Here's something depressing for the holidays: states set new record for total annual deaths in 2021 The year 2021 isn’t even over, yet Oregon and Washington have already smashed their previous records for total annual deaths. Those records were just set last year. The coronavirus pandemic is only one piece of the explanation. Tom Banse
New Year's Eve celebrations will still be on in Times Square, but with smaller crowds Viewing areas that normally accommodate about 58,000 people will be limited to about 15,000 to allow for more distancing, and everyone in attendance must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask. The Associated Press
FDA authorizes a 2nd easy-to-use COVID treatment, Merck's antiviral pill The Food and Drug Administration has granted Emergency Use Authorization to a second COVID-19 antiviral therapy. This one comes from drug maker Merck. Joe Palca
A new injection to prevent HIV, rather than pills, is a game-changer, scientists say The Food and Drug Administration this week approved an injectable drug that helps prevent the spread of HIV. It only has to be taken once every eight weeks, compared to a daily oral pill. Deepa Shivaram
Fresh Express and Dole recall hundreds of salad products over listeria concerns The companies are asking customers to throw away the potentially affected products immediately. Rachel Treisman
The FDA has authorized Merck's COVID pill for home use — the second in two days The medicine, called molnupiravir, is taken twice a day for five days and works by preventing the virus from replicating. Merck says it will have 10 million packs available by the end of the month. Joe Hernandez
Here's what schools are doing to try to address students' social-emotional needs New federal numbers show the nation's schools are hiring and training staff and expanding previous curricula to address student mental health. Anya Kamenetz
The FDA has approved a new drug in the fight against AIDS The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first injectable medication for HIV prevention. Health advocates say it could be a game changer in protecting people against AIDS Jason Beaubien
Biden teases possible rematch against Donald Trump. 'Why would I not?' In an interview with ABC News on Wednesday, the president discussed his political future and what his administration would do to fight the spike in coronavirus cases. Alana Wise
Kamala Harris tests negative after a COVID-19 exposure A staffer who worked in close proximity to the vice president has tested positive for the coronavirus. Harris tested negative via a PCR test on Wednesday and will be tested again in the coming days. Alana Wise
