Hospital Ownership Watch: Community Health Systems closed its $110 million sale of four Arkansas hospitals to Freeman Health System, transferring Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville, -Springdale, -Willow Creek Women’s Hospital (Johnson), and Siloam Springs Regional Hospital, plus outpatient centers and physician practices. Medicaid Coverage Pressure: CMS released interim guidance on Medicaid work requirements for expansion adults, with states facing a tight Jan. 1, 2027 rollout deadline and concerns about paperwork burdens and coverage losses. Maternal Health Access: A new Arkansas-focused look at postpartum care highlights that many mothers need help after delivery—and notes Arkansas has not extended postpartum Medicaid to 12 months, leaving gaps during a critical recovery period. Heat & Safety: Arkansas is bracing for its first major heat wave of summer 2026, with temperatures in the 90s and heat index values near or above 100. Nursing Home Snapshot: CMS data show several Arkansas facilities earning strong CMS star ratings in Q1 2026, including Heartland Rehabilitation and Care Center (5 stars) and The Springs Jonesboro (5 stars), alongside others rated lower. Cardiac Care Funding: CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock received a $5 million matching gift to expand the Anthony Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, targeting construction for 2027.