1 Winter Storm Set To Slam East Coast
About 60-million people are in for an early white Christmas. The biggest snowstorm in years is just hours away from slamming into the Northeast. So far, forecasters are predicting it'll dump more snow than what fell the whole of last winter in Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington D.C. Some places are expecting one to two-feet. On top of that, blizzard-like conditions are expected. The National Weather Service warns of ice damage to trees and power lines, possibly forcing schools and what businesses are actually open, to close. On that note, many are wondering: what does a ‘school closure’ mean when so many schools are now engaged in online learning? In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio says school IS open. "Remote education will be there for all kids," de Blasio said. "It's not like the school day of old. Kids will have that option, whether they are happy about it or not. They will have learning Thursday either way.” Word on the street? A lot of kids – and parents – are adding that to the list of what’s made 2020 a disappointment.
2 Moderna Vaccine Appears To Be Following The Same Path As Pfizer
It appears the coronavirus vaccine from biotech company Moderna is on the path to getting an emergency use authorization (EUA). FDA staff said trial results and data regarding safety met the qualifications to get an E-U-A. Once approved, almost six-million doses of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine will be shipped across the nation. It requires two doses four weeks apart. The FDA is expected to meet again tomorrow and could issue emergency authorization by Friday. That's how it happened last week with Pfizer's vaccine. The more interesting part of Moderna's vaccine? While doses are require to take place two weeks apart, there is some preliminary evidence that there’s some efficacy after one dose. But more than that? It reportedly prevents asymptomatic Covid-19 cases.
3 McConnell Pledges to Keep Senate in Session Until COVID-19 Relief is Passed
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says that he plans to keep the Senate in session until a coronavirus relief bill is passed before the end of the year. As in, McConnell says Senators will not break for holiday recess without a COVID-19 relief package. McConnell said the way forward is for both Republicans and Democrats to put aside the two contentious issues, liability protections and state funding. Meanwhile, McConnell said whenever his turn comes, he is going to be "anxious" to take the vaccine and reassure those who are doubtful about receiving it.