AGP Executive Report

Livestock Health Alert: USDA confirmed the New World screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas—the first U.S. case since 1966—prompting quarantines, livestock movement limits, and sterile fly releases as officials say there’s no food-safety risk but the threat to animals is real. Border Monitoring: Hidalgo County leaders say they’re watching closely and coordinating with state and federal partners after the Zavala detection. State Consumer Protection: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into Celsius/Alani Nu energy drinks over alleged youth marketing and caffeine risks, citing a lawsuit tied to a Texas teen’s death. Cancer Care Update: A Dallas-area biotech reported a major pancreatic cancer advance: a Phase 3 pill nearly doubled survival for metastatic patients versus standard chemotherapy. Access & Outcomes: A national analysis using UNOS data finds more adults survive longer on the transplant waitlist and after surgery, but unmet need—especially for kidneys—still outpaces supply. Rural Pediatrics: Texas HHSC is offering up to $10M for rural pediatric telemedicine grants to connect families with specialists closer to home. Public Health Watch: A report ranks McAllen, El Paso, and San Antonio among America’s most overweight cities, with high obesity and diabetes rates driving concern.

USDA & Texas Animal Health Response: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in South Texas, triggering quarantines, movement controls, expanded trapping, and sterile fly releases as officials warn the pest could devastate livestock—though the food supply isn’t at risk. Nursing Home Watch (CMS ratings): CMS data highlighted mixed Texas long-term care outcomes: Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Howard County) earned a 4-star Q1 score with no fines; Avir at Corpus Christi (Nueces) rated 3 stars; but Valley Grande Manor (Hidalgo) fell to a 1-star rating with multiple fines/penalties, and Focused Care at Hogan Park (Midland) also scored 1 star. Medicare Fraud Settlement: Matrix Medical Network and HealthFair agreed to pay $56.5M to resolve allegations of false Medicare Advantage diagnosis coding. Cancer Research (Texas): Baylor and University of Michigan researchers reported findings in Nature Immunology that challenge a core idea about how immune pathways work against cancer. Public Health & Wellness: Texas A&M AgriLife promoted a Mediterranean eating class in Rosenberg, while Houston-area mosquito monitoring continues as West Nile risk rises after rain.

Sleep & Health: A new explainer digs into why “enough hours” isn’t the whole story—sleep quality and sleep quantity work together, and experts say there’s no one-size-fits-all number for adults. Cancer Research: At ASCO, a growing body of studies is pointing to a possible link between GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic and Wegovy) and lower cancer rates, with researchers calling the signal “super promising.” Hospital Care for Seniors: South Texas Health System’s STHS Heart in Edinburg earned Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation, highlighting specialized emergency protocols for older adults with multiple chronic conditions. Workforce & Training: Vernon College won more than $484,000 in state grants to expand nursing education with a new simulation lab and equipment. Texas Border Livestock Alert: USDA says New World screwworm is now about 25 miles from the U.S. border, with samples being tested and Texas ramping up response to protect cattle. Policy Watch: Texas Children’s Hospital settlement terms require a detransition clinic and related services, including endocrinology, surgery access, fertility counseling, and mental health care.

Nursing Home Watch (CMS ratings): Hallettsville Nursing and Rehabilitation (Lavaca County) held a 2-star CMS rating in Q1 2026, while Ennis Care Center (Ellis County) led local bed capacity but also posted a low 1-star rating—both point to ongoing staffing and quality pressure in Texas long-term care. Local Health Budgets: Kerr County commissioners wrestled with a 13% employee health insurance premium spike tied to high claim costs, weighing options that could shift costs onto the county or employees. Public Health & Safety: A carbon monoxide leak at Terrell Healthcare Center sent fewer than five people to the hospital; crews shut off gas and ventilated the building after detectors alerted them. Aging & Care Capacity: Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home (Wilson County) earned a top 5-star CMS rating in Q1 2026 with no fines or penalties, while Park View Nursing Care Center (Bailey County) posted a 1-star rating and paid a fine. Community Support: Katy ISD is running a summer meals program for kids 18 and under, with meals served at multiple campuses during set morning and midday hours. Health Innovation: Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine are joining BrainGate to advance brain-computer interface tech aimed at helping people with paralysis control assistive robotic devices.

