Jill Biden Has COVID; BA.2.86 Less Evasive Than Feared? Jimmy Buffett's Fatal Cancer

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First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, the White House announced. President Biden has tested negative but will continue to test and monitor for symptoms.

Early U.S. lab tests suggest that Omicron subvariant BA.2.86 -- also dubbed Pirola -- may be less contagious and immune-evasive than feared. (CNN)

Meanwhile, the rising COVID cases across the country have caused anxiety at the beginning of the school year. (The Hill)

After 30 years, Pennsylvania will end state funding for anti-abortion counseling centers. (AP)

The CDC is alerting doctors to look out for Vibrio vulnificus infections after reports of multiple recent deaths related to the flesh-eating bacteria; infections are associated with exposure to warming coastal waters or raw or undercooked shellfish.

Doctors in New Zealand left a dinner-plate sized medical device in the abdomen of a woman who gave birth via caesarean section, according to an official report; the patient subsequently suffered from crippling pain for 18 months before it was discovered and removed. (NBC News)

New research supports the lower risk of gonorrhea infection with group B meningococcal vaccination. (JAMA Network Open)

A federal court revived a lawsuit from three doctors who charged that the FDA overstepped its authority in its campaign against the use of ivermectin for COVID-19. (AP)

Why long COVID poses unique challenges for seniors. (New York Times)

A weighted lottery system helped equitably allocate a scarce COVID drug. (JAMA Health Forum)

Mississippi's cervical cancer death rate may indicate broader healthcare issues. (KFF Health News)

Despite new medical release laws, dying and disabled Illinois prisoners are kept behind bars. (AP)

"Margaritaville" singer Jimmy Buffett passed away at the age of 76 as the result of Merkel cell carcinoma: here's what to know about the rare form of skin cancer. (ABC News)

And Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell died at age 56 following liver failure. (New York Times)

Novartis is the latest to sue over the Biden administration's Medicare drug-pricing negotiations. (Reuters)

Is a "menopause retreat" the latest trend in wellness travel? (New York Times)

Workers continue to pay the price as Congress and employers debate the need for heat regulations. (KFF Health News)

More than 85,000 Tomy high chairs have been recalled over a potential fall hazard, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced.

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