Morning Breakouts

Latest California Healthline Stories

McConnell Threatens To Hold Vote Right Before Midterms If Dems Keep Pressing For Information On Kavanaugh

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell predicts that if the vote was held that late, Democratic voters would be left deflated if Brett Kavanaugh is appointed to the seat. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has been making a lot of noise clamoring for the full set of documents from Kavanaugh’s time in the George W. Bush White House.

As Democrats Campaign For A House Takeover, Health Care Becomes Wedge Issue Dividing The Party

On the more progressive side of the party, there’s a push for a “Medicare For All” type plan, while on the more moderate end, there’s a focus on fixing and shoring up the health law. The mixed messaging could muddy the waters in the coming high-tension midterms. Meanwhile, Republicans are trying to get ahead of criticism over rising premiums.

Merck Is Latest Drugmaker To Lower Some Prices, Earning Political Points As White House Prepares Cost Plan

Merck follows Pfizer and Novartis in dropping prices on a few of their drugs. But, like with the other two, beneath the promise is a strategy that makes it uncertain if consumers will benefit. For example, Merck lowered the cost of its hepatitis C drug, Zepatier. But that treatment has not gained traction in the U.S. marketplace anyway, so the drop could actually be an attempt to boost Merck sales for an underperforming drug.

Newsom Says Cox Is One Of ‘Most Extreme’ Gubernatorial Candidates In Decades

Republican John Cox opposes all abortions, including in cases of rape or incest, and has been endorsed by the California ProLife Council. The issue is heating up in state races as Roe v. Wade is thrust into the spotlight on a national level.