1 North Korea Launches Another Possible Missile Into Sea
Less than a week after their last apparent missile test, North Korea appears to have launched another ballistic missile. South Korea and Japan both report it was fired into the sea early this morning. The weapon apparently flew for more than 400-miles at Mach 10 before dropping into the ocean. The U.S. military's Indopacific Command confirmed it was aware of the test and said it did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, territory, or allies. This comes as the U.N. Security Council met in New York yesterday to discuss the first missile test. The U.S. and five other countries condemned that launch, calling it "a threat to international peace and security."
2 Arctic Blast, Feet Of Snow Coming For Parts Of U.S.
Parts of the U.S. are about ready to feel Mother Nature's bad attitude as a powerful winter blast is set to descend on a large chunk of the country. Wind chills in parts of the upper Midwest could get as low as 45 degrees below zero, while in the Northeast and New England, it could feel like it is 35 below zero. In fact, today could be the coldest day Boston and New York have seen in three years, with the Big Apple's forecasted high at 22-degrees. As for Beantown, it’s expected to hit a balmy high of 12. As a result, schools in Boston and Worchester will be closed today. Meantime, lake effect snow is ramping up as well. Places that see the snowfall, like Buffalo and Syracuse, New York along with Cleveland, Ohio, could see up to two-feet of the white stuff.
3 Biden Administration Says Private Insurers Will Reimburse Home Test Costs
The Biden administration will require private health insurers to reimburse people for home COVID-19 tests. The new guidance requires reimbursement for up to eight over-the-counter home tests, per person, every month, beginning next Monday (January 17th). Private insurers will be able to set up programs at preferred pharmacies or stores where the upfront cost of home tests is covered for beneficiaries. In practical terms, a family of four could have 32 home tests covered by their health plan every month. Meanwhile. Moderna's CEO has announced that the company is working with world health leaders to develop an Omicron-specific booster. It will soon enter clinical trials to be available this fall. Moderna has signed advanced purchase agreements with the U.K., South Korea and Switzerland totaling 18-and-a-half billion dollars.