U.S. drug overdose deaths hit a record high; what overturning Roe could mean for birth control; Tom Brady's next career move

Plus, how to get pills to stop COVID if you test positive

View this email online by Suzanne Nuyen First up Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images Here's what we're following today: The number of people who died from drug overdoses in 2021 increased 15% compared to 2020. While the pace of the rise has slowed, the number of overdose deaths recorded in 2021 is still the highest ever seen in the U.S.  People who test positive for COVID-19 these days have several options available to help treat the disease and encourage a faster recovery. Paxlovid is near the top of the list of treatments, but can be hard to track down. Here's how you can get your hands on it if you need to. American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was shot and killed in Israel while reporting for Al Jazeera. Abu Akleh spent decades covering conflicts between Palestinians and Israelis for Al Jazeera's Arabic service, and the The Foreign Press Association said "her death is a tremendous loss for journalism." A Democrat-led bill that aimed to codify abortion rights into U.S. law failed to pass in the Senate, as expected. All Democrats voted for the bill except for Sen. Joe Manchin, and all Republicans opposed it. More moderate Republican senators are drafting a bill that would codify Roe v. Wade in some form, but with restrictions Democrats oppose. Newsletter continues after sponsor message Today’s listen Science Photo Library/Getty Images Some experts fear that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, it could lead the way to restrictions on other forms of reproductive health care, including birth control. 🎧 Listen to health care providers' concerns over their ability to take care of patients, or read the story. In the catacombs of a steel plant in Mariupol, Ukrainian soldiers are staging a last stand against Russian occupation. Their wives and loved ones are pleading with rescue groups to evacuate them. 🎧  Listen to their stories, or read it here. Dating isn't always easy, and for those with autism, it can be especially complicated. Dating coaches who specialize in working in the neurodiverse community are in high demand. 🎧 One coach tells NPR how she helps build confidence in her clients. Before you go Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Tom Brady will join Fox Sports as an analyst once he retires — whenever that happens for real. Los Angeles County's district attorney is defending his decision not to charge the man who attacked Dave Chappelle last week with a felony, saying he wasn't holding a weapon when he rushed the comedian. A passenger on a plane made a miraculous landing in Florida after the pilot became incapacitated. The passenger told air traffic control he had no idea how to fly the plane. Ukrainian rap-folk band Kalush Orchestra has moved forward from to the Eurovision finals. Their performance received a standing ovation. Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from Vermont Public Radio (edit station). Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Music, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Daily News emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy