Wildfire Relief (US): CMS announced Medicare flexibilities for Washington wildfire victims, including replacement of damaged durable medical equipment and provider waivers after a federal public health emergency declaration. AI Trust in Care (US): A Community Health Center survey found most patients want strict transparency on AI use—64% are uneasy about AI in care and ~85% worry it could access personal health information. Prior Authorization Tech (US): Epic says it’s helping insurers and providers move to real-time prior authorization checks using a new industry API (CRD), aiming to cut phone calls and portal back-and-forth. Cancer Tech & Trials (Global): J&J’s Monarch bronchoscopy robot won FDA clearance for an AI-enabled software update; AstraZeneca discontinued the eVOLVE-Lung02 trial after an independent review found the drug combo unlikely to beat standard immunotherapy in PD-L1–negative NSCLC. Heart Care (US): South Texas Health System reported a successful implant of a next-generation left atrial appendage closure device for select AFib patients seeking an alternative to long-term blood thinners. Public Health & Safety (Global): WHO highlighted ongoing attacks on healthcare in conflict zones, while Afghanistan launched a polio campaign targeting 2.58 million children. Cost Transparency (US): A Louisiana clinic used a lab invoice to urge patients to compare cash-pay vs insurance costs before routine bloodwork.