Books News: Curtis Sittenfeld’s Next Short Story Will Be an Audible Original

Curtis Sittenfeld, the best-selling writer of “Prep” and “Eligible,” is the latest to join a growing number of authors partnering with Audible to produce audio-first original stories. Sittenfeld’s short story, “Atomic Marriage,” read by the actress Diane Lane, will be released by the company on Jan. 4. “Atomic Marriage” was not originally written with audio…

Drug Maker Pays $360 Million to Settle Investigation Into Charity Kickbacks

The drug maker Actelion Pharmaceuticals has agreed to a $360 million settlement stemming from an investigation into whether the company illegally funneled kickbacks through a patient-assistance charity, federal prosecutors said Thursday. Actelion, which was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 2017 and makes expensive drugs to treat a rare lung condition, is the latest pharmaceutical…

Children Move Less Starting at Age 6

Image Most experts believe that physical activity declines as children reach adolescence, but a new study has found that the decline begins as early as age 6. Researchers measured physical activity at ages 6, 8 and 11 in 600 European children wearing arm band activity trackers. After adjusting for body mass index, the scientists found…

Why Is Obamacare Enrollment Down?

More than halfway through the sign-up period for Obamacare health plans, fewer people have enrolled in coverage than during the same stretch last year. Enrollment through the federal website Healthcare.gov, which manages insurance marketplaces in 39 states, is down 11 percent compared to 2017, according to government figures released Thursday. Given President Trump’s assault on…