Genetic sequencing has confirmed that the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in North Kivu, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is distinct from an earlier outbreak in the same country — the earlier outbreak was declared over in late July.
Why it matters: Public health officials are racing to contain the new outbreak in a challenging operational environment near the borders with Rwanda and Uganda, which is home to more than a million displaced people. This region is home to many rebel groups and hosts the largest U.N. peacekeeping contingent in the world.
Red tide, a toxic algae bloom found in saltwater, now spans well over 100 miles of Florida's western coastline, killing and sickening marine life and damaging the economy. The ongoing red tide event is unusually severe and long-lasting this year, causing major fish kills, and making people cough and choke when they visit area beaches.
Why it matters: Now in its eleventh month, cities from Sarasota to Naples are suffering on many fronts, and there's little people can do but wait.
The average insurance deductible keeps going up, as does the number of people covered by high-deductible plans. And only about half of those people get help from their employers to save up for potential medical bills, according to a new study in Health Affairs.
Why it matters: Higher deductibles don't just require people to pay more out of pocket each year. They also expose those consumers to the complexities of the health care system, including the way prices are set.
Tonight's primary elections will include an important referendum on a growing trend: Progressive gubernatorial candidates vowing to implement some form of single-payer at the state level.
What to watch: Michigan's Democratic primary, which will be held tonight, includes Abdul el-Sayed — a progressive candidate (and former Detroit health commissioner) who has said he'll bring "Medicare for All" to Michigan.
Many Republicans assume their party will take another stab at repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act if the midterm elections go their way, even though GOP candidates aren't making a big deal about it on the campaign trail.
What they're saying: "Repeal is like fight club," one GOP operative told me. "First rule is not to talk about it."