer streets, safer communities, and a safer state,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “There is no better state to serve in law enforcement than Arkansas, and I encourage anyone who shares the Arkansas State Police’s values of bravery, integrity, and public service to apply.”

Applications for Troop School 2027-A will be open from 5 p.m. on May 1 to July 1, 2026. ASP encourages those interested to get ahead of the process and start their application now.

For more information about Troop School or application requirements, click here or email the ASP Recruiting Office at recruiting@asp.arkansas.gov.

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Arkansas

How to watch Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss | TV channel, time, streaming info

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

Press Room

How to watch Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss | TV channel, time, streaming info

There are only three weekends remaining in the season as Arkansas baseball welcomes one of its permanent rivals to Baum-Walker Stadium.

The No. 24 Razorbacks (30-16, 11-10 SEC) host No. 18 Ole Miss (31-15, 11-10) for a three-game set beginning Friday, May 1. The Rebels are one of two teams, along with Missouri, who the Hogs will face ever season under the new SEC scheduling format that was adopted in 2025 when Texas and Oklahoma joined the league.

This weekend represents a chance for both teams to boost their resumes with the NCAA Tournament on the horizon. Arkansas won two-of-three games against Missouri in its last series, while Ole Miss went on the road and won the opener before losing the final two games against Georgia.

Here’s how to watch Arkansas vs. Ole Miss this weekend.

Watch Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss

Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss schedule

Game 1: Friday, May 1, 6 p.m. CT, N/A, SECN+
Game 2: Saturday, May 2, 2 p.m. CT, N/A, SECN+
Game 3: Sunday, May 3, 2 p.m. CT, SEC Network, Fubo

The Razorbacks and Rebels will be on SEC Network for the final games of the series. The weekend’s other two games will be available to stream on SECN+.

Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss probable pitchers

Arkansas pitchers listed first.

Thursday: LHP Hunter Dietz (5-2, 3.62 ERA) vs. LHP Hunter Elliott (4-1, 4.82 ERA)
Friday: LHP Cole Gibler (4-1, 2.91 ERA) vs. RHP Cade Townsend (4-1, 2.33 ERA)
Saturday: TBA vs. RHP Taylor Rabe (3-3, 4.24 ERA)

Arkansas baseball 2026 schedule

Date	Opponent
Feb. 13	Arkansas 12, Oklahoma State 2
Feb. 14	TCU 5, Arkansas 4
Feb. 15	Arkansas 6, Texas Tech 5 (11 innings)
Feb. 16	Arkansas 3, Tarleton State 1
Feb. 20	Arkansas 5, Xavier 2
Feb. 21	Arkansas 7, Xavier 6
Feb. 22	Arkansas 11, Xavier 0 (8 innings)
Feb. 24	Arkansas State 12, Arkansas 4
Feb. 25	Arkansas 1, Arkansas State 0
Feb. 27	UT Arlington 4, Arkansas 3
Feb. 28	Arkansas 9, UT Arlington 0
March 1	Arkansas 11, UT Arlington 1 (7 innings)
March 3	Arkansas 10, Oral Roberts 2
March 6	Arkansas 7, Stetson 1
March 7	Arkansas 13, Stetson 1
March 8	Stetson 4, Arkansas 1
March 9	Stetson 6, Arkansas 4
March 13	Arkansas 5, Mississippi State 4*
March 14	Mississippi State 7, Arkansas 2*
March 15	Arkansas 7, Mississippi State 3*
March 17	Arkansas 13, Northern Colorado 2
March 18	Arkansas 9, Northern Colorado 4
March 20	Arkansas 22, South Carolina 6* (7 innings)
March 21	Arkansas 3, South Carolina 2* (10 innings)
March 22	South Carolina 9, Arkansas 4*
March 24	Central Arkansas 15, Arkansas 2
March 27	Florida 9, Arkansas 4*
March 28	Florida 7, Arkansas 4*
March 29	Florida 7, Arkansas 6*
March 31	Missouri State 15, Arkansas 14
April 2	Auburn 10, Arkansas 2*
April 3	Arkansas 3, Auburn 2*
April 4	Auburn 8, Arkansas 3*
April 7	Arkansas 7, Little Rock 0
April 10	Arkansas 7, Alabama 5*
April 11	Arkansas 15, Alabama 6*
April 12	Arkansas 3, Alabama 2*
April 14	Arkansas 12, UAPB 2
April 16	Arkansas 6, Georgia 3*
April 17	Georgia 5, Arkansas 3*
April 18	Georgia 26, Arkansas 14*
April 21	Arkansas 12, Missouri State 4
April 23	Arkansas 5, Missouri 4*
April 24	Arkansas 6, Missouri 0*
April 25	Missouri 6, Arkansas 1*
April 29	Northwestern State
May 1	Ole Miss*
May 2	Ole Miss*
May 3	Ole Miss*
May 8	Oklahoma*
May 9	Oklahoma*
May 10	Oklahoma*
May 14	at Kentucky*
May 15	at Kentucky*
May 16	at Kentucky*

*Denotes SEC game

Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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Arkansas

#22 Arkansas Faces #17 Ole Miss in Pivotal SEC Weekend Series at Baum-Walker Stadium

Published

2 days ago

April 30, 2026

Press Room

#22 Arkansas Faces #17 Ole Miss in Pivotal SEC Weekend Series at Baum-Walker Stadium

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – No. 22 Arkansas (30-16, 11-10 SEC) and No. 17 Ole Miss (31-15, 11-10 SEC) clash in a pivotal SEC series this weekend at Baum-Walker Stadium. First pitch in the opener between the Razorbacks and Rebels is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, May 1, on SEC Network+ with Brett Dolan (play-by-play) and Troy Eklund (analyst) on the call.

