DR. ANTHONY FAUCI (NIAID photo).

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading expert on infectious diseases, said on Friday he was confident that a coronavirus vaccine will be ready in the early part of 2021.

“I don’t think it’s dreaming … I believe it’s a reality [and] will be shown to be reality,” he said. He added that 250,000 Americans have volunteered to take part in clinical trials.

However, such a vaccine might not be immediately available to a mass audience. Some groups – such as older adults and people with health problems – might be prioritized, as well as medical personnel.

“But ultimately, within a reasonable period of time, the plans now allow for any American to get it within the year 2021,” he said.

According the latest figures from John Hopkins University, 4,550,247 Americans have contracted the virus, although not all have displayed symptoms. Worldwide, the figure is 17,482,778.

Global deaths are at 675,584, with 152,950 of those being in the United States.

Biden nears choice of veep candidate

Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is close to his self-imposed deadline for naming his vice presidential running mate.  He told reporters he would “have a choice in the first week of August,” according to the Associated Press.

Biden, who served as vice president under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017, has promised he would select a woman to complete the national ticket, and, in the wake of recent events revolving around issues of racial justice, African American women have emerged as likely selections.

Considered among the finalists are California Sen. Kamala Harris, California Rep. Karen Bass – head of the Congressional Black Caucus – and former national security adviser Susan Rice.

The Democratic National Convention is scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 17 in Milwaukee and conclude on Thursday, Aug. 20.

In the news: Hurricane Isaias growls

• Hurricane Isaias is menacing Florida with over 130 towns cut off from other parts of the state because of heavy winds and rain. Over 1,000 homes have been damaged, according to the National Weather Service. It’s supposed to make landfall along the eastern coast of the states sometime this weekend and move north along the eastern Carolinas, bringing severe storms and possible flash flooding.
• Today’s game between the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals will be postposed because two members of the Cards have tested positive for the coronavirus. The game will be made up Sunday as part of a double-header.
• The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday voted 5-4 against an effort to block the building of a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico using money originally appropriated for defense uses. The five conservatives sided with President Donald Trump’s decision and the four liberals wanted to uphold suits by the Sierra Club and the Southern Border Communities Coalition.

Angels and Dodgers both fall

• Astros 9, Angels 6: Once again, the Halos fell behind early and couldn’t quite catch up, losing again in Anaheim to see their record fall to 2-6, last in the AL West. Starter Matt Andriese was lit up for four hits and two runs in 1.2 innings as Houston built a 4-0 lead in the second. The top of the Angels’ order did well, as David Fletcher had two hits – including a double – and Brian Goodwin had a triple and a home run, worth three RBIs. Kyle Tucker was the hitting star for the Astros (4-3) with three hits and four RBIs. The Angels face the Astros again today (Saturday).
• Diamondbacks 5, Dodgers 3: An eighth-inning four-run rally lifted the D-backs to the win in Arizona. Trailing 3-1, the home team got a two-run double from Kyle Walker to tie the game. He then scored the winning run on a single by David Peralta. Mookie Betts had three hits ­– including a double and a home run – to lead he Dodgers (5-3). Tony Gonsolin had a strong start for LA, working four scoreless innings and yielding just one hit and one walk. Arizona (3-5) is the opponent again on Saturday.