Kenilworth-based Merck is the latest pharma company to pursue a COVID-19 vaccine. It plans to manufacture two different vaccine candidates after signing a research partnership with one firm and also purchasing a separate vaccine company. Additionally, Merck is also working on an antiviral COVID-19 treatment.

Meantime, there’s another clinical trial of a potential COVID-19 vaccine underway. Biopharma company Novavax has begun testing its vaccine on people. It anticipates preliminary results in July.

Businesses had a much different, and likely less profitable, Memorial Day weekend. At the shore, many businesses and restaurants were limited to curbside sales and takeout. Others remained closed.

At long last, federal funds are heading to fix the Portal Bridge on the Northeast Corridor. The Federal Railroad Administration will provide $91.5 million in funding for the bridge and other upgrades designed to improve train service.