Game two of the weekend series gets underway at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, on SEC Network+ with Dolan and Eklund in the broadcast booth. Arkansas and Ole Miss conclude the weekend with a 2 p.m. first pitch in the series finale Sunday, May 3, on SEC Network with Tom Hart (play-by-play) and Chris Burke (analyst) on the call from Baum-Walker Stadium.

The Razorbacks have won five consecutive weekend series against the Rebels (2021-25), including each of the last two weekend series played inside the friendly confines of Baum-Walker Stadium in 2022 and 2024. Arkansas and Ole Miss, both 11-10 in league play, are tied for sixth in the SEC standings with nine conference games remaining in the campaign.

Schedule
Friday, May 1
#17 Ole Miss vs. #22 Arkansas – 6 p.m. – SEC Network+ – Listen – Live Stats

Saturday, May 2
#17 Ole Miss vs. #22 Arkansas – 2 p.m. – SEC Network+ – Listen – Live Stats

Sunday, May 3
#17 Ole Miss vs. #22 Arkansas – 2 p.m. – SEC Network – Listen – Live Stats

On the Mound
Friday, May 1
Ole Miss – LHP Hunter Elliott (4-1, 4.82 ERA)
Arkansas – LHP Hunter Dietz (5-2, 3.62 ERA)

Saturday, May 2
Ole Miss – RHP Cade Townsend (4-1, 2.33 ERA)
Arkansas – LHP Cole Gibler (4-1, 2.91 ERA)

Sunday, May 3
Ole Miss – RHP Taylor Rabe (3-3, 4.24 ERA)
Arkansas – TBA

Tune In
Friday and Saturday’s games between No. 22 Arkansas and No. 17 Ole Miss will stream on SEC Network+ with Brett Dolan (play-by-play) and Troy Eklund (analyst) on the call. Sunday’s series finale, meanwhile, will televise nationally on SEC Network with Tom Hart (play-by-play) and Chris Burke (analyst) in the broadcast booth at Baum-Walker Stadium.

The entire weekend series between the Razorbacks and Rebels can also be heard on the Razorback Sports Network from Learfield, including locally in Fayetteville on 92.1 FM or through the Razorback app, with Phil Elson (play-by-play) and Bubba Carpenter (analyst) on the call from Baum-Walker Stadium. A full list of radio affiliates is available here.

History Lesson
Arkansas is 64-55 overall against Ole Miss since 1982, including a 29-23 record in games played in Fayetteville, Ark. In the Dave Van Horn era (2003-pres.), the Razorbacks are 39-45 overall and 17-19 at home against the Rebels.

The Hogs, 7-3 in their last 10 games and 13-7 in their last 20 games against Ole Miss, have not lost a home weekend series to the Rebels since 2019. In the last series between the two teams at Baum-Walker Stadium in 2024, Arkansas collected its first weekend series sweep of Ole Miss since 2002 and first sweep of the Rebels in Fayetteville since 1997.

Here’s The SEC Situation
With the second half of SEC play underway, Arkansas, currently 11-10 through 21 league games, must post a 7-2 record over its final nine games of the year to reach the 18-win mark in conference play for the ninth consecutive season.

Entering the 2026 campaign, the Razorbacks have won 18 or more SEC games in eight consecutive seasons (2017-25) and are one of only two teams in conference history to accomplish the aforementioned feat. LSU is the only other SEC program to record at least eight consecutive seasons of 18 or more SEC victories (10 from 1996-2005).

Dazzlin’ Dietz
Plagued by injuries during the first two years of his collegiate career, Arkansas’ Hunter Dietz is now fully healthy and quickly proving why he is one of the top left-handers in college baseball. Through 11 starts on the mound this season, the Trinity, Fla., native owns a 5-2 record with a 3.62 ERA and an SEC-leading 92 strikeouts in 59.2 innings of work.

After beginning the season as the Razorbacks’ game two starter, Dietz will make his fourth consecutive series-opening start Friday night against the Rebels. The left-hander has turned in a team-leading six quality starts this year, the most by a Razorback pitcher in a season since LHP Zach Root logged a team-high seven quality starts during the 2025 campaign.

1. UT Arlington (Feb. 28) – 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO
2. Stetson (March 7) – 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 12 SO
3. South Carolina (March 21) – 6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 12 SO
4. #18 Auburn (April 3) – 7.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 11 SO
5. #8 Alabama (April 10) – 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 SO
6. Missouri (April 23) – 7.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO

Dietz has also recorded three double-digit strikeout efforts, tied for eighth most in a season by a Razorback pitcher:

1. Stetson (March 7) – 12 SO
2. South Carolina (March 21) – 12 SO
3. #18 Auburn (April 3) – 11 SO

With his next double-digit strikeout game, Dietz will move into a tie for seventh most in a season by a Razorback pitcher:

1. 11 – Hagen Smith, 2024
T2. 8 – Nick Schmidt, 2006
T2. 8 – David Walling, 1999
T4. 6 – Trevor Stephan, 2017
T4. 6 – David Walling, 1998
6. 5 – Jess Todd, 2007
7. 4 – Isaiah Campbell, 2019
T8. 3 – Hunter Dietz, 2026
T8. 3 – Zach Root, 2025
T8. 3 – Mason Molina, 2024
T8. 3 – Blaine Knight, 2017

For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).

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