IN THIS ISSUE Co-Sponsor Memos Bill Actions Press Conferences

July 29, 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

Co-Sponsor Memos Bill Actions Press Conferences PA Bulletin Upcoming Events Session Schedule In the News

Co-Sponsor Memos

HCO3439 Boback, Karen Provides civil immunity for any damage that may be done to the vehicle when forceful entry is necessary to rescue a child. Bill History: 07-25-16 H Filed

HCO3443 Kim, Patty Grants PA courts greater discretion in determining whether or not to send conviction records of those convicted of the offense of possession of a small amount of marijuana to PennDOT. Bill History: 07-27-16 H Filed

HCO3445 Conklin, Scott Requires any emergency vehicle transporting a police dog to be equipped with a K-9 heat-detection device. Bill History: 07-28-16 H Filed

Bill Actions

HB 2270 Metzgar, Carl Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 2016 over the Casselman River, Rockwood Borough, Somerset County, as the PFC Alton Glenn Sterner Memorial Bridge. Bill History: 07-26-16 H Filed 07-28-16 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

Press Conferences

SENATOR RAFFERTY TAKES QUESTIONS FROM PENNSYLVANIA PRESS CLUB By Mark W. Wolfe, Pennsylvania Legislative Services Intern | July 25, 2016

This afternoon the Pennsylvania Press Club held one of their regular luncheons. The guest of honor was Senator John Rafferty (R-Montgomery), Republican candidate for Attorney General.

Sen. Rafferty began by stating that during this election cycle, he has seen the most public interest in what exactly the Office of Attorney General (OAG) does, and what he would do to “right the ship” of the office. He emphasized the AG’s dual role as the chief law enforcement official and the chief lawyer of the commonwealth, positions that he said must be filled by an individual with broad range of legal experience. Sen. Rafferty listed his experience with prosecuting Medicaid fraud cases in OAG and civil litigation focusing on education, real estate, business, zoning, and mental health law in private practice - credentials which he said outpace the real world and legal experience of his opponent, Josh Shapiro, also of Montgomery County. Sen. Rafferty also touted his 13 years as a legislator, during which, he said, he defended Pennsylvania families and stood with police officers in the fulfillment of their duties.

Sen. Rafferty declared OAG not to be an office for political activism, instead one that should focus on enforcing the laws of the commonwealth and protecting its residents. Recently, he said, the office has been used for political gain and personal vendettas, miring OAG in scandals and reducing the morale of staff and trust from the public. Joking that some consider “AG” to stand for “aspiring governor,” Sen. Rafferty stated that he intends to seek no higher office than Attorney General, which he said makes him the candidate who will restore integrity to the office.

Moving on to policy matters of importance, Sen. Rafferty lamented the continuation of “pay-to-play” despite increased prosecutions against elected officials. He firmly declared that this culture must end not just in Harrisburg, but in county courthouses as well; that all public officials must take seriously their role as stewards of taxpayer dollars. Next, Sen. Rafferty said that his OAG would partner with district attorneys (DAs) to deal with the heroin “crisis,” emphasizing that this situation merits a more urgent term than “epidemic.” He stated that DAs are uniquely qualified to deal with street dealers, while OAG focuses resources from wiretaps to grand juries for mid- and high-level distribution operations. While supporting a measure to impose mandatory minimum sentences on drug dealers, Sen. Rafferty acknowledged that the commonwealth cannot “jail our way out” of the heroin crisis. So, he continued, his campaign has spoken to medical professionals about treatment for nonviolent offenders, something which he has had personal experience with as a member of the steering committee for the commonwealth’s Veterans Courts. Sen. Rafferty stated that his office would send agents and former addicts to educate students on the dangers of drug use and addiction.

Another priority of his office, Sen. Rafferty said, would be Pennsylvania’s children and seniors. On the former, he emphasized that he has “zero tolerance” for child abusers. He emphasized his work in the Senate to bring Jessica’s Law to the commonwealth, address the “Kids for Cash” scandal, tighten restrictions on Megan’s Law, and increase penalties for individuals charged with driving under the influence with minor children in the car, all of which, he said, fostered for Pennsylvania children a “safe environment to thrive and to grow.” For senior residents, Sen. Rafferty said that his office would, possibly through the use of tourism revenue, help educate older individuals on fraudulent phone calls and other communications that seek personal information.

Sen. Rafferty stated that his OAG would seek to accomplish these goals through the creation and maintenance of consensus and coalitions, which he said he has done during his time in the Senate for landmark legislation such as the comprehensive transportation funding law, Act 89 of 2013. He hopes to work closely with DAs, state agencies, and other elected officials. Sen. Rafferty concluded by reiterating that the “awesome authority” of Pennsylvania’s Attorney General must be wielded by someone who understands the office and is committed to be AG, not any other position. He described himself as an “independent leader” with a “plan and a vision to move the commonwealth of Pennsylvania forward,” unmatched experience, and the right temperament and values for the job.

Sen. Rafferty then took questions from those present.

Do you think it is appropriate for the state’s Attorney General to sue the state, as Shapiro has said he would do over education issues? The Commonwealth Attorneys Act states that the AG must defend the commonwealth against lawsuits. Further, the appropriation of education funding is left to the Legislature and Governor under the state constitution. I would not let a judge determine how taxpayer dollars will be distributed. The AG does not sue the state, and I would not.

What do you think First Deputy AG Bruce Castor should do about the potential release of the email report? Should it be released before or after Kathleen Kane’s trial? First of all, my campaign has already laid out a policy for proper use of government property. On this matter, OAG should have made any information public from day one, not piecemeal for any hidden agenda. Now, at such a critical stage, Castor should wait until after the trial to avoid prejudice in the jury pool, especially since the individual who conducted the study of the emails found no criminal activity.

What if some of the people in the Montgomery County court system were involved in the exchange of these emails? Knowing the individual referenced in this question, he would file motions to disqualify any individuals who may fall into this category. It does not benefit the goal of a fair trial to release this information before the trial and possibly prejudice the jury pool.

How do you proposed eliminating pay-to-play without addressing limitations on campaign contributions? I was a member of the ad hoc committee to reform political campaigns when I was first elected to the Senate. Public officials should have the “intestinal fortitude” to do what is right and not consider a campaign contribution to unlock a

PLS’s Transportation Recap – Copyright 2016 – Pennsylvania Legislative Services – www.mypls.com July 29, 2016 door to favors. Integrity in office is essential in Harrisburg and in local governments, and anyone who does not face up to that should not run for public office.

Do you believe that Hillary Clinton should have been prosecuted for her use of a private email server during her time as Secretary of State? Given the recent hacking scandal, the safety of a private server is called into question. I believe that Clinton acted in gross negligence and should have been prosecuted. I would like to know my opponent’s view on this.

It was recently reported that Kathleen Kane spent $400,000 on outside legal fees for lawsuits brought by former employees. What is your opinion on this situation? There are extremely good professionals in that office whose morale has been devastated. Better management techniques and integrity in office could have eliminated the possibility of these lawsuits and used these hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight the heroin epidemic or protect senior residents. Personal vendettas in OAG must stop.

What is the status of your reform bill on the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA)? I have worked on DRPA reforms for about six years. One bill, SB 286, gives Pennsylvania’s governor a power enjoyed by New Jersey’s, veto power over state delegation actions. The second, SB 287, is more comprehensive, outlawing pay-to-play and adding further transparency measures, including requiring Senate confirmation of the Governor’s appointees to the commonwealth’s DRPA delegation. The Governor has stated that he would veto this bill, but he should sign it if he believes in a fair and accountable government. Because of this stated opposition, however, these “much needed” reforms are idle in the House of Representatives, having passed through the Senate.

You have criticized Shapiro over “sanctuary cities.” What can OAG do about that? Is it more of a federal issue? I think that this is a state issue because state resources are spent in these areas. I support a measure, SB 997, which would outlaw sanctuary cities in Pennsylvania. Undocumented people are in these cities, which means that undocumented people committing crimes may be there. OAG has a right to be involved in any area receiving state funds.

You have criticized your opponent for lack of courtroom experience. How many jury trials have you engaged in, and when was the last one? The last trial would have been over 13 years ago, before I was elected to the Senate. My trials were often bench trials, largely due to the types of cases I took on, but even once in a courtroom is more experience than my opponent. I have prosecuted individuals in court, dealt with preliminary hearings, and have done argument court. I have appeared before judges on matters of name changes and adoptions. I have also done grand jury work. I have kept my law license active: “Hear that, AG?”

Are you proud to be on the same ticket as Donald Trump? The voters of Pennsylvania and the nation selected Donald Trump to lead the Republican ticket. We are on the same ticket, but I am focusing on me right now, and have been since the day I announced. In the past couple weeks, Donald Trump has shown me some positive signs in his choice of Mike Pence as his running mate. Further, Trump, over the other candidate, scores high on safety and security issues in polling in the commonwealth and nation. Safety and security for all Pennsylvanians are also primary focuses of my candidacy.

