Podcasts about penndot

Pennsylvania's state House Republican leader says transit agencies in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh should consider privatizing some functions to avoid service cuts. House minority leader Jesse Topper says Philadelphia's transit system -- the largest in the state -- could run more efficiently by hiring outside drivers. A spokesperson for Pittsburgh Regional Transit dismissed the idea. Pennsylvanians have less than a week to obtain a Real ID by the May 7th deadline. PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said PennDOT is ramping up for the last-minute rush. A new greenhouse gas emissions inventory from Philadelphia shows planet-warming emissions, are decreasing... from sources such as cars, trucks, homes, industrial facilities and leaks from gas pipelines. Sophia Schmidt, from our friends at WHYY's Climate Desk, reports. Pennsylvania was set to receive $13 million over three years to purchase fresh produce for communities in need. That funding was blocked by the Trump Administration last month. Isabela Weiss from our friends at WVIA reports, some farmers say the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) program was deeply flawed and didn’t meet local needs... while food bank organizers say the funding is essential. The West York police officer killed in a York hospital seige in February... was killed by friendly fire. York County District Attorney Tim Barker says Andrew Duarte was struck by a shotgun blast fired by police that also hit an armed man holding hostages. Attorneys General from Pennsylvania and 39 other states are calling on Congress not to eliminate funding for a vital federal program. The Legal Services Corporation, or LSC, provides representation for eligible veterans and older individuals in rural areas. Harrisburg city officials have issued an emergency declaration for the 6th Street corridor. They're calling 6th Street a public safety hazard... between Maclay and Reily Streets... due to drivers consistently traveling above the posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour. Local musician Darrion Washington stopped by our studio recently to play a couple of his songs and chat. His music takes listeners through a range of emotions, from softer melodies to agonized wails. Darrion was joined by his friend and guitarist Austin VonStetten for a performance and conversation in our studio with WITF Music’s Joe Ulrich.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with Louis King, President of OIC of America, to discuss their national impact, the urgency of diversifying the construction trades, and how the Pennsylvania Gas Tax plays a key role in funding opportunity. King breaks down who really benefits from the gas tax, the current diversity challenges within PennDOT's workforce, and how community engagement can help drive solutions. We also preview OIC's upcoming Town Hall Series, where community members can get informed and involved:April 17 – Southwest PhiladelphiaApril 24 – ChesterMay 1 – Norristown (Montgomery County)May 15 – North PhiladelphiaFollow OIC of America for updates:

Stephanie Zolnak, District Traffic Engineer, for PennDOT calls in to talk about a safety project they're implementing on route 28.

Potholes are a plague this time of year in Pittsburgh, but what does it take to fill them? How many get patched, and what can regular people do to speed the process along? We're taking all your nebby questions to Bill Crean, deputy director for the city's Department of Public Works – including the worst neighborhoods and weirdest requests he's gotten in his 40ish years on the job! Call 311 to report a pothole to the city, or use their mobile app. For the county, call 412-350-INFO (4636) or visit CallCenter.AlleghenyCounty.us. If you need to report a hole in a state-owned road, use PennDOT's Customer Care Center or call 1-800-FIX-ROAD. And if you don't know who owns your road, both the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County have maps to help you out. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 7th episode: Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting May 7 all U.S. flyers will need a real ID to get through security and federal buildings. Aimee Inama, PennDOT’s spokesperson joined The Spark to share what we need to know before the deadline. Asia: Okay, so let's start with the basics. What exactly is the real ID and why was it introduced? Aimee: A real ID is a federally acceptable photo ID or driver's license. And it's a convenient way for people to use to fly domestically, enter certain federal buildings that require a federally acceptable ID or military bases. The federal government set a deadline of May 7th for the enforcement of the of the Real ID Act. and it is a federal act. So in Pennsylvania, real ID is optional. And what that means is Pennsylvanians can choose whether or not they want to get a real ID. So they can say, I'm gonna get the real ID and they'll be set. Or they need to have another form of federally acceptable ID, such as a passport on or after May 7th to do, to fly domestically enter certain federal facilities, as well as military bases. Asia: What are the key differences between a standard Pennsylvania driver's license and Real ID? Aimee: You do have to do this anyway for a regular driver's license as well. You have to show certain documentation. But for a real idea, you need to show proof of identity, which is in the form of a birth certificate or a valid passport. You have to show proof of social security number, which could your social security card or a W -2. And the key is that proof of social security number has to show all nine digits. You do have to show two proofs of Pennsylvania residency. So that could be a driver's license, a vehicle registration, utility bill, something like that. And you also need to show proof of legal name change if you had one. And all of those documents are on our website so people can see the list of the acceptable documents that we take. Asia: Who needs to get a real ID and is it mandatory for all Pennsylvanians? Aimee: In Pennsylvania, it's optional, so that means you Pennsylvanians can choose whether or not they want to get a real ID. So, we have a little quiz on our website, so people should go to that quiz, take it, and that will determine whether or not a real ID is right for them. So, and like I had mentioned before, a real ID is needed in order to... It's a convenient way for people to fly domestically, enter certain federal buildings that require a federally acceptable ID. or inter -military bases. So, and like I said, in Pennsylvania, it's optional. So that means if you don't want a real ID, you just need another federally acceptable ID, which is a passport. So, if you don't have a real ID and you wanna fly domestically and you have a passport. Listen to the podcast to hear the entire conversation. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of EV charging stations in Pennsylvania has gone up. A campaign against aggressive drivers has launched. PennDOT has resumed work on some major projects. And check out this “megalodon.”

