Where health experts are watching… Texas. Yesterday, a federal judge ruled it's unconstitutional for the Affordable Care Act to require "private, religious corporations" to cover HIV-prevention drugs (PrEP) for free. Hundreds of thousands of Americans rely on PrEP — a preventative medication that is up to 99% effective at reducing the risk of contracting HIV. In 2020, a group of businesses sued, saying that providing preventative HIV services violates their religious beliefs. And makes them "complicit" in promoting "homosexual behavior." Now, the judge is agreeing on religious freedom grounds. And could broaden the ruling nationwide within days. Meanwhile, doctors from more than 60 organizations worry this ruling could set a precedent that reduces access to other preventative services like cancer screenings.
What got the thumbs up… An experimental ALS drug. Yesterday, an FDA advisory panel voted to recommend the drug to treat the neurodegenerative disease. Currently, ALS affects more than 16,000 people in the US with few effective treatments. Earlier this year, this same panel voted against the drug, saying the clinical trial didn't have enough data to back it up. Now, it's changed its mind, saying 'it's worth a shot.' Next up: the FDA could make a final call by the end of the month. If approved, it could be the first treatment in five years. Meanwhile, the company behind the drug is conducting a larger trial that will wrap up in 2024.
Where the, ahem, on-screen drama is happening… Regal Cinemas. Yesterday, the movie chain's parent company, Cineworld, filed for bankruptcy. Cineworld is the world's second-largest theater chain. But that doesn't mean it was immune to pandemic issues like low ticket sales and growing competition from streaming services. It also doesn't help that the company racked up $5 billion in debt. Cineworld hopes to emerge from bankruptcy by early next year. In the meantime, it plans to cut costs by renegotiating rent prices, but it won't be hitting pause on showtimes. Netflix. The streaming giant is reportedly looking to cut down on operations. Over the summer, Netflix shared it lost nearly 1 million subscribers — citing growing competition. It's been looking for ways to tighten its purse strings. That includes laying off more than 400 employees. And now, Netflix is apparently shutting down its Salt Lake City office and others across California. All of this comes as some Gulf Arab nations are asking Netflix to remove what they called "offensive content" like shows that feature gay and lesbian characters.
Who we're sending well swishes to… Sue Bird.
Who unveiled their official portraits… The Obamas.
Who arrived precisely when they meant to... The "Lord of the Rings" cast. | 
