US virus deaths top 3,100 in a single day for the first time
By SAM METZ Associated Press
The U.S. has recorded over 3,100 COVID-19 deaths in a single day, obliterating the record set last spring. The number of Americans hospitalized with the virus has eclipsed 100,000 for the first time. And new cases have begun topping 200,000 a day. That’s according to figures released Thursday. The three benchmarks altogether show a country slipping deeper into crisis, with perhaps the worst yet to come. Millions of Americans disregarded warnings to stay home over Thanksgiving and celebrate only with members of their household.

Biden eyes defeated candidates for key administration roles
By THOMAS BEAUMONT Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Losing can have an up side. Just ask Rep. Abby Finkenauer, Sen. Doug Jones and Rep. Donna Shalala. The list goes on. So does the age-old practice of an incoming president offering losing politicians a place in a new White House. As Biden fills out his administration, his team is looking to recently defeated members of Congress. Finkenauer, of Iowa, is being considered for labor secretary. Jones, an Alabama senator who earlier prosecuted Klansmen for murder, is in the mix for attorney general. And Shalala, of Florida, is perhaps the most administration-ready, having already served eight years as secretary of health and human services under Bill Clinton.

In seismic shift, Warner Bros. to stream all 2021 films
By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — In the most seismic shift by a Hollywood studio yet during the pandemic, Warner Bros. Pictures on Thursday announced that all of its 2021 film slate — including a new “Matrix” movie, “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the Lin-Manuel Miranda adaptation “In the Heights” — will stream on HBO Max at the same time they play in theaters.
Among the myriad release plan changes wrought by the pandemic, no studio has so fully embraced streaming as a lifeline. But after disappointing domestic ticket sales for “Tenet,” and with the majority of U.S. theaters currently closed, Warner Bros. will turn to a hybrid distribution model. Films will debut simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max in the U.S. After one month, they will stop streaming and continue to play only in theaters.
The move follows Warner Bros.’ decision to put “Wonder Woman 1984” on HBO Max next December, in addition to in theaters. If that pivot sent shockwaves through the industry, Thursday’s announcement was likely to rattle Hollywood to the core. It amounts to an acknowledgement that any full rebound for theaters is still a year or more away.
“No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do,” said Ann Sarnoff, chief executive of WarnerMedia Studios in a statement. “We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021.”
Warner Bros. called it a “unique one-year plan.” The studio has generally ranked among the top two studios in market share over the past decade — most recently dwarfed only by Walt Disney. Warner’s films typically account for $1.5-2 billion annual in ticket sales in North America — a lot of money to compensate for in HBO Max subscribers. A spokesperson for Warner Bros. confirmed the films will be available to subscribers with no further charge.
Warner Bros.’ 2021 slate includes many of the expected top movies of the year, including “Dune,” “The Suicide Squad,” “Tom & Jerry,” “The Conjuring: The Devil Make Me Do It,” “King Richard” and “Judas and the Black Messiah.”
HBO Max is only available in the United States. Internationally, the studio’s 17 films planned for 2021 release will rollout in theaters.
The move by Warner Bros. only makes the pain being felt by exhibitors all the more acute. Having been shuttered for much of the year, cinemas reopened nationwide in late summer except in some key locations, including Los Angeles and New York. But with most major releases postponed and surging virus cases, about 60% of theaters have since closed again. Regal Cinemas, the country’s second largest chain, has shut all its doors. The National Association of Theater Owners didn’t immediately comment Thursday.
Under chief executive Jason Kilar, the former Hulu chief, the AT&T-owned WarnerMedia recently reorganized to further prioritize its streaming service. He has moved aggressively to boost HBO Max, even if it comes at the expense of the theatrical marketplace.
“Our content is extremely valuable, unless it’s sitting on a shelf not being seen by anyone,” said Kilar in a statement. “We believe this approach serves our fans, supports exhibitors and filmmakers, and enhances the HBO Max experience, creating value for all.”

‘This is the worst year’: Black vultures harass Pa. homes
MARIETTA, Pa. (AP) — Flocks of black vultures are roosting on roofs and in trees in Marietta, Pennsylvania, causing damage to homes and property and generally harassing residents. LNP reported on Thursday that the birds are protected under federal laws. The vultures roost together and prefer warm areas like dark roofs, especially in the winter and fall. They are known for pecking at roofs, causing serious and expensive damage. Authorities say the best way to get rid of the birds is to harass them back. Residents in Marietta are banging pots and pans and lighting fireworks to disrupt them. Authorities in Marietta have historically declined to use public resources to protect private property from damage by the birds.