Texas Health Equity & Research: Dr. Godfred Boateng, a Ghanaian-born global health scholar with a Texas A&M role, is pushing health equity research that links disease outcomes to inequality, poverty, and environmental risk. Medicaid Policy: CMS released rules that could add work/education/community engagement requirements for many Medicaid expansion adults starting Jan. 1, 2027, with major exemptions for groups like pregnant people and people with disabilities. Pediatric Care in Texas: New settlement terms say Texas Children’s Hospital must create a detransition clinic within 90 days and maintain a list of “potential” gender-affirming care patients, tied to Texas AG action and SB 14. Public Health & Safety: Houston Methodist highlights why summer allergies can hit harder in certain neighborhoods due to extended pollen seasons plus mold and dust mites. Legal/Health Access: Texas AG Ken Paxton sued Denton over a Pride swim event’s gender-neutral changing rooms, arguing it violates the state’s bathroom/locker-room law. Food & Health Risks: Paxton also announced a glyphosate residue probe, sending CIDs to major pesticide/food companies including Bayer and PepsiCo. Community Health: A new $36M YMCA facility is set to open in Georgetown with pool and fitness upgrades aimed at youth, family, and senior wellness. Local Tragedy: A family is seeking answers after a deputy fatally shot an 18-year-old Texas State student during a Lake Jackson chase, with disputes over whether he was unarmed.

Medical Devices & Procurement: Houston-based BVM says many hospital buying decisions start before formal RFPs, and it’s launching an SEO framework to help early-stage device makers show up when clinical teams search by procedure and clinical fit. Cardiology Drug Comparison: A new review of invasive coronary care trials finds prasugrel offers the best overall balance of fewer major heart events without added major bleeding versus clopidogrel and ticagrelor. Cancer Research Update: Sumitomo Pharma America shared first clinical data on SMP-3124LP, a PEGylated liposome CHK1 inhibitor, presented at ASCO 2026. Obesity & Heart Health: An American Heart Association statement emphasizes exercise improves blood pressure, sugar control, and cholesterol even when weight loss is modest or absent. Texas Emergency Care: Evadale’s new ambulance service aims to cut response times to about 5–10 minutes after a local station launched via a county contract. Workplace Safety Staffing: A national look at EHS safety managers highlights rising OSHA compliance demands and the growing push toward centralized safety documentation tools. Pet Health: A McKinney pet resort offers “allergy relief” grooming to reduce seasonal irritants that drive scratching and licking. Workforce Recognition: Peterson Health was named a 2026 “Best Places to Work in Healthcare” winner by Modern Healthcare.

Public Health & Safety: A multi-state Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry is still hitting Texas, with young children among the most affected; CDC investigators say prevention hinges on hygiene and avoiding unsupervised handling of chicks/ducklings. Infectious Disease Preparedness: CEPI announced $60 million for clinical trials of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine candidates, including Moderna’s $50 million mRNA effort, as the DRC outbreak continues to spread. Community Health Access: Planet Fitness is offering free summer memberships for El Paso teens (ages 14–19) through its High School Summer Pass program, aiming to keep kids active during the break. Men’s Health: Craft Body Scan launched a Men’s Health Month campaign with a discounted Couples Heart & Lung Scan for $149, pushing earlier screening for heart and lung risks. Local Health Governance: Victoria City Council will consider reappointments to the Victoria Health Facilities Development Corporation Board and the Board of Health, plus updates tied to public health oversight. Health Misinformation: A cardiology discussion highlights how medical misinformation can harm patient decisions and public health.

Heat & Health: Houston residents are being warned that extreme heat is already driving up ER visits, and a new report flags how to spot when you’re just surviving—not thriving—in the humidity. Sleep & Brain Health: Texas A&M researchers say irregular sleep schedules can push the brain toward inflammation and cognitive aging, even after people return to normal routines. Pediatric Dental Access: In Killeen, uninsured kids got free dental care during “Sharing Smiles Day,” highlighting ongoing gaps in affordable oral health services across Texas. Cancer Research (Texas-linked): Houston Methodist presented new phase 2b results on pemvidutide for MASH, while ASCO coverage includes improved outcomes from targeted colorectal and pancreatic cancer regimens tied to Texas institutions. Public Safety & Care: A Houston man was found shot dead after a prior police detention, and a New York Times/San Antonio Express-News investigation raises concerns about Texas school police using force on students for minor misconduct. Community Wellness: Corpus Christi mini-bike riders say enforcement crackdowns are colliding with a hobby they use for recovery and sobriety support.

Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough (Texas ties): At ASCO 2026, Houston’s MD Anderson oncologists highlighted daraxonrasib, a phase 3 pancreatic cancer pill that more than doubled median overall survival in previously treated metastatic patients (13.2 vs 6.7 months), with major progression-free gains—oncology experts called it a “grand slam.” Bladder Cancer Care (Houston urology): UroToday’s Houston-based bladder cancer specialist Dr. Peter Black discussed where bladder-sparing strategies are heading for high-grade non-muscle-invasive disease, including practical takeaways for clinicians. Eye Disease Research (ASCO/retina): Retina World Congress updates focused on new approaches for wet AMD and DME, including sustained retinal disease control and expanded treatment algorithms. Public Health Watch (Texas): CDC reporting on the 2025 West Texas measles outbreak found most hospitalizations were children, including pregnant adults, underscoring vaccination gaps and severe outcomes. Air Quality Alert (Texas region): Parts of Texas (plus Louisiana/Arkansas) saw “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” air quality pockets, raising risks for kids, older adults, and people with asthma or heart/lung disease. Ebola Preparedness (Texas): Mexico imposed travel restrictions tied to Central Africa Ebola activity, while Texas public health officials continued monitoring travelers arriving from affected areas.

Cancer Care Breakthrough (Texas): New ASCO 2026 results from the ROADS trial say radioactive collagen tiles placed during brain metastasis surgery outperform standard postoperative stereotactic radiation—cutting surgical-site recurrence to about 1.3% vs 15.4% and more than doubling median overall survival (42.5 vs 17.6 months). Immigration Detention Lawsuit (West Texas): ACLU of Texas and partners filed suit to stop ICE from operating Camp East Montana, alleging severe medical neglect, violent force, disease risk, and excessive solitary confinement. Nursing Home Watch (El Paso): CMS rated Pebble Creek Nursing Center 1 out of 5 in Q1 2026, with multiple penalties and $218,960 in fines. Public Health & Travel (Ebola): Mexico announced air entry restrictions for travelers from Central Africa ahead of the World Cup; WHO updates continue as screenings expand at major U.S. airports. Community Health Funding (Houston area): UHCL received a $500,000 grant to expand parent-directed autism treatment via Connecting the Dots, aiming to reduce waitlists for evidence-based care. Safety & Injury (Tyler): A 5-year-old was critically injured in a Tyler apartment shooting; police say an armed suspect remains at large.

Ebola Monitoring: Tarrant County Public Health is screening and monitoring travelers returning from Ebola-affected countries, with the risk described as low and no community spread reported. Child Safety & Substance Exposure: A northwest Austin Montessori school says a 4-year-old was hospitalized after eating a THC-infused lollipop from a birthday goodie bag; officials warn cannabis edibles can be mistaken for candy. Pediatric Transplant Update: Texas Children’s Hospital says 2-year-old Kylie Overfield, who received a rare double-lung transplant in 2024, has died after rejection and adenovirus complications. Mosquito Season Watch: Corpus Christi is seeing higher mosquito activity after recent rains, with vector crews spraying and residents urged to prevent bites. Emergency Care Capacity: UMC Health System in Lubbock opened a new dual helipad to speed critical patient transfers, closing the older single helipad. Public Health Alerts: Doctors warn a viral TikTok challenge has sent teens to ERs for Benadryl overdoses, stressing the risk of cardiac and respiratory arrest. Local Health & Safety: Students were safely rescued after a roller coaster malfunction at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier left riders stranded high above ground.

Hurricane Readiness: Texas Department of Insurance is urging Texans to review wind, flood, and auto coverage and build an evacuation plan as hurricane season kicks off June 1, warning that hot Gulf waters can rapidly intensify storms. Heat Health: Houston officials say ER visits for heat illness have surged 329% since 2019–2023, and the city is activating summer surveillance to target vulnerable residents before the worst hits. Ebola Screening Expansion: JFK is joining other major U.S. airports in public health entry screening for travelers from Ebola-affected parts of Africa, with Houston’s Bush Intercontinental already screening and CDC rerouting flights to designated hubs. Public Safety for Kids: In El Paso, a water-safety guide highlights how quickly drowning can happen and pushes parents to secure access to pools and teach swim survival. Child Welfare Case: Temple police say two children found in a home “smelled like death” were living amid rotting garbage and pests, leading to arrests of two men. Maternal Care Accountability: Texas Medical Board disciplines three doctors for failing pregnant patients, including mishandled miscarriage care and failure to intervene in life-threatening pregnancy situations. Workforce Training: Tyler Junior College received a $325,293 state grant to expand veterinary technology training for East Texas students. Campus Incident: Southwest Texas College reports a student died and another was injured after an incident involving a bucket truck on its Uvalde campus. Household Hazard Disposal: Buna hosts a free hazardous waste and scrap tire collection event Saturday, accepting items like paint, cleaners, batteries, and used oil.

