Supreme Court again asked to block Biden win in Pennsylvania
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Fresh off another rejection in Pennsylvania’s courts, Republicans are again asking the U.S. Supreme Court to undo President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the battleground state. The state’s lawyers say fatal flaws in the original case mean justices are highly unlikely to grant it. Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly of northwestern Pennsylvania and the other plaintiffs on Thursday asked the high court to prevent the state from certifying any contests from the Nov. 3 election, and undo any certifications already made, such as Biden’s victory, while its lawsuit is considered. They maintain that Pennsylvania’s expansive vote-by-mail law is unconstitutional. Most mail-in ballots were submitted by Democrats. Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court threw out the case Saturday.

Police: At least 2 US Marshals, suspect shot in New York
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City police say at least two U.S. Marshals and a suspect have been shot in the Bronx. The police department says the shooting happened about 5:30 a.m. Friday and they didn’t immediately have information about the conditions of those shot. The department says two or three Marshals were injured. Media reports described the Marshals’ injuries as non-life threatening. The police department’s public information office referred a request for additional information by The Associated Press to the U.S. Marshals Service. No one was immediately available to comment at the Marshals’ office in New York City.

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.