Nearly $210,000 in funding to support region’s museums,
county historic societies 

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 2 – State grant funding of $209,833 will help boost operations for museums and historical societies in Beaver and Allegheny counties as they work to preserve and showcase the region’s unique past, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today.

Matzie, who serves on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, voted today to approve the grants as part of a package of nearly $2 million to 155 museums and county historical societies statewide.

“Our region has an incredibly rich culture and history, and our museums and historical societies are the bridges that keep us connected to that rich past through colorful displays and events,” Matzie said. Many have been hit hard during the pandemic, as restrictions on events and gatherings have drained resources. Securing this funding is going to help ensure they are around to keep telling our history to future generations.”

Matzie said the regional grants include the following:

Allegheny County

Braddock’s Battlefield History Center – $4,000

Carnegie Museum of Natural History & Carnegie Science Center – $40,000

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh – $40,000

Frick Art & Historical Center – $40,000

Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania – $40,000

The Holocaust Center of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh – $8,462

Rivers of Steel – Steel Industry Heritage Corporation – $33,371

Beaver County

Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation – $4,000

The grants are administered by PHMC under the Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program and fund the operations of eligible museums and county historical societies that are not supported by other state agency funding programs. An eligible museum must have an annual operating budget exceeding $100,000 (excluding capital and in-kind services) and at least one full-time professional staff person (or approved equivalent).

(File Photo)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano 

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Aliquippa City Council met via ZOOM  for its regular meeting last night  and discussed the East End Demolition   project where there were gas stations and   a dry cleaners.The buildings were demolished  and they have to get the area cleaned up and will seek  $50,000 in  grant funding before the property can be available for anyone wishing to develop it.

(File Photo)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Aliquippa Fire Chief Dave Foringer  informed  council  Wednesday  night  that the department  received 147 calls for service in November including 2  or 3 Covid-19 cases a day, and over a dozen in the last 5 or 6  days . He said the fire department is doing the best they can when dealing with the  public relating to the COVID-19 calls  and are wearing their masks. He told council, “I think  it’s going to rise.!  He said 2 firefighters are quarantined.

(File Photo)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) One person is dead after a pedestrian was hit by a train Wednesday evening  in Beaver Falls. Jeff DeGraff from  Norfolk Southern’s media relations department reported that   at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday an eastbound train struck an individual who was on the tracks near the 7th Avenue Bridge in Beaver Falls. DeGraff said unfortunately  the individual suffered fatal injuries.  The man was identified as being in his 30’s, and further identification would come from law enforcement, Mr.DeGraff said.

AAA: Motorists Urged to Keep Cool this Holiday Season
New AAA data show a high prevalence of aggressive driving

Nearly 80% of drivers expressed anger, aggression or road range behind the wheel at least once in the past year, according to data gathered by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Speeding tops the list, with men being the biggest culprit, though women are not far behind. With everyday stress already compounded by the pandemic and now the holiday season, which can elevate tensions on the road, AAA East Central urges motorists to keep their cool and avoid dangerous driving habits.

“While it may not feel like it in the moment, aggressive driving habits like speeding, running red lights, and cutting others off can be deadly,” says Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs, AAA East Central. “Taking steps like leaving early, being patient and kind, and obeying traffic laws will go a long way towards keeping you and your family safe.”

Aggressive Driving Behaviors among Male and Female U.S. Drivers, 2019:

AAA Rules of the Road:
Contrary to common perception, speeding does not save time on the road. The average amount saved on a 5-mile trip, driving 65 mph on a 45 mph posted road, is only 1.9 minutes. AAA encourages motorists to slow down and follow these important rules:

• Follow posted speed limits.
• Maintain an adequate following distance.
• Use turn signals.
• Allow others to merge.
• Use your high beams responsibly.
• Be considerate in parking lots—Park in one spot, not across multiple spaces. Be careful not to hit cars next to you with your door.

A driver may be stressed or react wrongly to another driver’s action on any given day, and the holidays can add to the strain and anxiety. Introduce the pressures and concerns tied to a global pandemic, and even the calmest, most safety-conscious drivers can find themselves frustrated by other motorists. If you encounter an aggressive driver on the road or find your temper rising, remember to slow yourself down, breathe deeply, and safely create distance between you and other motorists.

AAA offers these tips to help drivers manage aggressive driving scenarios:  

• Don’t Offend: Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.
• Be Tolerant and Forgiving: The other driver may just be having a really bad day. Assume that it’s not personal.
• Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle, and contact 9-1-1 if needed.

For more information, visit www.aaa.com/preventroadrage.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 73 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.  News releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.