Featured Stories
Mychal Walker Begins Term as President of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (formerly the National Association of Health Underwriters) issued the following news release:
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Mychal Walker Begins Term as President of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals
The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) recently announced that Mychal Walker, Managing Director of The Walker Agency in Duluth, Georgia, has officially begun his one-year term as President of the association.
Walker assumes the presidency following nearly two decades
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (formerly the National Association of Health Underwriters) issued the following news release:
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Mychal Walker Begins Term as President of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals
The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) recently announced that Mychal Walker, Managing Director of The Walker Agency in Duluth, Georgia, has officially begun his one-year term as President of the association.
Walker assumes the presidency following nearly two decadesof leadership within NABIP at the local, state, regional, and national levels. Throughout his career, he has been a leading advocate for licensed insurance professionals and consumer access to affordable, high-quality healthcare coverage through education, advocacy, and professional development.
"Serving as NABIP President is one of the greatest honors of my professional career," said Walker. "Our members play an essential role in helping individuals, families, employers, and Medicare beneficiaries navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system. Together, we will continue to strengthen our profession, advocate for consumers, embrace innovation, and ensure licensed agents and brokers remain trusted advisors in every community."
In addition to leading The Walker Agency, Walker serves as Chair of the Georgia Leadership Council for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Secretary of the Georgia Board of Public Health following his appointment by Governor Brian Kemp, and a member of the Dean's Advisory Board for Auburn University's College of Liberal Arts. He has also contributed significantly to the Georgia Department of Insurance and the First Commission Task Force established by Governor Brian Kemp. Most notably, Walker played a key role in the creation of Georgia Access, the state's health insurance marketplace, helping shape one of Georgia's most significant healthcare policy initiatives. Walker has also served NABIP in numerous leadership roles, including Georgia Chapter President, Region V Vice President, National Secretary, National Treasurer, National Vice President, and President-Elect.
During his presidency, Walker will focus on strengthening member engagement, expanding NABIP's voice in healthcare policy, increasing public awareness of the value licensed insurance professionals provide, and preparing members for emerging issues such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Walker's presidential theme, "Forward Together," reflects his commitment to collaboration, innovation, and empowering leaders throughout the association.
"As we approach NABIP's 100th anniversary, we have an incredible opportunity to honor our legacy while building an even stronger future for our members, the consumers they serve, and our profession."
The 2026-27 Board of Trustees began its term on July 1 and will lead the association's efforts to advance advocacy, professional development, member engagement, while continuing to champion the value of licensed health insurance and employee benefits professionals and the consumers they serve.
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NABIP is the preeminent organization for health insurance and employee benefits professionals, working diligently to ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and related benefits. NABIP represents and provides professional development opportunities for more than 100,000 licensed health insurance agents, brokers, general agents, consultants and benefit professionals through more than 150 chapters across America.
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Original text here: https://nabip.org/media/11136/mychal-walker-press-release_nabip-president.pdf
[Category: Insurance]
Corn Growers Commend Glyphosate Petition Withdraw
CHESTERFIELD, Missouri, July 18 -- The National Corn Growers Association issued the following statement on July 17, 2026:
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Corn Growers Commend Glyphosate Petition Withdraw
Author: Nicole Hasheider
Ruveon, a subsidiary of Bayer, announced today that it will withdraw its petition to place countervailing duties on imported supplies of glyphosate, following intense pressure from the National Corn Growers Association and other commodity groups. In response to this development, NCGA President and Ohio farmer Jed Bower released the following statement:
"We commend Ruveon for listening to its
... Show Full Article
CHESTERFIELD, Missouri, July 18 -- The National Corn Growers Association issued the following statement on July 17, 2026:
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Corn Growers Commend Glyphosate Petition Withdraw
Author: Nicole Hasheider
Ruveon, a subsidiary of Bayer, announced today that it will withdraw its petition to place countervailing duties on imported supplies of glyphosate, following intense pressure from the National Corn Growers Association and other commodity groups. In response to this development, NCGA President and Ohio farmer Jed Bower released the following statement:
"We commend Ruveon for listening to itscustomers and withdrawing this petition. As we have highlighted multiple times in recent weeks and months, input costs are a top concern of growers and for good reason. Actions like the ones Ruveon planned to take would have made an already bad situation even worse.
"Farmers are the ones who purchase and use these products, and too often we have felt that we, the customer, are of little importance. We strongly encourage all input providers to consider the full impact of their actions on growers, who are essential to the companies' bottom line. Farmers appreciate the value that input providers bring to their operations and wish to be a good partner, working together for the betterment of our industry. But as we have made clear, farmers cannot and will not bear this relationship at any cost. It is past time for companies to have honest conversations with their customers, and we welcome dialogue with any provider wishing to work together to address input prices."
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Nicole Hasheider
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
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Original text here: https://www.ncga.com/stay-informed/media/in-the-news/article/2026/07/corn-growers-commend-glyphosate-petition-withdraw
[Category: Agriculture]
Conference Board: LEI for the Euro Area fell in June
NEW YORK, July 18 -- The Conference Board issued the following news release:
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The LEI for the Euro Area fell in June
Using the Composite Indexes: The Leading Economic Index (LEI) provides an early indication of significant turning points in the business cycle and where the economy is heading in the near term. The Coincident Economic Index (CEI) provides an indication of the current state of the economy. Additional details are below.
This month's release of the composite economic indexes incorporates annual benchmark revisions which bring them up-to-date with revisions in the source data.
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, July 18 -- The Conference Board issued the following news release:
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The LEI for the Euro Area fell in June
Using the Composite Indexes: The Leading Economic Index (LEI) provides an early indication of significant turning points in the business cycle and where the economy is heading in the near term. The Coincident Economic Index (CEI) provides an indication of the current state of the economy. Additional details are below.
This month's release of the composite economic indexes incorporates annual benchmark revisions which bring them up-to-date with revisions in the source data.These revisions do not change the cyclical properties of the indexes. The indexes are updated throughout the year, but only for the previous six months. Data revisions that fall outside of the moving six-month window are not incorporated until the benchmark revision is made and the entire histories of the indexes are recomputed. As a result, the revised indexes, in levels and month-on-month changes, will not be directly comparable to those issued prior to the benchmark revision.
For more information, please visit conference-board.org/topics/business-cycle-indicators/ or contact us at indicators@tcb.org.
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (r) (LEI) for the Euro Area decreased by 0.3% in June 2026 to 102.9 (2016=100), after also falling by 0.3% in May. Due to recent monthly declines, the LEI contracted by 1.1% over the first half of 2026. This is a slightly faster rate than the 0.9% drop experienced over the second half of 2025.
The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (r) (CEI) for the Euro Area ticked up by 0.1% in June 2026 to 110.4 (2016=100), after being unchanged in April and May. The CEI increased by 0.1% over the first half of 2026, a slower pace than the 0.5% increase experienced over the second half of 2025.
"The Euro Area LEI fell for the fourth consecutive month in June," said Timothy Brennan, Economic Research Associate, at The Conference Board. "As in previous months, the consumer expectations component was the main drag on the Index. Lower expectations from businesses in the service sector and industrial producers also contributed to the monthly drop. However, positive contributions from financial components helped mitigate the decline."
"The 6-month growth rate of the Euro Area LEI remained negative, signaling pressure on economic activity ahead," continued Brennan. "Expectations among consumers, industrial producers, and services businesses remain well below their historical averages. Renewed tensions between the US and Iran are likely to place further strain on these components in the coming months by intensifying inflationary pressures and global uncertainty. These headwinds are expected to subdue Euro Area growth in H2 of 2026. The Conference Board forecasts real GDP growth in the Euro Area at only 1.0% for 2026, down from 2025."
The next release is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 9:30 A.M. ET.
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Chart: The Euro Area LEI fell for the fourth consecutive month in June
Chart: Low expectations from consumers, services businesses, and industrial producers drove the June contraction
Chart: The 6-month growth rate of the Euro Area LEI was more negative in June, but remained above the recession signal threshold
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NOTE: The chart illustrates the so-called 3Ds - duration, depth, and diffusion- for interpreting a downward movement in the LEI. Duration refers to how long the decline has lasted. Depth denotes the size of decline. Duration and depth are measured by the rate of change of the index over the most recent six months at an annualized rate. Diffusion is a measure of how widespread the decline is among the LEI's component indicators-on a scale of 0 to 100, a diffusion index reading below 50 indicates most components are weakening.
