Targeted News Service

20 State Attorneys General Urge CMS To Revise Medicaid Work Requirement Rule Over Narrow Medical Frailty Definition And Coverage Loss Concerns

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. ROB BONTA ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREA JOY CAMPBELL ATTORNEY GENERAL JENNIFER DAVENPORT ATTORNEY GENERAL July 31, 2026 Via Federal eRulemaking Portal The Honorable Dr. Mehmet Oz Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21244-1850 The Honorable Robert F more

America's Credit Unions, 47 Co-Signers Issues Letter to Senate Leadership

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (TNSletter) -- America's Credit Unions, with 47 co-signers issued the following letter to the Senate leadership: * * * Here is the text of the letter: July 21, 2026 The Honorable John Thune Majority Leader United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 - The Honorable Charles Schumer Minority Leader United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 - Re: Senate Consideration of H.R. 3633, the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 Dear Leader Thune and Leader Schumer: On more

American Academy of Pediatrics Urges CMS to Revise Medicaid Community Engagement Rule to Protect Children and Families

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. AAP Headquarters 345 Park Blvd Itasca, IL 60143 Phone: 630/626-6000 Fax: 847/434-8000 E-mail: kidsdocs@aap.org www.aap.org Reply to AAP Washington Office 601 13th St NW, Suite 400N Washington, DC 20005 Phone: 202/347-8600 E-mail: kids1st@aap.org Executive Committee President Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP President-Elect T more

ATU Welcomes Students to Campus for Fall 2026

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Aug. 16 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news: * * * ATU Welcomes Students to Campus for Fall 2026 * Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Russell Jones began first-year student orientation on Sunday, Aug. 16, by offering a reassuring message to the newest members of the ATU community. "I know a lot of you are worried about what comes next," said Jones while speaking in John E. Tucker Coliseum. "If you don't know what you want to major in, it's okay. more

Caterpillar Expands Workforce Initiative to Arkansas to Strengthen Pathways to Manufacturing Careers

PEORIA, Illinois, Aug. 18 -- Caterpillar Inc., a manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026: * * * Caterpillar Expands Workforce Initiative to Arkansas to Strengthen Pathways to Manufacturing Careers Investment will focus on making training more accessible, defining what skills are needed for future jobs and connecting individuals to careers in modern manufacturing The Academies of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas Pulaski Tec more

Colorado Advocates for Adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities: Advocates Urge Withdrawal of Medicaid Community Engagement Rule Citing Coverage Loss and Administrative Burdens

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. July 31, 2026 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Department of Health and Human Services Attention: CMS-2454-IFC Dear Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Oz: We submit this comment in opposition to the Interim Final Rule, "Medicaid Program; Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals," and are urging more

Defending Champ Montana State Opens 2026 at No. 1

WACO, Texas, Aug. 17 [Category: Sports] -- The American Football Coaches Association posted the following news: * * * Defending Champ Montana State Opens 2026 at No. 1 * Fresh off their second national title in program history, Montana State is the preseason No. 1 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll. The Bobcats will start defense of their title on August 29 as they begin the 2026 on the road at Utah Tech. Right behind MSU at No. 2 is in-state rival Montana. The Grizz start play under the Bobby Ken more

Diabetes Leadership Council, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition Urge CMS to Retract Exclusions for Under Medical Frailty Standard

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. Diabetesleadership.org Diabetespac.org July 31, 2026 The Honorable Robert Kennedy Secretary Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20201 The Honorable Mehmet Oz Administrator Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Department of Health and Human Services 7 more

Experts Urge Withdrawal of CMS Interim Final Rule on Medicaid Community Engagement Requirements Due to Anticipated Harm and Administrative Burdens

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. July 31, 2026 Submitted electronically via regulations.gov The Honorable Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Health and Human Services Secretary U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20201 The Honorable Dr. Mehmet Oz Administrator of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services more

Grantmakers In Health Raises Concerns Over Medicaid Work Requirements Creating Coverage Barriers and Administrative Burdens

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. July 31, 2026 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Department of Health and Human Services 7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850 Re: Comments on the Medicaid Community Engagement Interim Final Rule On behalf of Grantmakers In Health (GIH) and our undersigned Funding Partners, we appreciate t more

