FDA Funding Conflict: A new report argues pharma user fees now fund nearly half of the FDA’s budget, raising concerns about a pay-to-play system and a revolving door between regulators and drugmakers. Family Planning Access: In the Philippines, Jhpiego’s Project LAYA trained 60+ doctors, nurses, and midwives in competency-based skills for Levonorgestrel implant services, aiming to expand voluntary long-acting contraception. AI in Healthcare Ops: Meltwater says its expanded Model Context Protocol lets AI assistants pull insights, generate reports, and track alerts inside its platform—positioning “actionable” intelligence for health and communications teams. Mental Health Data Gaps: An Irish parliamentary committee heard that mental health service data tracking is a “lottery” due to uneven digital systems, leaving some patients discharged without solid care plans. Workplace Safety & Care Access: In Maharashtra, a doctor resigned after an alleged assault by a Shiv Sena corporator tied to a NICU referral dispute; police arrested the corporator and protests followed. Public Health Outbreak: Michigan reported nearly 1,000 cyclospora cases, the state’s largest-ever outbreak, with the infection source still under investigation. Opioid Access Controls: CVS Caremark plans to limit opioid prescriptions to seven days or less for some patients, alongside disposal and patient-risk education steps. Tech & Health Workforce: Philips’ Future Health Index 2026 says AI is saving UK clinicians hours and boosting capacity, but warns adoption still lags on training and governance.