The 3Ds rule signals an impending recession when: 1) the six-month diffusion index lies at or below 50, shown by the black warning signal lines in the chart; and 2) the LEI's six-month growth rate (annualized) falls below the threshold of -5.6%. The red recession signal lines indicate months when both criteria are met simultaneously-and thus that a recession is likely imminent or underway.
About The Conference Board Leading Economic Index(r) (LEI) and Coincident Economic Index(r) (CEI) for the Euro Area
The composite economic indexes are key elements in an analytic system designed to signal peaks and troughs in the business cycle. Comprised of multiple independent indicators, the indexes are constructed to summarize and reveal common turning points in the economy in a clearer and more convincing manner than any individual component.
The CEI reflects current economic conditions and is highly correlated with real GDP. The LEI is a predictive tool that anticipates-or "leads"-turning points in the business cycle by around seven months.
The eight components of Leading Economic Index(r) for the Euro Area are:
* ECB Minimum Bid Yield Spread
* Consumer Expectations of the General Economic Situation
* EURO STOXX(r) Price Index
* Industry Production Expectations
* Services Expected Demand
* Volume of Order Books
* Index of Residential Building Permits
* Systemic Stress Composite Indicator
The four components of the Coincident Economic Index(r) for the Euro Area are:
* Industrial Production
* Employment
* Retail Sales
* Manufacturing Sales
To access data, please visit: https://data-central.conference-board.org
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About The Conference Board
The Conference Board is the Member-driven think tank that delivers Trusted Insights for What's Ahead (r) (r). Founded in 1916, we are a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. TCB.org l Learn about Membership
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Original text here: https://www.conference-board.org/topics/business-cycle-indicators/euro-area
Conference Board: LEI for Mexico Declined in June
NEW YORK, July 18 -- The Conference Board issued the following news release:
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LEI for Mexico Declined in June
Using the Composite Indexes: The Leading Economic Index (LEI) provides an early indication of significant turning points in the business cycle and where the economy is heading in the near term. The Coincident Economic Index (CEI) provides an indication of the current state of the economy. Additional details are below.
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (r) (LEI) for Mexico contracted by 2.1% in June 2026 to 135.9 (2016=100), following a 1.0% decline in May. Overall, the
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, July 18 -- The Conference Board issued the following news release:
* * *
LEI for Mexico Declined in June
Using the Composite Indexes: The Leading Economic Index (LEI) provides an early indication of significant turning points in the business cycle and where the economy is heading in the near term. The Coincident Economic Index (CEI) provides an indication of the current state of the economy. Additional details are below.
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (r) (LEI) for Mexico contracted by 2.1% in June 2026 to 135.9 (2016=100), following a 1.0% decline in May. Overall, theLEI decreased by 0.4% over the first half of 2026, more than reversing a 0.3% growth recorded over the second half of 2025.
The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (r) (CEI) for Mexico rose by 0.4% in June 2026 to 119.1 (2016=100), after a 0.2% increase in May. As a result, the CEI expanded by 0.8% over the six-month period between December 2025 to June 2026, a slightly slower rate compared to the 1.1% growth over the previous six-month period.
The next release is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 11 A.M. ET.
Chart: The Mexico LEI declined significantly in June
Chart: Driven mainly by a drop in crude oil prices, which has supported the index over the last six months, as well as weakness in the opinion balance of manufacturing inventories
Chart: The annual growth rate of the LEI dipped slightly into negative territory in June, and if the decline continues, it will indicate softer economic activity ahead
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About The Conference Board Leading Economic Index(r) (LEI) and Coincident Economic Index(r) (CEI) for Mexico
The composite economic indexes are key elements in an analytic system designed to signal peaks and troughs in the business cycle. Comprised of multiple independent indicators, the indexes are constructed to summarize and reveal common turning points in the economy in a clearer and more convincing manner than any individual component.
The CEI reflects current economic conditions and is highly correlated with real GDP. The LEI is a predictive tool that anticipates-or "leads"-turning points in the business cycle by around five months.
