In what is being hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19, Merck's new oral medication for the treatment of the virus is on the verge of receiving emergency use authorization in the U.S. And a decision can't come soon enough for those still struggling with symptoms.

Although the oral medicine is not a replacement for vaccines, Merck says its studies show a 100% reduction in deaths and a 50% decrease in hospitalizations when it was tested on patients who had the virus. If the data meets the standard, the pills would be a lifesaver for sick patients and a welcome relief for hospital critical care units that are at capacity.

SEE WHAT THE DATA INDICATES ABOUT THE PILL'S EFFICACY 

Southwest Airlines' weekend from hell got even hotter Monday when it blamed weather problems for the cancellation of more than 1,000 flights. Once it became predictably apparent that other airlines flew in presumably the same conditions with only a faction of the issues, Southwest finally came clean by acknowledging that staffing shortages were also to blame.

Reports of employee protests against the airlines' vaccine mandate and other COVID-related policies began to raise red flags that there was more at work for the snafu that saw 1,124 flights canceled. Angry passengers were left stranded for days in some cases while Southwest tries to play damage control. There could be more cancellations in the days to come.

SEE HOW SOUTHWEST GOT CAUGHT UP IN ITS OWN 'TALE SPIN'

Now that fall is falling and Halloween is less than three weeks away, the peak of pumpkin season is here. But for those who are already burned out on pumpkin-spiced everything from lattes to Spam (true story), we present eight refreshing pumpkin-flavored beers that are sure to hit the spot.

We're not talking about the big-brand breweries that mass produce the same swill in an orange can. These are top-shelf microbrews with unique flavors and creative names, like Shipyard Brewing's Smashed Pumpkin Ale, Elysian's Punkuccino, and New Belgium's Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin. 'Tis the season to try some new pumpkin brews.

CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF THE 8 BEST PUMPKIN BEERS THIS FALL

Accounting for about 85% of the world's supply of canned pumpkin, what American town proudly proclaims itself the Pumpkin Capital of the World?

Friday's answer: McDonald's has served billions of Happy Meals since 1979, but the kids-meal concept started at a Mickey D's in Guatemala. 

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