Latest KFF Health News Stories
COVID Concentrated In A Few Countries
COVID is spreading quickly through South Africa, one of five countries currently being hit hard by the coronavirus.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Less-Lethal Weapons Blind, Maim and Kill. Victims Say Enough Is Enough.
Time and again over the past two decades, peace officers have targeted demonstrators with munitions designed only to stun and stop. Protests this year in reaction to George Floyd’s death in police custody have reignited a controversy surrounding their use.
With DACA Ruling, Did Supreme Court Grant Trump New Powers To Reshape Health Care?
There’s a theory now being embraced by President Donald Trump that the Supreme Court’s recent DACA decision makes it harder for a new president to undo the executive action of a predecessor. He cited it in a recent interview, saying that finding gave him the power to issue new health care and immigration plans. And some legal scholars disagree.
Technology Divide Between Senior ‘Haves’ and ‘Have-Nots’ Roils Pandemic Response
Older adults with the ability to use technology have more access to virtual social interactions and telehealth services, and more opportunities to secure essential supplies online. Those who don’t know how to use it or can’t afford it are at greater risk of social isolation, forgoing medical care and being without food or other necessary items.
KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Trump Twists on Virus Response
President Donald Trump has, for now at least, become a realist on the extent of the COVID-19 crisis around the country, and he is urging Americans to socially distance and wear masks. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Republicans facing a July 31 deadline are scrambling to come together on their version of the next COVID relief bill. Joanne Kenen of Politico, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times and Tami Luhby of CNN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, Rovner interviews NPR’s Pam Fessler, author of the new book “Carville’s Cure,” which traces the history of the United States’ only federal leprosarium.
Listen: Outbreak of Trench Fever Grips Coloradans
KHN senior Colorado correspondent Markian Hawryluk joined KUNC’s Henry Zimmerman on “Colorado Edition” to discuss his recent story on an outbreak of trench fever around Denver.
Editorial pages focus on masks, school openings and these other pandemic issues.
Parsing Policy: Congress Needs To Step Up Fast To Prevent More Suffering; Where’s The Data?
Editorial pages focus on keys issues the government needs to address to help ease pandemic problems.
Research Roundup: Dexamethasone; MRNA Vaccine; Levothyroxine
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
‘Explosion Of Evidence’ Shows How Synthetic Chemicals Harm Your Health
In other research news: the effects of gut microbes on malnourished children; and NIH’s plan to launch a “flurry” of COVID-19 trials.
In Mexico, President Downplays Masks As Cases Rise
Other global developments are reported out of Hong Kong, Puerto Rico and the Czech Republic.
How Western States And Texas Are Faring
Reports on the coronavirus from Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho and others states.
States Struggle As Hospitalizations Climb And COVID Reaches Rural Areas
Not much good news from the states on the battle against the coronavirus. Reports from Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Iowa, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Baseball’s Opening Day Subdued
COVID changes Opening Day and affects football too.
Parental Panic: More School Districts Announce Online Start
Georgia’s largest school district and a number of D.C.-area districts announce online schooling for the fall, and Seattle appears headed in the same direction. Arizona’s top education official suggests reopening plans should be based on data.
Hives, Blisters: Skin Rashes Might Offer Clues To Virus
Many types of rashes have been seen in patients. More public health news is on partiers, workers, prisoners and more.
Drug Overdoses Rise As US Battles Dual Crises Of COVID And Addiction
Drug overdoses hit a record high in 2019 in the U.S. and 2020 is on track to be even more grim. Wisconsin reports that opioid overdoses have more than doubled. And Kim Kardashian writes about husband Kanye West’s mental health.
Flu? Far Fewer Numbers Reported In Southern Hemisphere
In some countries where COVID measures are in place, the flu has all but disappeared. Other public health news is on restrooms, food poisoning, mental health, child care, adjunct professors and one more way doctors and hospitals pad medical bills.
The Vexing Question Of Reinfection: It’s Unlikely, Experts Say
Anecdotal reports of people testing positive twice raise questions, while research continues into the coronavirus’ behavior and human immune response.