Latest KFF Health News Stories
Senate Republicans May Offer New Stimulus Bill Soon, Mnuchin Says
“Hopefully Mitch [McConnell] will enter new legislation next week,” Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told Fox Business Network, as current coronavirus relief negotiations between the White House and House Democrats remain deadlocked.
Dozens Of Secret Service Agents Get COVID During Trump’s Travels
As Donald Trump and Mike Pence continue to travel for campaign rallies during the pandemic, the Secret Service agents assigned to protect them have been exposed to the coronavirus. The Washington Post reveals previously unreported cases.
Trump Retweets False CDC Death Count Claim, Twitter Deletes It
A QAnon-driven conspiracy that baselessly questions the official U.S. coronavirus death count is circulating on social media, including by President Donald Trump. Twitter removed his retweet. Its just the latest example of the uphill climb the company faces in battling dangerous misinformation.
While White House Downplayed COVID Threat To Public, It Privately Warned ‘Red Zone’ States
A House committee released eight secret White House Coronavirus Task Force reports that were only shared with states and reveal the government’s awareness of the state of the pandemic in recent months. The Center for Public Integrity had previously obtained and reported on the secret reports.
Controversial ‘Herd Immunity’ Strategy Pushed By Trump-Backed Task Force Member
Scott Atlas, President Donald Trump’s latest favored adviser on the pandemic, is urging the White House to adopt a new approach and allow COVID-19 to spread in an effort to achieve “herd immunity.” The Washington Report reports that some such policies are already being implemented.
Nations Can’t ‘Just Pretend The Pandemic Is Over,’ WHO Director Says
In the U.S., while new cases decline nationally, areas of the Midwest continue to surge. And hospitalizations and deaths among kids are rising.
Long-Fought Nurse Practitioner Independence Bill Heads to Newsom
The measure caps one of the most contentious health policy debates in recent memory, potentially altering how Californians get their medical care. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until the end of September to sign or veto it.
California Rx: State May Dive Into Generic Drug Market
California could become the first state to develop its own line of generic drugs under a bill approved Monday by the legislature. The measure heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Tourists Tote Dollars — And COVID — To U.S. Caribbean Islands
Tension rises among residents and travelers as U.S. island territories work to stymie the coronavirus while attempting to keep their doors open to tourism.
Public Health Officials Are Our COVID Commanders. Treat Them With Respect.
This pandemic is like war, and California’s local health officers are leading the state’s response. Yet unlike war heroes, who are lionized, they are facing unprecedented attacks and death threats.
Coast To Coast, States Suffer With COVID Surges
But Arizona, a former hot spot for positive cases, is emerging from lockdown as an example of how aggressive restrictions can flatten the curve.
How The World Is Faring: More Infectious Strain Emerges
Global news reports are from Indonesia, China, England, Iran, Chile, Mexico, Tanzania, Zambia, Japan and Germany.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Teachers Fight Back-To-School Orders
Teachers unions across the country are filing lawsuits in court to avoid going back to work in person with their students. And colleges report more and more cases of coronavirus among their students back on campus.
Colon Cancer Is Increasing Among Younger People, More Likely Among Blacks
The cancer that killed 43-year-old Chadwick Boseman is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Other medical news includes addiction treatment, dermatology and darker skins, pediatrics, and ALS and medical marijuana.
Telehealth Shortfall: Doctor Counts The Ways In-Person Physicals Are Important
Many are skipping annual physicals altogether or relying on telemedicine, including pet owners.
Researchers Identify First Reinfection Case In US
The 25-year-old man from Nevada was much sicker the second time. Three other reinfections are known to exist, calling into question the immune systems’ ability to prevent more serious illness.
Elon Musk Unveils Brain Implant To Help People With Neural Disorders
On Friday, the inventor showed off a prototype of the device developed by his startup, Neuralink.
Nestlé To Buy Peanut-Allergy Pharma Company
The food giant is buying a California biopharmaceutical company in a deal that values the startup at $2.6 billion.