Just flew DEC 19 from HKG to EWR, no secondary check for liquids. I was flying J and got to the gate just as Y was boarding. I had a half empty bottle of water in my hand and said "Oh, I need to throw out the water before boarding". The agent said it was no longer necessary, so I carried my water on board.

Also no additional screening before the check-in counter. The agent told me the primary screening is no longer being done only screening before boarding. I also noticed a different procedure when entering the security area after check-in. There is a new facial recognition system when handing boarding pass and passport to security agents, in addition to scanning passport and checking passport.