Igniting

Johnson & Johnson Faces Setback as Bankruptcy Court Rejects Talc Claims, Igniting Torts Debate

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BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson faces another setback as a bankruptcy court ruling has dismissed an attempt to shield the company from thousands of lawsuits related to claims that its talc-based products cause cancer. The decision is the latest development in a series of legal challenges that have plagued the health care giant for years. In a significant ruling, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas determined that J&J’s previous legal maneuver—filing for bankruptcy under a subsidiary—did not provide adequate protection for the company against lawsuits brought by individuals alleging injuries … Read more

Federal Court Halts Arkansas Laws Targeting Pharmacy Benefit Managers, Igniting Debate Over Healthcare Regulation

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A federal judge has issued a ruling that temporarily halts Arkansas’ newly enacted regulations targeting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by a major industry player, which argued that the state’s restrictions could disrupt the healthcare market and harm consumers. The federal judge, chosen to hear the case, noted concerns that Arkansas’ law could lead to increased medication prices and fewer options for patients. The current regulations aimed to impose stricter oversight on PBMs, which negotiate prescription drug prices and manage benefits for insurers. … Read more

Trump Signs Controversial Tax and Spending Bill, Igniting Fierce Party Divisions as GOP Pushes for Major Reforms

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President Donald Trump signed a sweeping tax and spending bill into law Friday, just days before his self-imposed Fourth of July deadline. The legislation, which spans nearly 900 pages, incorporates a variety of tax reductions, spending cuts, and priorities reflective of the Republican agenda, including increased funding for national defense and deportations. Despite unified opposition from Democrats, the bill advanced through Congress with little resistance thanks to complete Republican alignment. The Senate passed the legislation on Tuesday, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote. The House of Representatives initially passed an earlier version … Read more

Federal Judge Compels NIH to Reinstate Diversity Research Grants, Igniting New Conversations on Equity in Science

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A federal judge in Washington ordered the National Institutes of Health to reinstate a set of research grants focused on enhancing diversity within the biomedical field. The verdict emerged from a dispute over funding allocations intended for projects that promote inclusivity and broaden participation in health research. The controversy traces back to the NIH’s decision to cut funding for certain grants that aimed to support underrepresented groups in scientific research. Critics of this move argued that the decision undermined efforts to create a more equitable environment in the research community. The NIH had justified its … Read more