Johnson & Johnson is splitting in 2 Johnson & Johnson is the latest big, diversified company to announce it is breaking into smaller parts. It plans to split its prescription drug and medical device brand from its consumer products. Brian Mann
Europe and Russia battle a new wave of COVID-19 More lockdowns are in the offing, as Germany and Austria shatter daily case counts and Russia has become become the world leader in new COVID-19 deaths. Scott Neuman
Priti Krishtel: How can we reform the outdated US patent system to lower drug prices? The U.S. patent system was designed to foster innovation and serve the public good. But it's no longer working as intended. Lawyer Priti Krishtel explains the consequences and how to change that. Sanaz Meshkinpour
When can kids take off their masks in school? Here's what some experts say With vaccines now available for children as young as 5, some school districts are easing up on their mask policies. Anya Kamenetz
10 states sue Biden administration over COVID vaccine mandate for health care workers The state attorneys general argue the vaccine mandate will lead to shortages of health care workers and could threaten the jobs of millions of their jobs. Jonathan Franklin
How $6 billion from Elon Musk could feed millions on the brink of famine Elon Musk reportedly made $36 billion in a single day. What if he gave a sixth of that to the World Food Programme? We ask researchers how much of a change $6 billion could bring. Joanne Lu
FDA recalling 2 million Ellume at-home COVID-19 test kits because of false positives The federal regulatory agency says the recall stems from a manufacturing defect found in some 2 million tests. Dave Mistich
Federal judge allows Texas schools to require masks Federal Judge Lee Yeakel ruled that the ban ordered by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott violated a law protecting access to public education for disabled students who are particularly vulnerable to COVID. Dave Mistich
Judge approves $626 million settlement for victims of the Flint water crisis NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Ted Leopold, co-lead counsel for the people of Flint, Mich., after a judge approved a settlement for victims of the city's water crisis. Ailsa Chang
Why low income countries are so short on COVID vaccines. Hint: It's not boosters Wealthy countries keep buying way more doses than they need. New data shows just how much the stockpile of unused vaccine is growing. Nurith Aizenman