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Mapping birth control access: Dataset captures 12-year state policy trends
Explore how state laws on birth control mandates, 12-month prescription refills and pharmacist prescribing vary across the U.S. in a post-Dobbs landscape.
Reproductive Rights Left on the Table: Senator Cappelletti Reflects on Unfinished Business as Legislative Session Concludes
Harrisburg – October 30, 2026 – The Pennsylvania Senate recessed last Wednesday, October 22, with only two additional session days scheduled through the end of the 2026-2027 legislative session. As the chamber recessed—currently controlled by Republicans—the Senate left hundreds of bills on the table, including several that would advance reproductive freedoms in the Commonwealth. Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17, Delaware/Montgomery) said many of these state-level protections are critical for Pennsylvanians as Republicans in Washington continue to dismantle the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. “Wrapping up this legislative session and looking ahead to next Tuesday, access to abortion care is at the very top of my mind. I’m deeply disturbed that the majority party in our chamber was once again unwilling to come to the table and move lifesaving legislation that would protect basic healthcare in Pennsylvania,” said Senator Cappelletti, who served as the Director of Policy for Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates prior to her time in the legislature. Senator Cappelletti has proposed several bills to address reproductive healthcare, and three proposals to protect abortion care were left on the table for the third session in a row since she introduced them. On November 30, 2026, all legislative proposals not signed into law […]
How a Secret Vote by U.N. Scientists Legitimized Carbon Capture and Skewed Decades of Climate Policy
A U.N. report concluded carbon capture could offset fossil fuels’ effect on climate change. Two decades later, the process has failed to meaningfully scale up, and it’s proving hard to take the promises back.
PHP2Shell shutdowns test cyber policy triggers
Marsh Re says precautionary outages, not breaches, are driving early losses
The health care issues STAT reporters are watching in the midterms
In this week's "STATus Report," STAT reporters break down how the midterms could shape federal health and science policy, and an El-Sayed interview.
Scientific advisory committees dominate emergency science-policy advice, review finds
A scoping review of 87 studies found that formal Scientific Advisory Committees dominated science-policy interaction during public health emergencies, while informal practices and committees played crucial but underexplored roles.
Science for an ambitious implementation of the BBNJ Agreement
On 30 September 2026, the members of the BBNJ High Ambition Coalition convened online under the theme 'Science for High Ambition: Strengthening the Science-Policy Interface for Effective Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement'.
Business community gathers for energy panel as anti-merger protesters rally outside
The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce regularly invites regional policymakers and business leaders for panel discussions at the Belmont Country Club in Belmont, but those breakfasts rarely attract protesters.
Longtime Autodesk Lawyer Takes GC Post at Business Software Alliance
Dana Steele joins BSA after nearly two decades at Autodesk, taking a legal leadership role at an influential trade association representing enterprise software companies as the industry navigates rapidly evolving AI and cybersecurity policy, amongst other risks.
Opinion: Laying the Foundation for NYC's Small Business Renaissance
"If we want a small business renaissance, we have to stop treating empty storefronts as acceptable collateral damage of financial regulatory happenstance and start seeing them for what they are: a policy choice."
Recalling health policy giant Bob Blendon | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
At an event celebrating the life of the late Bob Blendon, former colleagues and students recalled him as brilliant, caring, and quirky.
Hegseth fires the Pentagon's top military planner even as Trump considers new Iran strikes
Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was the second general under Hegseth to be removed as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Commentary: Science shapes Michigan policy. Voters deserve to know candidates’ views.
Policy decisions do not happen in isolation, nor are they confined to Capitol Hill or Lansing. Decisions made across all levels of government directly affect Michiganders’ health and livelihoods. From monitoring our food supply to protecting drinking water, scientists help governments identify risks, evaluate possible responses, and decide what actions to take. Recent events in […]
Commentary: Science shapes Michigan policy. Voters deserve to know candidates’ views.
Policy decisions do not happen in isolation, nor are they confined to Capitol Hill or Lansing. Decisions made across all levels of government directly affect Michiganders’ health and livelihoods. From...
Notes from the IAPP Europe: Digital Omnibus progress, health data and online scams and fraud
Recent EU policy developments include the Council of the EU's adoption of its negotiating position on the Digital Omnibus package, progress on implementing the European Health Data Space and increased Digital Services enforcement.
Nations accused of undermining science at UN nature talks
Political tensions are mounting in the final days of the United Nations biodiversity talks with a handful of countries accused of trying to weaken the science that underpins global nature policy.
Nations accused of undermining science at UN nature talks
Political tensions are mounting in the final days of the United Nations biodiversity talks with a handful of countries accused of trying to weaken the science that underpins global nature policy.Nearl...