Honors College Welcomes 10 New Students for Path Program

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Aug. 17 -- The University of Arkansas Walton College of Business posted the following news: * * * Honors College Welcomes 10 New Students for Path Program * The Honors College at the University of Arkansas has selected 10 exceptional freshmen for the Path Program, which offers financial support and personalized guidance to students who are first-generation college students, have significant financial need or come from less-served areas of the state. In addition to re more

How to Apply for Spring '27 Admission to ATU Nursing

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Aug. 17 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news: * * * How to Apply for Spring '27 Admission to ATU Nursing * The Arkansas Tech University Department of Nursing on the Russellville campus is accepting applications for spring 2027 admission to its Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, its traditional LPN-to-BSN degree program and its RN-to-BSN degree program. For current ATU students, applications are submitted online within Blackboard: * Log i more

LULAC Urges CMS to Revise Medicaid Community Engagement Rule to Prevent Coverage Loss Among Latino and Vulnerable Populations

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. League of United Latin American Citizens 1150 18th Street, NW, Suite 650 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 833-6130 FAX (202) 833-6135 www.LULAC.org NATIONAL PRESIDENT ROMAN PALOMARES CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER JUAN PROANO NATIONAL OFFICERS Domingo Garcia Immediate Past President Maggie Rivera Treasurer Aiden Roach Youth more

More than 210 leading medical, health and patient advocacy groups oppose recent Executive Order on childhood vaccines

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Aug. 17 [Category: Medical] -- The American College of Physicians posted the following news release: * * * More than 210 leading medical, health and patient advocacy groups oppose recent Executive Order on childhood vaccines * "Our organizations, representing physicians, nurses, medical professionals, scientists, pharmacists, public health, patients and families, are alarmed by the recent White House Executive Order that advises, without evidence, reducing and spa more

More than 210 Leading Medical, Health and Patient Advocacy Groups Oppose Recent Executive Order on Childhood Vaccines

ARLINGTON, Virginia, Aug. 17 [Category: Psychiatry/Psychology] -- The American Psychiatric Association issued the following news release: * * * More than 210 Leading Medical, Health and Patient Advocacy Groups Oppose Recent Executive Order on Childhood Vaccines * Our organizations, representing physicians, nurses, medical professionals, scientists, pharmacists, public health, patients and families, are alarmed by the recent White House Executive Order that advises, without evidence, reducing more

National Advisory Board Urges CMS to Protect Medicaid Coverage While Implementing Community Engagement Requirements

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. July 31, 2026 The Honorable Mehmet Oz, MD Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Department of Health and Human Services 7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21244 Re: Interim Final Rule: Medicaid Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals Dear Administrator Oz: The National more

National Park Service: Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site to Host Performance on the Life and Leadership of Daisy Gatson Bates

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service issued the following news release: * * * Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site to Host Performance on the Life and Leadership of Daisy Gatson Bates LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site will present "Something in the Soil," a free documentary-style, one-woman performance about the life and work of civil rights icon Daisy Gatson Bates, featuring actress Phylli more

Northwest Health Law Advocates Urge CMS to Revise Medicaid Community Engagement Rule to Protect Medically Frail Beneficiaries

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. 1301 5th Ave., Suite 1200 Seattle, WA 98101 206-325-6464 nohla@nohla.org www.nohla.org SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY: Date: July 31, 2026 Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD, MBA Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Department of Health and Human Services 7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21244 RE: [CMS-2454-IFC] RIN 0938- more

Protect Medicaid Utah Coalition Urges CMS to Revise Restrictive Work Requirements Impacting Vulnerable Beneficiaries

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. PROTECT MEDICAID UTAH COALITION RE: CMS-2454-IFC Who We Are: The Protect Medicaid Utah Coalition (referred to as "Coalition" from here forward) is an organized mission focused group of Medicaid consumers, community leaders, healthcare advocates, and direct service organizations united in protecting Utah's Medicaid progr more

SEIU California Urges CMS to Revise Medicaid Community Engagement Rule Over Coverage and Medical Frailty Concerns

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. July 31, 2026 SUMBITTED ELECTRONICALLY ON REGULATIONS.GOV Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Attention: CMS-2454-IFC P.O. Box 8016 Baltimore, MD 21244 Re: Interim Final Rule, "Medicaid Program; Community Engagement Requirement fo more