Shapiro has not called for Kathleen Kane to resign. Should he? What is your position? Yes, his current position is weak, and he should call on her to resign. Based on bipartisan testimony that an AG cannot effectively serve without a law license, I voted in the Senate to remove Kane under Article 6, Section 7 of the state constitution, and believe she should resign.

Should the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission become part of the Department of Transportation (PennDOT)? During my time as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, the Turnpike Commission has provided regular updates on their operations and financial wellbeing, with another hearing in the near future. Although some reform was attempted in Act 89 of 2013, I would like to see some ideas for reform from Governor Wolf. It is, however, no simple matter to simply fold the commission into PennDOT, considering complex issues such as bonds.

Governor Rendell proposed leasing the turnpike long-term for $12.8 billion, but people were concerned about fee increases. Could that be any worse than the fee increases we see now?

It could have been as bad, because that plan would have given the government no clear oversight. Now, we are seeing much more legislative interest in the turnpike. I have legislation in with Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D- Allegheny) to give the turnpike commission authority to go after “scofflaws” who are delinquent in paying their fees, amounting to $43 million in lost revenue.

The next Pennsylvania Press Club luncheon will take place on Monday, August 22nd. The guest will be Katie McGinty, Democratic candidate for the US Senate.

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PA Bulletin

IRRC: NOTICE OF FILING OF FINAL RULEMAKINGS The Independent Regulatory Review Commission received the following regulations, scheduled to be considered on August 18, 2016: • Department of Transportation 18-460: Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic Speed-Timing Devices

Upcoming Events

Pittsburgh Port Authority July 29, 2016 - 9:30 a.m., Neal N. Holmes Board Room, Pittsburgh Port Authority Building, 5th Floor, 345 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh Board Meeting. For additional information: (412) 566-5137

Delaware River Port Authority/PATCO August 2, 2016 - 9:00 a.m., 11th Floor Board Room, One Port Center, 2 Riverside Drive, Camden NJ Operations & Maintenance Committee Meeting. For additional information: (856) 968-2253

Delaware River Port Authority/PATCO August 2, 2016 - 10:30 a.m., 11th Floor Board Room, One Port Center, 2 Riverside Drive, Camden NJ Labor Committee Meeting. For additional information: (856) 968-2253

PA Turnpike Commission August 2, 2016 - 10:00 a.m.**Canceled**, Turnpike Admin. Bldg, Large Board Room, 700 S. Eisenhower Blvd., 3rd Fl., Middletown Commission Meeting. For additional information: (717) 831-7333

State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons August 2, 2016 - 9:30 a.m.**Note time change**, 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg Board Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1697

PA Public Utility Commission August 4, 2016 - 1:00 p.m., Days Inn, 240 S. Pugh Street, State College Public hearing on rate increase request by FirstEnergy Companies. For additional information: (717) 783-6152

PA Public Utility Commission August 4, 2016 - 6:00 p.m., Days Inn, 240 S. Pugh Street, State College Public hearing on rate increase request by FirstEnergy Companies. For additional information: (717) 783-6152

PA Public Utility Commission August 9, 2016 - 1:00 p.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Hearing Room 1, 400 North St., Harrisburg 717 Area Code Smart Hearing. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

Delaware River Port Authority/PATCO August 10, 2016 - 9:00 a.m., 11th Floor Board Room, One Port Center, 2 Riverside Drive, Camden NJ Finance Committee Meeting. For additional information: (856) 968-2253

PA Public Utility Commission August 11, 2016 - 10:00 a.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Hearing Room 1, 400 North St., Harrisburg Public Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

PA Public Utility Commission August 11, 2016 - 1:00 p.m., Doubletree by Hilton, 340 Race Track Road, Washington Public hearing on rate increase request by FirstEnergy Companies. For additional information: (717) 783-6152

PA Public Utility Commission August 11, 2016 - 6:00 p.m., Greensburg Garden & Civic Center, 951 Old Road, Greensburg Public hearing on rate increase request by FirstEnergy Companies. For additional information: (717) 783-6152

Session Schedule Senate September 26, 27, 28 October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 November 16

House August 9 (NV) September 19

In the News

07-28-2016 PA Turnpike Seeks Legal, Financial Consultants for Guidance during Broadband P3 (Press Release)

07-28-2016 FirstEnergy Announces Second Quarter 2016 Results, Provides Third Quarter and... (Press Release)

07-28-2016 PennDOT Relocates Norristown Driver License Center (Press Release)

07-28-2016 Pittsburgh Port Authority Board Meeting Agenda for July 29, 2016 (Press Release)

07-28-2016 Team PA Foundation Newsletter for July 2016 (Press Release)

07-28-2016 Corrections Secretary Wetzel Takes Administrative Action in Response to Death... (Press Release)

07-28-2016 PHIA: First Act 89 regional event a rousing success (Press Release)

07-28-2016 Royal Dutch Shell plc: 2nd Quarter and Half Year 2016 Unaudited Results (Press Release)

07-28-2016 EQT Reports Second Quarter 2016 Earnings (Press Release)

07-28-2016 Liberty Bridge traffic changes this weekend Traffic patterns will change again next week on the Liberty Bridge, resulting in the closure of all inbound traffic on the bridge and in the Liberty Tunnel from Friday night until Sunday

afternoon. One outbound lane will remain open while the changes are made.... -Pittsburgh Post- Gazette

07-28-2016 Mending mission: A hard-won grant to rejoin the Hill and Downtown There is no way to make the Hill District whole for the physical and psychological dislocation caused by construction of the Civic Arena. However, a federal grant providing a new connection to Downtown will help to improve the neighborhood’s future prospects.... - Pittsburgh Post- Gazette

07-28-2016 is it Ernst Street or Ernest Street? Residents here confused on correct name for their street The Streets Department quickly fixed a street sign misspelled Naudian after the Inquirer and Daily News reported July 14 on the sign in the 2000 block of Naudain Street in Southwest Center City. But no action has been taken on a sign spelled Ernst on Ernest Street near Ninth Street in South... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-28-2016 Cities turn to local action to block oil trains SEATTLE (AP) - As crude oil trains began rolling through its downtown a few years ago, Spokane was among the first cities to pass a resolution calling for stronger federal safety regulations... - AP

07-28-2016 As DNC events shift to Center City, Camden, trains and traffic run more smoothly As events related to the Democratic National Convention move to Center City and Camden in coming days, transportation officials were working Wednesday to finalize details of traffic-related closures. Southbound Broad Street traffic is forced to detour onto Packer Avenue on... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-28-2016 Should you tip the Uber driver? Here's what to give them NEW YORK (AP) - On-demand apps make life easier: A few taps on my phone and I can get a cab in minutes or groceries delivered to my door... - AP

07-28-2016 Pa’s new car seat law goes into effect in August by Flaura Koplin Winston, MD, PhD, Scientific Director of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Injury Research and Prevention “When can I turn my child forward in their car seat?” is probably the most frequently asked child passenger safety question that I’ve... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-28-2016 Turnpike Commission CEO apologizes for toll collector's racist statements as investigation continues Susquehanna Township resident Carl Shuman was heading home from a business trip in Pittsburgh Monday night, and after a pleasant drive, he pulled up to the toll booth at the Carlisle exit, ready to pay his toll. There, he was stunned by something that in his more than four decades of... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

07-28-2016 Editorial: Endless turnpike rate hikes are taking toll on motorists It's a fact of life that prices inevitably go up. Generally people can live with that reality, even as many of them groan about their incomes not keeping up with prices. And when it comes to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, it's understandable that toll increases are required from time to time. The road network is 75 years... - Reading Eagle

07-28-2016 Letter: Multiple problems in Mount Pocono frustrate her While walking my dog, I've observed problems in Mount Pocono. My complaints and suggestions over three years and have fallen on deaf ears. The buck has been passed. I contacted state representative, then Sen. Mario Scavello, PennDOT and borough officials. Excessive spending, not enough... - Pocono Record

07-28-2016 Bike-friendly city A new map of Williamsport and Lycoming County is now available at many locations in Williamsport. Produced by Target Marketing, it includes points of interest, local advertising, and the area's bike paths. Safe bicycling and walking routes make a city a more desirable place to live.. As a member... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

07-28-2016 LETTER: Section of Route 322 is need of repair Editor: This past Saturday I made the mistake of traveling on Route 322 in northwestern Venango County. From Foster Road West to the Mercer County line the condition of the road was deplorable. This didn't just happen it's been this way for quite a while. The main road is terrible, and the berms... - Oil City Derrick

07-28-2016 How many more passengers can Columbus’ airport handle? This year is shaping up as a strong one for John Glenn Columbus International Airport. The former Port Columbus is on track to see a 7 percent to 8 percent increase in passengers over 2015, and airlines including Southwest, Frontier and Delta have added flights in recent months.... - Columbus Dispatch