One state lawmaker wants to modernize how people receive public notices. PennDOT is investing millions into traffic safety improvements. Be sure to look up to see some planets march across the sky tonight. Finally, they're back by popular demand.

Jason Zang, District Executive for PennDOT, calls in to give specific details on the changes coming to the squirrel hill tunnel.

12 - Where does the Delco DA get off with these illegal migrants? As a matter of fact, where do all the suburban counties get off with the sanctuary policies? 1210 - Linda McMahon schools Bernie Sanders on school choice while looking to be confirmed as head of education. 1215 - Side - movie to watch with your significant other 1220 - Randi Weingarten of all people isn't a fan of bureaucracy but defends the DoE? Back to local immigration. 1235 - Penndot is adding a lane along 76 to ease congestion at rush hour times. How long will this take and do you think it will even work? 1250 - Arlen Specter really sounded like that?

12 - Where does the Delco DA get off with these illegal migrants? As a matter of fact, where do all the suburban counties get off with the sanctuary policies? 1210 - Linda McMahon schools Bernie Sanders on school choice while looking to be confirmed as head of education. 1215 - Side - movie to watch with your significant other 1220 - Randi Weingarten of all people isn't a fan of bureaucracy but defends the DoE? Back to local immigration. 1235 - Penndot is adding a lane along 76 to ease congestion at rush hour times. How long will this take and do you think it will even work? 1250 - Arlen Specter really sounded like that? 1 - Leigh Vasblom, former CBSD Board Member, joins us today to give validity to a report that teachers were using illegal restraint against special ed students, one of which being the son of a school board member. The DoE's investigation has provided that kids were physically restrained for 20-40 minutes every day, sometimes being naked! Is the school district doing anything to combat this behavior or even correct it? What is the landscape around this next school board election season? 110 - More on immigration and deportation. 120 - Your calls to kick off the second segment in this hour. 135 - Where do we go with inflation as Democrats continue to pounce on Trump for not lowering prices on Day One? Your calls. 140 - There's a new word that the far-left liberals don't like and it's dumber than you think. 155 - Henry's Sports Segment 2 - Defense of Freedom Institute spokesperson, Independent Women's Forum visiting fellow; Former Education Department press secretary, Angela Morabito joins the program. Do parents even care about test scores or are even aware that they're in the toilet? They're concocting fake schemes in Asbury Park to make their schools appear that they're doing well? Is this what's best for the kids? Where can the money to help kids in schools be redirected through, rather than the conglomerate that is the Department of Education? 215 - Dom's Money Melody! 225 - Lots of great feedback after Angela Morabito. Who drove the “Russia-collusion” hoax? 235 - Author, Economist, and Trump advisor Stephen Moore joins the program today. How many books does Stephen have and who came up with his latest title? What is it that Stephen would do to help undo Biden's inflation?There's 3-4 things to do in order to help. Increase supply, produce energy domestically, deregulate, and tax cuts. When will we see a focus on these things by the President? The powers above don't want Stephen asking questions on tariffs! Why can the US raise their tariffs? What tariffs does Stephen not like? How does he feel about auditing the Fed? 250 - The Lightning Round!

