Latest KFF Health News Stories
Musicians Improvise Masks for Wind Instruments to Keep the Band Together
Instrumentalists in ensembles, marching bands and other groups are getting creative with pantyhose, air filters, fabric and sewing machines to reduce the risk of COVID without silencing the music.
Majority of Voters Tilt Toward Biden as Health Issues Weigh Heavily
More than 50% of people said they favor Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s approach to an array of health issues.
No, the WHO Didn’t Change Its Lockdown Stance or ‘Admit’ Trump Was Right
The World Health Organization has been consistent throughout the pandemic in communicating that lockdowns should be employed only when COVID-19 cases are high — to give governments and health systems time to redouble efforts. Forced closures should not be the primary strategy to combat coronavirus transmission.
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Democrats May Lose on SCOTUS, But Hope to Win on ACA
Barring something unexpected, Democrats in the Senate appear to lack the votes to block the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. So, instead they used the high-profile confirmation hearings to hammer on Republicans for again putting the Affordable Care Act in peril. Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call, Shefali Luthra of The 19th and Sarah Karlin-Smith of Pink Sheet join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, Rovner interviews Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, about public health challenges in dealing with COVID-19.
Longer Looks, Part 1: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to sit back and enjoy over the weekend. Part 1 is all about COVID.
Harris Off The Trail After Two Staffers Test Positive For COVID
Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris suspends campaign travel and in-person events after her communications director and another staffer contract COVID-19. The campaign says neither team member had contact with Harris since their positive test.
Viewpoints: Lessons On Pauses In Vaccine Trials; Much More Needed To Curb Health Misinformation
Editorial writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
Research Roundup: COVID-19; Flu-Like Illness; Bariatric Surgery; Zika
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Germany Extends $662M To Holocaust Survivors Suffering From COVID
News is from Germany, Israel, Russia, Congo, Burundi, Cameroon, Hong Kong, Singapore, Italy and England.
Perspectives: Pros, Cons Of Herd Immunity Strategy; Good Genes Or Nonsense Eugenics?
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health topics and others.
Alabama Football Coach’s Positive Test Raises Concerns About Travel
Nick Saban’s COVID infection is the latest twist to a damaged football season in the Southeastern Conference. He suspects his travels to Mississippi last weekend for a game. News is on winter sports and the NFL, as well.
Texas Rule Allows Social Workers To Refuse LGBTQ Clients
The Republican-led legislation has opposed expanding nondiscriminatory protections to LGBTQ residents. News is from Utah, Michigan, Wisconsin, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
In Major Breakthrough, FDA Approves First Treatment For Ebola
With the approval, there are now both a vaccine — Merck’s Ervebo — and a therapeutic to battle Ebola Zaire, one of the deadliest infections known to humankind. The treatment, Inmazeb, is an antibody cocktail made by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, the same company that is developing a monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID that was given to President Donald Trump this month.
UnitedHealth Reports 10.3% Decrease In Quarterly Earnings Compared With Last Year
The insurer waived some costs and propped up providers during the pandemic. News is on a rapid growth in concentrated insurance markets and artificial intelligence, as well.
Fauci: For Safety’s Sake, ‘Bite The Bullet’ And Cancel Thanksgiving
A surge in COVID cases across the United States, as well as a lack of precise information about how the virus spreads indoors, threatens holiday celebrations this year.
Stimulus Deal Before Election Will Be ‘Difficult,’ Mnuchin Says
Negotiations over an additional coronavirus relief package remain stalled, as both sides are still at odds over issues like employer liability and oversight of aid to states.
Russia Approves Second COVID Vaccine
EpiVacCorona, described as a “peptide-based shot,” has yet to even begin large-scale trials. Russia announced its first vaccine, Sputnik V, on Aug. 11.
Tennessee’s Abortion Waiting Period Law Struck Down
In his ruling, federal judge Bernard Friedman called Tennessee’s 48-hour waiting period “gratuitously demeaning” as well as “highly insulting and paternalistic” to women seeking an abortion. Meanwhile, Texas’ attorney general indicates he will seek an appeal of another abortion law just blocked in court.
Biden Campaigns On Pandemic, Health Care Plans In Lead Up To Dueling Town Halls
As the presidential candidates prepare for tonight’s separate town hall events — to be controversially broadcast at the same time — Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden hones his health care message to voters. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump downplays the COVID pandemic.
Postal Service To Reverse Changes That Delayed Ballots, Prescription Drugs
In settlement of a lawsuit filed by Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, the U.S. Postal Service agreed to reverse recent changes that have delayed mail delivery in the lead-up to the election.