PODCAST: Keeping Native capital flowing through political change
Native CDFIs finance homes, support small businesses and create jobs. Keeping capital flowing into their communities also requires a voice in the policy decisions that shape federal funding and bank investment. In a new episode of Difference Makers 3.0, Native CDFI Network CEO Pete Upton and policy consultant Ian Record join host Brian Edwards to […]
PODCAST: Keeping Native capital flowing through political change
Native CDFIs finance homes, support small businesses and create jobs. Keeping capital flowing into their communities also requires a voice in the policy decisions that shape federal funding and bank investment. In a new episode of Difference Makers 3.0, Native CDFI Network CEO Pete Upton and policy consultant Ian Record join host Brian Edwards to […]
The Israel debate reshaping Jewish American politics
“There are plenty of people who believe, as I do, that Israel has a right to protect itself,” says David to Lauren, both pictured below, over the dinner table. Subscribe “How does starving children protect Israel?” she replies. “I don’t think Israel is intentionally starving children.” “It’s a little bit absurd to be sitting here talking about all of these very specific things,” Lauren says, “as opposed to looking at the totality of him as a candidate, and the 90% of things that you agree with him on.” This is a snapshot from a conversation between a Jewish father and daughter in Michigan ahead of the crucial Senate race. Lauren supports the Democratic candidate, Abdul El-Sayed. Her father is undecided. That is mainly because of El-Sayed’s stance on Israel, one that mirrors a growing wing of the party that has become critical of the US-Israel relationship following the war in Gaza. You’re reading FourSight, a newsletter from Channel 4 News’ expert journalists explaining the complexities of the biggest global stories Could that alienate Jewish American voters who have a strong connection to Israel - and the majority of whom have voted Democratic? A shifting stance on Israel “An ally that takes your money to push you into wars you shouldn’t be fighting is not an ally,” El-Sayed recently told ABC News, referring to the Iran war and how some Americans believe that Israel pushed President Trump into the conflict. Foreign policy has become an economic issue that’s hitting Americans’ pockets, with the soaring cost of petrol and diesel. El-Sayed, pictured below, has opposed military aid for Israel and accused the nation of genocide in Gaza. That led to the pro-Israel lobby group, AIPAC, funding his opponent, Hayley Stevens, to the tune of $30m during the Democratic primary here. “I frequently criticise AIPAC because I think the way that they are pouring dollars into defeating Abdul and others around the country… is really corrosive to American democracy,” Brad Lander says at a canvassing event in Detroit. Lander, a Jewish Democratic congressional candidate in New York, is an ally of Mayor Zohran Mamdani and has come to campaign for El-Sayed. “Democrats and Americans don’t want to keep paying for Netanyahu’s wars,” he says. “They want a reset in the US relationship with Israel.” The 2026 election has clearly been a bruising one for AIPAC; the Wall Street Journal reported that, in an unpublished letter, the group described the cycle as one of the “most challenging environments in recent memory”. Share And significantly, after the midterms, the group will stop direct contributions to candidates through one of its political action committees. Voters’ concerns We followed a group of Jewish canvassers around one suburb in Detroit. They think that among the 130,000 Jewish voters in Michigan, between 20 and 30,000 are undecided. In a swing state where El-Sayed beat his primary rival by just 13,000, that could prove pivotal. We meet one voter, Jen Friedman, pictured below, who has a “Democrats for Rogers” sign, referring to the Republican candidate. The issue of Israel is very important to her because “having a safe haven is crucial”, she tells me. “What I see is one candidate, Mike Rogers, who is associating himself with people who are very proudly American,” says Jen. “Abdul, on the other hand, is associating with people who say they are anti-American.” Friedman raises two issues. Firstly, Hasan Piker, a left-wing streamer who has campaigned alongside El-Sayed and has been criticised for his comments on the US and Israel. [ ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/who-is-hasan-piker-the-socialist) [ Why Hasan Piker thinks the US needs a socialist Trump ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/who-is-hasan-piker-the-socialist) Anushka Asthana · Aug 19 [ Read full story ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/who-is-hasan-piker-the-socialist) The other concern regards an attack on a Michigan synagogue back in March. The FBI said the man was inspired by Hezbollah and had lost relatives in an Israeli airstrike on Lebanon. El-Sayed condemned the antisemitic attack, but also said “hurt people hurt people”. That upset many here, with El-Sayed apologising numerous times for his choice of language. Jews for Abdul As we follow the canvassers, there are still plenty of lawn signs supporting El-Sayed. Elissa Driker, pictured below, runs out of her house wearing a “Jews for Abdul” t-shirt. “I feel like the values that Abdul has align with how I live my Judaism,” she tells me. She says “Abdul is not Hasan Piker, so I don’t conflate them”. I ask why Piker keeps coming up. “It gets weaponised. I don’t know if you watched the debate the other night, but talk about… weaponising fear and weaponising anxiety and all that Islamophobic dog-whistling that was coming towards Abdul.” I also talk to Elissa about how Americans more broadly appear to be questioning the US-Israel relationship and whether American Jews were ready to do that too. “A lot of American Jews are. My experience is absolutely the tide is turning.” For the first time, Gallup found this year that Americans now sympathise more with the Palestinians than the Israelis. In another poll of Jewish American voters, 65% said they were pro-Israel but also critical of Israeli government policies, 52% support cutting or eliminating aid to Israel. Father and daughter Back at the dinner table, I bring up those polls with David Fink. Why does he think Americans sympathise less with Israelis? [ ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/how-support-for-israel-in-us-is-declining) [ How support for Israel in US is declining ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/how-support-for-israel-in-us-is-declining) Kiran Moodley · May 4 [ Read full story ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/how-support-for-israel-in-us-is-declining) “Because the news media and the extremes of both parties are so willing to tell what I think is a false narrative.” Lauren chimes in: “Do you really think the actions of Israel have nothing to do with the shift in the sympathies?” “I think that’s very relevant,” he replies. “I just don’t think that people really have a full understanding.” Lauren again: “It sounds like you’re saying that the shift is due to how the atrocities are being described, as opposed to what the actual atrocities are.” “There have been some things that shouldn’t have happened,” David says. “I think the polling is being driven by politicians who are taking advantage of this issue.” Lauren then asks, “I’m curious what your response would be if my children were killed in an Israeli airstrike and someone said there have been some things that shouldn’t have happened?” A long pause from her father. “Any reference to my grandchildren has a very deep emotional impact on me. Well done,” he says. “I have an empathy for any civilian in war and I don’t mean to belittle those losses. The loss of any one life is a horrible thing. But it doesn’t make it a war crime and it doesn’t make it genocide.” Lauren and David cannot agree but tell me how proud they are of one another for sticking to their convictions and for agreeing to let me sit in on their conversation. I cannot thank them enough for their time, and hope their honesty informs and educates many people during such a fraught election. Abdul El-Sayed: The candidate testing the US - Israel relationship Thanks for reading our latest FourSight newsletter. Subscribe to receive free weekly newsletters from Channel 4 News. Subscribe Share Channel 4 News Leave a comment
Patrick’s Politics: You can’t afford to vote Republican
Rising inflation and sky-high gas prices. Blatant mismanagement of foreign policy. A fading president losing his grip on reality. These were all attacks used by Republicans against former President…
Providence investment policy should be based on fiduciary principles, not politics
City investments are not the appropriate instrument for conducting foreign policy, writes the head of the Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative, who urges Providence voters to reject Question 7, the Human Rights Divestment Ordinance.
