NEW YORK (AP) — An estimated 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in one year, a never-beforeseen milestone that health officials say is tied to the COVID-19 pandemic and a more dangerous drug supply.

Energy companies bid $192 million

(AP) – Energy companies including Shell, BP, Chevron and ExxonMobil offered a combined $192 million for drilling rights on federal oil and gas reserves in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, as the first government lease auction under President Joe Biden laid bare the hurdles he faces to reach climate goals dependent on deep cuts in fossil fuel emissions.

(AP) –Apple is letting some iPhone users fix their own phones, a sharp turnaround for a company that has long prohibited anyone but company-approved technicians from fiddling with its proprietary parts and software.

(AP) — More than two weeks have passed since the Supreme Court’s extraordinarily rushed arguments over Texas’ unique abortion law without any word from the justices.

Mom continues to borrow money from adult child

DEAR HARRIETTE: My mom owes me a lot of money, but she keeps trying to guilt me every time I ask for it back. I've been helping my mom pay rent since I was 18 years old; now I'm almost 24. I can't afford my own place, but I can afford to help out. She asks for help with a lot of things – aside from rent – and I always feel obligated to say yes, but she usually promises that she will pay me back. I haven't seen a dime from her in years, but she keeps asking for more. What should I do? – Pay Me Back

(AP) — Tribes welcomed an infusion of money in the massive infrastructure bill to expand broadband coverage, fix roads and address water and sanitation needs, but they say real change will come only with sustained investment.

Here's your Thursday preview

- Airport is awarded large $32,000 grant

- I-40 ramp closures set

- Christmas Community Choir scheduled for Dec. 11

- Red Tornadoes host Pirates Friday

- Great Turkey Giveaway winners on page 4

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