Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Little Evidence? FDA Expands Use Of Remdesivir Anyway

Morning Briefing

The FDA announced the antiviral can be used in any patient. “It seems to be a pattern of approval without science, without data, without evidence,” said Dr. Eric Topol, vice president at Scripps Research.

Getting America Vaccinated Against COVID Won’t Be Easy

Morning Briefing

As the prospects of a coronavirus vaccine improve, the logistics of getting Americans vaccinated appear daunting and not just because only half of Americans say they are highly likely to get the shot.

Maskless White House Audience Could Spread COVID Back Home

Morning Briefing

With no social distancing and few masks in use, 1,500 Trump campaign supporters crowded together to hear Donald Trump’s convention speech Thursday night. Public health experts worry that guests could have been infected. Meanwhile, the political conventions did not much change impressions of Trump or Joe Biden.

Hurricane Laura Adds To Health Risks

Morning Briefing

The powerful hurricane that hit Gulf Coast states damaged refineries, petrochemical plants and plastics factories, which could have released dangerous pollutants into the air. But some key state and federal monitors to alert the public remain offline in Louisiana.

FDA Ousts Top Spokesperson After Bungled Convalescent Plasma Announcement

Morning Briefing

In addition to removing Trump-appointee Emily Miller from her post after only 11 days on the job, the FDA also terminated the contract of a public relations consultant. The moves are seen as an effort to restore the credibility of the agency.

FDA Chief Open To Fast-Tracking A Vaccine Before Trials Wrap Up

Morning Briefing

In interviews with the Financial Times and Bloomberg, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn spoke about the conditions under which he would consider granting emergency authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine. The comments come a week after President Donald Trump accused the FDA of dragging its feet on vaccine approval to hurt him politically.

New US Mark: 6 Million Cases In 6 Months; India Breaks Global Record

Morning Briefing

According to The New York Times’ tally, the U.S. has topped 6 million confirmed cases of COVID-19. The death toll is nearing 200,000. Globally, the case count surpassed 25 million, with India reporting the greatest single-day spike in cases of any nation ever.

For Kids With Special Needs, Online Schooling Divides Haves and Have-Nots

KFF Health News Original

Virtual classrooms are aggravating the economic disparities that plague education, with widening divides in access to supplies, workspace and parental guidance. The problem is especially acute for children with learning disabilities.

Republican Convention, Day 4: Fireworks … and Shining a Light on Trump’s Claims

KFF Health News Original

Donald Trump accepted his party’s nomination to seek reelection for a second term as president in front of a partisan audience that appeared to largely lack masks and opt against social distancing.

Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed

Morning Briefing

Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to sit back and enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on COVID, mental illness, Obamacare, pregnancy, parenting, marriage and more.