Latest KFF Health News Stories
Kavanaugh Urged Fellow Justices To Avoid Rulings On Abortion, CNN Says
CNN takes a deep dive into Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s desire to avoid certain thorny issues and his pattern of trying to publicly appeal to both sides.
National Teachers Union Calls For ‘Safety Strikes’
The American Federation of Teachers said strikes would be an option if schools reopen without satisfactory plans for keeping teachers safe from the coronavirus.
Report: VA Hospital Physician ‘Contributed’ To Patient’s Decline, Death
The physician who expressed indifference to the veteran’s condition was a contract worker at Washington, D.C.’s VA Medical Center’s emergency room.
Medicaid Enrollment Lower Than Expected; COVID Impacts Black Medicare Beneficiaries
Centene anticipated higher growth in its Medicaid enrollment due to rising umemployment.
Federal Government Gives $765M Loan To Kodak To Make Chemicals For Drugs
The deal is aimed at reducing U.S. reliance on China. Other companies in the news include Roche, Reata and Cepheid.
Blood Test To Detect Alzheimer’s–Years Before Symptoms–Within Reach: Study
The new research of a potential blood test offers hope for Alzheimer’s research and treatment as the degenerative disease can now only be diagnosed through scans or spinal taps after memory has already faltered.
Moderna’s COVID Vaccine Clears Lung Infection Of Monkeys In Test
The results are encouraging, though the animal test does not guarantee that the developmental vaccine will work as well on humans.
Twitter Suspends Trump Jr. For Spreading Claims About COVID
In his response, the president’s son said, “This never happens to someone saying something that benefits the left. It only hurts conservatives.”
Senate Relief Bill Measures Face Revolt By Some Republicans
Despite the imminent expiration of current aid, a quick path to another round of coronavirus stimulus gets tougher as a number of Republican senators object to several of the provisions in their party’s proposal.
Biden Urges Reliance On Science To Get Nation Through Pandemic
The presumptive Democratic nominee also says he hasn’t been tested for COVID-19.
Trump Still Pumps For Hydroxychloroquine
President Trump continued to promote the use of hydroxychloroquine despite his own administration’s scientists warning against its use. His latest evidence is from a doctor with strange medical beliefs.
Russia Behind COVID Disinformation Campaign, US Intel Finds
The AP and New York Times report that Russian military operatives are using English-language websites to spread false information about the coronavirus outbreak to Western audiences, according to newly declassified intelligence .
Trump Calls Portions Of US ‘Corona-Free,’ Bemoans His Approval Ratings
Despite the ongoing viral surge, President Donald Trump said during a briefing Tuesday night, “You can look at large portions of our country — it’s corona-free.” He also wondered why public health experts Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx poll well while his popularity shrinks.
Federal List Of Dangerous ‘Red Zone’ States Grows To 21; US Nears 150,000 Deaths
According to a Trump administration report, 21 states fall into the “red zone” where coronavirus outbreaks are so serious that federal officials recommend more restrictions; 28 states qualify for the “yellow zone.” Meanwhile, new cases may be plateauing in some of those places, yet six of the states report record deaths.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Where Mask-Wearing Isn’t Gospel: Colorado Churches Grapple With Reopening
Long considered one of the country’s evangelical strongholds, Colorado Springs cautiously returned to church after nearly two months without religious gatherings. But how congregations are handling Colorado’s new mask rules varies in this conservative city.
Analysis: When Is a Coronavirus Test Not a Coronavirus Test?
If it takes 12 days to get results, testing is basically pointless.
Public Health Experts Fear a Hasty FDA Signoff on Vaccine
The FDA must approve any coronavirus vaccine before it’s widely distributed, but political pressure could cloud the decision.
In Texas, More People Are Losing Their Health Insurance as COVID Cases Climb
During the pandemic, nearly 700,000 additional Texans have lost health insurance. The Lone Star State already had more uninsured people than any other. It has given people with COVID symptoms pause before seeking medical care.
Editorial pages express views about the quality of COVID research, a nationwide effort to tackle the virus and other topics.