PennDOT is embarking on a long-term project to make major improvements along Interstate 83 in the Harrisburg area. This multi-phase project will have a major impact on motorists in the Capital region for the next several years. Richard Reisinger, Design Chief of the project, shared an overview about the improvements planned for the I-83 Eisenhower interchange. “Specific to the Eisenhower interchange, it will be a brand-new interchange constructed. That will include new connections to all the legs for traffic, so it will be connections to Interstate 283, 322 to the Hershey area, the main line of Interstate 83 along with local road connections in that vicinity, “said Reisinger.According to John Bachman, Project manager, this will be a long-term, multi- phase project. “Well, I guess we go back to the master plan that was done and started in 2001 and finished in 2003. We have East Shore Section 1, which is union deposit to 81. That's already through design and construction. Right now, we have in final design the Eisenhower interchange and also East Shore Section 3, which is down in the city of Harrisburg, and that piece there is under construction right now. Construction again, as we said, is kind of jump from Section 1 to Section 3. Until we get everything done, it's probably going to be around 2038 up at the Eisenhower, “said Bachman. Bachman says they are working to keep the interstate flowing during the construction. “So we're going to maintain the lanes we have out there now. That varies as you drive through the corridor from the Susquehanna River up to the Eisenhower interchange. There will be detours. As people are familiar with the Eisenhower, it is a multi -level interchange with ramps connecting, as Rich noted, between 83, 283, 322, and then you have the local streets” However, Reisinger, believes these upgrades overall will improve safety and traffic flow once completed. “Well, anyone who travels the corridor knows. There are several bottleneck areas where traffic queues and has heavy volumes and slows down, so the intention here is to, in basic terms, provide three lanes of travel, three through lanes of travel in each direction. Certain areas, there will be additional auxiliary lanes that will serve as ramp connections, so to make that improvement, to keep the traffic that really wants to flow through the area continuing to flow, not providing or not having those backups and queuing and a lot of lane change potential should help with safety greatly, along with, as we mentioned, that local road connection, so Paxton Street, Union Deposit, trying to clean up some of those connections and make the local road network also more user friendly, “said Reisinger. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Weekly Update with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron), we discuss the upcoming Farm Show, emergency benefit programs provided by PennDOT, and Holiday Greetings!

On this Weekly Update with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron), we discuss the upcoming Farm Show, emergency benefit programs provided by PennDOT, and Holiday Greetings!

Check out these highlights from Day 1 of this year's awesome event!!!   04:20 – Michael Tartaglia, Technology Specialist and Sales Account Manager at Sitech Southwest & Chris Kellogg, Digital Construction Professional at Sitech Midway   21:50 - Chris Trevillian, Senior Director Product Go To Market at Trimble Inc.   38:40 - Marla Horn, Intern @ McKim & Creed Inc. & Christian Hayes, both Geomatics Students at the University of Florida   48:20 - Michael Barrett & Chad Phillips from PENNDOT   01:03:45 - Swathi Kottali, Regional BIM/VDC Manager at Yates Construction, Commercial Drone Pilot, Data Enthusiast and AI user   01:17:00 - Amy Northcutt, Director of Education & Outreach at Trimble, Inc.

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week just passed, and the state has been sharing resources to help people stay educated and safe behind the wheel at all ages. The aging process is different for everyone, and PennDOT reminds mature drivers they may see some changes in vision, and reaction time. “ There's a lot of people out there who think that if you're a mature driver, you know, 70 or 80 or 90s even, you shouldn't be driving when the reality is there are younger people who perhaps have some issues that shouldn't be driving, but a lot of things that change, you know, your vision changes, your medications that you take change. “You have physical things that go on, “said Fritzi Schreffler, Safety Press Officer for PennDOT. For some mature drivers, there are some things to watch out for to limit or stop driving. “If they're feeling more nervous or anxious when they're driving, that's a sign. They could also like if they're seeing unexplained dense scrapes, damages to like car doors and mailboxes, that kind of thing. That's another sign, you know, frequently getting lost or not knowing, you know, like you know where they are. That's another sign. Or if they're having other close calls, the reaction time, if they're noticing that their reaction time is slowing, that could be a sign that they might want to consider not driving as much or if they're having difficulty paying attention or staying in their lane of travel and judging the just the gaps, too, at the between their cars and things like that, “said Aimee Imana, Spokesperson for PennDOT. CLICK HERE for more resources for older drivers across the commonwealth to remain active and connected in their communities. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What authorities have called a “South American theft group” is targeting Montgomery County. PennDOT is currently working on a state rail plan for next year. State and local police have launched “Operation Safe Holiday.” Lastly, this Uber Eats order came with “extra greens.”

The week of thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year. Students are returning home from college, deer hunters are heading to camp, and black Friday shopping keeps the roads busy. Since this weekend will kick off rifle deer season, Fritzi Schreffler, Safety Press Officer with District 8 Penndot suggests paying close attention to the roads and deer. “It is also mating season for the deer. So, they are off in search of love and not paying attention to what the drivers are doing, obviously. So, if you're in an area that is heavily populated by deer, you definitely want to be on the lookout in case they're running out, “said Schreffler. Lt. Adam Reed, Director of the Communications Office for the Pennsylvania State Police, says during this time of year drivers get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. “They get caught up in the rush to go see family for Thanksgiving or the shopping crush prior to Christmas. People get busy, and it's important that people take a step back and realize that their safety is the most important and the gifts could weigh the travel if it takes an extra few minutes to get to your destination. So be it. Take an extra minute, take a deep breath, and get where you're going safely, “said Reed. Reed says one of the biggest causes of crashes he sees is speeding. “Two of the biggest causes of crashes that we see, number one is speeding. And number two is follow too closely, especially when a driver is doing both of those things at once. It's a recipe for disaster, really. So even things that that might seem mundane, like don't speed, don't follow the car in front of you too closely. Going back to the last topic there, it's easy to forget about. It's easy to have that get lost in the in the rush of the holiday season. So slow down and leave some distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you, “said Reed.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the Friday News Roundup! We're talking about how SEPTA funding is in limbo, Wawa just beat Sheetz in a national survey, why PENNDOT continues to widen highways and John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty goes to prison. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Lauren Vidas, a government and political consultant, and the owner of Enact Strategies. And Jay Arzu, doctoral candidate in urban planning at the University of Pennsylvania who is writing his dissertation on the proposed Roosevelt Blvd subway.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Transportation funding is needed ASAP, transit agencies, unions, and business leaders tell Pa. legislators Here's how to appeal your Philadelphia property assessment Learn more about how to appeal your property assessment here.  Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We're also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the summer PennDOT opened to the public a comment period on the Highly Automated Vehicles (HAVs) guidelines. The HAV advisory Committee was created in 2018 to advise and consult the Secretary of Transportation on each aspect of highly automated vehicles. Derrick Herrmann, Chief of Transformational Technology at PennDOT, and Matthew Johnson-Roberson, Director of the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University joined The Spark, to share more about research about the HAV and driverless vehiclesSupport WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A city is looking to simplify the hiring process for experienced cops with a recent proposal. PennDOT's looking for public input on newly drafted guidelines that could allow driverless and nearly-driverless cars on the road. An invasive pest is noticeably absent this summer in some areas. Lastly, somebody out there hit the jackpot.

Pennsylvanians will have a home-state favorite to root for in this year's Little League World Series. Hundreds of thousands of fans are converging for the series and traffic near South Williamsport can back up for miles during the series. PennDOT is urging drivers to use the enhanced real-time travel tips specific to the event -- available at 511PA.com.  Pennsylvania Democrats have less than two weeks to find a candidate to replace state Representative Mike Sturla of Lancaster on the ballot. The 2022 climate law puts more federal money toward improving residential energy efficiency and helping taxpayers convert their homes to clean energy. Pennsylvanians used newly expanded tax credits to save millions on purchases they made last year.  A reward is being offered for information into the disappearance of artifacts from the Gettysburg National Military Park. York County is turning 275 years old this month and supporters are bringing out their bells to celebrate.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Shapiro Administration sought out the public's feedback for the proposed 2025 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation also invited the public to comment on the draft. PennDOT's Executive Deputy Secretary Larry Shifflet says the draft consists of projects like infrastructure, and projects that connects PA residents to opportunities and services that support the Shapiro Administration's vision of a safe and reliable transportation network.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Weekly Update with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron), we discuss the latest on the state budget, issues with recent Tar & Chip operations from PennDOT, county fair season, and upcoming senior expos.

