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.

Biden wins White House, vowing new direction for divided US
By JONATHAN LEMIRE and ZEKE MILLER Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrat Joe Biden has defeated President Donald Trump to become the 46th president of the United States. Biden vanquished his Republican foe after a campaign as bitter and divisive as Trump’s own presidential term. Victories in “blue wall” northern industrial states propelled Biden to the White House, where he’ll confront America’s deep health, economic and social ills. A win in Pennsylvania sealed his victory after more than three tension-filled days of counting votes. Record numbers of Americans voted early and by mail, many out of concern about going to polling places during the coronavirus pandemic.

Democrat Shapiro reelected as Pennsylvania attorney general
By The Associated Press undefined
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania voters are returning at least 17 incumbent members to Congress with one race undecided, and have elected the first Republican auditor general in more than two decades. Democrat Josh Shapiro also has won a second term as the state’s attorney general. Two more incumbent congressional Democrats won Friday, U.S. Reps. Susan Wild in the Allentown area and Matt Cartwright in Scranton. The only uncalled congressional race in the state is in the Pittsburgh area, where U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb faces Republican Sean Parnell. Republican Timothy DeFoor will be the state’s next auditor general after outpacing Democrat Nina Ahmad. Vote counting continues for state treasurer. Republicans will keep majority control of both chambers of the General Assembly.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Aliquippa City Council approved the hiring of   new police officers Paul Woods  and Dante Sciaretta  based on the recommendation of the city’s civil service commission. Chief John Lane c will contact the officers to provide them with uniforms  and they will  be sworn in by Mayor Dwan B. Walker.

Joe Biden’s campaign says he will give a speech during prime time Friday.

The Democratic presidential candidate’s campaign announced that he would be making an address but did not say where or what he plans to say. Biden is on the cusp of winning the presidency as he opens up narrow leads over President Donald Trump in several critical backgrounds.

The Associated Press has not called the presidential race. Votes are still being counted in states including Pennsylvania and Georgia. He has urged the public to be patient as vote counting continues. He was spending Friday at home in Wilmington, Delaware.

A stage set up since election night for a victory party outside the city’s convention center remained intact and has been secured for days by security personnel using high fencing and car barriers.

Biden campaign staffers who arrived in Wilmington for a victory party earlier in the week have been told to hold onto their hotel rooms until early next week.

Nashville names street after Civil Rights icon John Lewis
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Officials in Nashville, Tennessee, have renamed most of a street after Civil Rights icon John Lewis, who help desegregate the city’s lunch counters before becoming a long-serving congressman in Georgia. The Tennessean reports Metro Council members voted Thursday to rename a large portion of 5th Ave North to Rep. John Lewis Way. A request to rename the street included some of the highlights of Lewis’ work and its impact. As a college student at American Baptist College and then Fisk University, Lewis helped desegregate public spaces in Nashville and pushed for racial justice across the South. Lewis died July 17.