WASHINGTON – A panel of U.S. health advisers on Tuesday narrowly backed the benefits of 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 virus.
To lessen chances of a rolling blackout or similar energy emergency if an arctic spell hits this season, Independence Power & Light – as well as central plains power broker Southwest Power Pool – have been trying to learn some lessons from the winter of 2021 and take precautions.
While any effect from the Thanksgiving holiday won't immediately be known, area COVID-19 case rates have continued their recent rise. According to the Jackson County Health Department, which covers the county outside of Kansas City and Independence, the rolling seven-day average of new cases in Eastern Jackson County stood at 58 through Monday, after rising through the 40s the previous month.