Top U.S. Health Official Backed a Medication Policy Shift That Benefited a Company She Has Stock In
Alicia Jackson endorsed a key FDA policy change on hormone replacement therapies while holding at least $115,000 in stock in a company providing access to menopause treatments. Ethics experts called her endorsement an “obvious conflict of interest.”
Global Health & WASH
The US National Institutes of Health reopened its center and program-project machinery in force. NIGMS is funding Collaborative Program Grants for interdisciplinary teams, NIAID opened both its Immune Tolerance Network and a next-generation R&D call, the NCI runs its Carcinogen Hazard Assessment Monographs program, the National Library of Medicine is funding institutional training in biomedical AI and data science, and NIH reopened its Centers for AIDS Research. The tell: these pay for standing centers and multi-year consortia at institutions with an existing funded research base, not one-off projects, so the fit is an established US research institution, not a single investigator. Disease-specific foundations are again funding the researcher, not just the research. The Parkinson’s Foundation opened its Paul Oreffice Innovations in Care Award and the National Ataxia Foundation its Research Seed Money Grant. The tell, the same one we flagged last cycle, is a named early-career or seed award that builds a pipeline of scientists committed to one condition, so what wins is a researcher willing to specialize. The post-USAID global-health money is routing through a State Department program statement and multilateral innovation funds. The US Department of State’s Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy opened its Advancing Global Health Annual Program Statement, Grand Challenges Canada opened Nexa Lighthouse for climate and health innovation in Asia and the Pacific at USD $250,000 to $2,000,000, and CEPI opened a rolling call on vaccine-manufacturing analytics. The tell: the largest health money this cycle sits in a standing program statement and in staged innovation vehicles, not in a single bilateral grant. Total Estimated Funding Pool: ~$35.4M across discrete grants. (Separately, large national-formula envelopes not counted in this total: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD).) This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities. Subscribe To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer pay what you can rates. You can find more details here. New opportunities: Paul Oreffice Innovations in Care Award, Parkinson’s Foundation. *New!* *Closing soon!* The Parkinson’s Foundation created the Paul Oreffice Innovations in Care Award to fund clinicians rethinking how people with Parkinson’s disease receive care. The Foundation is using pilot funding to move promising ideas into testable projects, backing work across four lanes: strengthening community clinician capability, redesigning care models, building patient-centered technologies, and defining the minimum clinical datasets that make better standards possible. It wants hypothesis-driven, clinically grounded projects that can generate evidence strong enough to attract further funding. By opening the door to clinicians at every career stage and strongly preferring projects that involve people with Parkinson’s in their design, the Foundation signals that it values practical, patient-shaped innovation over prestige. The strongest fits are US-licensed clinicians with a focus on Parkinson’s and an institutional home for applied care research. Geographies: united states. Who can apply: Clinicians of all career stages, from fellows to established faculty, who are licensed to care for patients in the United States and have a significant focus on Parkinson’s disease. Physicians must have completed a neurology residency (or justify how their training pathway benefits people with PD); allied health professionals must hold an advanced degree, typically a PhD. Fellows, those in mentored positions, and those within two years of starting an independent position require a mentor and a mentor support letter. The sponsoring institution’s grants office is the authorized recipient and funds are disbursed to the institution. Funding amount: Maximum of $200,000 over two years; up to three awards. Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Health; Innovation; Science & Technology. Deadline: November 1, 2026. Learn more and apply here. Design and Deliver the Next EIT Health Bootcamps, EIT Health. *New!* *Closing soon!* EIT Health is opening its call for consortia to design and deliver the next generation of its health start-up bootcamps, funding the curriculum, masterclasses, mentoring, and investor engagement that turn early health ventures into fundable companies. The organization is using these learning paths to strengthen Europe’s health innovation pipeline across digital health evidence, deep tech and AI commercialization, cross-border investment, and patient access. What EIT Health wants to back is not a single course but durable delivery capacity built by partners who span industry, education, and research. Requiring multi-country consortia and a revenue-sharing stake in the programs signals that EIT Health expects these bootcamps to outlast the grant. The strongest fits are established training providers, universities, and industry partners with proven reach into health entrepreneurs. Geographies: Europe. Who can apply: Consortia only (individuals cannot apply), comprising a minimum of two and a maximum of five independent legal entities. Partners must cover at least two sides of the Knowledge Triangle (industry, education, research), including at least one industry organisation, and at least two entities must be legally established in different Horizon Europe countries. Funding amount: Foundational Learning Path: up to EUR €112,000; Thematic Learning Paths: up to EUR €124,500 per path (up to four thematic projects); up to EUR €610,000 total EIT Health funding available under the call. Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Health; Innovation; Science & Technology; Economic Development & Livelihoods. Deadline: November 2, 2026. Learn more and apply here. Technology Transfer Offices & Entrepreneurship Support Call (Beyond the Lab: From Research to Venture), EIT Health. *New!* *Closing soon!* EIT Health is opening its Technology Transfer Offices and Entrepreneurship Support Call to fund consortia that will deliver the Beyond the Lab: From Research to Venture program for healthcare researchers. EIT Health is using the grant to build local capacity for turning laboratory science into incorporated start-ups, paying experienced technology transfer offices and entrepreneurship support providers to run masterclasses, structured mentoring, and a closing Pitch Day across two cohorts. It wants to back organizations that can walk researchers from discovery to company formation, not just teach theory. Requiring two transfer offices plus one venture-building provider signals that EIT Health values proven commercialization experience alongside academic reach. The strongest fits are European research-commercialization teams with a track record of moving health innovations toward investable ventures. Geographies: Europe. Who can apply: A consortium of two Technology Transfer Offices (representing higher education institutions or research organisations) and one Entrepreneurship Support Provider with demonstrated experience in venture building and start-up support. Applicants may apply for more than one learning path where they can demonstrate the required expertise and capacity for each. Funding amount: Up to EUR €77,000 in 2027 and up to EUR €77,000 in 2028 (up to EUR €154,000 total per consortium over two years). Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Health; Innovation; Science & Technology; Economic Development & Livelihoods. Deadline: November 2, 2026. Learn more and apply here. EIT Health RIS Country Representatives Call (2027-2028), EIT Health. *New!* *Closing soon!* EIT Health is seeking organizations to serve as Country Representatives across eleven Regional Innovation Scheme countries in central and eastern Europe for the 2027 to 2028 period. The money funds a national anchor in each country, an organization that maps the local health innovation ecosystem, connects startups and researchers to EIT Health programs, and builds the stakeholder relationships that let health ventures grow. EIT Health is backing local capacity rather than individual projects, which is why it accepts both single organizations and national consortia that span education, research, and industry. The requirement for co-financing signals that it wants representatives already embedded in their national systems. The strongest fits are established ecosystem builders with deep ties to health innovation stakeholders in one eligible country. Geographies: Croatia; Czech Republic; Estonia; Greece; Hungary; Latvia; Malta; Romania; Serbia; Slovenia; Turkey. Who can apply: Registered legal entities established in one of the eligible EIT RIS countries. Single organisations or national consortia may apply. Consortia must include at least two sides of the Knowledge Triangle (education, research and industry), and all consortium partners must be established in the same eligible country. Suitable applicants have demonstrated experience in healthcare innovation ecosystem development, innovation support and entrepreneurship, start-up acceleration, technology transfer, research and higher education, business support, and stakeholder engagement, with strong links to national innovation stakeholders. Funding amount: Up to EUR €182,000 per Country Representative (maximum funding per project); total call budget up to EUR €1,274,500; EIT Health funds up to 60% of total eligible project costs. Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Health; Innovation; Science & Technology; Economic Development & Livelihoods. Deadline: November 2, 2026. Learn more and apply here. Architects of Trust: Community-Driven Demand Creation for New TB Vaccines, Treatment Action Group (TAG). *New!* *Closing soon!* Treatment Action Group, with funding from Wellcome, is opening its Architects of Trust call to help communities prepare for the new tuberculosis vaccines now moving through late-stage trials. The money backs civil society and community-based organizations to raise awareness, surface local questions and concerns, and press policymakers toward equitable national rollout. By pairing each grantee with an advocacy mentor and running a strategy workshop alongside the Global TB Vaccine Forum, Treatment Action Group is building a durable advocacy bench rather than funding one-off outreach. The two-stage design, starting with a short expression of interest, signals that fit and community rootedness matter more than polished proposals. The strongest fits are locally trusted groups with real TB, immunization, or health advocacy experience and a committed project lead. Geographies: Brazil; Ethiopia; India; Indonesia; Kenya; Malawi; Mozambique; Nigeria; Peru; Philippines; South Africa; Tanzania; Vietnam; Zambia. Who can apply: National, subnational, or regional civil society organizations (CSOs) or community-based organizations based in one of the 14 eligible countries or in Eastern Europe/Central Asia regional networks, with experience in TB, immunization, or other health advocacy and in community engagement or policy advocacy; well integrated into stakeholder networks with membership or affiliation to other CSO or community networks; naming a dedicated project lead (’architect of trust’) who can attend the April 2027 Zaragoza forum in person; and holding (or committing to adopt) organizational policies on safeguarding (bullying, harassment, abuse, and harm), equity, diversity and inclusion, and legal compliance, research practice and governance. Funding amount: Grants of up to US$45,000 will be awarded to 8 CSO partners across 14 high-TB-burden countries plus regional networks in Eastern Europe and Central Asia; each grant funds 12 months of work. Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Health; Governance; Policy & Advocacy. Deadline: November 4, 2026. Learn more and apply here.
