August 8, 2021 7:57 am
BRUSSELS (AP) — Despite a sluggish start, the European Union’s COVID-19 vaccination drive has caught up to that of the United States, where the slowdown of the country’s once-vaunted campaign has contributed to the virus’s deadly comeback. In mid-February, less than 4% of people living in the 27-nation EU were at least partially vaccinated against the coronavirus, compared with nearly 12% in the U.S, according to Our World in Data, an online science publication connected to the University of Oxford. Now the EU has surpassed the U.S. by that same measure, with some 60% of the bloc’s residents receiving at least one dose, versus less than 58% of Americans. In Italy, where roughly 63% of people 12 and older are fully protected, Premier Mario Draghi took a victory lap this past week.
August 8, 2021 7:56 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators will resume a weekend session toward passage of a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package after running into opposition from a few Republicans who want to drag out final votes on one of President Joe Biden’s top priorities. The measure would provide what Biden has called a “historic investment” in public works programs, from roads and bridges to broadband internet access, drinking water and more. In a rare stroke of bipartisanship, Republicans joined Democrats to advance the measure and more votes are expected Sunday. If approved, the bill would go to the House. Despite the overwhelming support, momentum has dragged as a few Republican senators refused to yield 30 hours of required debate before the next set of procedural votes, which could delay swift passage of the package and result in a dayslong slog.
August 8, 2021 7:53 am
PITTSBURGH — A man was sent to the hospital after being shot in the abdomen near Locust Street in Mt. Oliver. According to Allegheny County 911 officials, the call for a five-round ShotSpotter came in at approximately 10:18 p.m. At this time, police are still investigating and do not have anyone in custody. Officials say the 18-year-old victim is in critical condition. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call the County Police Tip Line 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
August 8, 2021 4:11 am
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – Gov. Tom Wolf is ruling out a mask requirement for Pennsylvania schools as the academic year is about to begin, saying he’ll leave the decision to school districts. The Democratic governor told reporters outside a church in Philadelphia on Friday that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aren’t mandating masks and neither is he. Wolf says he might change his mind, but doesn’t see why Pennsylvania ought to do something the CDC isn’t doing. The CDC recommends universal masking in schools. On Friday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said students, teachers and visitors in schools must wear masks indoors once that state’s academic year begins.
August 8, 2021 4:06 am
A man was killed in a motorcycle accident in Robinson Township on Friday night. He has been identified by the Washington County Coroner as 41 year old Adam Clifford Barbarow from Oakdale. Barbarow was driving a motorcycle north on Old Steubenville Pike. He crossed the center line and struck a guide rail near Candor Road. Washington County 9-1-1 officials were notified by a passing motorist at 9:16 Friday night. Barbarow was not wearing a helmet, the manner and cause of death are pending autopsy, the accident remains under investigation by the McDonald police department.
August 8, 2021 4:04 am
The Diocese of Pittsburgh is announcing updated procedures as they relate to the Covid-19 virus. These updated safety procedures are effective immediately;
– All ministers of the Eucharist, ushers and greeters must be masked regardless of vaccination status
– Outdoor masses may continue until further notice.
The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days will resume on August 14-15 as previously announced. People who are sick, at risk, are caregivers and those with concerns about being in a crowd due to Covid-19 are exempt from attending mass. Bishop Zubik urges everyone to follow CDC guidance with regard to masks and vaccinations, adding that public officials have given assurance that there is no shortage of vaccine for anyone living within the six county Diocese of Pittsburgh.
August 7, 2021 10:38 am
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – The Albany County sheriff plans to hold a news conference Saturday to discuss a criminal complaint his office received this week from a woman who says New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo groped her breast at the governor’s state residence. Sheriff Craig Apple says details will be limited at the 12 p.m. news conference. The complaint is the first known instance where a woman has made an official report with a law enforcement agency over alleged misconduct by Cuomo. The Democratic governor could be arrested if investigators or the county district attorney determine he committed a crime. Cuomo denies groping the woman.
August 7, 2021 10:34 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – Senators are convening for a rare weekend session on the bipartisan infrastructure bill as they edge toward a vote. Saturday’s action in the Senate could wrap up swiftly with passage of the $1 trillion package or drag out for days by opponents trying to slow President Joe Biden’s big priority. Biden praised the Senate for its work so far on the “historic investment.” He compared it to building the transcontinental railroad or the interstate highway system. Some senators want to further amend the 2,700-page bill. A key vote is set for Saturday.
August 7, 2021 10:13 am
GREENVILLE, Calif. (AP) – People living in the scenic forestlands of Northern California are facing a weekend of fear as wildfires threaten to reduce thousands of homes to ashes. The Dixie Fire that incinerated much of the gold rush-era town of Greenville this week threatens more than 10,000 buildings in the northern Sierra Nevada. Fire officials say it’s the largest current wildland blaze in the nation and the third-largest in recorded California history. Evacuations also remain in effect for a number of small communities threatened by lightning-sparked fires in and around national forests. The California blazes are among more than 100 burning in more than a dozen Western states.
August 7, 2021 10:10 am
The seven-day average for new daily COVID-19 infections has surpassed 100,000 in the U.S., returning to levels not seen since the winter surge. Cases and hospitalizations have skyrocketed in the last month, driven by the highly contagious delta variant. The country was averaging about 11,000 cases a day in late June. Now the number is over 107,000. The virus is spreading quickly through unvaccinated populations, especially in the Deep South. Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi have had hospitals overrun with patients. The U.S. first crossed the 100,000 average number in November and peaked at about 250,000 in early January before bottoming out in late June.
