Latest KFF Health News Stories
CDC, FDA Prestige Takes Hit After Missteps And Backpedaling
And the reputations of both public health agencies could be further impacted by impressions that they are bowing to political pressure from the White House.
FDA Chief Open To Fast-Tracking A Vaccine Before Trials Wrap Up
In interviews with the Financial Times and Bloomberg, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn spoke about the conditions under which he would consider granting emergency authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine. The comments come a week after President Donald Trump accused the FDA of dragging its feet on vaccine approval to hurt him politically.
FDA Ousts Top Spokesperson After Bungled Convalescent Plasma Announcement
In addition to removing Trump-appointee Emily Miller from her post after only 11 days on the job, the FDA also terminated the contract of a public relations consultant. The moves are seen as an effort to restore the credibility of the agency.
New US Mark: 6 Million Cases In 6 Months; India Breaks Global Record
According to The New York Times’ tally, the U.S. has topped 6 million confirmed cases of COVID-19. The death toll is nearing 200,000. Globally, the case count surpassed 25 million, with India reporting the greatest single-day spike in cases of any nation ever.
Dramatic Drop In Donations Prompts Layoffs, Furloughs At Nonprofits
Susan G. Komen, Make-A-Wish, the American Heart Association, United Way and Mothers Against Drunk Driving have all made cuts in staff, spending or both.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to sit back and enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on COVID, mental illness, Obamacare, pregnancy, parenting, marriage and more.
British Ad Campaign Will Urge Workers To Head Back To The Office
A survey earlier this month found that about 40 percent of people in Britain said they were working remotely. In other coronavirus news around the world, Japan is securing rights to any successful vaccine to make sure it can host the Olympics next summer. Also in the news, Japan’s prime minister announces he will resign for health reasons.
How The States Are Faring: Contract Tracing Probe, Closure Of Bars
Media outlets report news from Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Michigan and Georgia.
Amazon Moves Further Into Health Industry
The giant retailer and data company revealed a wearable device, called Halo, that collects personal health-related and physical fitness data.
The Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State University explores the pandemic’s impact on America’s homeless population.
Peach Recall Expanded After More Salmonella Cases Surface
More than a dozen companies including Aldi, Food Lion, Hannaford, Kroger, Target, Walmart, Wegmans and Russ Davis Wholesale have recalled the fruit. Public health news is on breast cancer screenings and an obituary of a popular Ground Zero volunteer.
Six Feet Apart: New Research Suggests It Might Not Be Protective
An analysis published in BMJ says 6 feet apart is just a starting point. Research news is on blood plasma, antibody tests and more.
Mass. Governor Blames Bachelorette Party In Rhode Island For Sickening 19 People
Gov. Charlie Baker reported the episode as he talked about how “unmanaged” social events are helping to drive the spread of the pandemic. In other news, Delta says it is serious about wearing masks on planes and has added 240 people to its “no-fly” list because they refused.
Add Concerns About Legionnaires’ Disease To Schools’ New Assignments
School officials in Ohio and Pennsylvania have found the bacteria that causes the disease in nine schools. It can form in stagnant water, including systems in unused buildings. Also in the news are developments about COVID protections for schools in New York, Maryland, Georgia, Virginia and Kansas.
Contested Anti-Malarial Drug Used In Nursing Homes, Inspectors Find
Democratic senators sent a letter to federal agencies asking what’s been done to stop unproven treatment, citing the state inspector general reports that found use in at least two nursing homes.
Senators Elected In 2014 On Wave Of ACA Protests Face Potential Whiplash
Republicans who swept to victory in Senate races then are up for reelection and the public is now more comfortable with the law.
D.C. Weighs Reshuffling Coverage For Medicaid Patients
The plan, designed to help Washington, D.C., save money, would place about 100,000 patients this fall onto new health-care plans, some of which do not cover the patients’ current doctors. Meanwhile, state officials in Georgia say they may need $400 million next year because of expected increases in Medicaid expenses.
Administration Considers Collecting Contact Info On Incoming Travelers
Under the proposal, anyone coming into the country — including Americans — would hand over phone numbers and email addresses for possible contact tracing, NBC is reporting. Also in the news, Senate Democrats raise concerns about coronavirus spread in the military.