‘Took care of his business’ – Chiefs coach Andy Reid defends controversial Justin Tucker signing
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid had to face the media fire after the team signed kicker Justin Tucker to the practice squad. Tucker was suspended by the NFL without pay for the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season under the personal conduct policy for allegations of inappropriate conduct during massage sessions between 2012 and 2016 while on the Baltimore Ravens.
Gallup: Economy, Health Care and Iran Top Voter Concerns Ahead of Midterms
The economy, healthcare, and the war in Iran rank highest in importance to U.S. voters ahead of this week's midterms, according to the latest Gallup poll. With the election five days away, voter responses reflect pushback against President Donald Trump's economic platform and foreign policy agenda.
Good reasons, bad politics surrounding third Trump impeachment
A coalition of right-wing organizations and activists is lobbying the White House to grant mass pardons to junior staffers in the administration. “A pardon for all junior administration personnel is viewed as unlikely,” one source told the Washington Sun, “but the president could issue blanket pardons for all employees involved in particular policy areas, such […]
BOBBY BURACK: Justin Tucker signing exposes sports media’s selective outrage over NFL misconduct
Justin Tucker's practice squad signing sparked fierce criticism, but Andy Reid and the Chiefs face questions about the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Apple breaks with longtime MacBook policy, introduces touchscreen laptops at higher prices
Apple is changing its longtime approach to MacBook design with the introduction of touchscreen models carrying higher starting prices than their predecessors.
Warsh Says Politics Played No Role in Fed's Rate Decision by Group He Is 'Honored' to Lead
By Howard Schneider and Ann Saphir WASHINGTON, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh on Wednesday said he is "honored" to lead the central bank's policymakers and said politics played no role in their decision to skip a rate hike, rebutting at least indirectly President Donald ...
AP report: FDA scientists opposed the Trump administration's move to ease peptides access
A plan to give people in the United States easier access to unproven peptide drugs favored by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was opposed by most Food and Drug Administration scientific staff members, who had limited input in drafting the policy, according to six people familiar with its development.
Health Secretary Kennedy opens access to some unapproved peptides
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday pushed forward a policy allowing licensed pharmacies and physicians to compound certain unapproved peptides.
Call For New WHO Instrument To Address Climate-Driven Global Health Emergency
A decade after the Paris Agreement took effect, climate-related heat, drought, floods, disease and dirty air are killing millions. The authors of a major
Looming Medicaid cuts will increase burden for Colorado patients, advocates say
Patients and family members who rely on Medicaid fear impending cuts to public healthcare coverage under federal policy changes.
FDA scientists opposed the Trump administration’s move to ease peptides access
A plan to give people in the United States easier access to unproven peptide drugs favored by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was opposed by most Food and Drug Administration scientific staff members, who had limited input in drafting the policy, according to six people familiar with its development.
RFK Jr. plans to make these 6 unapproved peptides available for temporary sale
The Trump administration published a draft policy for widening access to controversial peptides while federal officials continue to hammer out permanent rules for the products.
Federal Reserve makes interest rate decision ahead of midterms
Federal Reserve policymakers left interest rates unchanged at their October meeting ahead of next week's midterm elections while inflation remains elevated.
FDA scientists opposed the Trump administration\'s move to ease peptides access
Food and Drug Administration scientists didn't support a new policy by President Donald Trump's administration to loosen rules on unproven peptide drugs. That's according to people familiar with the policy’s
NPI awarded National Institutes of Health grant to evaluate implementation of California’s Recess for All law
California law mandates that public elementary and charter schools provide at least 30 minutes of recess time each school day as of school year 2024-25. Implementation was required by California Senate Bill 291, also known as Recess for All, which passed on October 13, 2023 under the leadership of State Senator Josh Newman (D-29). Nutrition Policy Institute director and cooperative extension specialist, Hannah R. Thompson, alongside her colleague Rebecca A.
MMHLA’s Technology Council: Meet the Companies Innovating in the Maternal Mental Health Field — Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance: MMHLA
The Technology Council is a forum for technology companies in the maternal mental health sector to partner with the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) in supporting education, awareness, and policy solutions that advance our shared mission to promote the mental health of mothers an
FDA scientists opposed the Trump administration's effort to ease peptides access
WASHINGTON (AP) — A plan to give Americans easier access to unproven peptide drugs favored by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was opposed by most Food and Drug Administration scientific staff members, who had limited input in drafting the policy, according to six people familiar with the p...
Gevorg Tamamyan: Paediatric Oncologist, System Builder, Transregional Nominee - And A Test For Geneva’s Entrenched Machinery?
Dr Gevorg Tamamyan, an Armenian paediatric oncologist and professor at Yerevan State Medical University, has joined the race for WHO Director-General under a unique cross-regional nomination by the Republic of Botswana. Entering a competitive field of seven candidates as a clinician-academic and the youngest contender (born in 1987), his candidacy introduces a distinct frontline perspective to the 2027-2032 election.
