Hey there! It’s Thursday, and this is how my cat and I plan to spend New Year’s Eve. Here’s what you need to know today.

1. More youth could be eligible for booster shots starting next week

The Food and Drug Administration appears close to approving Pfizer’s COVID-19 booster shot for 12- to 15-year-olds, the New York Times reports, with an announcement expected on Monday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must sign off before the new guidelines take effect. [NYT]

More children are being hospitalized with COVID-19 than at nearly any point during the pandemic, with an average of 334 kids being admitted each day last week. However, children still make up a small percentage of hospitalized virus patients overall. [AP]

The increase comes as the nation sees a surge in new virus cases driven by the highly contagious omicron variant. Illinois today tallied its highest daily case count of the pandemic, with 30,386 new infections reported. [Sun-Times]

Some good news: Early data suggests that Johnson & Johnson’s booster dose shows promise against omicron. [NPR]

And the FDA granted emergency-use authorization to a new at-home COVID-19 test made by German company Siemens Healthineers. [Axios]

2. Pharmaceutical company found liable in landmark opioid trial

A New York jury today determined Teva Pharmaceuticals helped fuel the state’s opioid crisis, ruling the drugmaker and several of its subsidiary companies contributed to a “public nuisance” driven by a proliferation of pain pills.

The trial, which began in June, was the first in which prosecutors targeted every part of the opioid supply chain, from manufacturers to distributors to pharmacies. While damages in the Teva verdict have yet to be determined, multiple other defendants in the case previously agreed to multimillion-dollar settlements. The funds will be used for addiction treatment and prevention programs in hard-hit communities. [NYT]

New data shows more than 1 million Americans have died from overdoses during the opioid epidemic, which began in the late 1990s. Preliminary findings suggest another 100,000 deaths occurred in 2021. [NPR]

3. Home prices could continue to rise next year — just not as fast

With high demand and even higher prices, prospective homebuyers were up against a red-hot housing market in 2021 — but the new year may ring in a bit of relief.

While prices will likely continue to tick up, real estate experts predict we won’t see the exponential growth of 2021. Supply issues will ease as more homes are listed for sale, especially as new construction resumes after pandemic pauses. And inflation is causing a slight rise in interest rates, which could reduce competition.

“You have a moment to take a breather,” said Tracey Royal, assistant branch vice president at Coldwell Banker in Oak Park. [Chicago Tribune]

Meanwhile, longtime homeowners are grappling with whether or not to sell. The decision can have a profound impact on generational wealth. [NPR]

4. Capitol police on edge as Jan. 6 anniversary approaches

Nearly one year after the deadly, pro-Trump insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, police officers who were in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6 say they’re anxious it could happen again.

“A lot of the officers have in mind the possibility of this being a recurring annual or every four year thing,” said Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who was dragged by the leg during the riot. [NPR]

The anniversary comes as the congressional committee charged with investigating the attack digs deeper into former President Donald Trump’s actions that day. Here’s a look at what the panel has uncovered so far. [CNN]

5. Expect snow — and travel delays — on New Year’s Day

Bundle up, Chicago. A wallop of winter weather is making its way to the city — just in time for the new year.

A snowstorm is forecasted to move through the region late Friday through Saturday, with some areas predicted to see accumulations of up to 6 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

If you’re planning to travel, the agency advises, consider leaving on Friday or Monday to avoid poor road conditions, and allow for extra time if you venture out Saturday. [NBC 5]

Here’s what else is happening

• Need a new driver’s license? The state is pumping the breaks on in-person services for the first two weeks of January. [Sun-Times]

• Omicron is creating new obstacles for the recovering fitness industry. [Axios]

• You can recycle broken holiday lights at these locations. [Block Club Chicago]

• Rapper Eminem has opened a restaurant called Mom’s Spaghetti in Detroit. [NYT]

Oh, and one more thing …

COVID-19 and Chicago’s winter may be keeping you home this New Year’s Eve, but that doesn’t mean you have to forego all festivities. A traditional toast can be a way to show your loved ones you care — and luckily, NPR has some tips for how to make sure you come off cool, not cringy.

While it may be easier said than done, try to stay sober until after your speech to avoid stumbles. And, for everyone’s sake, keep it short.

As journalist Clare Roth put it: “No one is going to get angry about being able to drink their champagne sooner.”

I can definitely cheers to that. Check out more advice here. [NPR]

Tell me something good …

What’s on your 2022 bucket list?

Art writes:

“My bucket list includes selling a female superhero origination story screenplay I first wrote more than 20 years ago.”

And Phyllis writes:

“It began when I was about 12 years old. I really wanted to study piano, but my parents couldn’t afford it. Instead they bought me a guitar so I learned a little classical and played folk songs. I am now 73 years old and have been staring at the piano in my house for a long time.I took the plunge today and called a piano teacher. I will start in January!”

Thanks to everyone who shared this week, and happy new year! If you like reading this newsletter, consider making a donation here to help us continue bringing you the coverage you rely on in 2022. We’ll see you then!