07-28-2016 Editorial: Things have gone off the tracks in Upper Chi The people in Upper Chichester have had enough. For years they have dealt with issues that have a tendency to crop up when a train line runs through your town. No one has to tell Jim Finley about it. Along with his wife, Kathy Cardile, they’ve run Cardile’s Farmer’s Market on Meetinghouse Road for... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

07-28-2016 Optimistic increase Say what you will about the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, but its leaders clearly are optimists. In the turnpike commission’s toll schedule, it has bet that folks across the commonwealth will be able to absorb exponential cost increases far into the future. It has ensured toll increases that extend far beyond... - Pottsville Republican and Evening Herald

07-28-2016 More on sensors: It's the metal, not the weight Dave Templeton’s letter (July 27) has two basic misunderstandings. The white line at intersections is not to keep vehicles over the traffic light sensors; it's to keep vehicles far enough back from the intersection so trucks can swing wide to make the corner. If the car is beyond the white... - Levittown Intelligencer

07-28-2016 Subcontractor charged with dumping pollutants into Susquehanna River, cheating workers A subcontractor hired for rehabilitation work on the George Wade Bridge in 2009 has been charged with embezzling $400,000 from union benefit and workers' pension plans related to the work and with dumping pollutants into the river during the project. Andrew Manganas, 59, and Panthera Painting of Canonsburg were indicted by a... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

07-28-2016 NJ Transit Board Approves Final 2 Rail Union Contracts NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Transit’s board has approved contracts with its two remaining rail unions... - AP

07-28-2016 Police officer honored for tackling aggressive driving WAYNESBORO - Former Washington Township police officer Mario Anelini was honored with the Aggressive Driving Outstanding Officer Award Wednesday morning for his efforts in the 2015 PennDOT Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project. Angelini was nominated for the award by his former boss, Chief Barry... - Chambersburg Public Opinion

07-28-2016 Law enforcement to take new approach to DUIs

FRANKLIN COUNTY - In the weeks after the Supreme Court ruled people should no longer be penalized for refusing a blood test during a DUI investigation, prosecutors and police across the country scrambled to determine what it would mean for their jurisdictions.... - Chambersburg Public Opinion

07-28-2016 Airport plans frequent flyerparking perks PITTSTON TWP. — Customers who regularly fly out of the Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton International Airport soon could find it easier getting in and out of its parking garage and outdoor lot. Rather than stopping to pay for parking, they’ll be able to use an airport-issued electronic card in an automated system at the exit gates.... - Hazleton Standard-Speaker

07-28-2016 Carlisle awarded $5 million grant for infrastructure The Borough of Carlisle has been awarded a much anticipated grant to help fund infrastructure development. On Wednesday, Sen. Bob Casey announced Carlisle was a recipient of $5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant program.... - Carlisle Sentinel

07-28-2016 WHITE TOWNSHIP: Supervisors cautious about funding multimodal project Supervisors in White Township said Wednesday night they are wary about spending another $30,000 as part of a match for a grant that would pay for engineering and design costs of the proposed multimodal corridor. Gail McCauley was most vocal Wednesday, saying she was reluctant to... - Indiana Gazette

07-28-2016 INDIANA COUNTY: Parks & Trails to acquire land Indiana County Parks & Trails land will grow by more than 30 acres, in part to compensate for a natural gas pipeline that will cross part of Pine Ridge Park, Burrell Township. The Indiana County commissioners Wednesday approved the purchase of two parcels of land to expand the parks and trails system. Both parcels are now... - Indiana Gazette

07-28-2016 County airport clears runway for August airshow County airport clearing runway for August airshow Submitted photo. The National Warplane Museum is bringing a C-47A Dakota transport such as brought troops to D-Day to the Clarion County Airport's open house and air show later this summer. Submitted photo. A flight of four of these T-51 Mustangs, a smaller replica of the P-51... - Clarion News

07-28-2016 Clarion plans septaquintaquinquecentennial April 6 of this year, Clarion Borough became 175 years old. Its septaquintaquinquecentennial will be celebrated Oct. 2, the last Sunday of Autumn Leaf Festival, with a multi-faceted event. "We want everybody to be a part of it," said Clarion Chamber of Commerce... - Clarion News

07-28-2016 Blue Angels grounded; Pocono Raceway air show scheduled for next month is canceled LONG POND – The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron known as the Blue Angels will not be taking off at Pocono Raceway next month. The show was first announced by the Angels in March, but there have been no details posted about the event, and at the time it was announced, Pocono... - Allentown Morning Call

07-28-2016 PHL prepared for mass DNC departures Friday will be one of the busiest travel days of the year at Philadelphia International Airport, when most DNC delegates and visitors will be heading home. The airlines, Philadelphia airport, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) say they will have extra staff on hand to answer... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-28-2016 Mack using virtual reality to show off automated manual transmission Want to ride along in a rugged truck built by Mack? Don't grab the keys — grab your

smartphone. In its latest marketing effort, Mack Trucks is hoping potential customers will strap on virtual reality headgear and take an immersive computer-generated ride on board one of its heavy-duty machines.... - Allentown Morning Call

07-28-2016 Allegiant pilots ratify first union contract Pilots with Allegiant, which flies from Lehigh Valley International Airport, have joined the Teamsters. The pilots ratified their first-ever union contract that includes an immediate 31 percent pay increase, a boost in health insurance and other benefits, and greater job security, the Teamsters said Thursday in a news... - Allentown Morning Call

07-27-2016 Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) - July 2016 (Press Release)

07-27-2016 Officials to announce $19 million grant to reconnect Hill District, Downtown The grant will help fund construction of a deck over Crosstown Boulevard as part of larger project at former arena site. It has been more than half a century since the Hill District flowed directly into Downtown. But the award of a coveted federal grant could make... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

07-27-2016 Pennsylvania Turnpike's $5.7 billion capital plan under review The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s decision last week to review all construction projects came two months after the majority of the five-member board approved a $5.7 billion, 10-year capital plan over the objections of the chairman and vice chairman. The majority say that they were aware of potential financial shortfalls but... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

07-27-2016 $15 billion Volkswagen emissions deal clears 1st hurdle SAN FRANCISCO — A nearly $15 billion settlement over Volkswagen’s emissions cheating scandal cleared a key hurdle Tuesday, with a federal judge giving preliminary approval to the deal that includes an option for owners to have the carmaker buy back their vehicles... - AP

07-27-2016 Wind turbines, LED light to illuminate Rachel Carson Bridge for Light Up Night Environmental artist Andrea Polli will fulfill a 15-year dream when she creates a signature project using LED lights and wind turbines to illuminate the Rachel Carson Bridge for Light Up Night and the holiday season. Riverlife hopes the temporary piece will be the jumping off point for... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

07-27-2016 Why block Boeing? Let the sale of American planes to Iran proceed The House of Representatives, before adjourning for a seven-week vacation, passed several bills intended to block the sale or lease by Boeing of some $25 billion worth of commercial aircraft to Iran Air. It is worth noting that the legislative body did not manage to pass any of... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

07-27-2016 Freeport seeks grant money to improve trail Freeport is seeking a state grant to create a dedicated bike lane through town and improve the Butler-Freeport Community Trail entrance in Laneville. The project is among seven for which Armstrong County is seeking about $584,000 from the state Department of Community and Economic Development's... - Tarentum Valley News Dispatch

07-27-2016 $15 billion Volkswagen emissions deal clears initial hurdle SAN FRANCISCO — A nearly $15 billion settlement over Volkswagen's emissions cheating scandal cleared a key hurdle Tuesday, with a federal judge giving preliminary approval to the deal that includes an option for owners to have the automaker buy back their vehicles... - AP

07-27-2016 Uber, Lyft and city cabs clash over access to DNC venue Uber, the ride-hailing app giant, clashed with drivers from Lyft and the city's cab companies

Tuesday over access to the Democratic National Convention's venue. Cab and Lyft drivers accused Uber of making it difficult to drop off passengers near the Wells Fargo Center, where convention events are held.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-27-2016 Uber driver who sexually assaulted passenger gets up to 15 years in jail After an emotionally wrenching hearing Tuesday, the Uber driver convicted of sexually assaulting a 24-year-old passenger who hired him to drive her from Center City to Montgomery County was sentenced to 71/2 to 15 years in prison. Abdellah Elkaddi, 47, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Morocco, was ordered... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-27-2016 Kenney, the cops, and exorcizing Frank Rizzo's ghost The mercury read 97 on Monday afternoon, but even that didn’t reflect the rising temperatures outside South Philly’s ATT Station subway stop when as many as 200 marchers with the Democracy Spring anti-money-in-politics protests literally crashed the gates, eager to... - Philadelphia Daily News

