Latest KFF Health News Stories
Who Could Trump Have Exposed? Tracing The White House Outbreak
News outlets detail the activities of President Donald Trump over the past week, during which he could have been contagious. And questions are raised about why the president proceeded with his Thursday schedule even after it was revealed that White House aide Hope Hicks tested positive.
Donald Trump Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Is In Isolation
President Donald Trump announced in a late-night tweet the he and first lady Melanie Trump both have COVID-19. The news came hours after the president attended a campaign rally and the revelation that adviser Hope Hicks had also tested positive. The Trumps are now isolated at the White House.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editor’s Note:
This week KHN launched Episode 1 of our first long-form podcast, “No Mercy.” We take you into the lives of rural Americans when their town’s only hospital shut down. The upheaval created involves more than just health care. Listen, you’ll be hooked.
Trump’s COVID Program for Uninsured People: It Exists, but Falls Short
The help is real — but access to it isn’t easy.
Evictions Damage Public Health. The CDC Aims to Curb Them ― For Now.
A survey of 17 cities found more than 50,000 pandemic-related eviction filings. Housing advocates worry that increased housing instability will lead to more COVID-19 and other illnesses.
Old Drug Turned ‘Cash Cow’ as Company Pumped Price to $40K a Vial, Emails Show
The CEO of Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals defended the price hikes of Acthar gel, an orphan drug that treats infantile spasms at a House Oversight Committee hearing on Thursday.
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Thousands of Minks Dead as COVID Outbreak Escalates on Utah Farms
COVID-19 is killing minks. So far, it appears infections likely spread from people to minks, not from minks to people.
Biden’s in the Ballpark on How Many People Have Preexisting Conditions
A wide range of people — from 54 million to 135 million — could be affected if the provision in the Affordable Care Act were eliminated.
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Election Preview: What’s Next for Health?
How will health issues affect voter choices? What will happen if President Donald Trump is reelected or the White House goes to Joe Biden? In this special election preview episode, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Joanne Kenen of Politico and Rebecca Adams of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more.
Editorial pages focus on these health care issues and others.
Research Roundup: COVID; Diabetes; Fasting; Hyperinflammatory Syndrome; Low-Dose Zinc
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Alabama Apologizes To ‘Fifth Girl’ In 1963 Church Bombing For Inflicting Pain, Suffering
Sarah Collins Rudolph, 69, was 12 when a bomb planted by the KKK tore through 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. Her sister and three other young girls were killed. Rudolph survived but lost an eye. She says medical bills and trauma have haunted her ever since.
Putin Plans To Take Russian Vaccine; Brazil Cancels Carnival Parade
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he plans to take the vaccine before he travels to Seoul. Global health news also comes from Brazil, Spain, India and China.
Pennsylvania School Officials Accused Of Covering Up Lead, Asbestos Contamination
The Associated Press reports that starting in 2016, officials in the Scranton School District were repeatedly told about dangerous lead levels in drinking water in at least 10 schools but didn’t disconnect tainted water fountains, according to a grand jury presentment released Wednesday.
Chilling Out: Breathing Exercises Go Mainstream Amid Spike In Anxiety
Doctors tell physicians and patients that a kind of deep breathing called “box breathing” is known to reduce stress. Other COVID reports are on deafness and missionaries. Also, in the news: the passing of an HIV hero, the loss of a baby, breast cancer, exercise routines and a documentary on dementia, as well.
Mississippi Drops Mask Mandate; NYC Imposes Fines For Maskless
Also, the Maine pastor who refused to wear a mask at a wedding linked to a superspreader event and eight deaths is told to wear a mask at his son’s wedding.
Generic Drugs, Antibiotics Get A Boost
Ro plans to supply generics of Lipitor and Norvasc through its virtual mail-order company. Also in the news: Lawmakers want to create a new payment model to encourage drugmakers to create antibiotics; and biotech firm G1 Therapeutics announces a CEO change.
Wisconsin Hospitals Are Wait-Listing Patients Before Trump Rally
Other business updates are from Northwell Health, United Health Group, Sanford Health and the states of California and Texas.