Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Schools Defy Orders On In-Person Schooling And COVID Reporting

Morning Briefing

In Des Moines, Iowa, teachers find themselves in a battle that “kind of feels like science versus politics,” schools superintendent Thomas Ahart said. And in Florida, some school districts are still reporting virus statistics despite the state health department trying to stop the effort.

Suicide Prevention Starts With Recognizing Risks

Morning Briefing

On World Suicide Prevention Day, CNN looks at how to address a mental health issue leading to 800,000 deaths a year. Public health news is on addiction medicines, safe drinking water and football during COVID, as well.

Court Document Reveals Elizabeth Holmes Mental-Disease Defense

Morning Briefing

The trial for the founder of Theronas was delayed until March, but a CNN report looks at her defense teams efforts to introduce evidence of a mental issue bearing on guilt. Industry news is on Roche, Novartis, Korro Bio and Casma Therapeutics, as well.

Young Adults Face ‘Life-Threatening’ COVID Risk, Research Shows

Morning Briefing

A new published study looks at 3,222 young adults who were hospitalized due to COVID-19. Nearly 3% of them died, belying the conception that the coronavirus is deadly primarily for older people.

GOP’s ‘Skinny’ Relief Bill Fails In Senate, Dimming Hopes For Action Before Election

Morning Briefing

The measure, which took weeks of negotiations by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to gain Republicans’ support, would have provided about $300 million in new funding, a dramatic step back from the $1 trillion Republicans had suggested earlier and well below the $3 trillion that Democrats originally sought.

Verma’s ‘Image’ Expenses Paint Picture Of How D.C. Influencers Operate

Morning Briefing

Fallout from an investigation by Democratic lawmakers revealed taxpayer money spent by CMS administrator Seema Verma on public relations consultants reverberates through the capital. USA Today Washington bureau chief Susan Page, who is set to moderate the upcoming vice presidential debate, is caught up in it, too.

DeWine’s Pick For Health Director Backs Out Hours After Announcement

Morning Briefing

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine chose Dr. Joan Duwve, currently director of public health for South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control, to head up Ohio’s health department. But shortly after he made the announcement, conservatives pointed out that Duwve had worked once for Planned Parenthood and she quickly withdrew from the Ohio job offer.

Trump Defends Playing Down Dangers Of Virus While Denying That He Lied

Morning Briefing

In a contentious press conference, President Donald Trump faced questions over recorded statements he made in the early months of the pandemic in which it is clear he knew far more about the severity of the coronavirus than he was telling the American public. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden calls those actions “almost criminal.”

OSHA Imposes First COVID Worker Safety Penalty To Smithfield Meatpacking Plant

Morning Briefing

The Labor Department cited Smithfield Foods for failing to provide a safe workplace at its Sioux Falls, South Dakota, plant and wants the company to pay a $13,494 fine. Smithfield says it will contest, while worker groups say the penalty is not sufficient.

Treasury Reportedly Withheld $4 Million From Sick 9/11 Responders

Morning Briefing

The Treasury Department began holding back part of the money for the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program about four years ago, the New York Daily News reports. Other outlets also report on issues surrounding the first responders from 19 years ago who are now ill.