07-27-2016 Upper Dublin awarded $2.25M for Fort Washington transit upgrades Upper Dublin Township has received a $2-million state grant to construct a new ramp from the Pennsylvania Turnpike directly onto Commerce Drive to reduce commute times for users of the Fort Washington Office Park, township officials said Tuesday. An additional Commonwealth Financing Authority grant of $250,000 was... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-27-2016 Keeping kids safe while riding in the car: How'd that work out? Numerous studies from pediatric organizations, the automobile industry, insurance companies and other groups have confirmed children are far more likely to survive or sustain only a minor injury in a crash if they are in a child safety seat. In fact, PennDOT’s 2015 crash statistics back that up. From 2006... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

07-27-2016 Faulty logic used to defend proposed Northampton County $5 vehicle registration fee In defending the proposed $5 fee to be added to vehicle registrations, Northampton County Councilman John Cusick addressed concerns that large trucks contribute greatly to road and bridge deterioration. Critics of the fee proposal, which has since been rejected, noted that many... - Allentown Morning Call

07-27-2016 In Bushkill Township, helipad request brings another whirl of objections After three hours of testimony on fences and approach/departure paths, Bushkill Township's Zoning Hearing Board again fell short of a decision on whether to allow a helicopter landing area on private property abutting homes. The conditional use hearing, continued from June 16, will resume at 6 p.m.... - Allentown Morning Call

07-27-2016 New LVIA transit center might save you from a long walk Anyone who has flown from Lehigh Valley International Airport knows that the simple task of renting a car or catching a bus can easily turn into an aerobic workout. The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority hopes to change that possibly by winter with a $3 million project officials say will shorten the sometimes... - Allentown Morning Call

07-27-2016 Boeing reports 2Q loss CHICAGO Boeing Co. (BA) on Wednesday reported a second-quarter loss of $234 million, after reporting a profit in the same period a year earlier... - AP

07-27-2016 Airport authority unlikely to be dissolved DUNBAR TWP. - Fayette County commissioners are likely not in a position to abolish the county airport authority as recommended by a departing board member. In his Tuesday, July 19 letter of resignation to commissioners, Monty "Cash" Lilley, advised the officials it would be in the best interest of... - Uniontown Herald-Standard

07-27-2016 Editorial: Expanded river trail offers great opportunity for area The Schuykill River is a recognized natural asset. Reading Eagle: Natalie Kolb | The Schuylkill River Trail was named the best urban trail in the United States by USA Today last year. It is part of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, which some see playing a major role in future development in... - Reading Eagle

07-27-2016 Reading Parking Authority hasn't been towing vehicles of scofflaws since last fall Reading, PA Don't tell anyone, but the Reading Parking Authority hasn't been towing the vehicles of parking scofflaws since October. As a result, the number of vehicles that have been booted or abandoned with five or more parking tickets on them has been growing in city... - Reading Eagle

07-27-2016 Erie 366: New General Electric locomotive at Lake Shore Railway Historical Society ERIE, Pa. -- Two cranes lower a locomotive onto rails Tuesday at the Lake Shore Railway Historical Society in North East. The 1944 General Electric 80-ton locomotive was built in Erie and was used by the Genesee & Wyoming Railroad. In the early 1960s, the engine was used by a construction company... - Erie Times-News

07-27-2016 PennDOT studies bike trail improvements in Erie County State transportation officials are looking at ways to improve biking along Route 6. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is studying the first 150 miles of the road, from the Ohio border in Crawford County to the McKean-Potter county line, to determine how to make the road safer and more... - Erie Times-News

07-27-2016 Erie union, GE Transportation talks end without agreement The 60-day negotiating process was prompted in late May when the company announced plans to transfer work out of the Erie plant, resulting in the loss of up to 181 jobs. During the decision bargaining process, the company offered proposals that would have spared some of those jobs, created some others, secured some... - Erie Times-News

07-27-2016 Plan takes a stab at reducing county highway angst July 27, 2016 There probably is not a day when motorists in Lycoming County don’t curse the condition of some street, road or bridg. more »» - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

07-27-2016 Official: Supers' response to thruway under review The Monroe Township Supervisors are responding to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's controversial planned changes to the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway design, but won't say where they stand until their written response is reviewed by legal counsel.... - Sunbury Daily Item

07-27-2016 Council: Action on Speedway expected at August meeting New Castle City Council won’t act until next month on a petition to close part of Cochran Way to permit Speedway to construct a convenience store and fueling station between Jefferson and Mercer streets. At a public hearing before council on Tuesday night, attorney James... - New Castle News

07-27-2016 DEP: I-81 Acid spill did not impact environment The sulfuric acid spill that closed down Interstate 81 Monday evening was successfully contained and was kept from harming the environment, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). “None of the material spilled made it into waterways or into the... - Lebanon Daily News

07-27-2016 Investigators have released photos of that deadly Tesla autopilot crash Federal safety officials released a preliminary report Tuesday on the fatal car crash in Florida in

spring involving Tesla's autopilot feature. And if a photo is worth 1,000 words, well, this report says a lot. Although investigators aren't prepared to say what exactly went wrong in... - Washington Post

07-27-2016 Metro general manager proposes permanent end to late-night service Metro's general manager will propose a permanent end to late-night weekend subway service in order to expand the window for track-maintenance projects, but business owners and workers say it could have a big negative impact. Metro's general manager will propose a permanent end to late-night... - Washington Post

07-27-2016 Rail tour celebrates ownership of Humboldt line The Reading, Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad took about 70 people on an excursion through its latest acquisition, the 7.5 miles of railroad in the Humboldt Industrial Park on Tuesday. The Berks County-based railroad will now provide rail service to about a... - Hazleton Standard-Speaker

07-27-2016 Rail tour celebrates ownership of Humboldt line ELLEN F. O’CONNELL/Staff Photographer Russell Scianna Jr., a car host with the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, greets passengers boarding the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad train while participating in the customer appreciation trip featuring Humboldt Industrial Park on Tuesday.... - Hazleton Standard-Speaker

07-27-2016 Oil City chief says new red light law could cause confusion Oil City police chief Bob Wenner is advising motorists to have increased awareness at red lights after Gov. Tom Wolf signed a new law last week that gives drivers the ability to run red lights under certain circumstances. The bill allows drivers to proceed through a red light if the traffic... - Oil City Derrick

07-27-2016 Congressman takes a tour of Wheeler Bros. U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus inspected a 3-D printer and sat behind the wheel of a postal truck Tuesday during a tour of Wheeler Bros. in Somerset. The company, located along Drum Avenue, started as a parts supplier and manufacturer for the Department of Defense and the U.S. Postal Service and... - Somerset Daily

07-27-2016 PennDOT threatens to close Millcreek bridge PennDOT threatens to close Millcreek bridge By Tom DiStefano CLARION NEWS Writer FISHER Millcreek Township has a bridge crisis it has six months to repair or replace the bridge carrying Old State Road South/Asbury Church Road over Little Mill Creek. The solution might be a temporary "jump bridge" that could be rented or... - Clarion News

07-27-2016 Bradford City plans housing, street improvements with 2016 CDBG Bradford City Council heard about plans for the 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding at the first of two public hearings Tuesday evening. Sara Andrews, executive director of the local Office of Economic and Community Development, said the city is receiving $272,958 in 2016, a... - Bradford Era

07-27-2016 Getting to yes on Port Covington The proposed massive redevelopment of Port Covington enters what may be its most crucial phase tomorrow when the City Council holds what is expected to be the first in a series of public hearings and work sessions on Sagamore Development's request for $535 million in tax increment financing. The... - Baltimore Sun

07-27-2016 PennDOT plans Route 23 bridge repairs on Aug. 5 PennDOT officials announced Tuesday they will begin construction next month to rehabilitate the Route 23 bridge over theFrench Creek. Construction is scheduled to begin on Aug. 5 on a

$450,000 project to rehabilitate the structurally-deficient bridge carrying Route 23 over... - Pottstown Mercury

07-27-2016 State grants fund turnpike ramp and office park improvements in Upper Dublin Two recently awarded state grants will help fund improvements to the Fort Washington Office Park in Upper Dublin. A new “zip ramp” from the Pennsylvania Turnpike interchange will feed vehicles directly into the office park. The final portion of funding came from a grant for just over $2 million from the Commonwealth Financing... - BUCKS

07-27-2016 Turnpike Commission CEO apologizes for toll collector's racist statements as investigation continues Susquehanna Township resident Carl Shuman was heading home from a business trip in Pittsburgh Monday night, and after a pleasant drive, he pulled up to the toll booth at the Carlisle exit, ready to pay his toll. There, he was stunned by something that in his more than four decades of... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

07-27-2016 A difficult conversation: Taking the keys away from mom and dad Many can easily recall the feeling, the ink still drying on that newly acquired driver's license, asking Mom or Dad for the keys on a Friday night, relishing that first real taste of freedom. Parents still fall asleep in their recliners waiting for their teens to... - York Dispatch

