AGP Executive Report

Daylight Saving Time Health Warning: A push to make daylight saving time permanent is drawing backlash from sleep experts, who warn springing forward disrupts circadian rhythms and is linked to measurable harms like sleep loss, heart strain, and crash risk. Ebola Response: The U.S. announced a $13 million emergency package to support Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo as Ebola cases rise, with funding aimed at surveillance, lab testing, treatment, and public communication. Global Health Leadership Limits: A report says Trump administration rules now require senior approval for top U.S. disease experts to communicate with WHO, limiting expert engagement during outbreaks. Workforce Funding Cut: The President’s budget proposal would cut health care workforce development funding by more than 40%, threatening programs that address provider shortages. Union Drive at St. Mary’s: Nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital in Wisconsin plan a union vote, citing unsafe staffing and loss of local responsiveness. Medicaid Coverage Pressure in Florida: Coverage is expected to recede as subsidies expire, driving more people to free clinics. FDA/Market Access: Italy’s antitrust probe targets Biogen over alleged steps to limit competition for an MS biosimilar. Tech in Pathology: Florida lab GastroMed is partnering with elea to deploy an AI-native pathology operating system.

Public Health & Food Safety: USDA issued a public health alert for beef kofta sold at The Kebab Shop in California, Florida, and Texas, warning of possible Shiga toxin–producing E. coli; the products were already pulled from sale May 18. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: The White House urged state AGs to target Medicaid fraud, highlighting a case where a caretaker allegedly billed for services that were never provided to a vulnerable elderly man who died. Workplace Safety: A chemical tank imploded at a pulp and paper mill in Longview, Washington, killing an undisclosed number and injuring at least 10, with officials saying there’s no ongoing threat to the public. Care Access: A new HealthDay/Harris Poll finds many Americans with a family doctor can’t actually get appointments when they need them. Mental Health Access: A study reports nearly 60% of college students who seek help after a psychotic episode don’t receive recommended treatment components. Regulatory Milestone: FDA granted accelerated approval to Gilead’s Hepcludex, the first U.S. approved therapy for chronic hepatitis delta virus.

FDA & Tobacco: Reuters reports the FDA will use “enforcement discretion” for unauthorized vapes and nicotine pouches, potentially opening the door to hundreds more products—after a fast policy shift tied to lobbying and just before Commissioner Marty Makary’s resignation. ICE Detention Crisis: Protests and clashes erupted Monday outside Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, as allegations of harsh conditions fueled a hunger strike and calls for oversight. Clinical Care & Policy: Two imaging groups are battling over a bill that would require doctors to consult appropriate-use criteria before ordering advanced scans, with the ACR arguing it could save billions. Chronic Disease Focus: A public radio segment breaks down resistant hypertension—high blood pressure that doesn’t respond to standard treatment and often needs three or more meds. Public Health Watch: CDC-linked coverage flags rising tick-bite ER visits and Lyme risk in parts of the Northeast and Midwest. Maternal Health: Rhode Island lawmakers advance Medicaid coverage for home blood pressure monitoring for pregnant and postpartum people.

White House Security Clash: DOJ filed new court papers arguing Saturday’s shooting near the White House is a reason to dismiss a challenge to Trump’s East Wing ballroom plan, calling the project “vital for National Security” and tied to the need for “state of the art” protection. Immigration Detention Tensions: In Newark, about 300 detainees at ICE’s Delaney Hall are on hunger strike over conditions and due process claims, with Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Sen. Andy Kim visiting as protesters and ICE agents clashed outside. Ebola Pressure Mounts: Africa CDC and WHO warned the Congo outbreak is outpacing response, with attacks on Ebola treatment sites reported and the death toll cited around 220. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data highlighted low-performing facilities, including a 1-star rating for Layhill Nursing and Rehabilitation in Maryland, underscoring ongoing staffing and care concerns. Public Health Alert: USDA issued an E. coli alert for beef kofta from The Kebab Shop locations in CA, TX, and FL after illnesses were reported.

Medicare costs: Projected 2027 IRMAA brackets for Part B and D are in the spotlight again, with retirees warned that the two-year tax lag can create a nasty “cliff” if income edges over thresholds. White House security: A bystander was left in serious but stable condition after a shooting near a White House checkpoint; the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, was killed by Secret Service officers. Iran talks: Officials say a U.S.-Iran deal is nearing to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Trump says “don’t rush,” while Iran-linked messaging points to remaining disputes. Ebola response: In the DRC, suspected cases have topped 900 and attacks on treatment centers are complicating containment. Healthcare markets & policy: Mark Cuban renewed calls to break up healthcare giants, while the HHS vaccine advisory panel charter was withdrawn after an administrative timing error. Clinical innovation: U.S. scientists advanced ultrasound-based tumor treatment, and a new heart-failure device is being tested in South Carolina.

