Wildfire Relief: CMS declared a public health emergency for Washington wildfire victims and rolled out Medicare flexibilities, including replacing damaged durable medical equipment and provider waivers to keep care running. No Surprises Act Fight: A U.S. appeals court overturned key parts of the federal QPA calculation method used in the No Surprises Act dispute process, a win for providers that could reshape insurer payment fights. FTC vs Epic: The FTC is probing Epic Systems over how it grants or withholds access to patient records, adding pressure to the health data giant amid ongoing interoperability lawsuits. Cancer Screening Adherence: A randomized trial found stepped reminders to both clinicians and patients significantly boosted annual lung cancer screening completion among Kaiser Permanente members. Alzheimer’s Imaging: The FDA approved a new Lantheus tau PET tracer for Alzheimer’s diagnostic workups, aiming to improve detection of tau pathology. Multiple Myeloma Breakthrough: Bristol Myers Squibb’s Zenbexus (iberdomide) won accelerated FDA approval in combination regimens, marking a new targeted protein degrader class. Rural Access by Transport: West Virginia announced $4.2M to tackle rural healthcare access barriers via EMS collaboratives and public transportation networks. Maternal Health Push (Ghana): Ghana’s health leadership called for stronger measures to cut preventable maternal deaths in the Ashanti Region. Healthcare Fraud (Missouri): A Missouri personal care attendant pleaded guilty to Medicaid fraud tied to false service records, facing restitution and probation. Insurer CEO Case: Luigi Mangione’s federal guilty plea in the healthcare CEO killing is now raising questions about how it affects his upcoming state murder trial. Care Workforce & Costs (Minnesota): Sen. Amy Klobuchar floated a Minnesota tax credit plan if federal ACA premium subsidies aren’t extended. Provider Pay & Staffing (Kansas City): SEIU workers staged informational pickets at HCA facilities, pressing for higher wages and better staffing.