Latest KFF Health News Stories
Beef Industry Criticized Over Use Of Antibiotics
In other news: gene therapy, small-fiber neuropathy, CRISPR, a mystery illness and more.
Pfizer Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over Medicare’s Anti-Kickback Rules
The pharmaceutical giant says the regulations keep Pfizer from helping seniors to pay for an expensive heart condition drug. In other pharmaceutical news, drugmakers are teaming up in a new $1 billion for-profit venture to invest in small antibiotic companies.
To Blow Off Steam, Doctors Play — What Else? — A Game Called ‘Pandemic’
How doctors are coping with the coronavirus outbreak. Also, should you go to the dentist now? In other news: Noted sleep disorder researcher William Dement dies at 91.
Coronavirus Infection Rates Among Latinos Far Outpace Rest Of The Nation
Many Latino families were unable to shelter in place due to work requirements. Since Easter, the number of cases in Hispanic communities has skyrocketed. Meanwhile, Black doctors speak out on inequities entrenched in the health care system that have been laid bare by the pandemic. News outlets also explore how the protests against racial injustice are impacting activists and policymakers around the country.
Police Violence Against Latinos Underreported, Castro Says
“It’s not an issue that’s associated with Latinos in the same way that it’s associated with African American men in particular, but it has been a real problem for the Latino community throughout the country, particularly in inner city neighborhoods of folks being profiled, folks being killed over the years,” said Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) in an interview Sunday. Also: Images of police brutality may cause trauma; New York’s top policeman discusses protests.
Both President Donald Trump’s HHS secretary and Vice President Mike Pence called on Americans to act responsibly and wear masks even though some leaders do not follow the CDC’s advice. News on masks looks at local, state and other countries’ policies, a choir’s negligence, politicians’ calls for President Trump to wear a mask, and which masks rise to the top, as well.
1 Killed At Breonna Taylor Protest In Louisville After Man Shoots Into Crowd
The victim was a 27-year-old photographer. People in the crowd — who were at the park to protest police brutality — fired back at the gunman, who was wounded but survived.
For AIDS Activists, Government’s Response To Coronavirus Feels Familiar
In other LGBTQ-related news: Black trans women speak out; Pride parades; gay activist Kenneth Lewes dies.
‘Glad To See This Happen In My Lifetime’: Confederate Symbol To Be Removed From Mississippi’s Flag
Mississippi is the sole U.S. state to still feature the racially charged Confederate flag in its state flag. Lawmakers voted over the weekend to remove the controversial symbol and Gov. Tate Reeves (R) says he will sign the bill. And in another response to the growing national attention on racial issues in the U.S., Princeton University says it will remove Woodrow Wilson’s name from its public policy school.
Planned Parenthood Names McGill Johnson As Permanent President
Alexis McGill Johnson has been serving as acting president since Leana Wen stepped down in 2019.
Is There A Path Forward For A Police Reform Bill On Capitol Hill?
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the author of a Republican police reform bill that Senate Democrats blocked last week, says he will meet with House Democrats who drafted their own legislation. Meanwhile, Congressional Black Caucus members look to seize the national moment. And Democratic party members call for more progressive changes than those backed by their presumptive presidential nominee.
Economic Downturn Provides ‘National Study’ Of How The Health Law Performs
The health law’s effect in this period of intense need may help determine its future, The New York Times reports.
Trump Campaign Ordered Removal Of Social Distancing Signs At Tulsa Rally, Source Says
Also: Vice President Mike Pence postpones campaign events in Arizona and Florida; Joe Biden’s campaign releases diversity statistics.
Short-Term Plan Enrollment Grew In 2019 Despite Excluding Many Preexisting Conditions
A House committee investigation found enrollment up 600,000 over the year before.
Trump Retweets, Then Deletes, Video With ‘White Power’ Chant
The president thanked the “great people” shown in the video, which was uploaded Saturday.
A Federal Agency Tells Its Employees: No References To ‘Anything COVID Related Is Needed’
The Commerce Department’s National Marine Fisheries Service sent a memo to its federal employees that they should make no references “to any stay-at-home orders, travel restrictions, or anything COVID related…” without the agency’s leadership approval. Meanwhile, Stat examines the U.S. pandemic response. Other news from the administration relates to immigration, citizenship and the VA.
A New Global Mark: 500,000 Coronavirus Deaths Worldwide
Over 500,000 deaths around the world have now been officially attributed to COVID-19. There have been over 10 million confirmed cases globally — with more than 2.5 million of those in the U.S. — though the actual number is likely higher.
Pence, White House Point To ‘Remarkable Progress’ Against COVID, Despite Rapid Surges In South, West
During the White House task force’s first public briefing in two months and during a public event in Texas on Sunday, Vice President Mike Pence touted efforts by the Trump administration and the states to control the virus spread. He said recent spikes were primarily impacting young people and is now urging the wearing of masks.
Trump Team Struggles With Public Health Realities And Political Rallies
The president’s recent statements about testing continue to draw fact-checker scrutiny and stiff criticism from anti-Trump Republicans.
In Fla., Case Counts Mount; Gov. DeSantis In The Hot Seat
The recent surge is triggering concern among the state’s tourism workers, who worry whether the increase in coronavirus will undermine the state’s ability to attract visitors.