07-26-2016 Rep. Sturla Op-Ed: Funding for our roads and state police (Press Release)

07-26-2016 Historic solar flight marks first round-the-world journey ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — The world’s first round-the-world flight to be powered solely by the sun’s energy made history today as it landed in Abu Dhabi, where it first took off on an epic 25,000-mile journey that began more than a year ago... - AP

07-26-2016 EPA moves to regulate climate-warming airliner pollution WASHINGTON — Jet engine exhaust from airliners endangers human health and adds to climate change, the government found Monday in taking the first step toward regulating those emissions... - AP

07-26-2016 Traffic delays and detours mark travel on first day of DNC The first day of the Democratic National Convention saw travelers by car, train, and bus delayed. Officials at transportation agencies said it was likely that traffic jams, bus detours, and unexpected disruptions would continue to be part of getting around Philadelphia until the donkeys leave town.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-26-2016 Christie objects to Democrats' new transportation plan TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A new Democratic plan to raise the state's gas tax by 23 cents a gallon while cutting other taxes is "dead on arrival," Gov. Chris Christie said Monday... - AP

07-26-2016 Uber drivers, others crash Uber party for Pa. delegation About 11 p.m. Monday, around 25 taxi drivers, Uber Black drivers and accessibility advocates put up a picket line around the DoubleTree Hotel in Center City where Uber was throwing a party for Pennsylvania delegates. In the end the delegates did not honor the picket line, and the party went on... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-26-2016 Frontier Airlines to begin flights to Punta Gorda, Fla. Frontier Airlines said Monday it will begin nonstop flights from Philadelphia International Airport and from Trenton-Mercer Airport to Punta Gorda, Fla. in the fall. Frontier will fly from Philadelphia International to Punta Gorda at 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday starting Oct. 30. The return flight... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-26-2016 Capital Area Transit buses will be delayed due to 'Thank Blue' event in Harrisburg Capital Area Transit buses heading to the west shore will be delayed 15 minutes on Thursday due to the "Thank Blue" event on Second Street. Dino-Mite Summer 'Thank Blue' event will honor Harrisburg police Dino-Mite Summer 'Thank Blue' event will honor Harrisburg police... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

07-26-2016 In Bushkill Township, helipad request brings another whirl of objections After three hours of testimony on fences and approach/departure paths, Bushkill Township's Zoning Hearing Board again fell short of a decision on whether to allow a helicopter landing area on private property abutting homes. The conditional use hearing, continued from June 16, will resume at 6 p.m.... - Allentown Morning Call

07-26-2016 Whitehall Road park’s future uncertain FERGUSON TOWNSHIP The future of the proposed Whitehall Road Regional Park is unclear, thanks in part to a recent ruling regarding Ferguson Township and the Toll Brothers. Intended to be constructed across from the intersection of West Whitehall Road and Blue Course Drive in Ferguson Township, the proposed park consists... - State College Centre Daily Times

07-26-2016 Letters to the Editor - July 26, 2016 Third party hopes Editor: As a third party proponent, I appreciate the positions taken by recent Times-Tribune editorials on ballot access issues. Pennsylvania’s treatment of third party candidates was found unconstitutional by U.S. District Judge Lawrence Stengel.... - Scranton Times

07-26-2016 Reduce plane pollution A passenger jet lands Dec. 15 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as other jets taxi toward taking off. The Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday that it will use its authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate aircraft emissions. (Associated Press File)... - Scranton Times

07-26-2016 Fleetwood mayor won't veto parking ordinance if conditions met Council had a deadline to pass the ordinance to satisfy PennDOT regulations. - Reading Eagle

07-26-2016 Join talk about York County's plan to preserve the past York's Central Market, the Consumers Cigar Box Co. in Red Lion, and the Howard Tunnel on the Northern Central Railway are just a few of the dozens of buildings, structures and districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places in York County. The county's first proposed heritage preservation plan lists those historic... - York Daily

07-26-2016 Improved York rail trail set to officially open New lights and fresh pavement have improved the Heritage Rail Trail County Park in York, and it's expected to officially open to the public by the end of the month. It will be just in time for upcoming summer events, such as the Yorkfest Fine Arts Festival. "Progress is proceeding as we had hoped," said Timothy Miller, acting... - York Daily

07-26-2016 Interstate 376: Why must one pay to get both on and off? Editor, The News: I have a bone to pick with somebody, but who? I was driving down Interstate 376, (the new name for Route 60). When you’re alone, strange things pop into your head. I was

headed toward Pittsburgh and pulled up to the very familiar toll booth, payed my $3.75... - New Castle News

07-26-2016 Plans taking shape for bridge ceremony honoring Kephart The Petroleum Street Bridge in Oil City will be renamed later this year to honor a local soldier who was killed in combat more than 12 years ago. A bill sponsored by State Rep. R. Lee James (R-64th) was signed last week by Gov. Tom Wolf after it passed unanimously in the state House and Senate.... - Oil City Derrick

07-26-2016 PennDOT threatens to close Millcreek bridge CLARION NEWS Writer FISHER Millcreek Township has a bridge crisis it has six months to repair or replace the bridge carrying Old State Road South/Asbury Church Road over Little Mill Creek. The solution might be a temporary "jump bridge" that could be rented or... - Clarion News

07-26-2016 Drivers needed to deliver senior meals July 26, 2016 LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging is in need of home- delivered meal drivers to take hot lunches to area homebound seniors. The Lewistown Senior Center, located at 513B Knepp Ave. more »» - Lewistown Sentinel

07-26-2016 Least bad option is only real choice now on gas tax battle | Moran The political stalemate that has put a halt to most work on roads, bridges and mass transit in New Jersey shows how dysfunctional Trenton has become since Gov. Chris Christie lost interest in herding the cats in the Legislature and began devoting himself to his national ambitions.... - Trenton Times

07-26-2016 DNC 2016: Chris Christie is leading from behind on the Transportation Trust Fund | Mulshine Chris Christie put in quite a successful performance at the Republican National Convention last week. He had dozens of interviews with the national media and no one asked him about that big gas-tax hike he had just signed into law. That's because he didn't. At the last minute, when a bipartisan coalition... - Trenton Times

07-26-2016 New law will require temporary license plates in California Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation Monday requiring that newly purchased vehicles in California display temporary license plates, approving the bill despite objections from social justice activists who say it will lead to more fines and economic hardships for poor people.... - Los Angeles Times

07-26-2016 MJ2KB T(rails) Club say they haven’t heard much progress in purchase of rail corridor MOUNT JEWETT — The MJ2KB T(rails) Club reported they have not heard much progress in the purchase of the former Knox-Kane rail corridor by Headwaters Charitable Trust of Curwensville, but with crews from Kovalchick Salvage Co. of Indiana pulling up rails and inching closer to Mount Jewett,... - Bradford Era

07-26-2016 $216 to cross Pa. on the turnpike? It's possible by 2044 In coming years, the Pennsylvania Turnpike will get bigger and better. And much more expensive. The plans include a series of projects to rebuild and widen the highway to six lanes between Morgantown and Valley Forge by 2023. But that work, and similar projects throughout the 552-mile turnpike... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

07-26-2016 Lancaster County transportation forum: Act 89 is great, but the need is greater Speakers at the Lancaster County transportation forum July 25. A landmark 2013 law that is enabling widespread road and bridge repairs across Pennsylvania is great, but the need is greater, panelists at a transportation forum said Monday. “Every place there’s 10 trucks today, there’s going to be 17 in... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

07-26-2016 Plan to build park across I-579 Downtown gets $19 million boost Federal officials awarded $19 million in grant money to help build a park over Interstate 579, Congressman Mike Doyle said. The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant will cover a large chunk of the estimated $27 million officials believe... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

07-25-2016 PEMA: Commonwealth Response Coordination Center Activated for DNC in... (Press Release)

07-25-2016 PUC Issues Emergency Order Allowing Lyft to Temporarily Use Older Vehicles in... (Press Release)

07-25-2016 DEP Accepting Applications for the 2016 Small Business Advantage Grants (Press Release)

07-25-2016 Gov. Wolf: In Philly for the DNC? Here's What You Need to Know (Press Release)

07-25-2016 Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee Names Exelon Official Zero-Carbon Energy... (Press Release)

07-25-2016 Senator Rafferty Takes Questions from Pennsylvania Press Club (Around the Capital)

07-25-2016 Port Authority continues talks after union contracts expire June 30 Port Authority bus drivers and other union employees have been working under a contract extension since June 30, but neither the union nor the authority expects any serious problems before an agreement is reached. “We’re still working at it,” said Steve Palonis, president and... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

07-25-2016 As the turnpike turns: The drama of the state highway is never-ending State transportation officials are caught between a pothole and the guardrail. As they figure out how to handle the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s debt, one thing is for certain: Motorists will be paying more to use the toll road. Both the commission and state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale have raised... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

