Former MLB outfielder, manager Bill Virdon dies at 90
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Bill Virdon, who helped the Pittsburgh Pirates to the 1960 World Series before enjoying success as manager of the Houston Astros, has died. He was 90. Virdon spent 12 years in the major leagues as a centerfielder. He won the 1955 National League’s Rookie of the Year Award with St. Louis before moving to Pittsburgh. Virdon’s long tenure with the Pirates included helping Pittsburgh upset the New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series. Virdon spent 13 seasons as a major league manager and was the 1980 NL Manager of the Year after helping the Astros reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

On the road again: Travelers emerge in time for Thanksgiving
By DAVID KOENIG AP Airlines Writer
DALLAS (AP) — Millions of Americans are loading up their cars or piling onto planes, determined to reclaim Thanksgiving traditions that were put on pause last year by the pandemic. The number of air travelers this week is expected to approach or even exceed pre-pandemic levels. Auto club AAA predicts that 48.3 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday period, an increase of nearly 4 million over last year despite sharply higher gasoline prices. Many feel emboldened by the fact that nearly 200 million Americans are now fully vaccinated. But it also means brushing aside concerns about a resurgent virus at a time when the U.S. is now averaging nearly 100,000 new infections a day.

Pennsylvania’s jobless rate drops for 8th straight month
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate fell for the eighth month in a row in October, as payrolls grew but the labor force shrank. Department of Labor and Industry figures released Friday show Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a percentage point to 6% from September’s rate. The national rate was 4.6% in October, and Pennsylvania lags most other states, tied at 40th among 50. In a survey of households, the labor force shrank for the fifth month in a row, although the number of employed grew. Payrolls grew in October by 19,000, and Pennsylvania has regained about 65% of the 1.1 million jobs lost in the pandemic.

Pennsylvania man sentenced to prison in infant son’s death
CURRITUCK, N.C. (AP) — Officials say a Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to at least five years in prison after pleading guilty in the 2018 death of his 5-month-old son while his family was vacationing in North Carolina. At a Nov. 15 hearing in Currituck County Superior Court, 34-year-old Thomas William Imschweiler of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter after entering into an agreement with prosecutors. The plea was first reported by Outer Banks Today. An indictment showed Franklin Thomas Imschweiler suffered head injuries. He died at a hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, in July 2018.

US to release 50 million barrels of oil to ease energy costs
By JOSH BOAK and COLLEEN LONG Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has ordered 50 million barrels of oil released from the strategic reserve to help bring down energy costs, in coordination with other major energy consuming nations, including China, India, and the United Kingdom. The move is aimed at global energy markets, but also aimed at voters who are coping with higher inflation and rising prices ahead of Thanksgiving and winter holiday travel. Gas prices are at about $3.40 a gallon, more than double their price a year ago, according to the American Automobile Association.

(File Photo)
(Sewickley Hills Boo, Pa.) Pa State Police have identified the man who was killed yesterday morning on I-79 near Sewickley Hills Boro.

Troopers are reporting that 44-year-old Kevin Kass of Wexford was killed when he entered the highway on foot and was struck by a 2010 Ford F-150 Pick-up truck that was being driven by 41-year-old Silas Reed of Carnegie. A second vehicle, a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was being driven by 71-year-old Christine Clutter of Mars also struck Kass as he was still laying in the left lane after being hit.
Kass was pronounced dead at the scene. Reed and Clutter remained on the scene after the accident as State Police continue to investigate.

Keystone State News Connection

November 23, 2021

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Choosing the right Medicare plan can be confusing, and during the open-enrollment period, it is recommended Pennsylvanians take the time they need to find the plan best for them.

Now through Dec. 7, Pennsylvanians over 65 and people with some disabilities can sign up or make any changes to their Medicare plan at Medicare.gov.

Bill Johnston-Walsh, state director of AARP Pennsylvania, said when deciding between different Medicare plans, it is important to consider how much coverage you are looking for, the costs, and how convenient it is for your personal life.

Johnston-Walsh emphasized plans allowing you to stick with your trusted doctor or pharmacy are key.

“A lot of people like that flexibility and the convenience of saying, ‘Hey, this is my doctor. I’ve had this doctor for years and I don’t want to change,’ or, ‘I’ve been going to this pharmacy. This guy’s been wonderful, knows my prescriptions, knows what the interactions are, knows to have a good conversation with me,'” Johnston-Walsh outlined.

Nearly 2.8 million Pennsylvanians are enrolled in Medicare, according to 2020 data.

For 2022 plans, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services plans to extend telehealth coverage, which became more popular during the pandemic for behavioral health visits. Benefits take effect Jan. 1.

When picking between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, along with adding a Part D prescription drug plan, it can be daunting for anyone unfamiliar with the program.

Johnston-Walsh pointed out consumers should not be afraid to ask for help unpacking the information with someone in their community.

“You may need a loved one or a family friend or someone from your church to help you go through the process,” Johnston-Walsh advised. “It can get complicated. You may need another set of eyes to be able to look at it with you, another trusted set of eyes that will be looking out for your best interest.”

Johnston-Walsh also suggested Medicare recipients connect with their local Area Agency on Aging for support. The 52 agencies throughout the state offer free insurance counseling and can help with plan comparisons, enrolling in a plan, and determining eligibility.