Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Covered California Announces Record-Low Rate Hike for 2021
Health plans offered through Covered California, the health insurance exchange, will increase premiums by a statewide average of 0.6% next year. Health insurers reported strong profits in the second quarter of 2020 as their expenses plunged because of fewer surgeries and patient visits for non-COVID treatment.
Maryland County Pledges Investigation of Health Worker’s Coronavirus Death
The disease intervention specialist at the Prince George’s County Health Department was among at least 20 department employees infected by the coronavirus, union officials say. The outbreak underscores the stark dangers facing the nation’s front-line public health army.
Viewpoints: Lessons On Opening Classrooms; Pros, Cons Of Pre-Vaccine Treatments
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Parsing Policies: Supplement Helped Unemployed And Economy; Lockdowns Didn’t Cause Economy To Tank
Opinion writers weigh in on important government decisions pertaining to the pandemic and other issues, as well, including how Italy and Sweden are dealing with a second wave.
Research: ‘Electronic Skin’ Could Return Sense Of Touch To Prosthetic Users
Researchers In Singapore were inspired by movie scenes in which Luke Skywalker sensed things through a robotic hand. Also, news on research into dementia, nutrition, dinosaurs’ cancer and more.
New Drinking Water Standards Take Effect In Michigan
Also: How California cut its prison population; Massachusetts’ reopening plan could be rolled back; two teens die of COVID in Florida; and other news from Hawaii, Montana and Kentucky.
What’s Going On Around The Globe
News on how other countries are trying to deal with renewed coronavirus outbreaks.
New Jersey Orders All Students To Wear Masks
In other education news: classes begin in Mississippi; fewer parents in poll want full-time, in-person schooling; how other countries are dealing with education; and more.
California Lays Out Rules For Opening Schools
The only exceptions to the state’s much-anticipated guidelines are elementary schools that receive a public health waiver.
How Amusement Parks, Sports Teams Are Trying To Play It Safe
Nickelodeon Universe plans to reopen Aug. 10 with lots of hand sanitizing. Pro sports teams have different concerns, especially about who can play and how they can play.