The division between Texas and Arkansas in Texarkana highlights the stark differences, from one state to the next, in U.S. death investigation systems that have no federal standard to follow.

Over nearly a year of research, our team faced challenges obtaining death records and tracking cause of death data to analyze potentially-concerning trends.

Justices of the peace are judges, historically appointed or elected to help resolve local conflicts and keep the peace. They have both civil and criminal jurisdiction -- including being in charge of death investigations.

The votes are in for the Jefferson County Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Pl. 1 race. Naomi Showers Doyle has won another term with 73.11% of the votes, or 18,668 ballots. George Milhouse Jr. has 26.89% of the votes, or 6,867 ballots.