Latest KFF Health News Stories
VA Joins Pentagon in Recruiting Volunteers for COVID Vaccine Trials
The Department of Veterans Affairs hopes to enroll 8,000 people in advanced-stage trials of four leading vaccine candidates. The Defense Department earlier announced plans to enlist 3,000 volunteers in trials.
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
How Escalating COVID Cases Forced One State to Change Its Masking Strategy
Montana is seeking penalties against some businesses that violated its mask and social distancing directives, after months of reluctance to enforce COVID restrictions. Meanwhile, cities, counties and tribal nations still struggle to get people to mask up and avoid crowds.
Viewpoints: Make Vaccine Trials Transparent To Gain Trust; Only COVID Made Voting, Trump Vulnerable
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and other health topics, as well.
Research Roundup: Bacteria In Hospitals; COVID; Infant Mortality; And Tobacco Use
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Texas Faculty Group Pushes Governor To Cancel In-Person Graduations
Media outlets report on news from Texas, Maine, Kentucky, Missouri, and Iowa.
Denmark Plans To Cull 17 Million Mink Over COVID Mutation Fears
Health authorities found virus strains in humans and in mink that showed decreased sensitivity against antibodies, potentially lowering the efficacy of future vaccines. News is from Australia and South Korea, as well.
‘Uncertainty Is Stressful’: How To Cope With The Angsty Election Wait
Bad news for those stressed and anxious leading up to Election Day: it’s going to continue for awhile longer. So be kind to each other and check out tips for alleviating the strain and exhaustion.
Medical Marijuana Recall Under Way; 2 More Die From Church Virus Outbreak
News reports are on an Oklahoma recall of medical marijuana, a growing number of COVID deaths from a North Carolina gathering, new challenges for the homeless, the new normal in sports and more.
AstraZeneca: Vaccine Results Likely Later This Year
The company is scaling up manufacturing of AZD1222 as late-stage trials advance. News on the race to produce a vaccine is from Pfizer and Abbott, as well.
Damage Found In Victims’ Lungs Could Explain Struggles Of ‘Long Haulers’
A study of 41 people who died from COVID-19 revealed massive blood clotting of the arteries and veins and scarring of respiratory tissue.
Proposal Would Force HHS To Review Its Regulations Every 10 Years
Rules would expire after that time if the agency didn’t reassess them. HHS Secretary Alex Azar said: “With HHS regulatory responsibilities as wide-ranging as food safety, drug approval, adoption and childcare and healthcare financing, it’s essential that we know … whether we’re executing on these responsibilities in a way that maximizes benefits [and] minimizes costs.”
Louisiana’s Amendment On Abortion Leaves Many People Confused
The new language specifies that abortion is not a right in the state. But it does not mean that abortions are banned.
‘We Need To Do It’: McConnell Wants COVID-Relief Bill By End Of The Year
The Senate majority leader is fresh off his own reelection Tuesday. Meanwhile, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman warned Thursday that the United States needs a “really, really big” stimulus package to keep the economy afloat because the U.S. hasn’t managed to contain the coronavirus.
In Step Toward Approval, FDA Says New Alzheimer’s Drug Is Safe, Effective
The drug, called aducanumab, is administered intravenously once a month and aimed at slowing the disease in its early stages. The FDA will decide by early March whether to approve the drug.
Public Health Officials Grapple With Huge Block Of Voters Who Snubbed Science
As the coronavirus public health emergency escalates, government officials and medical experts examine results and exit surveys for lessons they can learn from this year’s elections.
COVID Crisis Tops Any Biden Transition Planning
Though he has not yet secured the presidency, former Vice President Joe Biden is launching transition planning that includes a COVID-19 task force and cabinet nominations that can get through a Republican-controlled Senate — all while fighting legal challenges from President Donald Trump in court.
One Day. 100,000 New Cases: COVID Crisis Reaches New High In US.
Contributing to this grim milestone: most states reported increased cases Wednesday, with at least five breaking their own daily records.
Biden Edges Toward Magic Number To Win As Trump Files Lawsuits
Ongoing vote counts in a handful of battleground states are under intense scrutiny as Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden stands just a few Electoral College votes away from a projected victory. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump contests the process in court.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.