Public Health: A new CDC report on Texas’ 2025 measles outbreak finds 60 hospitalized patients, with nearly 9 in 10 being children and adolescents; most were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, underscoring gaps in protection. Healthcare Access & Safety: Harris Health says it successfully recruited 87 people for a NIH study on treating substance use disorders in primary care, highlighting outpatient care for opioid and stimulant addiction. Medical Accountability: A San Antonio family is demanding answers after a woman died in Bexar County Sheriff’s Office custody, raising questions about the quality of on-site medical care. Texas Health Policy: HHS is awarding $6M to help states pilot predictive analytics in child welfare systems, aiming to improve caseworker decisions and reduce unnecessary foster care placements. Texas Courts: A Texas appellate court tossed a medical malpractice suit over a flawed expert report tied to a catheter wire left in a patient’s leg. Community Health: Texas Health’s mobile unit is set to visit Terrell June 13 for women’s screenings.

Heat & Health: Houston Methodist warns that summer humidity can worsen breathing, strain the heart, and raise heat illness risk—because sweat can’t evaporate well in high dew points—fueling dehydration and even mental health strain. Public Health at World Cup: Mexico, the U.S., and Canada activated an Ebola-focused surveillance plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding airport checks and travel-history reviews for passengers from Central and East Africa while stressing local transmission risk is very low. Medical Training in Rural Texas: Texas A&M School of Medicine’s Rural Campus–Kingsville is expanding clinical rotations for third- and fourth-year students across Coastal Bend and nearby communities to help address physician shortages. Cancer Tech & Care: Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine are joining BrainGate to develop brain-computer interface systems aimed at helping people with tetraplegia eat and drink independently. Food Safety Recall: A beverage recall tied to possible Salmonella contamination has reached 25 states, including Texas, prompting consumers to check product labels. Hospital Quality: Texas Health HEB earned Primary Stroke Center certification, recognizing rapid stroke diagnosis and coordinated emergency response. Community Health Access: Killeen ISD’s Summer Feeding Program starts June 1 with free meals for kids and teens at multiple community sites.

Texas Children’s Hospital Settlement: Texas Children’s Hospital agreed to stop “sex-rejecting” procedures for children and to create a funded “detransition clinic,” after a DOJ and Texas AG deal that also includes $10 million in penalties tied to alleged fraudulent Medicaid billing. Ebola Response in Texas: As the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreads in Central Africa, the White House is reportedly planning to send Americans exposed abroad to a temporary Kenya facility, while Houston officials outline low-risk screening steps at Bush Airport and CDC seeks volunteers for airport screenings. Cancer Screening Update: The American Cancer Society added a blood test to colorectal cancer screening options for average-risk adults 45+ who can’t or won’t do visual or stool tests. Elder Care Fraud Allegations: San Antonio police arrested a nursing assistant accused of exploiting a 79-year-old Alzheimer’s patient by using her debit card for personal purchases. Public Health & Wellness: Baylor College of Medicine shared pool-workout tips for summer, highlighting joint-friendly aquatic exercise. Sports Medicine/Access: Texas lawmakers held hearings on what’s driving high healthcare and insurance costs, with attention on drug pricing.

Long COVID Update: New Mass General Brigham research suggests long COVID may affect about 1 in 6 patients—roughly double prior estimates—highlighting how many cases may be missed when surveillance relies on diagnostic codes. Ebola Response: The White House says it’s setting up a “state-of-the-art” Ebola care facility in Kenya for Americans exposed in outbreak regions, aiming to speed access to quarantine and treatment. Texas Health Policy: Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a third straight freeze on undergraduate tuition at Texas public colleges and universities through 2026-27, including health-related institutions. Foster Care Capacity: Texas is joining the federal “A Home for Every Child” initiative to recruit and retain more licensed foster homes and kinship placements, targeting a home-to-child ratio above 1:1. ACA Pressure: A KFF analysis finds North Carolina saw the biggest ACA enrollment drop, with higher deductibles likely hitting people who remain in coverage. Local Safety: A helicopter crash near Texas Motor Speedway sent two people to hospitals, and a fatal stabbing in Corpus Christi left one dead with two others hospitalized.