Healthcare Access & Workforce: White River Health (WRH) is adding Dr. Jessica Snelgrove to its Southside family medicine team, expanding primary care and chronic disease management starting in August. Medicaid Policy: Arkansas has soft-launched Medicaid work requirements for ARHOME enrollees, with 20 hours per week of work, volunteering, or school required and penalties beginning Jan. 1. Public Health & Housing: A Senate vote rejected ending a CMS AI-based Medicare review pilot, keeping the program in place amid national debate over AI in care decisions. Water Infrastructure: Central Arkansas Water approved nearly $9 million for engineering design of a new 72-inch Lake Maumelle-to-Little Rock water line, targeting construction start in 2029. STEM & Agriculture: UAPB’s Discovery Farm Educational Centers are expanding hands-on sustainable agriculture and workforce development, including conservation demonstrations and livestock education. Tech in Public Safety: Mountain Home is installing Flock license plate reader cameras on key highway approaches, with most units already up or soon to be deployed. STEM in the Economy: A Walton Family Foundation-commissioned report says NWA job growth is outpacing workforce pathways, while more students are enrolling in medical skills, pre-engineering, and construction tech. Environment & Federal Science: U.S. lawmakers advanced a bill to reauthorize NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office, supporting restoration, research, and environmental education grants.