BREAKING: Global Fund Appoints Mark Dybul As Executive Director Amid Mandate And Funding Challenges
Former Global Fund Executive Director Mark Dybul returns to the helm in Geneva facing an unprecedented $5.36 billion funding gap, fraught domestic transitions, and mounting demands to overhaul the global health architecture. While experts welcome his track record, balancing transatlantic rivalries with rising country sovereignty will demand delicate diplomacy and an updated playbook.
Abbott changes policies as political winds shift
Greg Abbott's policy reversals come as polling shows a close race with Democrat Gina Hinojosa.
Public Health Leaders and Scholars File Amicus Brief Challenging CMS Medicaid Work Requirement Rule in Taylor v. Kennedy
The American Public Health Association, Grantmakers In Health, the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health’s Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health and National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership, Liberty Health Alliance and 167 public health and health policy deans, chairs and scholars have filed an amicus curiae brief supporting the plaintiffs in Taylor v. Kennedy, a lawsuit challenging a federal Medicaid rule that they argue unlawfully narrows protections for p
General Lost Profits Analysis Versus Insured Business Interruption Loss Analysis
Forensic accountants often perform similar analyses for lost profits and business interruption claims, but while lost profits analysis aims to measure total economic harm from wrongful conduct, business interruption analysis determines recoverable losses under specific insurance policy terms—often resulting in different damage amounts due to coverage limitations, waiting periods, and restoration period restrictions.
National Academy of Medicine’s 2026 Annual Meeting (Scientific Symposium on Chronic Disease)
KFF Founding President and CEO Dr. Drew Altman delivered the Victor J. Dzau Keynote Address at the National Academy of Medicine’s 2026 Annual Meeting (Scientific Symposium on Chronic Disease) on October 10, 2026, where he described the big challenges ahead in health policy, and where chronic illness fits.
GW Law Hosts Senator Bill Cassidy for Lawmakers in Health Event
Senator Cassidy participated in a fireside chat with GW Law Professor and Co-Director of the Health Law and Policy Program Barak Richman.
Purplish: Israel-Gaza violence rattles Colorado Democratic politics, will protests and primary wins prompt policy change?
Israel’s military actions in Gaza have motivated a portion of the Democratic base to demand a policy shift. Some worry the focus on Israel drowns out other priorities and fuels antisemitism.
Board to vote on whether Wisconsin DNR can craft new pesticide regulations
The policy-setting board for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is set to vote Wednesday on whether the agency can begin crafting groundwater standards for roughly two dozen pesticides.
Why Crypto Still Has Little Power in Latin American’s Politics and Elections
Millions use crypto across Latin America, yet the industry struggles to influence elections and policy. Why hasn't adoption translated into political power?
Meeting emission targets is policy, not science, professor tells youth climate trial
VANCOUVER - A professor has told Canada's first youth-led climate trial that while science can inform the emission reductions needed to meet targets, how that is achieved is a matter
NASA Leaders Visit Morehead State to Highlight Space Science Excellence
Morehead State University's growing impact in space science and aerospace education drew national attention as university leaders welcomed top NASA officials and federal policymakers to campus. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen and U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers visited Morehead State on Monday, Oct. 26, to highlight the University's Space Science Center, its partnership with NASA and its contributions to preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers and space professionals. For more than two decades, Morehead State has built a nationally recognized space science program that combines classroom learning with hands-on participation in real-world aerospace projects. MSU has developed significant capabilities in satellite tracking, mission operations and space systems engineering through its work with NASA and commercial aerospace partners. Learn about Space Systems Engineering at MSU by contacting Space Science Center Executive Director Dr. Ben Malphrus at b.malphrus@moreheadstate.edu or calling 606-783-2212.
Midterm Election Update: Immigrant Health Policy
Immigration restrictions and enforcement are central to the Trump administration’s domestic agenda and a focus of debate in the 2026 midterm elections. These policies have ripple effects on health care: immigration-related fears are leading some immigrant families to avoid medical care and drop coverage, including for U.S. citizen children, and visa restrictions could strain a health care workforce that relies on immigrants. Federal law has also narrowed eligibility for health coverage among lawfully present immigrants, and states are responding in different ways.
UNAIDS Board Rejects ‘Sunsetting’, Opting Instead For Transformation
The UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) has rejected the proposal by the United Nations Secretary-General that it is “sunsetted” by the end of this
Trump’s Ukraine Moves and Middle East Tensions Have Europe on Edge Ahead of Elections
As Americans head to the polls, many people in both Europe and the Middle East are on edge, wondering how the midterm elections may shape U.S. foreign policy in the weeks and months to come. While much of the attention domestically has focused on fuel prices and the cost of living, President Donald ...
Big Fix: Money in Politics
We discuss how dark money shapes policy, how to curb pay-to-play corruption, and how to limit the influence of billionaire donors.
Michigan Senate Race Drives Anxiety Among Jewish and Muslim Voters
More than elsewhere in the country, U.S. policy toward Israel is at the forefront of the race between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed.
Song Li: Maternal And Primary Health Leader, Beijing Veteran - And A Test Case For Post-US Multilateralism?