07-25-2016 As more pedal, bicyclists' injuries on rise on Pittsburgh streets Reported motor vehicle/bicycle crashes in Pittsburgh increased annually in the past five years, even as officials dedicated more public money to improve biking infrastructure. The jump in the number of PennDOT-tracked crashes from 2011 to 2015 corresponds with more people using bikes for transportation and recreation,... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

07-25-2016 SEPTA bus and SUV collide in Yeadon, 28 people injured, 2 critically Bus crash hurts 2 pedestrians, 26 riders Police are investigating a crash that occurred in Yeadon, Delaware County, at around 6:20 p.m. Sunday. Andrew Busch, a SEPTA spokesman, said a Route 113 bus was traveling south on Lansdowne Avenue when a Jeep Liberty turned left off of Providence Road... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-25-2016 In hard-hitting ad campaign, Philly targets tobacco industry marketing practices On ads inside SEPTA buses and subway cars, a giant, cuff-link-adorned hand representing the tobacco industry plucks a black teenager from a line of friends, leaving the chalk outline of the teen's body behind. "Our children are not replacement smokers!" a protest leader cries in a... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-25-2016 Sensors and sandbags: SEPTA to conduct stress tests on railcars More than a dozen men bustled around the elevated railcar, attaching wires and sensors to it like doctors placing monitors on a heart patient. SEPTA engineers and Hyundai Rotem consultants discuss getting wires attached to sensors on the equalizer bar under a Silverliner V railcar into... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-25-2016 Letters: Phila. airport workers mistreated ISSUE | PHILA. AIRPORT Workers mistreated The fight for livable wages and appropriate working conditions has reached Philadelphia International Airport ("Bumpy skies," Wednesday). I marched with the airport workers who walked off the job on Tuesday. Their concerns... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-25-2016 Commentary: Time to pass long-term ridesharing reforms in Pa. By Ben Carnes 'Never laugh at live dragons," warns the protagonist of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, a reminder to avoid premature celebrations before an adventure has truly ended. It's a timely proverb this month as many observers rush to declare an end to the regulatory battle between the Philadelphia Parking... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-25-2016 Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it really is a plane They come in all shapes and sizes, taking to the air with propellers and jet engines. For the first time in some years, the State College Radio Control Club invited the public to the Centre Airpark on Sunday for a demonstration of remote-control aerobatics, educating guests about the hobby as well as... - State College Centre Daily Times

07-25-2016 Lawsuit: Men died on railroad tracks because they feared crossing bridge EMMAUS — Padraic C. Cremins and Timothy S. Daddario faced a decision at the end of their workdays in the summer of 2014. The Hursh's Landscaping co-workers could walk over the busy, narrow Chestnut Street bridge in Upper Milford Township to get to East Penn Plaza... - Allentown Morning Call

07-25-2016 Allentown wins appeal in $1 million dispute with road builder ALLENTOWN — The state Supreme Court has overturned another court's decision allowing a contractor to collect about $1 million in penalties and attorney fees after an Allentown road project was halted by the discovery of contaminated soil on the site. The high court's ruling sends the case back to Lehigh County Court for the... - Allentown Morning Call

07-25-2016 No speed cams in Pa. work zones One more reason not to install speed cameras in Pennsylvania road work zones, from TheNewspaper.com: “Speed cameras failed to produce any significant results in a Minnesota Department of Transportation work zone study.” “Several states, including Maryland and Illinois, deploy speed cameras... - Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice

07-25-2016 Bike ride honors DUI/hit-run victim, funds YMCA, drug-and-alcohol program KINGSTON TWP. — Around 50 bicycle enthusiasts joined together Sunday to honor a woman killed by a drunk driver and help fund a program to help those addicted to drugs or alcohol. The second annual “Pedal for Paula” fundraiser kicked off at the Westmoreland Business Center in Shavertown in memory of Paula Jones, a... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

07-25-2016 Jackson Township residents smeared by PennDOT paint job Diane Dickinson was driving home on Neola Road in Jackson Township on July 6. She turned her maroon Honda Pilot onto Running Valley Road at about 9:30 a.m., and drove down the street to her garage. When she exited the vehicle, Dickinson noticed yellow paint splattered along the the car's side... - Pocono Record

07-25-2016 Editorial: Hold people responsible for corporate wrongdoing Three states are joining the pursuit of Volkswagen over the company's diesel emissions cheating. New York, Massachusetts and Maryland lawsuits claim that the auto-making giant and its affiliates Audi and Porsche defrauded buyers and violated state air quality laws by selling diesel... - Pocono Record

07-25-2016 Letter: Editorial off mark on private communities I disagree with your editorial, “Private community residents should pay own legal fees.” As you indicated, we pay an added level of de-facto taxation in our dues, which support road maintenance and other amenities. This relieves the state and county from our road maintenance. Why shouldn't... - Pocono Record

07-25-2016 Figuring: York Co. warehouse is as big as 29 football fields The largest in the county is the ES3 facility in Conewago Township York County's prime location — accessible to Interstate 83, I-81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike — has made it a magnet for large warehouses and distribution centers that ship everything from auto parts to the latest... - York Daily

07-25-2016 A tale of planes, pains & rental cars One of the best parts of my job here is something I’m glad isn’t often part of the job. There’s not much out-of-state travel involved in being the editor of The Daily Item, so I rarely have to fly on business. To be clear, I have no fear of flying for business or pleasure. I just... - Sunbury Daily Item

07-25-2016 Shortage of school bus drivers worries local districts A national shortage of school bus drivers have local companies scrambling to fill the labor pool a month before some schools start in the Valley. "We've been sucking wind in terms of keeping an appropriate staff," said David Schrantz, vice president of Rohrer Bus out of Duncannon.... - Sunbury Daily Item

07-25-2016 Great Falls teen builds bot heard round the world. Now it will become a start-up. This is one of those columns where I betray what a technological troglodyte I am. It’s about a 15- year-old Great Falls inventor named Liam McKinley who beat 250 older techies across 10 time zones to win an international botathon earlier this month. A what? That’s what I said.... - Washington Post

07-25-2016 Council, Susquehanna Health reach deal on pedestrian walkways July 23, 2016 City Council has forged an agreement with Susquehanna Health meant to continue to improve the condition of streets, sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks leading to the Williamsport Regional Medical... more »» - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

07-25-2016 ANF studies mountain-bike extension July 25, 2016 After a proposal about utilizing trails in the Tracy Ridge trail system was submitted by the Northern Allegheny Mountain Bicycling Association (NAMBA) and the Western New York Mountain Bicycling... more »» - Warren Times Observer

07-25-2016 County PennDOT maintenance schedule for week of July 25 announced Crawford County Maintenance Manager Aaron Fox has announced the following county maintenance schedule for the week of July 25 for roadways maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Route 8 — Titusville, Oil Creek Township, Hydetown, Steuben Township,... - Meadville Tribune

07-25-2016 PA senate bills would expand use of automated ticketing, radar Is high-tech enforcement on the roads a boost for safety or just a way for Pennsylvania to raise revenues? The question was once again raised Wednesday when Gov. Tom Wolf

signed SB1267, which extends the state's red light camera program to 2027. On one side of the road — where police, some lawmakers, a nonprofit and... - Levittown Intelligencer

07-25-2016 Driving through red lights We've all experienced it. You drive up to a traffic light controlled by an automatic sensor that isn't working properly and then sit there forever waiting for the light to change from red to green. It's especially frustrating if you're on a rural road with little traffic, or traveling... - Levittown Intelligencer

07-25-2016 Zelie airport expands ZELIENOPLE — Expansion continues for the Zelienople Municipal Airport. The airport plans to expand its services and facilities within the next few years, including extending its runway, eliminating a curve on Route 288 and attracting companies to use the airport.... - Butler Eagle

07-25-2016 PennDOT slates paving, other road work next week CLEARFIELD — A Pennsylvania Department of Transportation road improvement project for McKean and Potter counties that began in May will focus efforts next week in McKean County. The project will bring improvements across more than 16 miles of road surfaces in the two counties and provide smoother, safer travel for... - Bradford Era

07-25-2016 Protesters Hope To Stop Traffic On Ben Franklin Bridge Democratic National Convention protesters are gathering on the New Jersey side of a bridge leading to Philadelphia, preparing to march across it and possibly shut down traffic... - AP

07-25-2016 Going to Philadelphia? Expect slow traffic, closed roads, limited rail service during Democratic National Convention A view of the Wells Fargo Center from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in preparation for the Democratic National Convention which convenes on Monday. Whether you’re going to Philadelphia for the Democratic National Convention, hoping for a glimpse of the Eagles at training camp, making an... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