The six components of the Leading Economic Index(r) for Mexico are:
* Industrial Production (Construction)
* Stock Prices
* Petroleum Exports: Crude (US$/Barrel)
* Manufacturing Inventories (Opinion Balance)
* Federal Funds, Money Market Rate
* Real Exchange Rate
The three components of the Coincident Economic Index(r) for Mexico are:
* Industrial Production
* Retail Sales
* Employment, IMSS Beneficiaries
To access data, please visit: https://data-central.conference-board.org/
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About The Conference Board
The Conference Board is the Member-driven think tank that delivers Trusted Insights for What's Ahead (r) (r). Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. TCB.org l Learn about Membership
***
Original text here: https://www.conference-board.org/topics/business-cycle-indicators/mexico
American Soybean Association Welcomes Withdrawal of Glyphosate Petition
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, July 18 -- The American Soybean Association issued the following news release:
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ASA Welcomes Withdrawal of Glyphosate Petition
The American Soybean Association welcomes Ruveon's decision to withdraw its petitions filed with the International Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Commerce seeking antidumping and countervailing duties on glyphosate imports from China.
"We appreciate Ruveon's decision to withdraw the antidumping and countervailing duty petitions after listening to the concerns about affordability and access raised by ASA, soybean farmers, and other
... Show Full Article
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, July 18 -- The American Soybean Association issued the following news release:
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ASA Welcomes Withdrawal of Glyphosate Petition
The American Soybean Association welcomes Ruveon's decision to withdraw its petitions filed with the International Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Commerce seeking antidumping and countervailing duties on glyphosate imports from China.
"We appreciate Ruveon's decision to withdraw the antidumping and countervailing duty petitions after listening to the concerns about affordability and access raised by ASA, soybean farmers, and otheragricultural organizations," said Scott Metzger, ASA President and soybean farmer from Ohio. "ASA provided extensive feedback to Ruveon following the filing of the petitions and again this week during our Board of Directors meeting. Ruveon's decision reflects the value they place on farmer customers who rely on access to affordable crop protection tools to remain productive and globally competitive. We appreciate Ruveon's willingness to engage with growers and respond to their concerns, and ASA looks forward to continuing this important dialogue."
ASA remains committed to working with stakeholders and policymakers to ensure soybean farmers have access to the crop protection tools they need to remain productive, profitable, and sustainable for generations to come.
Ruveon, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bayer. On June 30, 2026, Monsanto Company and Ruveon, LLC filed antidumping and countervailing petitions on glyphosate imported from China with the International Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Commerce. Ruveon produces about 60% of glyphosate sold in the U.S.
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Original text here: https://soygrowers.com/news-releases/asa-welcomes-withdrawal-of-glyphosate-petition/
[Category: Agriculture]
American Gastroenterological Association: Proposed 2027 Medicare Rule Would Cut GI Payments
BETHESDA, Maryland, July 18 -- The American Gastroenterological Association issued the following statement on July 17, 2026:
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Proposed 2027 Medicare rule would cut GI payments
Medicare payment cuts, stagnant conversion factor, new billing restrictions, MIPS changes proposed for 2027.
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On July 14, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released proposed payment rates for physician services for calendar year (CY) 2027 outlining updates to Medicare payment policies and rates for physicians.
Here are the top takeaways:
* Conversion factor flat, but GI payments decrease
*
... Show Full Article
BETHESDA, Maryland, July 18 -- The American Gastroenterological Association issued the following statement on July 17, 2026:
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Proposed 2027 Medicare rule would cut GI payments
Medicare payment cuts, stagnant conversion factor, new billing restrictions, MIPS changes proposed for 2027.
-
On July 14, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released proposed payment rates for physician services for calendar year (CY) 2027 outlining updates to Medicare payment policies and rates for physicians.
Here are the top takeaways:
* Conversion factor flat, but GI payments decrease
*More cuts to GI loom as CMS targets "duplicative" payments
* CMS values new endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) codes
* CMS limits meaningful, specialty-specific quality reporting for GI
The GI societies have prepared a preliminary summary of key MPFS proposals and will keep you informed about opportunities to engage in the advocacy process and help fight payment cuts to GI services.
If you missed it, review our member alert summarizing the proposed OPPS/ASC rule.