Who will steer the World Health Organization through its next chapter? Explore Health Policy Watch’s daily series examining the platforms, records, and
Southold Wants Feedback from Local Businesses
The Southold Town Economic Development Committee launched its first Annual Business Survey this week, asking all local business owners—from agriculture and marine trades to retail and hospitality—to provide critical feedback that will shape the town's economic policy for years to come. Take the Survey The Economic Development Committee (EDC) was created by the town in
New framework helps Public Health Scotland in managing risks of private-sector engagement
Public Health Scotland (PHS) has developed a policy framework that makes collaboration with the private sector a clear and transparent process. The framework is a tool that helps Scottish health authorities make informed decisions and determine how and when to engage or not engage with commercial actors and reduce the risk of conflicts of interest.
Scientists video REM-like sleep in Australian jumping spider species
The most comprehensive study of its kind confirms that jumping spiders go through two phases of sleep, including a REM-like state that is associated with human dreaming.
Cook County Public Health Reminds Families to Get Their Children Tested for Lead - Cook County Department of Public Health
In recognition of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 25-31, Cook County Department of Public Health is bringing increased attention to Illinois’ new universal childhood blood lead testing law and lead dangers. The new state lead testing requirements, which took effect July 1, 2026, require all children to receive blood lead tests at ages 12 months and 24 months, regardless of where they live. Also, children 6 years old and younger must receive a lead exposure risk assessment through a questionnaire administered by a healthcare provider.
UH Mānoa launches new Center for Ocean Policy, bridging science and law
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is launching a new Center for Ocean Policy, partnering its law school and oceanography department with support from The Healy Foundation to address pressing marine and climate challenges through interdisciplinary education, research, and policy advocacy.
Epic Games CEO calls Steam's AI disclosure policies "a political act"
CEO of Epic Games, Tim Sweeney, has once again slammed Steam's AI disclosure policy, calling the company's position on …
Skydance gives 5 day RTO order, offers buyouts
Skydance CEO David Ellison and co-CEO Ynon Kreiz are implementing a five-day RTO policy. Read the memo to employees.
What Do the Midterm Election Results Mean for Health Care?
On November 5 at Noon ET, join KFF for a special post-election discussion and live podcast taping on these topics and more. KFF experts and journalists will provide analysis and insights about what the election results could mean for health policy and take audience questions. Part of the discussion will focus on public opinion survey data on how voters weighed health care as they went to the polls nationally and in the four states with abortion-related ballot initiatives.
Menopause Legislation and Hearing Highlights
Recent menopause legislation and hearing emphasize the scale of the issue, plus a bipartisan focus on research, health care, and public health.
Selecting WHO Director-General: The Job Nobody Has Described (Part II)
The World Health Assembly (WHA) will choose WHO’s ninth Director-General next May without having defined the job. Part I of this analysis sought to learn
D. C. Circuit Review: Reviewed – Some unfinished business
The D. C. Circuit published two opinions last week in cases that were argued last term. Mennonite Church USA v. DHS, No. 25-5209, which was heard in February of this year, involved a challenge to the Trump Administration’s policy of pursuing immigration-enforcement operations at houses of worship. Prior to 2025, the federal government largely maintained […]
Tulane political science professors discuss Iran war, international policy
The Tulane Journal of Policy and Political Economy hosted a panel of Tulane University professors to discuss the 2026 Iran war last Thursday. Christopher Fettweis, an associate professor of political science, began the panel by discussing the Twelve-Day War that occurred in June 2025 between Iran and Israel. “The Iranians were nowhere near nuclear weapons...
Paying for Clinical AI: Principles for Policymakers
Clinical AI could improve access to care, but today’s payment systems weren’t built for it. Drawing on two 2026 roundtables with BPC’s Future of Health Advisory Board, this brief sets out principles for paying for clinical AI based on evidence of value.
Indiana's New Small Business Program: From Policy to Opportunity
Indiana’s approach to state contracting underwent a significant transformation this summer. Following an opinion from Attorney General Todd Rokita questioning the constitutionality of race- and sex-based contracting preferences, Gov. Mike Braun suspended the state’s Supplier Diversity Program and directed the creation of a new
Student-loan borrowers' key midterms issue: affording higher bills
Over 10 million student-loan borrowers are behind on payments. Some are hoping the midterms will prompt policy change to protect those in default.
Can teaching people more about science increase public trust?
We hear about science outreach efforts in Cincinnati designed to spur interest — and the role moms play in shaping science policy.
Global Scientist Mobility: Redrawing the Innovation Map
Global scientist mobility patterns reveal how knowledge networks evolve. Learn why policy must shift from attracting talent to enabling circulation.
Board of Deputies of British Jews declares Greens to be racist party
The Jewish body's vote comes in response to the Green Party passing a "Zionism is racism" policy motion.
Google's privacy policy now has a loophole for using your Gmail and Photos data in ads
The change sits in Google's updated privacy policy, which took effect on October 16 and was first spotted by Android Authority. The policy has long said, "We...
New Trump housing order targets mortgage and title insurers
A White House plan to pull private mortgage insurance off loans sooner, and to let refinancing borrowers skip the lender's title policy, affects two insurance lines that say they already help keep costs down
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney lambasts “abhorrent” Steam AI Disclosure Policy claiming labels double as “political statement”
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called Steam’s AI disclosure policy abhorrent, arguing that it exposes developers to backlash from anti-AI detractors. Valve has implemented and updated the policy since 2024, which states that AI-generated content, including artwork, text, music, and assets, excluding assistant tools, requires formal disclosure.