07-25-2016 $216 to cross Pa. on the turnpike? It's possible by 2044 In coming years, the Pennsylvania Turnpike will get bigger and better. And much more expensive. The plans include a series of projects to rebuild and widen the highway to six lanes between Morgantown and Valley Forge by 2023. But that work, and similar projects throughout the 552-mile turnpike... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

07-25-2016 Bicycle advocates seek changes along state-designated routes Bicycling advocates are “fed up” with the county transportation officials who they say are not doing enough to make local roads more cycle-friendly. They cite the recent $2.2 million resurfacing project along King Street, part of a state-designated bike route, as evidence of officials’... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

07-25-2016 Sachs Bridge vandalism not a new problem, official says A lewd message spray-painted in bright orange on the floor of the Sachs Covered Bridge this week has left some locals and visitors exasperated about what they feel is a lack of respect for historic landmarks. Cumberland Township police found the message after they received a call... - Chambersburg Public Opinion

07-25-2016 Preclearance at Foreign Airports Seen as a Necessity to Fight Terrorism The proposed expansions are mostly for airports in Europe, including the one here in Brussels, which was the site of terrorist attacks in March. Other airports under consideration include Turkey’s Istanbul Ataturk Airport, which was the target last month of a terrorist attack, and... - New York Times

07-24-2016 Revived Mon-Fayette Expressway plans have some residents on edge Beverly Koch has had this recurring nightmare for upwards of 40 years and now it’s back after a 10-year absence: Her childhood home in North Versailles may be among those taken if the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission builds the last leg of the Mon-Fayette Expressway from Jefferson Hills to... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

07-24-2016 State looking for ways to help turnpike with debt Some state officials say they are willing help the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission with its debt problem, but first they has to find another source for the $450 million the turnpike now annually contributes to public transit. Chairman Sean Logan said Tuesday the commission is reviewing all... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

07-24-2016 Plan for self-driviing cars' pitfall? Human brain Experts say the development of self-driving cars over the coming decade depends on an unreliable assumption by many automakers: that the humans in them will be ready to step in and take control if the car's systems fail... - AP

07-24-2016 Sweeney, Prieto agree on gas tax; deal omits sales tax cut Christie wants New Jersey's top two Democrats say they have reached an agreement to replenish the state's fund for road and bridge repairs by raising the gas tax, possibly breaking a political impasse that has brought construction on transportation projects to a halt. Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D., Gloucester) and Assembly Speaker... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-24-2016 Kenney: Strike at PHL averted during DNC Mayor Kenney announced an agreement Friday night for workers at Philadelphia International Airport who were threatening a strike during the Democratic National Convention to form a union. Kenney said he and Gov. Wolf had brought SEIU 32BJ, which has been trying... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-24-2016 American Airlines' revenue and profit fall Shares of American Airlines rose Friday after the company reported second-quarter profit that beat Wall Street expectations. But on a year-over-year basis, revenue was down 4.3 percent and profits fell 44.3 percent. The bottom line was hurt by a $543 million provision for income taxes,... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-24-2016 Optimists set tolls, fees Say what you will about the city government and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, but their leaders clearly are optimists. In the city’s deal to cover the Scranton Parking Authority’s debt and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s toll schedule, both have bet... - Scranton Times

07-24-2016 No speed cams in Pa. work zones One more reason not to install speed cameras in Pennsylvania road work zones, from TheNewspaper.com: “Speed cameras failed to produce any significant results in a Minnesota Department of Transportation work zone study.” “Several states, including Maryland and Illinois, deploy speed cameras... - Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice

07-24-2016 Erie County needs fully regional transit system: Kathy Dahlkemper Business as usual has been an Erie mantra for far too long. As a community, we recognize the need for Erie County’s economic resurgence. Innovative leadership is needed to catalyze it. A disruption of the status quo is required in Erie County, and no issue demonstrates this more clearly than... - Erie Times-News

07-24-2016 Erie County Council to wait on EMTA veto vote Council, however, will not deal with that issue at its next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday

evening in North East. County Council Chairman Andre Horton said the panel is likely to schedule a public meeting, before Aug. 12, to deal with Dahlkemper's veto. The seven-member County Council on June 28 unanimously approved a resolution to... - Erie Times-News

07-24-2016 Letter: Turnpike toll hikes could boost railroads Passenger and freight services should be able to capitalize on the rising cost of driving. - Reading Eagle

07-24-2016 Upper Macungie residents on new I-78 interchange: Stop with the trucks already Upper Macungie Township residents aren't all that interested in a new Interstate 78 interchange at Adams Road. They want the tractor-trailers — and the warehouses that draw them to township streets — to go away. They want the township supervisors to adopt new zoning laws to prevent any more warehouses from being built.... - Allentown Morning Call

07-24-2016 Northampton County Council votes down $5 vehicle registration fee A Northampton County Council majority has opted against imposing a $5-a-year motor vehicle fee, saying it amounts to an unnecessary tax. The 5-3 vote against the fee means the county walked away from $1.4 million in bridge maintenance money. Under state law, PennDOT would have collected... - Allentown Morning Call

07-24-2016 Gov. Cuomo’s U-Turn on Mass Transit Five and a half years into his tenure as governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo has finally said that he will make mass transit “a personal priority.” That is an important shift for a governor who has largely kept his distance from his Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the state agency that runs... - New York Times

07-24-2016 Shrinking of train crews has railroads, regulators at odds Freight trains that often carry dangerous cargo across the country are getting longer, but the crews that operate them have been shrinking for decades. Now, U.S. railroads want federal regulators to back off from a proposal that would make it harder for crews to get smaller.... - Columbus Dispatch

07-22-2016 Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee Names Exelon Official Zero-Carbon Energy... (Press Release)

07-22-2016 Rep. David Parker - Weekly Roundup for July 22, 2016 (Press Release)

07-22-2016 Rep. Brett Miller - Weekly Roundup for July 22, 2016 (Press Release)

07-22-2016 DLI: PA Unemployment Rate at 5.6% in June (Press Release)

07-22-2016 Pennsylvanians Urged to Heed Important Safety Recommendations During First... (Press Release)

07-22-2016 Black Lives Matter protesters hold peaceful rally Downtown Several hundred Black Lives Matter protesters gathered this evening at the corner of Wood Street and Liberty Avenue, blocking traffic for about an hour. Protesters focused on the death of Bruce Kelley Jr., who was shot dead by Port Authority police in Wilkinsburg in January. People held signs and... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

07-22-2016 Union Pacific 2Q profit falls 19 percent as volume slows

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific’s second-quarter profit fell 19 percent as the railroad hauled 11 percent less freight... - AP

07-22-2016 10 members of the clergy arrested in sit-in at PHL for higher wages At least 10 clergy members were arrested Thursday during a sit-in at Philadelphia Internal Airport to protest the low wages and treatment of workers subcontracted by American Airlines. Members of the interfaith activist group Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild (POWER) staged the sit-in outside the TSA... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-22-2016 Disgust and dismay over a sign in Haddon Township targeting Mexicans Haddon Township resident Dan Angelucci spotted the crude wooden sign from a distance as he walked his terrier, Toby, near the PATCO High-Speed Line around 7 Thursday morning, and was uneasy about what it might say. "I was like, 'Oh, man, I hope this isn't a racist sign,' " Angelucci, 28,... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-22-2016 SEPTA chairman stands by contract for troubled rail cars SEPTA's board chairman said Thursday that he has no second thoughts about buying the railcars that were recently pulled from service due to flaws found in one of their key components. "I was very comfortable with those guys being able to do the job," said Pasquale "Pat" Deon, referring to... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-22-2016 Philadelphia and nearby communities will be a no-drone zone during DNC The skies over Philadelphia and surrounding communities will be a "no-drone zone" during next week's Democratic National Convention. The Federal Aviation Administration said that from 2 p.m. Monday through 5 a.m. next Friday, the airspace within a 30-nautical-mile radius of the Wells Fargo... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-22-2016 Philly's UberBlack drivers can pursue class action suit, judge rules On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson denied Uber's attempt to quash a wage and overtime lawsuit filed earlier this year by Philadelphia UberBlack drivers. They are seeking class action status. Uber argued that the drivers had signed documents agreeing to arbitration which precluded... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-22-2016 Officials expect little travel disruption in the region during DNC It won't be like when the pope came to town. Sure, there are protests planned, cracks in some SEPTA trains, and any number of presidential motorcades whizzing through Philadelphia. But all in all, officials say, getting around the region during this week's Democratic... - Philadelphia Inquirer

07-22-2016 Spirit will fly from PHL to Orlando in the fall Spirit Airlines said Thursday that it will begin daily nonstop flights from Philadelphia to Orlando, beginning Oct. 7. Spirit now flies nonstop from Philadelphia International Airport to eight cities: Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles,... -Philadelphia Inquirer

07-22-2016 New law eliminates need to wait for an unresponsive red light to turn green Drivers who get stuck waiting for an unresponsive redlight to turn green will soon be able to cut bait and proceed through the intersection. Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday signed legislation that allows motorists in all types of vehicles to proceed with caution through a red light if a vehicle... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

