The big picture: Ohio became the 24th state to allow adult cannabis use for nonmedical purposes with nearly 57% voting for the ballot initiative Tuesday, according to the state's unofficial election results.
The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved using Eli Lilly's diabetes drug Mounjaro for weight loss, making it the second in a new class of drugs to receive the agency's OK as an obesity treatment.
The big picture: The drug will be marketed under the name Zepbound and have a list price of $1,060, which is about 20% less than Novo Nordisk's rival drug Wegovy, per Lilly.
The first pill approved to treat postpartum depression will be priced at $15,900 for a two-week treatment course, its manufacturer said.
Why it matters: The pricing decision had been a big question mark since the FDA in August approved Sage Therapeutics and Biogen's drug, Zurzuvae, for just postpartum depression and not major depressive disorder.
Amazon will begin offering memberships for its primary care chain One Medical to Amazon Prime members, the company announced Wednesday.
Why it matters: This is the first major move Amazon has made to integrate One Medical into its core offerings since acquiring it for $3.9 billion earlier this year.
Tuesday's off-year elections proved the recent staying power of abortion rights to bolster Democratic success, even in red states like Ohio and Kentucky.
Newly confirmed National Institutes of Health director Monica Bertagnolli is taking the helm of the biomedical research agency at a critical moment, with budgets tightening and lingering questions about its stewardship of high-risk virus research and role in keeping drugs affordable.
Driving the news: The cancer doctor was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday in a 62-36 vote, giving NIH its first full-time political leader in nearly two years.
Ohio voters have adopted an amendment enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution.
Why it matters: The amendment, labeled Issue 1 on Tuesday's ballot, guarantees a person's right to an abortion and other reproductive care up until fetal viability, which is usually about 23 to 24 weeks.
The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Monica Bertagnolli as National Institutes of Health director, filling a key federal research position that's been vacant for nearly two years.
Why it matters: A cancer doctor with a thin political resume, Bertagnolli takes the helm of the giant biomedical institution amid heated debates over the cost of drugs it helped develop and questions over how it oversees risky research and foreign collaborations.
Walmart stores nationwide will lower the lights, turn off the radio and change their TV walls to a static image for daily "sensory-friendly hours," the retailer announced Tuesday.
Why it matters: Walmart's hours, which start Friday, appear to be the biggest shopping program yet for people with sensory processing issues, which include autism, ADHD and PTSD.
Why it matters: U.S. health spending as a share of gross domestic product yet again far outpaces the other 37 OECD nations while the country continues to have poor outcomes, the OECD Health at a Glance 2023 report shows.
Young survivors of shootings face a litany of physical, psychiatric and substance abuse disorders that can combine to drive up their health costs almost 2,000%, according to new research.
The big picture: Guns have become the leading cause of death among kids, but many more survive being shot. Their needs offer a rare and detailed look at the cumulative consequences of gun violence and the burden it places on survivors, their families and the health system.
The Biden administration is aiming to close loopholes that it says allow Medicare Advantage insurers to encouragebrokers to steer consumers toward certain plans.
Why it matters: Federal officials say their proposal, which comes as lawmakers have raised concerns about broker payments, would help ensure brokers are working in seniors' best interest.
Why it matters: As doctors deal with overwhelming demand for fertility services, machine learning tools are offering ways to help streamline the IVF process.
Why it matters: Although feeling some sadness during the darker months is normal, the American Psychiatric Association says 5% of U.S. adults deal with something more serious: seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression.
What's happening: A reduction in light exposure can change the balance of brain chemicals like serotonin (which can affect mood) and melatonin (important for sleep), and disrupt the body's circadian rhythm.
The Biden administration on Monday urged the Supreme Court to reverse Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors, saying any delay in review would endanger youths who are or will be denied critical medical care.
The big picture: The Justice Department petition comes after lower courts allowed bans in Tennessee and two other states to move forward this summer.
