Kona Low Environmental Monitoring Finds E. coli and Salmonella in Floodwater

The Hawaii Department of Health released preliminary environmental monitoring results from the Kona Low storm recovery. Samples collected from floodwater, mud, and sediment at four sites detected E. coli, Enterococcus, and Salmonella bacteria. Hepatitis A was not detected. Testing for additional pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani, and Leptospira is still pending. The DOH confirms existing precautions remain appropriate.

Annette Mente - AMCHP Leadership Award Recipient

The Hawaii Department of Health announced Annette Mente as the 2026 recipient of the AMCHP Excellence in State Maternal and Child Health Leadership Award. The award recognizes her more than 25 years of leadership in strengthening Hawaii's maternal and child health system, including her role as FHSD Title V planner and health equity initiatives.

RAW FARM Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese Recall - E. coli O157:H7

The Hawaii Department of Health issued an alert regarding a RAW FARM recall of Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese products due to potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Seven products are affected, including shredded and block varieties in various sizes with expiration dates through September 2026. Nine illnesses have been reported nationally linked to these products.

Ahmad A. v. Kimberly A. - Domestic Violence Protective Order Appeal

The WV Supreme Court affirmed the denial of Ahmad A.'s appeal challenging a 90-day domestic violence protective order (DVPO) issued against him by the Mercer County Family Court. The appellate court upheld the finding that Ahmad created fear of physical harm through alleged threats to take his son to Jordan without the mother's consent, satisfying the evidentiary standard for DVPO issuance under W. Va. Code § 48-27-202(3).

Metabolomic profiling cardiomyopathy patients ventricular arrhythmias completed study

The National Library of Medicine registered a completed clinical study (NCT07507539) on ClinicalTrials.gov examining metabolomic profiling in cardiomyopathy patients with ventricular arrhythmias. The study was conducted to identify metabolic biomarkers associated with ventricular arrhythmias in cardiomyopathy patients. This is an informational registry entry documenting completed research activity.

Federal AI Procurement OTA Consortia Integrity Risks and Reforms

The ABA Public Contract Law Journal published an analysis of federal AI procurement through Other Transaction Authority (OTA) consortia, finding that current consortia-based models prioritize speed over integrity safeguards. The article identifies governance gaps including opacity, limited oversight, and potential conflicts of interest that undermine competition and transparency in federal acquisition.

Women Face Challenges Making Partner in Law Firms

The American Bar Association published an informational article exploring challenges women face in achieving partnership at law firms. The piece, framed as a mentorship dialogue, discusses how caregiving responsibilities during peak partnership-track years and gender-based bias in perceptions of confidence and competence create incremental obstacles. No regulatory requirements or compliance obligations are established.

Defense of AMS Flexibility, Efficiency, and FAA Procurement Needs

This ABA Public Contract Law Journal article argues that the FAA's Acquisition Management System (AMS) is superior to the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) for the FAA's unique procurement needs. The Note analyzes how the AMS, created in 1996 to replace the FAR for FAA acquisitions, provides necessary flexibility and efficiency for life-cycle management of the National Airspace System (NAS), including the NextGen modernization initiative and ATC modernization efforts.

Modern Distortion Index for State Enterprise Procurement Bias

The ABA Journal of Public Contract Law published an academic Note proposing the Modern Distortion Index (MDI), a new quantitative framework for measuring competitive distortions caused by state-influenced enterprises in international procurement markets under the WTO Government Procurement Agreement. The framework integrates antitrust metrics including the Adjusted Herfindahl-Hirschman Index and Lerner Index to assess concentration, pricing power, and state influence.

Federal AI Procurement Prioritizes Speed Over Integrity Safeguards

The ABA Public Contract Law Section published an analysis examining how federal AI procurement policies create corruption vulnerabilities. The article warns that agencies are acquiring opaque AI systems without adequate transparency, audit rights, or testing requirements, leaving 'regulation by contract' as the primary safeguard mechanism. Practical recommendations are offered for agencies to implement within existing authorities.