Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biden Choice To Run CMS Wins Senate Confirmation Vote
The nomination of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure was approved by 55 votes. She will run the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which also oversees the children’s insurance program and the insurance marketplaces set up by the Affordable Care Act.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Nursing Shortage Has Easy Solution; Ways Employers Can Help With Mental Health
Editorial writers delve into nursing shortages, mental health and Alzheimer’s.
Different Takes: CDC Mask Guidance Not Complicated; Will Covid Become Seasonal Like The Flu?
Opinion writers tackle these covid, vaccine and mask issues.
Vaccine ‘Passport’ Ban Enacted In Alabama; Rhode Island Struggles On Marijuana Legalization Deal
Covid and other public health news is reported from Alabama, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Florida, New Hampshire, Oregon, New York and Colorado.
Covid Cases In India Dip But Deadly ‘Black Fungus’ Cases Rise
Nearly 9,000 cases of mucormycosis, known as “black fungus,” have been reported in India. Experts say it is tied to the high use of steroids in treating covid patients. As India struggles to determine its next steps to fight the pandemic, other countries are concerned about possible spread of the covid variant that has developed in India. Plus, other news about the battle around the world to defeat covid.
Optogenetics Treatment Partly Restores Blind Man’s Vision
By constructing light-capturing proteins in one eye, scientists have been able to return some vision to sufferer of retinitis pigmentosa. Other research news covers induced bonding in mice by brain stimulation, and bloody test strategies for antibiotic therapies.
Covid’s Threat To Children Assessed
Also news on schools and on other children’s health issues.
Covid Research: Black Patients’ Symptoms Often Ignored
Other covid studies on impact of underlying medical conditions and long-term antibody levels
Anti-Abortion Laws Advance; Texas Plans For The End Of Roe V. Wade
The Ohio city of Lebanon may vote to outlaw abortion today and declare itself a “sanctuary city for the unborn.” Meanwhile, Republican-led lawmakers in Texas have advanced a bill to almost immediately outlaw abortions if Roe v. Wade is reversed.
One California County Sees Fentanyl Deaths Double During Pandemic
A new study says deaths from fentanyl in Santa Clara County in 2020 more than doubled over the previous two years. Separately, a West Virginia city will get a $200,000 grant to fight substance abuse.
Congress Considers $30 Billion In ‘Biobonds’ For Small Drug Companies
The “biobonds” would be used to finance drug development by small firms or universities.
Racial Segregation In Urban Hospitals Is Widespread
Highly racially inclusive hospitals are often nearby some of the most segregated ones, a new report finds. Meanwhile, news outlets cover a national year of racial “reckoning” after the death of George Floyd.
State Department And CDC, Citing Virus, Warn Against Travel To Japan
Although the announcements by U.S. officials, citing a surge in the covid virus, did not directly address plans for the July Olympics, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee said it still anticipates that American athletes will be able to safely. Japan also said athletes would be safe during the competition.
Mask On, Mask Off: Americans Tackle Tricky Unlocking Guidelines
A poll shows many people over 50 are unmasking and beginning to return to normal life, even as others are continuing to wear masks despite being vaccinated or facing no mask-wearing rules. OSHA may also still mandate masks indoors at work.
Young Americans Are Lagging Other Groups In The Vaccine Rollout
Only 7.6% of 18 to 24 year olds have been vaccinated, says the CDC. Experts warn younger Americans who think covid may not pose a serious illness risk that the virus may still bring long-term symptoms.
FEMA Readies For Hurricanes As Covid Occupies Staff
Also, people seeking reimbursement from FEMA for funeral expenses of family members who died of covid have trouble if death certificates do not list covid as a cause of death.
Becerra Urges WHO To Expand Probe Of The Origin Of Covid-19
In a message for the opening of the annual assembly of the World Health Organization, the U.S. secretary of Health and Human Development says, “Phase 2 of the COVID origins study must be launched with terms of reference that are transparent, science-based, and give international experts the independence to fully assess the source of the virus and the early days of the outbreak.” This comes as U.S. officials are examining reports that the virus may have escaped from a Chinese virology lab.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages tackle these public health topics.