Instacart Stock What Health Benefits Deal And $5 Million Settlement Mean
Instacart parent Maplebear has agreed to a US$5,000,000 settlement with U.S. authorities over past PERM hiring practices and has been selected by True Rx Health Strategists to power an employer funded healthy food benefit through Instacart Health Fresh Funds starting in 2027. The True Rx program positions Instacart within pharmacy benefit design and ties employer spend directly to clinically supervised food choices. The settlement adds compliance obligations, policy changes and monitoring...
Physician Mental Health and Health System Privacy: Why Doctors Avoid Their Own EHR
In most organizations the default access model was built for patient care, not for protecting colleagues. A nurse on another unit, a resident who rotated with them, a department administrator: any of them may technically be able to open the record, even when policy says they should not.
Former Minecraft lead, Xbox veteran and COO Helen Chiang "fired" for "policy violations"
A new report suggests that Helen Chiang, recently appointed as Xbox Chief Operations Officer, was terminated for "policy violations," although there's no word on exactly what.
What business thinks of the politicians and parties
Business leaders are hard to impress this election. In the Herald's annual “Mood of the Boardroom” survey, they give poor or middling marks to almost the whole political class, including the two former business executives running the Government's economic policy, and several ratings are among the wo
In Senate run, Juliana Stratton touts progressive politics and a pragmatic record
Stratton has taken progressive policy positions, but has also touted a record of getting things done across a big, diverse state.
Abbott Laboratories vs. UnitedHealth: Does Health Innovation or Health Insurance Make for a Better Stock to Buy?
Abbott's $7.4B free cash flow and 0.3x debt load contrast sharply with UnitedHealth's $16.1B free cash flow but higher leverage and government policy risk.
Ohio policymakers wrestle with prediction markets as wagers on sports and politics explode
Google Says Gmail and Photos Data Shared With AI Search Could Be Used for Targeted Ads
Google's updated privacy policy says data shared from Gmail, Drive, or Photos with AI-powered Search features may be used to personalize ads.
Hochul and Blakeman tout tax policy in closing days of governor's race
Both candidates in the race for governor have continued to campaign hard on affordability.
Updated Google privacy policy says your Gmail might be used for advertising
Turning on Personal Intelligence gives the company more data for ad targeting.
Rogue Community Health brings Southern Oregon leaders together
Rogue Community Health brought healthcare and education leaders, workforce partners, policymakers and employers together Thursday for its annual Rogue Way to Well-Being event, focused on the role meaningful work plays […]
This week in health care policy: October 16–23, 2026
Medical innovation FDA approves several innovative treatments. Last week, the FDA granted accelerated approval to GSK’s Jemperli for certain untreated cancers with a specific DNA defect. The treatment will eliminate the need for costly alternative treatments such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, which are known to cause lasting health problems. The FDA also approved GSK’s […]
Treat Pandemic Preparedness As Strategic ‘Biodefence’, Industry And Health Leaders Urge
Speaking at a flagship World Health Summit panel global health officials and pharmaceutical executives urged governments to reframe pandemic preparedness as ‘biodefence’ - a core national security asset and not a discretionary health expenditure.
Off-Balance: How US Courts Privilege Conservative Policy Outcomes -
Off-Balance: How US Courts Privilege Conservative Policy Outcomes By Brian Highsmith, Maya Sen and Kathleen Thelen A growing literature has challenged some of the more influential accounts regarding the role of courts in the development [...]
National Maternal Mental Health Accelerator Hosts Inaugural Member Convening - Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health
This week marked a watershed moment for maternal mental health as the National Maternal Mental Health (MMH) Accelerator held its inaugural member convening. Led by Founder Joy Burkhard, CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, the Accelerator has united over 140 organizations to drive systemic change and expanded access to appropriate care by 2030.
Health Care: Upholding Human Dignity and Protecting Conscience
From access to medical care to the protection of human life and religious convictions, Catholic social teaching calls for health care centered on the dignity of every person. Here's what that means for Catholics in Colorado.Part 5 of a 10-part series on the Colorado bishops' public policy prioritiesHealth care should be patient-centered, respect human dignity, protect life, promote the principle of subsidiarity, be affordable and assure conscience rights.The Catholic Church teaches that access t
FDA Should Practice the Science It Preaches
The FDA has plenty of advice for pharmaceutical companies. It publishes guidance documents, establishes scientific expectations, and expects drug developers to explain themselves when they take a diff...
Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey Announces 2027 Fellowship Cohort, Kicking Off the Second Year of the Fellowship Program
Trenton, NJ — The Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) proudly announces its 2027 Fellowship cohort, marking the second year of its Fellowship Program, which empowers emerging women leaders to pursue public office, policy roles, and civic leadership. Supported by the WPCNJ Education and Training Fund, the six-session Fellowship Program equips fellows with the[...]
Ohio policymakers wrestle with prediction markets as wagers on sports and politics explode
With tens of millions of dollars staked on political and sporting contests, prediction markets are fueling anxiety among policymakers in Ohio and around the country.
Ohio policymakers wrestle with prediction markets as wagers on sports and politics explode
With tens of millions of dollars staked on political and sporting contests, prediction markets are fueling anxiety among policymakers in Ohio and around the country.