Morning Breakouts

Latest California Healthline Stories

Administration To Audit All Federally Funded Research Using Fetal Tissue, Reigniting Decades-Long Controversy

Following the news that HHS would terminate a small contract with a California biosciences firm came a larger announcement that the agency is going to launch a comprehensive review of all government-funded research that uses fetal tissue. Biomedical scientists were alarmed that the audit could lead to restrictions, saying fetal tissue has been vital in testing vaccines, exploring Parkinson’s disease treatments and understanding the transmission of HIV.

Newsom’s Wide Lead Has Some Worried That Californians Won’t Know Where He Stands Before Election Day

Gubernatorial front-runner Gavin Newsom is comfortable enough with his chances that he can be vague on his stances. Newsom did come out in favor of instituting a single-payer system during the primary, but later warned it would be unlikely for him accomplish it during his first term as governor.

Gilead To Sell Cheaper Generic Version Of Hep C Drug As It Struggles To Compete In Market It Once Dominated

The company says that it’s offering the generic treatment so that it can lower costs for patients, but skeptics say Gilead’s expensive hepatitis C drugs has put them behind competitors who are offering much cheaper versions. Meanwhile, an Associated Press investigation finds that it’s been mostly business as usual for pharma, despite President Donald Trump’s vows to cut drugs costs.

Kavanaugh Say He Won’t Withdraw In Face Of New Allegations As GOP Senators, President Close Ranks Around Him

Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and his original accuser Christine Blasey Ford will testify on Thursday in front of the Judiciary Committee, a hearing that many moderate Republicans say will be crucial to figuring out how to proceed. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, however, is standing firm on pushing for a full Senate vote as early as next week.

DEA Forms Response Team In San Diego Due To Skyrocketing Overdoses Linked To Fentanyl

The task force is made up of local, state and federal law enforcement officers, along with health workers and a medical examiner. “People don’t know what they’re getting when they ingest these drugs, and it leads to overdoses and sometimes those overdoses result in death,” said Colin Ruane, DEA assistant special agent in charge.

Former Facebook Content Moderator Files Lawsuit, Says Images She Witnessed Gave Her PTSD

Facebook employs more than 7,500 workers to monitor written posts and images. Director of communications Bernie Thomas says Facebook ensures “that every person reviewing Facebook content is offered psychological support and wellness resources.” However, the lawsuit claims workplace safety guidelines aren’t followed.

Brown Signs Health Care Package In Move Advocates Tout As Milestone On Path Toward Universal Coverage

The legislation signed by Gov. Jerry Brown includes: a ban on short-term “junk insurance,” a proposal to create a council to study the feasibility of a “public option,” and a measure blocking any attempts to add work requirements to the state’s Medicaid program.