Latest KFF Health News Stories
Oregon Votes To Decriminalize Street Drugs In Small Amounts; More States Legalize Pot
Ballot initiatives in several states targeted drug laws. The results of some are still undecided, like recreational marijuana measures in Montana and South Dakota.
Restrictive Abortion Ballot Measures Pass In Louisiana, Fail In Colorado
Louisiana voters agreed to amend the state’s constitution to spell out that it offers no protections for a right to an abortion. In Colorado, a proposition that would have banned the procedure after 22 weeks was voted down.
California Voters Weigh In On Stem Cells, Dialysis, Property Taxes And More
Several of California’s 12 ballot initiatives will impact the health care industry or state’s policy.
Economy, COVID Pandemic Are Top Issues, Voter Survey Finds
In the pre-election VoteCast survey, 53% said the coronavirus pandemic is not at all under control. The economic impact of the crisis also factored heavily into voters’ decisions.
How COVID Affected In-Person Voting Tuesday
Disinfectants, plexiglass shields and disposable pens reassured voters on Tuesday.
More Battleground Votes To Tally With Both Trump, Biden Claiming An Edge
With future health care policy hanging in the balance, the nation will have to wait awhile longer with no presidential winner yet decided. President Donald Trump falsely claimed victory overnight while former Vice President Joe Biden said “we believe we’re on track to win this election.”
Democrats Appear To Hold Onto House But Hopes For Senate Dim
The final count will depend on Senate races in several states that are still to be determined. Democrats picked up seats in Arizona and Colorado but their incumbent in Arizona is defeated. Republican senators in Iowa, Montana and South Carolina win.
All Eyes On The Many Ballots Sent By Mail During Pandemic
The presidential contest and some congressional races hinge on absentee and mail-in ballots in key states. Meanwhile, the U.S. Postal Service fails to conduct a court-ordered sweep of its facilities for undelivered ballots. As many as 300,000 could be missing.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
It’s Open Enrollment. Here’s What You Need to Know
For Californians who are buying their own insurance, enrollment in 2021 health plans runs through Jan. 31.
Lions and Tigers and Anteaters? US Scientists Scan the Menagerie for COVID
Thousands of animals in the U.S. have been tested for the coronavirus, as researchers work to understand its transmission and which other species might be at risk. So far, dozens have tested positive, mostly cats and dogs exposed to sick owners.
A Biden Win and Republican Senate Might Lead to Gridlock on Health Issues
If Democrat Joe Biden is successful in his bid for the presidency but the Senate remains in GOP control, Democrats’ plans for major changes in health care may be curbed.
Viewpoints: Lessons On Asia’s Success With COVID; Pros, Cons Of Making The FDA Independent
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and on other public health issues, as well.
World Holds Its Breath As US Votes
America’s allies and rivals are closely watching the presidential election today. In other global developments: the Vatican has clarified the pope’s comments about same-sex unions; Germany is hoping antigen tests can keep its elderly population safe during the newest COVID wave; and more.
Advocacy Group Pushes Gilead To Cancel Voucher For Remdesivir
The vouchers are provided to give companies additional incentives, but Public Citizen insists Gilead is raking in profits from the COVID medicine. News is on a COVID vaccine, a recall of Metformin, a glucose lowering drug, and more.
Many Colleges Plan To Test Students Before Thanksgiving Break
Some colleges will require it. SUNY chancellor Jim Malatras called it “a smart, sensible policy that protects students’ families and hometown communities and drastically reduces the chances of COVID-19 community spread.”
With Suicides Up 70%, Wichita Police Encourage People To Seek Help
Media outlets report on news from Kansas, Wyoming, Oklahoma, California, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maryland, as well.
Pregnant Women At Higher Risk Of Severe COVID Illness, Death
The CDC research indicates that Black, Hispanic and Asian women face higher risk than White women. Yet the risk overall for pregnant women remains small. Other research news on the coronavirus touches on the FDA’s vaccine effectiveness cutoff; rapid testing; immunity; face masks; and more.
No Letup For Hospitals, Nurses
Health systems are scrambling to keep up with the coronavirus surge and to find enough nursing help, especially in rural areas and at small hospitals.
Obamacare Changes, Stimulus Top Pelosi’s Agenda If Dems Retain House
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi previewed her 2021 legislative plans, if her party still controls the House of Representatives. Whether Democrats also win control of the Senate will largely dictate what future bills actually proceed.