Oct 20, 2017

After dropping for 3 years, uninsured rate rising

A doctor and patient at a health clinic in Oregon. Photo: Gosia Wozniacka / AP

After consistent declines over the past three years, the rate of U.S. adults without health insurance has begun to rise, according to new data from Gallup. One year ago, the uninsured rate was 10.9%, down from 18% in early 2013. Now, it has ticked back up to 12.3%, the highest percentage recorded since 2014.

Why it matters: The steep drop in the uninsured rate was one of the Affordable Care Act's biggest successes since it went into full effect. If that's being reversed now, expect a lot of debate over how much is because of the months of repeal efforts and the Trump administration’s vocal opposition to the law.

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Kendall Baker
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

With a growing number of schools opting for online-only classes this fall to limit the spread of COVID-19, physical education will be severely limited, if not suspended altogether.

Why it matters: While classroom-based learning can be done virtually, it's nearly impossible to replicate physical education — which plays a crucial role in kids' physical and mental health — through a screen. And with sports on hold in most states, PE is the only physical activity outlet some kids have.

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Caitlin Owens
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How to do smarter coronavirus testing

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

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Why it matters: The system is overwhelmed by the demand for tests, and yet prolific testing is key to identifying asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic coronavirus cases. Experts say the solution is smarter testing — which doesn't require perfect accuracy.

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Rebecca Falconer
Updated 24 mins ago - World

China announces retaliatory sanctions on Rubio, Cruz and other U.S. officials

Photos: Graeme Jennings/Pool/Getty Images; Al Drago/Pool/Getty Images

China's Foreign Ministry announced Monday that it's imposing sanctions on Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), along with nine other Americans, per Bloomberg.

Why it matters: It's a direct response to similar actions by the U.S. that included the Trump administration placing sanctions on officials Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam last Friday over Beijing's encroachment of the Asian financial hub's s autonomy.

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