Ebola Response Tightens: U.S. Ebola travel restrictions expanded to add Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport alongside Dulles, with flights carrying travelers from the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan required to land for screening. White House Security Incident: A gunman identified as Maryland resident Nasire Best was shot dead after firing at a Secret Service checkpoint near the White House; a bystander was injured and Trump was not harmed. Public Health Warning: The Surgeon General issued a new advisory urging tighter limits on kids’ recreational screen time, linking heavy use to sleep, anxiety, depression, and developmental concerns. ACA Coverage Pressure: Michigan lawmakers warn that expiring enhanced subsidies and federal healthcare cuts are already driving higher premiums and enrollment drops for ACA marketplace plans. Nursing Home Watch: CMS ratings spotlight a mixed long-term care picture—some facilities hit 5 stars while others, like Brazos of Waco, fell to 1 star in Q1 2026. Care Access & Innovation: Rep. Josh Gottheimer highlighted efforts to expand access to quality eye care, citing work with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Medicare Cost Crunch: A 76-year-old Medicare Supplement holder is stuck with a pricey Plan F and worries she can’t switch to Medicare Advantage until fall—then may be trapped if the new plan doesn’t fit. Ebola Response: WHO declared a public health emergency as a rare Ebola strain spreads in DRC cities, while the U.S. tightens entry rules and expands airport screening for travelers. Mosquito Season Watch: West Nile risk is rising early in parts of the U.S., with officials pointing to warmer temperatures and urging vigilance—especially for older adults and immunocompromised people. Tick-Related Allergy: Pennsylvania is ramping up tracking for alpha-gal syndrome after tick bites, as cases rise with better awareness and testing. Food Safety: A salmonella recall hit specialty beverage powders across 25 states. Rural Care Funding: Kansas lawmakers push a House bill for interest-free loans to help rural hospitals stay open. Sports Ethics: The Enhanced Games return Sunday in Las Vegas amid criticism over peptides and lax doping rules.

Ebola Escalation at the Border: WHO upgraded Ebola risk in the DRC to “very high,” while the U.S. expanded enhanced screening at major airports like Atlanta and tightened entry rules for travelers tied to affected countries. World Cup Health Controls: The Congolese team was urged to self-isolate before traveling, as officials try to keep outbreaks from crossing into the U.S. Medicaid Spending Watch: New local data shows Medicaid billing surging in multiple places—Philadelphia’s “Procedures/Professional Services” jumped 112.9% in 2024, and Bellflower’s radiology claims rose 104.5%. Public Health in the Real World: A North Carolina family said NASCAR driver Kyle Busch died from pneumonia progressing to sepsis, renewing attention on the life-threatening condition. Healthcare System Pressure: CMS rated one Orlando-area nursing home a 3 overall for Q1 2026, underscoring ongoing quality and staffing scrutiny.

First Amendment in court: Tennessee agreed to pay $835,000 to settle a lawsuit from a man jailed for 37 days over Facebook posts tied to Charlie Kirk’s death, a rare case where online speech led to criminal charges. Digital care milestone: St. Luke’s marked a decade of Epic rollout, now running 42 Epic modules systemwide and training 41,000+ staff to support safer, connected care. Ebola border rules tighten: The U.S. temporarily barred green-card holders returning from Ebola-hit countries, while World Cup planning adds isolation/bubble requirements for Congo’s team. Cybersecurity hits healthcare: Microsoft said it disrupted Fox Tempest, revoking 1,000+ signing certificates used to enable ransomware attacks on health systems. Drug approvals: Novo Nordisk won EU approval for an oral Wegovy formulation, extending weight-loss options beyond injections.

Ebola Border Controls: The U.S. is tightening health rules tied to the 2026 World Cup as Congo’s team is told to stay in a Belgium “bubble” for 21 days or risk being barred from entering the U.S. FDA Breakthrough: Gilead’s Hepcludex won first-ever U.S. approval for chronic hepatitis delta virus, a deadly liver infection with no prior approved treatment. Behavioral Health Access: Rosecrance opened a Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center in Champaign to speed same-day triage and crisis stabilization. Immigration Policy Shift: A new Trump administration rule says foreigners seeking green cards must leave the U.S. and apply abroad, raising alarms for families and aid groups. Public Health Safety: The CPSC recalled about 215,000 children’s products, including squeeze toys and items with asbestos or button-battery hazards. Leadership Change: Tulsi Gabbard resigned as Director of National Intelligence, citing her husband’s rare bone cancer.

Rural Health Crisis Meets Policy Reality: A North Carolina family says a heart attack death was tied to the 2023 closure of Martin General Hospital—highlighting how thin local capacity can turn emergencies into long drives and worse outcomes. Ebola Response Under Strain: In eastern Congo, an Ebola treatment center was set on fire after residents clashed with authorities over a suspected victim’s body—while the U.S. added Dulles screening rules for travelers from affected countries. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: The Trump administration is targeting states’ Medicaid Fraud Control Units, warning it may withhold federal funds from lagging states. SNAP Rules, Health Goals, New Risks: USDA’s tougher SNAP stocking requirements start Nov. 4, 2026, aiming for healthier options but raising concerns they could backfire for smaller retailers and shoppers. Digital Health for Veterans: NURL Health launched a HIPAA-compliant wearable that flags early relapse risk for substance use disorders—no smartphone needed. Sports Medicine Watch: US defender Chris Richards tore two ankle ligaments but sources say he’s still expected to be fit for the World Cup.

