Updated menu, celeb collaborations, pump McDonald’s sales
By DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer
McDonald’s U.S. sales came roaring back in the third quarter, amped up by the introduction of spicy chicken nuggets and a meal deal promotion with rapper Travis Scott. But sales elsewhere remained lower than a year ago, and McDonald’s said a resurgence of coronavirus cases in key markets like France, Germany and the United Kingdom could force dining room closures and other restrictions. McDonald’s same-store sales jumped 4.6% in the U.S. in the July-September period. Customer traffic was down, but when diners came, they ordered for larger groups.

GM recalls 217K vehicles to fix leak that can stop travel
DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling more than 217,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada because transmission oil can leak, causing them to stop or catch fire. The recall covers certain versions of the 2018 through 2020 Chevrolet Equinox and Traverse as well as the GMC Terrain. Also included are the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu and 2018 and 2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, as well as the 2019 through 2020 Buick Encore and Enclave, the Cadillac XT4, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Blazer. The 2020 Cadillac XT6 also is covered.GM says two bolts may be missing from the stop-start mechanism, allowing the fluid to leak. The company says it has no reports of crashes or fires. Dealers will inspect the mechanism and replace bolts if they’re missing. The recall is to begin Dec. 14..

Majority of Mail Ballots Counted and Provisional Ballot Count Has Begun in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Pa. ­– Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar today reported that the overwhelming majority of mail-in and absentee ballots in Pennsylvania have been counted and the process of counting provisional ballots has begun.

“Pennsylvania counties have been incredibly hard at work canvassing all the ballots to provide accurate results as quickly as possible following best practices and responsibilities pursuant to state and federal law,” Secretary Boockvar said. “We are very thankful to all the election officials working extremely long hours to make our democracy work and ensure that every qualified voter’s vote is counted safely and securely.”

Under state law, county boards of election must individually adjudicate each provisional ballot and assess within seven days of an election whether they meet the standards for counting.  The counties will do so by verifying the voter was registered to vote in the precinct in which the ballot was cast, and that the voter did not cast a mail-in ballot prior to requesting the provisional ballot at the polling place.

Additionally, Secretary Boockvar noted that the Commonwealth has been planning to complete a statewide risk-limiting audit, as was done after the June primary.

Launched by the department in January 2019, risk-limiting audits are scientifically designed and highly effective procedures conducted after an election to strengthen election security and integrity, confirm the accuracy of election outcomes, and provide confidence to voters that their votes were counted accurately. A risk-limiting audit confirmed the outcome of the June primary election.

HARRISBURG – As counties across Pennsylvania continue the work to count and certify election results, concerns over the process continue to grow. Today, Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) sent a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf requesting a full audit be completed before the certification of any results.

In the letter (attached to this release) Cutler cites actions taken by the state Supreme Court and the Department of State that have created confusion for county election officials, and actions believed to be in violation of the federal Constitution.

“The uncertainty surrounding these interventions has cast an unnecessary cloud on the election process,” Cutler wrote in the letter. “That invites our people to question the results, regardless of which candidate or party may prevail.”

Cutler explains an audit is needed because of a litany of inconsistencies as a result of court actions and Department of State guidance, including the dismissal of signature requirements for mail-in ballots, certain counties allowing for curative measures, counties not following the United States Supreme Court ruling requiring ballots received after election day to be segregated, and more.

Cutler added, “We must take every possible step to ensure that all Pennsylvanians and all Americans know that our Commonwealth has conducted the General Election with integrity.”

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Slippery Rock, Twp, Pa.) PA State Police reported that they responded to  a 2 vehicle accident, one of them being a motorcycle  at 6 p.m. Saturday night  on Ellwood Road in Slippery Rock Township.

(File Photo from September 2018 Wolverines game at Western Beaver on Beaver County Radio)

(Ellwood City, Pa.) Anyone who attended the Ellwood City Wolverines football games on Oct. 9 and Oct. 17 may have been exposed to the Coronavirus according to a warning that was issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Health Department doesn’t state in the release how attendees could have been exposed but they are asking anyone who attended to self-monitor for any symptoms that are related to the Coronavirus. Anyone who is showing these symptoms should call their doctor or the Pa Health Department at 877-724-3258.

Pfizer says early data signals COVID-19 vaccine is effective
By LINDA A. JOHNSON and LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writers
Pfizer says an early peek at its vaccine data suggests the shots may be 90% effective at preventing COVID-19. Monday’s announcement doesn’t mean a vaccine is imminent. The interim analysis, from independent data monitors, looked at 94 infections recorded so far in a study that has enrolled nearly 44,000 people. Pfizer did not provide any more details about those cases, and cautioned the initial protection rate might change by the time the study ends. The shots are made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. Pfizer has said it plans to seek U.S. review later this month.

Biden turns to coronavirus response, names advisory board
By PHILIP MARCELO Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) — As he begins his transition to the presidency, Joe Biden is pivoting from a bitter campaign battle to a more pressing fight against the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit the world’s most powerful nation harder than any other. Biden on Monday announced a task force of public health experts to help his administration prepare to take on the virus. Biden says dealing with the pandemic is “one of the most important battles” his administration will face. The U.S. is averaging more than 100,000 new infections a day. The death toll is soaring. Doctors are hopeful Biden can provide a restart and get past political divisions that have distracted the response to the virus.

Keystone State News Connection

Report: PA Child Health Care Headed in Wrong Direction

Andrea Sears

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A new report shows the number of children in Pennsylvania without health insurance is growing and children’s advocates are concerned those numbers could get worse.

According to the 2020 State of Children’s Health Care Report from Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, nearly 128,000 kids in the Keystone State are uninsured, the eighth-highest number in the country.

Kari King, president and CEO of the organization, pointed out that number represents an increase over last year’s report, from 4.4% to 4.6%.

“That’s a little bit lower than the national average of 5.7% but the state is heading in the wrong direction when it comes to kid’s health insurance, which is really troubling,” King explained.

She noted the threatened repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could drive the number of uninsured children even higher.

King cites a report from the Urban Institute, which stated overturning the ACA would lead to more than 21 million Americans nationwide losing their health insurance.

“That would include 1.7 million children if the ACA is overturned,” King confirmed. “And in Pennsylvania that would include 77,000 children under age 19.”

She added in the Commonwealth children under six years old and children from low-income families are more likely to be uninsured.

King emphasized parents need to be aware of the options available and how they can access that health insurance for their children.

“They can do that through Pennsylvania’s new health insurance marketplace called Pennie, which you can find online, or the CHIP program in Pennsylvania or the Medicaid program.”

King concluded ensuring children’s access to health care is key to their life-long learning and future success.

Trebek remembered for grace that elevated him above TV host
By LYNN ELBER AP Television Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Alex Trebek never pretended to have all the answers, but the “Jeopardy!” host became an inspiration and solace to Americans who otherwise are at odds with each other. He looked and sounded the part of a senior statesman, impeccably suited and groomed and with an authoritative voice any politician would crave. He commanded his turf -the quiz show’s stage — but refused to overshadow the brainy contestants who passed through during his long run. And when he faced the challenge of pancreatic cancer, which claimed his life Sunday at 80, he was honest, optimistic and graceful. Trebek died at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by family and friends, “Jeopardy!” studio Sony said.