Latest KFF Health News Stories
Omicron Subvariants Fuel Covid Surge Across California
While this summer’s rise in cases could rival or exceed the winter surge, experts say that many of those who are falling ill are getting less severely sick than during previous waves of covid. Other news on the pandemic looks at long covid and mask mandates.
Feds, Local Governments Start To Prep For Growing Extreme Heat Threats
President Joe Biden is expected to announce moves his administration will urge or order to address the health and infrastructure dangers of climate change. Some cities are also allocating resources to the issue, hiring “chief heat officers.”
House Members Among Abortion Protesters Arrested At Supreme Court
Dozens were arrested at a rally Wednesday, including 17 lawmakers. In other government news: the FDA will evaluate its food and tobacco programs. And efforts to push an assault weapons bill in Congress remain stalled.
House Protects Same-Sex Marriage; Birth Control Vote May Be Up Next
It’s unclear how the gay rights bill will fare in the Senate. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports that Senate Democrats are expected to force a vote Thursday on a bill that would increase federal funding through Title X for family planning services, including more access to birth control.
Covid Forever? Most Think Virus Will Be Around For Rest Of Their Lives
When asked if “we will never fully be rid of the coronavirus in my lifetime,” 78% of the Americans surveyed agreed. Meanwhile, the dominance of the omicron BA.5 subvariant grows.
First Protein-Based Covid Shot Authorized For Use In US
The Novavax covid vaccine is built using traditional technology instead of mRNA like some rivals. On Tuesday, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed off on its use, officially clearing the way for it to be distributed to states. Americans now have four covid shots available: Novavax, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.
Biden Focusing On Protecting Access To Abortion Pills, Sources Say
Politico reports that the administration considers it the most feasible of the White House’s limited options and that it would have the most immediate effect. In other abortion news, the OB-GYN who performed an abortion on a 10-year-old Ohio girl is planning to sue the Indiana attorney general.
Pressure Grows For Texas To Impose Charges On Those Who Aid Abortion
More than 70 GOP state lawmakers are pushing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to enforce a nearly century-old law. Meanwhile, the Texas Tribune and ProPublica report on the “hypocrisy” surrounding Texas’ decision to decline to expand Medicaid coverage, leaving single mothers without proper care.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers examine STI prevention and reproductive rights.
Perspectives: Psychedelics Are Effective Medicine; Insurance Compounds Mental Health Struggles
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Rural Hospitals Finding It Hard To Keep Obstetrics Departments Open
A report in Modern Healthcare describes difficulties that rural hospitals across the country face in trying to maintain their level of obstetrics services, with worries over growing service “deserts.” Separately, reports say Washington state hospitals are over capacity due to problems in discharging patients.
988 Crisis Line Touted; Rhode Island Sues Over Lead Poisoning
The AP reports that Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky, a Democrat, was praising the new 988 mental health crisis line, saying it was important to “treat mental health the same way as we treat physical health.” Also: lead poisoning, testing HIV vaccines, health worker strikes and more.
UK Hits Records, Other Countries Suffer In Extreme Heat
A temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, or 104 degrees Fahrenheit, is a never-before recorded peak expected to be reached in parts of Britain today. Meanwhile, extreme heat has already killed over 1,000 people in Spain and Portugal. Also: the Marburg virus outbreak in Ghana continues to be a concern.
Uber Settles Lawsuit On Overcharging Disabled Passengers
Allegations the rideshare company had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act led to a federal lawsuit and the $2.2 million settlement, as well as waivers for wait time fees for disabled passengers. Meanwhile, media outlets report on extreme heat warnings and the health risks linked to heat.
Study: Booster Shots Worked Against Early Omicron Variants
A new U.S. study shows the benefits of booster shots, as they substantially combatted earlier omicron covid subvariants. But a separate study shows that being hospitalized for covid is linked to a nearly 50% higher risk of later heart failure for certain groups. Other research and innovations are reported.
Fauci Says He’s Calling It Quits By 2025
America’s best-known infectious-disease expert will retire by the end of President Joe Biden’s current term, but it may be “sooner rather than later,” the 81-year-old said.
CDC Turning Over Covid Case-Counting To Cruise Line Operators
Cruise lines will continue to report coronavirus cases to the agency, but they now have adequate tools to do it themselves, the CDC says. Meanwhile, even though covid cases are climbing across the U.S., some health experts are hesitant to “cry wolf.”
Biden Might Declare A National Climate Emergency
The declaration could empower the administration to tackle some of its goals of reducing carbon emissions and fostering cleaner energy, The Washington Post reported. The scope and timing of an announcement was not clear.
Abortion Exception To Save Mother’s Life Rejected By Idaho Republicans
At the Idaho Republican convention, delegates voted against adding language to its party platform that would carve out an abortion exception in cases where the mother’s life is at risk. News on court and legislative developments is also reported from Florida, West Virginia, Indiana, and other states.