Latest KFF Health News Stories
Marijuana’s Health Benefits Questioned
The Food and Drug Administration moves closer to establishing regulations for cannabidiol; The American Heart Association says any cannabis product is not good for the circulatory system.
Novavax Releases Encouraging COVID Vaccine Results From Early Studies
The biotech company announced its experimental vaccine yielded promising immune response in a small preliminary human trial, though it came with a high rate of mostly mild side effects.
Gilead, Purdue Pharma In The Hot Seat
A group of state attorneys general wants the federal government to sidestep Gilead’s patents for remdesivir, and the Justice Department wants $18.1 billion from bankrupt opioid maker Purdue Pharma. Also in the news: Kodak; and pricey drugs.
COVID Yields Some Answers On Disease Severity
Researchers find that women who take birth control pills are less likely to develop a serious form of the illness. And those with milder cases of COVID-19 may not be as infectious. News outlets report on other coronavirus scientific developments.
Azar Defends FDA’s Moves To Prevent Use Of Subpar Masks
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told Fox Business that inspections found imperfections in some mask brands. Other news on masks includes a new Mississippi mandate and the horrors facing wedding planners.
Hucksters and quacks are warned in Texas about advertising fake cures for COVID. In Japan, a politician touts gargling as a cure and people believe him.
Fewer Cancers Being Diagnosed During Pandemic, Research Shows
Also in the news: a long-awaited fetal tissue advisory board convenes; stillbirths; dengue fever hits the Florida Keys; how the pandemic is affecting relationships, work and sports; and more.
6 States Connect To Fix ‘Severe Testing Shortages, Delays’
The group, with Republican and Democratic governors, includes Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio and Massachusetts. Other states have expressed interest in joining.
Trump Stands By Push To Reopen Schools; Teachers Rally In Dozens Of Districts
While most school districts are still deciding how to safely start the new year, Georgia’s largest district has returned to classrooms despite an outbreak and some Texas administrators face ventilation concerns. Other reports from across the country on K-12 school re-openings.
Out Of Clorox Wipes? You’ll Likely Have To Wait Until 2021 To Buy More
Also: Bill Nye the Science Guy scolds young people for partying; how the coronavirus is affecting communities across the United States; and more.
Outbreak Of Rare, Polio-Like Disease Possible This Year, CDC Warns
But some health experts say precautions such as mask-wearing and school closures could help minimize the risk of acute flaccid myelitis, a neurologic condition that mostly affects children.
After Months Of Railing Against Mail-In Voting, Trump Praises Florida For It
Meanwhile, state governments, courts, poll workers and voters all wrestle with the potential hazards of in-person voting as primaries proceed and the November election nears.
Both Sides Give Moderate Concessions In Stimulus Deal Negotiations
But lawmakers and the White House are still far apart on big-ticket items. Republicans say Democrats are taking too hard a negotiating line as the Senate’s scheduled August recess looms.
Medicaid Expansion Passes In Missouri
Another ballot measure campaign results in voters again overruling Republican state lawmakers who refused to expand Medicaid as part of the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, fewer unemployed have enrolled in Medicaid during the pandemic than expected.
Nearly 6,000 People Dying A Day Across The Globe
The total confirmed number of humans who have died from the coronavirus surpassed 700,000, according to Reuters’ count. Meanwhile, the U.S. closes in on 5 million Americans who have been infected.
Azar’s Planned Taiwan Trip Will Be First By Cabinet Member In 6 Years
In a move likely to anger China, the Trump administration is sending a delegation led by Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar to visit Taiwan. He will meet with medical experts there.
Trump And The Credibility Gulf
President Trump continues to say that the United States is doing “very well” in its fight against the coronavirus. Evidence suggests otherwise and a number of media outlets fact check his statements.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Could Labs That Test Livestock Ease COVID Testing Backlog for People? Well … Maybe.
Experts say aid from certain veterinary labs could relieve some of the pressure on commercial and hospital-based labs to lessen the current delays in COVID-19 testing and results, but it is unlikely to be a game changer.
Pandemic’s Bumps and Backlash Shape Montana Race Poised to Steer US Senate
Gov. Steve Bullock’s response to the pandemic has helped raise his profile as he challenges incumbent Republican Sen. Steve Daines. But it also complicates the campaign as the state sees a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and voters question some of the governor’s actions.