Latest Morning Briefing Stories

Public Health Officials Are Our COVID Commanders. Treat Them With Respect.

KFF Health News Original

This pandemic is like war, and California’s local health officers are leading the state’s response. Yet unlike war heroes, who are lionized, they are facing unprecedented attacks and death threats.

For Kids With Special Needs, Online Schooling Divides Haves and Have-Nots

KFF Health News Original

Virtual classrooms are aggravating the economic disparities that plague education, with widening divides in access to supplies, workspace and parental guidance. The problem is especially acute for children with learning disabilities.

Republican Convention, Day 4: Fireworks … and Shining a Light on Trump’s Claims

KFF Health News Original

Donald Trump accepted his party’s nomination to seek reelection for a second term as president in front of a partisan audience that appeared to largely lack masks and opt against social distancing.

COVID + Influenza: This Is a Good Year to Get a Flu Shot, Experts Advise

KFF Health News Original

A robust sign-up for flu shots could help head off a nightmare scenario in the coming winter of hospitals stuffed with both COVID-19 patients and those suffering from severe effects of influenza. Plus, no one knows how flu and COVID might interact if a patient got both.

How to Weigh Evacuation Options With Both Wildfires and COVID at Your Door

KFF Health News Original

As the twin disasters of COVID-19 and fire season sweep through California, thousands of residents are weighing difficult options, pitting risk against risk as they decide where to evacuate. Amid a virulent pandemic, where can you safely relocate?

5 Things to Know About Convalescent Blood Plasma

KFF Health News Original

President Donald Trump touted the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of this unproven COVID-19 treatment for emergency use. That set off reactions ranging from excitement and optimism to scientific concerns and criticism that the decision was politically motivated.

Pence Praises Trump’s ‘Seamless’ COVID Response, Leaves Out His State Feuds

KFF Health News Original

Early in the pandemic, Trump feuded with governors over whose responsibility it was to secure supplies and states sometimes found themselves competing with each other and the federal government for scarce personal protective equipment and testing materials.

Another COVID Mystery: Patients Survive Ventilator, But Linger in a Coma

KFF Health News Original

Doctors are diagnosing a new stage of COVID-19 recovery: patients who take much longer than usual to regain consciousness after coming off a ventilator. And a growing number of doctors are worried some patients aren’t being given the time they need to wake up.

Republican Convention, Day 2: Pomp, the Pandemic and Planned Parenthood

KFF Health News Original

Tuesday night’s speakers offered positive views on President Donald Trump’s handling of the pandemic. The first lady and Trump, himself, took advantage of the trappings of the White House in setting the scene.

LA Hospital Seeks Vaccine Trial Participants Among Its Own High-Risk Patients

KFF Health News Original

Harbor-UCLA Medical Center serves patients who are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus: They are essential workers, have chronic diseases and are members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. When the safety-net hospital kicks off enrollment for its COVID-19 vaccine trial Wednesday, it will look to those patients to participate.