Ebola Border Crackdown: The U.S. is tightening entry rules for travelers coming from Ebola-affected countries, with new screening requirements and travel restrictions aimed at slowing spread. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Federal prosecutors announced charges tied to a Minnesota scheme topping $90M across programs for autism, homelessness, and disability services. USPSTF Independence Under Fire: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the chairs of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, leaving the panel largely stalled and raising alarms about independence. Hospital Finance Watch: New data show broad hospital revenue growth in early 2026, but leaders warn outpatient expansion and net-vs-gross gaps are masking margin pressure. Policy & Care Access: The TSA says medical marijuana can be carried on flights, though officers can still refer cases to law enforcement. Long-Term Care Spotlight: CMS ratings highlight mixed nursing home performance, including a New Jersey facility earning 4 stars and other homes facing low scores and fines.

Medicare Physician Pay Fight: Radiology groups urged Congress to pass a bill capping Medicare physician pay cuts, warning instability is threatening patient access. Child Health Screen-Time Warning: HHS issued a Surgeon General-style advisory pushing limits on kids’ screen use, citing sleep, mental health, and school impacts. Ebola Border Pressure: An Air France flight was diverted to Montreal after U.S. Ebola travel restrictions barred entry for a passenger recently in East Africa. Workforce Burnout in Long-Term Care: Canada’s crisis is a staffing-and-burnout problem—advocates say LTC needs sustained funding and safer work environments. Policy/Politics Clash: Senate Republicans are weighing dropping a $1B security request tied to Trump’s White House ballroom after GOP pushback. Health Tech/Business: Bayer won FDA Priority Review for KERENDIA (finerenone) in adults with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Local Health Ops: Detroit’s bankruptcy case is officially closed, ending years of court supervision.

Public Health Alert: The surgeon general’s new advisory warns kids and teens are getting too much screen time—often starting before age 1—and links it to worse sleep, lower school functioning, less activity, and weaker in-person relationships, with suggested limits from no screens under 18 months to two hours daily for ages 6–18. Ebola Watch: WHO says the Erevbo vaccine should be prioritized for the current Bundibugyo outbreak, but human trials and deployment are still months away. Affordability Pressure: PepsiCo plans to raise prices on select small chip bags (about 10–20 cents) after earlier cuts on larger bags. Mental Health Policy: Civil rights groups are urging hospitals to resist DOJ subpoenas seeking names of transgender patients who were minors, arguing it threatens medical privacy. Rural Care Strain: At Fort Hood, the Army expanded its court-martial case against OB-GYN Blaine McGraw, with a May 26 hearing scheduled. Long-Term Care: CMS updates keep spotlighting nursing home quality and staffing, with multiple facilities reporting low ratings or penalties alongside others earning 4–5 star scores.

Vaccine Watch: Pfizer says its experimental 25-valent pneumococcal shot (25vPnC) produced much stronger immune responses than its current Prevnar 20 in a mid-stage infant study, with antibody levels reported up to 15 times higher for a key strain, and it’s now moving into a late-stage head-to-head trial. Legal/Policy: Texas AG Ken Paxton’s office is drawing fresh scrutiny over “forum shopping” tactics—pushing cases into friendly courts—after critics say the connections to where lawsuits are filed are thin. Public Health: The CDC says an American infected with Ebola in the DRC is being sent to Germany for care as the outbreak worsens, while local health officials in West Virginia are warning about nearby rabies cases. Cost Pressure: A new KFF poll finds healthcare affordability remains one of Americans’ top economic fears, shaping how voters think and even who they support. Tech Backlash: A Gallup survey shows 71% oppose local AI data centers, citing water and power strain.

Gender-transition crackdown in Texas: The DOJ and Texas AG Ken Paxton announced a settlement with Texas Children’s Hospital over alleged federal violations tied to gender-transition procedures for minors, after claims that the hospital kept using cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers despite saying it would stop. Student-loan access fight: Wisconsin DOJ joined a coalition suing the U.S. Department of Education over a rule that narrows federal loan eligibility for many professional-degree programs, including nurse practitioner and physician assistant tracks. Medicaid fraud pressure spreads: In Ohio, Vice President JD Vance is pushing Medicaid fraud enforcement into a red state, rattling GOP allies amid reports of abuses in Ohio’s home-health program. Food safety: Kroger recalled certain Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons due to a salmonella-linked dry milk powder. Nursing-home watch: CMS data highlighted mixed quality nationwide, from 5-star facilities to 1-star outliers like Harrisonburg Health & Rehab Center.