Latest KFF Health News Stories
Governors At Canadian Border Pressure Biden On Continued Closure
Nine governors have demanded explanations from the Biden administration about the ongoing closure of the U.S. border to most Canadians. Separately, two passengers on a recent U.S.-to-Toronto flight have been fined for presenting fake vaccine cards and negative test documents.
Oregon’s Governor Set To Veto Recent Kratom, Mental Health Bills
Gov. Kate Brown said a bill designed to limit purchase of kratom by under-21s and one that would impact appointment processes to mental health authorities were in conflict with federal regulations. Marijuana in Oklahoma, assisted living centers in North Carolina and more are also in the news.
Montana Woman Has Baby After Successful Uterus Transplant
The Billings Gazette reports on a “groundbreaking” surgery that enabled a local woman to successfully carry a baby boy until birth after she was born without a working uterus. Car seat belts, E. coli from raw cake batter, egg consumption, the anti-abortion movement and more are also in the news.
Montana’s Behavioral Health Systems Strained, With Too Many Jobs Unfilled
Some behavioral health and developmental disability service providers in Montana have 20% to 50% of their jobs unfilled due to worker shortages, forcing reduced service. Separately, NPR reports on how caregivers’ mental health has suffered during the pandemic.
New GOP Report On Covid’s Origin Doubles Down On Lab Leak Theory
On Monday, Republican Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released a third installment in his investigation, in which he said the outbreak stemmed from a genetically modified virus.
FDA Pushing Other Projects Out Of Way To Speed Up Work On Covid Vaccine
The agency is deprioritizing some of its existing work to make way for everything that needs to be done to fully approve Pfizer’s covid shot, Stat reports. In other vaccine news, Friday was a good day for vaccinations, with more than half a million new shots recorded; Broadway will require proof of vaccination; Maryland’s vaccine lottery is hailed as a success; and more.
Pelosi Joins Calls For White House To Extend Anti-Eviction Protections
House Democrats had tried to prevent the federal eviction moratorium from lapsing this weekend but failed, prompting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to throw her weight behind the idea. A judge in one Metro Atlanta county took a further step and issued her own 60-day eviction ban.
CDC Offers Explanation On Why It Again Recommends Masks Indoors
Newly released data from an outbreak in Massachusetts show that fully vaccinated people with breakthrough infections stemming from the delta variant can spread the virus to others, although the CDC stressed that the situation is rare.
Fauci Predicts ‘Pain And Suffering’ If More Don’t Get Jab, But No Lockdowns
Biden administration officials leading the nation’s pandemic response had tough warnings for unvaccinated America. They also defended the latest policy shift on masks.
Delta Surge Prompts Kroger, Walmart To Reinstate Mask Policy
Kroger’s stance is to “strongly” recommend mask-wearing in its stores — even for vaccinated people — and Walmart is requiring all workers to wear masks, and encourages patrons to, as well. Meanwhile, news outlets cover different pro- and anti-masking moves made across the country.
As Hospital Beds Fill Up, Some Are Closing Doors To Visitors
Hospitals in Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Nevada, Missouri, California and Arkansas are feeling the crunch again. And while we are all exhausted by the pandemic, consider the mindset of weary health workers who have been trying to save lives for 18 months.
‘Sicker And Younger’ Patients Reported In States With Surging Delta Infections
As the delta variant changes the complexion of the pandemic in the U.S., the nation passes the 35 million-case milestone. And California became the first state to reach 4 million covid infections.
Florida Hits ‘Frightening’ Highs For Covid Cases, Hospitalizations
Over the weekend, Florida broke its previous records for daily new covid infections as well as for hospitalizations. It’s also reported that patients in the hospital are trending younger — and nearly all are unvaccinated.
White House Concerned Media Is Too Focused On Breakthrough Infections
CNN reports on frustrations in the Biden administration that news coverage on the delta covid variant is alarmist and misleading, muddling the vaccination message. Meanwhile, The New York Times reports authorities are hiring influencers to help spread the right info about covid.
Senators Unveil 2,700-Page $1T Infrastructure Bill; What’s In It?
Negotiators released the package Sunday night while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer moved the legislation ahead to kick off what is expected to be a lengthy amendment process.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Flaw In Medical AI; Australians Struggling With Mental Health
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Opinion writers weigh in on covid, mask mandates and vaccines.
As Infections Spike, Japan Extends Emergency Measures
Tokyo has reported a record increase in covid cases for three days in a row, and government officials responded by expanding the state of emergency to three more areas near the city and the western city of Osaka. But inside the “Olympic bubble,” competition continues and most people have been vaccinated.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on the pandemic, cats in medical research, pimple patches and HIV.