Skills2Compete Colorado Issues Criticism Over Medicaid Community Engagement Rule Citing Inaccurate Evidence and Potential Coverage Losses

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. Skills2Compete-Colorado Colorado affiliate of the National Skills Coalition Coordinated by the Colorado Center on Law and Policy https://copolicy.org/skills2compete/ | cbrennan@copolicy.org Submitted online via Regulations.gov July 31, 2026 Mr. Mehmet Oz Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Department more

St. Louis Fed Appoints New Industry Council Members

ST. LOUIS, Missouri, Aug. 18 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis issued the following news release: * * * St. Louis Fed Appoints New Industry Council Members The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis has appointed two new members to its Industry Councils. * Curtis Barnett, president and CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Little Rock, Ark., has been named to the Healthcare Industry Council. * Suzanne Peyton, executive director of Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Ark., has more

Tech Tidbits: ATU Football Focused on Goals for 2026

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Aug. 17 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news: * * * Tech Tidbits: ATU Football Focused on Goals for 2026 * Roy Thompson is not afraid to talk about his goals for the Arkansas Tech University football program. In fact, he believes it is a necessary first step in attaining those goals. "We have to talk about the things we want to achieve," said Thompson, who is beginning his second season as head coach of the Wonder Boys. "You have to set a goal. You h more

UA Little Rock and NYITCOM at A-State Partner for new Med School Pathway

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Aug. 17 -- The University of Arkansas Little Rock campus issued the following news: * * * UA Little Rock and NYITCOM at A-State Partner for new Med School Pathway * The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University (NYITCOM at A-State) have established a new partnership that creates a direct pathway from undergraduate education to medical school, allowing students to pursue bo more

UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Researchers' Blood Cancer Therapy Discovery Published in Top Journal

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Aug. 18 (TNSjou) -- The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences issued the following news release: * * * UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Researchers' Blood Cancer Therapy Discovery Published in Top Journal Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine and Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute made a breakthrough while studying a new therapeutic strategy for blood cancer that may lead to better future treat more

University of Arkansas Geosciences Professor: NSF Funding Reforms Threaten Scientific Independence Peer Review And International Collaboration

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. Dear Office of Management and Budget, This letter is to express my sever concern over the proposed changes to the US Federal grant regulation (Title 2 Part 200 of the Code of Federal Regulations). These changes would detrimentally change how federally funded science is conducted and threatens the scientific rigor and inde more

University of Arkansas: Dulans Honor Bailey Family Legacy With Land of Opportunity Gift

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Aug. 18 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: * * * Dulans Honor Bailey Family Legacy With Land of Opportunity Gift Julia A. Bailey Dulan B.S.E.'74 and Michael Dulan Sr. have committed $50,000 to the University of Arkansas Land of Opportunity Scholarship, helping expand access to higher education for Arkansas students who are eligible to receive federal Pell grants, indicating high financial need. The Dulans made this gift in honor of Julia's parent more

University of Arkansas: Food Safety Researchers Seek Answers to Prevent the Next Recall

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Aug. 18 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: * * * Food Safety Researchers Seek Answers to Prevent the Next Recall By John Lovett, UA Division of Agriculture Behind every food safety recall are researchers working quickly to understand what went wrong and how to prevent it from happening again. Food safety researchers from around the globe gathered July 26-29 in New Orleans for the annual International Association for Food Protection conference. A more

Virginia Community Health Worker Association Warns Community Engagement Rule Risks Medicaid Loss and Urges CMS to Fund Outreach and Protect Immigrant Coverage

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. Virginia Community Health Worker Association Richmond, Virginia 1717 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 616-0449 July 31, 2026 Submitted electronically via www.regulations.gov The Honorable Mehmet Oz, MD Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 7500 Secur more

Western Arkansas Planning and Development District Urges OMB to Balance Grant Administration Reforms With Support for Rural Grantees

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site. Serving Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Polk, Scott, and Sebastian Counties 1109 South 16th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901 T: (479) 785-2651 | F: (479) 785-1964 www.wapdd.org July 10, 2026 Honorable Russell T. Vought, Director Office of Management and Budget 725 17th Street, NW Washington, DC 20503 Re: WAPDD Public more

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