Healthcare news, week of November 2, 2026

Monday, November 2, 2026

1. 0122:02 UTC

   Study estimates 74.5% of deceased former NFL players had CTE

   2 outlets · first: MedPage Today

   Machine summary A statistical model reported in JAMA Network Open estimated that 74.5% of former NFL players who died from 2008 through 2023 had CTE at death. Study leader Yorghos Tripodis and colleagues extrapolated from donated brains and adjusted for bias in brain donation; an outside researcher told MedPage Today the deaths analyzed were about 10% of those that could have occurred in the period.

   1. Tripodis and colleagues, writing in JAMA Network Open, put CTE prevalence at death for ex-NFL players dying between 2008 and 2023 at 74.5% (95% CI 69.6–78.3), according to a modeling study.
   2. CTE can be identified only through autopsy, and study leader Yorghos Tripodis said the number is a best guess because the disease cannot be diagnosed while people are alive.
   3. Marc Weisskopf of Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health said the deaths analyzed amount to about 10% of all those that could have occurred during the period, and that the model rests on assumptions concerning why families donate brains.
   4. An NFL spokesperson said the league "continuously strives to make the game of football safer, including by implementing strategies to reduce concussions and head impacts."

   Reported by MedPage Today and NBC News.

   • JAMA Network Open
   • Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
   • National Football League (NFL)

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

1. 0216:31 UTC

   EEOC PWFA rules effective 18 June 2024 list fertility treatment as accommodation-eligible

   2 outlets · first: ibtimes.co.uk Regulation

   Machine summary No announced change has been made.

   1. The EEOC's implementing rule was finalised in April 2024 and took effect on 18 June 2024, listing miscarriage, lactation, postpartum depression, endometriosis, menstruation and fertility treatment as covered conditions (International Business Times UK).
   2. Then-Commissioner Andrea Lucas voted to disapprove the final rule on 3 April 2024, stating it purported to broaden the statute beyond its text (National Law Review).
   3. The National Law Review states the EEOC continues to file enforcement actions under the PWFA despite the planned rule revision.

   Reported by National Law Review and ibtimes.co.uk.

   • National Law Review
   • International Business Times UK
   • Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

1. 0318:49 UTC

   Lawmaker asks GAO to check whether TrumpRx delivers savings

   3 outlets · first: National Law Review Regulation

   Machine summary On October 27, 2026, Representative Frank Pallone, the most senior Democrat serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office requesting a probe into whether TrumpRx truly provides savings. Health care is also one of five affordability working groups House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries created in summer 2026.

   1. Representative Frank Pallone wrote to the Government Accountability Office on October 27, 2026 requesting an investigation into whether TrumpRx actually delivers savings.
   2. TrumpRx, a government platform launched in February 2026, is intended to help consumers find discounted prices on prescription drugs.
   3. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries created five working groups in summer 2026 covering health care, housing, groceries and goods, gas and utilities, and caregiving.

   Reported by National Law Review, Local 10 News and keenesentinel.com.

   • Government Accountability Office
   • TrumpRx
   • House Energy and Commerce Committee

Friday, November 6, 2026

5 events. The full rundown for November 6, 2026. The most covered:

1. 08:58 UTC FIGS revenue rises 25.7% as demand outruns supply, CEO says 3
2. 16:58 UTC Novartis reports nine tumors in children treated with Zolgensma 2
3. 12:18 UTC Hospital courier robots maker Ottonomy raises about Rs 40 crore 2

What kind of news was it?

1. Regulation 3
2. Market trends 2
3. Health IT 1
4. Medical devices 1