Beech Tree News Network

A panel of U.S. health advisers on Tuesday narrowly backed a closely watched COVID-19 pill from Merck, setting the stage for a likely authorization of the first drug that Americans could take at home to treat the coronavirus. The Food and Drug Administration panel voted 13-10 that the antiviral drug’s benefits outweigh its risks, including potential birth defects if used during pregnancy. * * * The General Assembly’s Unemployment Insurance Reform Task Force held what is expected to be its final meeting on Tuesday and approved a document outlining its recommendations for possible action during the 2022 session. The panel was formed due to legislation passed in the wake of a number of issues involving unemployment that were exasperated by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, including workers not receiving their payments due to an antiquated system that also allowed fraudulent claims. * * * Kentucky education officials plan to discuss a proposal that would add more limits on the use of corporal punishment in schools where it is still allowed. A proposed administrative regulation will be up for discussion Wednesday during a Kentucky Board of Education meeting, the Daily News reported.