Resources
Physician Fee Schedule
* 2027 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule (https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-14327.pdf)
* 2027 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule Press Release (https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-proposes-transformational-medicare-reforms-expand-accountable-care-modernize-physician-payment)
* 2027 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule Fact Sheet (https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/calendar-year-cy-2027-medicare-physician-fee-schedule-proposed-rule)
* 2027 MPFS Proposed Rule GI and E-M Payment Changes (https://mcusercontent.com/87fe91cd6bee2aec719be3875/files/604c9a9a-c331-b34a-a6ab-45707c7eaa57/2027_MPFS_Proposed_Rule_GI_and_E_M_Payment_Changes.pdf)
* 2027 MPFS Proposed Rule Work and Practice Expense RVU Changes (https://mcusercontent.com/87fe91cd6bee2aec719be3875/files/9a26b336-b853-a81f-b92c-b469391e9718/2027_MPFS_Proposed_Rule_Work_and_Practice_Expense_RVU_Changes.pdf)
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The joint GI societies previously distributed this alert to members on Friday, July 17. Contact AGA if you did not receive the alert.
Click here (https://gastro.org/news/proposed-cuts-to-gi-asc-payments-in-store-for-2027/) if you are looking for information about the CY 2027 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System proposed rule.
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Original text here: https://gastro.org/news/proposed-2027-medicare-rule-would-cut-gi-payments/
[Category: Medical]
APhA Urges FDA to Put Patient Safety First in Review of Peptide Substances
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The American Pharmacists Association issued the following news release:
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APhA urges FDA to put patient safety first in review of peptide substances
As the market for unregulated peptide products continues to grow, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is urging FDA and the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) to prioritize patient safety, scientific evidence, and regulatory oversight as they evaluate several peptide substances nominated for inclusion on the Section 503A Bulks List.
In comments submitted to FDA, APhA highlighted the emergence of black
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The American Pharmacists Association issued the following news release:
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APhA urges FDA to put patient safety first in review of peptide substances
As the market for unregulated peptide products continues to grow, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is urging FDA and the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) to prioritize patient safety, scientific evidence, and regulatory oversight as they evaluate several peptide substances nominated for inclusion on the Section 503A Bulks List.
In comments submitted to FDA, APhA highlighted the emergence of blackand gray markets for peptides, in which products are often purchased online from unregulated suppliers and marketed through channels that operate outside traditional regulatory safeguards. APhA warned that these products may expose patients to significant risks, including contamination, inaccurate dosing, counterfeit ingredients, and serious adverse health consequences.
"Pharmacists believe in innovation, but innovation must be grounded in science and patient safety," said Brigid Groves, PharmD, MS, vice president of professional affairs at APhA. "When patients are turning to unregulated online sources for peptide products of unknown quality, everyone should be concerned. Pharmacists have seen firsthand how safe and effective peptide-based medications can improve patient outcomes when supported by robust clinical evidence, appropriate regulatory oversight, and established quality standards."
Compounding pharmacists have a long history of helping patients access customized and safely prepared therapies when there is a legitimate clinical need. If rigorous, peer-reviewed research ultimately demonstrates that these peptides are safe and effective, pharmacists will play an essential role in preparing high-quality compounded formulations, educating patients, and ensuring these therapies are obtained through regulated pharmacies rather than unregulated online marketplaces.
In its comments, APhA noted that pharmacists currently lack sufficient evidence to confidently counsel patients on many of the peptide substances under consideration, including their effectiveness, safety profiles, drug interactions, and long-term health effects. Given the limited clinical data available today, APhA supports FDA's recommendation not to add the nominated peptide substances to the Section 503A Bulks List at this time.
APhA also called on FDA to strengthen education efforts for patients and health care professionals and to work with state boards of pharmacy, the United States Pharmacopeia, and our nation's pharmacists to improve oversight, quality standards, and patient awareness. APhA further encouraged continued scientific research to better establish the safety and effectiveness of peptide therapies and inform future regulatory decisions.
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About the American Pharmacists Association
Founded in 1852, APhA is the only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession. From its headquarters in Washington, DC, APhA leads the pharmacy profession by supporting pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in their role optimizing medication use and patient health outcomes and ensuring patients have access to pharmacists' care. We do this through our strong and effective advocacy, top notch education, practice tools and resources, dissemination of evidence, and opportunities for members to engage and learn from each other. APhA is the pharmacy voice at the table in developing national guidelines, policies, and best practices that advance the profession and patient care. To learn more, visit www.pharmacist.com.
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Original text here: https://www.pharmacist.com/APhA-Press-Releases/apha-urges-fda-to-put-patient-safety-first-in-review-of-peptide-substances
[Category: Medical]