07-22-2016 Upper Macungie residents not thrilled about new I-78 interchange Upper Macungie Township residents aren't all that interested in a new Interstate 78 interchange at Adams Road. They want the tractor-trailers — and the warehouses that bring them to township streets — to go away. They want the township supervisors to adopt new zoning laws to prevent any more warehouses from being built.... - Allentown Morning Call

07-22-2016 Municipalities can regulate towing companies M.S.G. Towing is one of four towing companies contracted by the city of Bethlehem to do police towing. My company also does private property parking enforcement. The practices employed by some towing companies at Easton Heritage Day give us all a bad name. However, we aren't all like that.... - Allentown Morning Call

07-22-2016 Old Forge man allegedly threatened neighbor, took off in PennDOT truck An Old Forge man is accused of threatening his neighbor before driving off while under the influence in a truck registered to the state Department of Transportation. Old Forge police arrested Eugene Majewski Jr., 44, 128 Seneca Drive, on July 15 after Mr. Majewski’s neighbor, Sam Vanston, went to the police... - Scranton Times

07-22-2016 Local transportation panel approves plan for Berks County road projects Reading, PA Proposed Berks County road projects - from a major repair of the Penn Street Bridge to the installation of roundabouts on the northern stretch of Route 222 - will get funding over the next four years under a plan approved by local transportation planners Thursday.... - Reading Eagle

07-22-2016 Red light just won't turn? New Pennsylvania law says go A new Pennsylvania law gives the green light to proceed if a red light's sensor malfunctions, trapping law-abiding drivers. Gov. Tom Wolf signed the measure, SB1267, into law Wednesday. It takes effect in 60 days, on Sept. 18. State Rep. Stephen Bloom, R-Cumberland, introduced the bill in response to... - Easton Express-Times

07-22-2016 Patch of grass almost mows down Rite-Aid's planned new store in Stroudsburg At one point during a special meeting between Stroudsburg borough council and representatives of Rite-Aid’s development team, the relocation and construction of a 11,000 square foot pharmacy on Main Street would have been aborted over five feet of grass. That’s what Rite-Aid representing attorney Bill Cramer said while... - Pocono Record

07-22-2016 White roses and thorns WHITE ROSES: To York County's two new common pleas court judges, Kathleen Prendergast and Christy Fawcett. Both are highly qualified and should be assets to the county bench and justice system. And both fill a dire need to ease the crushing workload our judges have faced while seats have gone... - York Daily

07-22-2016 Pennsylvania law lets drivers run malfunctioning red lights HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A new Pennsylvania law is giving drivers the green light to run red lights - under certain circumstances... -AP

07-22-2016 DUI blood tests administered without warrant ruled violation of legal rights July 22, 2016 A decision by the U.S. Supreme Court is having impacts on DUI cases in Warren County. In the opinion issued in Birchfield . more »» - Warren Times Observer

07-22-2016 PennDOT's Bradford County maintenance activity announced Road work schedule announcedPennDOT’s maintenance schedule for the week of July 25 includes:SR 0367: Tuscarora Township, bridge replacementSR 0706: Stevensville to County line, base repairsCounty wide: Seal bridgesSR 0414: Leroy Township, install inletSR 3027: Minnequa Road, Canton Township, back... - Towanda Daily Review

07-22-2016 Planning panel OKs Speedway requests The New Castle Planning Commission is in favor of closing an alley, and consolidating lots to further the downtown development of Speedway LLC. The commission, meeting last week, also recommended that council accept the business' development plan. Commission member

Rosemany Henderson... - New Castle News

07-22-2016 Railroad society asks for public's help to bring history back to the area The French Creek Valley Railroad Historical Society seeks contributions for funding the services of a crane service to lift its newly acquired Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad (DL&W) snowplow. The cranes will lift it onto a waiting flat car to transport it from... - Meadville Tribune

07-22-2016 Speed signs, double line being added to Sixth Street in Waynesboro Waynesboro, Pa. Speed limit signs, an upgraded crosswalk and the addition of a double line on Sixth Street are three measures that Waynesboro Borough officials are taking in order to slow down vehicles. "We had a number of complaints, close calls and there have been... - Waynesboro Record Herald

07-22-2016 Showing up drunk means more time behind bars West Chester >> Common Pleas Judge Patrick Carmody has been known to show flashes of a good natured sense of humor from the bench on occasion. But Lancaster County man learned Thursday that when it comes to sentencing offenders, he does not kid around. Carmody added 25 days to the man’s original five-day term in Chester... - West Chester Daily Local News

07-22-2016 State seeks help for roadside litter control Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful invites local residents, organizations, civic groups, and businesses to commit to litter free communities by joining their statewide adoption program. The program is an option for most types of local areas, such as municipal roads, communities, parks, neighborhood... - West Chester Daily Local News

07-22-2016 #TBT: New Chester County Area Airport is dedicated U.S. Congressman Paul B. Dague (Republican-Chester County) yesterday charged the government with laxness in its air safety program as he addressed a crowd of thousands at the dedication of the new Chester County Area Airport yesterday. Hague said the promotion of air safety is paramount in the coming age of... - West Chester Daily Local News

07-22-2016 $358K in Montco grants focus on trails, stormwater NORRISTOWN >> Another round of grants designed to implement the goals of Montgomery County’s comprehensive plan — Montco 2040 — was announced Thursday. This is the second round of funding for the 2016 program cycle. Thursday’s grant awards account for $358,300 and increase the total... - Norristown Times Herald

07-22-2016 Elon Musk’s Tesla Plan: More Models, More Self-Driving DETROIT — Despite federal safety investigations of Tesla’s self-driving cars, the company’s chief executive, Elon Musk, is hardly backing off on his grand plans for autonomous vehicles. In a blog post late Wednesday, Mr. Musk updated Tesla’s “master plan” with a pledge to expand beyond electric cars into battery-powered... - New York Times

07-22-2016 This is Obama’s plan to line the country’s roads with electric vehicle chargers The White House on Thursday announced an array of new initiatives aimed at clinching one key goal in a transition away from burning fossil fuels — switching the nation’s millions of drivers from gas guzzlers to electric vehicles. The key to this transition? Installing a widespread national network of... - Washington Post

07-22-2016 Beltway traffic near the Intercounty Connector has eased. Coincidence? TRAFFIC ON the Beltway is getting better, and traffic on the Beltway is getting worse. That information, shared in a AAA study this week, is not much of a revelation. The real news: Where congestion has decreased, commuters may owe their thanks to Maryland’s Intercounty Connector.... - Washington Post

07-22-2016 $358K in Montco grants focus on trails, stormwater Another round of grants designed to implement the goals of Montgomery County’s comprehensive plan — Montco 2040 — were announced Thursday. This is the second round of funding for the 2016 program cycle. Thursday’s grant awards account for $358,300 and increase the total... - Pottstown Mercury

07-22-2016 28 years of higher tolls on turnpike For motorists, the Pennsylvania Turnpike can be many things. Ideally, it can be a speedy, often scenic route for driving from one end of the state to the other. More realistically, the highway can be frustrating, nerve-wracking, congested and slow and leave drivers with the feeling that... - Levittown Bucks County Courier Times

07-22-2016 Speed traps trap revenue Pennsylvania lawmakers do have a plan to pay for their spending: speed traps. The millions and millions of dollars stolen from safe drivers will pay for their increased funding for public schools, early childhood and special education, and state colleges and universities. And they can pretend that... - Levittown Bucks County Courier Times

07-22-2016 Sparse crowd at toll hearing for new Scudder Falls Bridge Proposed electronic tolls on the new Scudder Falls Bridge aren't causing much of a stir, based on the size of a crowd that showed up Thursday night for a public hearing on the issue at William Penn Middle School in Lower Makefield. Only about 10 residents attended the hearing held by the Delaware River... - Levittown Bucks County Courier Times

07-22-2016 Wolf signs 'Ride on Red' law Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday signed into law legislation including provisions to give motorcyclists and other drivers the option to proceed with caution through an intersection when trapped at an unresponsive traffic light, state Rep. Stephen Bloom said in a news release.... - Carlisle Sentinel

07-22-2016 Lawmakers have new proposal to raise New Jersey gas tax TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey's Democratic legislative leaders have reached an agreement that would boost the gasoline tax by 23 cents a gallon to fund transportation projects while cutting other taxes... - AP

07-22-2016 Attention SEPTA BSL riders: Naval Hospital parking lot to be closed during DNC A parking lot for those taking SEPTA's Broad Street Line instead of Regional Rail due to service reductions and delays will be closed during the Democratic National Convention. The lot at the former Naval Hospital at 16th Street and Pattison Avenue will be closed from the end of the business day Friday until Aug. 1,... - Philadelphia Inquirer