With the 4th of July holiday near, state officials are urging drivers to be safe on the road. PennDot's Fritzi Shreffler and Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Adam Reed join us to remind us about the awful realities of driving under the influence.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Jonathan Tangye, the Mechanical Director of MACA. Jonathan highlights the potential impact of Pennsylvania's proposed increase in registration fees for electric vehicles to offset declining gas tax revenues. He emphasizes the need for balanced taxation across all vehicle types to maintain infrastructure. Additionally, Jonathan highlights the importance of getting involved with local associations and staying informed about legislative changes that could affect automotive businesses. 00:00 Electric vehicles are revolutionizing the automotive repair industry. Pennsylvania taxes.03:23 Area hyped for EVs, not considering implications.07:16 Potential impact of high EV registration costs.11:47 Get involved with local associations and impact legislation.

ANTHONY HENNEN OF THE CENTER SQUARE JOINS DAWN LIVE! ANTHONY SHARES HIS PERSPECTIVE ON ALL OF THE LATEST PENNSYLVANIA HEADLINES INCLUDING.... Outdoor recreation gets another state-sponsored pitchTCS Shapiro PA FranklinOn RV tour, Shapiro talks up America's 250th celebrationIFO projects $700M growth in general revenue next yearShapiro family embarks on RV trip for tourism campaignGross receipts tax rare nationwide, but not in PennsylvaniaSenate session recordings publicly inaccessiblePennsylvania's licensed recovery homes hit 350REAL ID uptake only 21%; PennDOT halves answering time on callsState may ban non-compete agreements for doctors, nursesRural Revitalization Commission could cost $130,000Shapiro bets $11M on site development for major business expansion Anthony Hennen is a reporter for The Center Square news wire service, covering Pennsylvania, and co-host of Pennsylvania in Focus, a weekly podcast on America's Talking Network. Previously, he worked for Philadelphia Weekly and the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal. He is managing editor of Expatalachians, a journalism project focused on the Appalachian region. Tune in weekdays 10 AM - 12 PM EST on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT; or on the Audacy app!

This episode of the infrastructure hot seat, hosted by Chad Smeltzer, features an engaging discussion with Dr. Amir Alavi, an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh. The conversation goes into the intersection of infrastructure, metamaterials, and artificial intelligence, bringing to light significant advancements and potential future implications. As Dr. Alavi shares his journey and recent developments from his research, listeners are drawn into an intriguing world where technology transcends traditional barriers across various industries.In the past year, Dr. Alavi has secured several pivotal projects focused on developing lightweight, high-performance metamaterial structures. One core discussion is about a collaborative project with PennDOT aimed at creating bridge decks constructed from prefabricated metamaterial blocks, signaling a significant shift towards sustainable infrastructure solutions. Furthermore, the episode addresses how generative AI, a cutting-edge subset of artificial intelligence, is transforming the process of designing these materials, enabling millions of potential designs to be explored rapidly.**Key Takeaways: *** Metamaterials offer scalable solutions that can be applied to civil infrastructure as well as biomedical implants, demonstrating the versatility of the technology.* Dr. Alavi's team is utilizing generative AI to significantly reduce the design process time, from millions of years of natural evolution to mere days.* The research could potentially lead to more sustainable infrastructure with reduced material usage and carbon emissions, supporting an eco-friendlier construction industry.* Fabrication remains a substantial challenge, particularly for multi-material metamaterials, that requires further innovation and collaboration with contractors.* Ongoing projects visualize metamaterial-based noise absorption walls for highways and the prospects of testing biomedical implants in vivo. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-infrastructure/message

AT&T, Verizon, and other big wireless carriers have been fined for sharing customers' personal data without their consent. Employers may be banned from scanning job applicants' credit scores. PennDOT spent over $182K on graffiti removal last year. Lastly, a man got a whopper of a state tax bill.

  Three construction workers were killed while working on Interstate 83 in York County last week. The victims were sealing cracks in the highway in the early morning hours last Wednesday when a box truck collided with a construction vehicle and veered into the workers.It brought attention to just how potentially dangerous construction zones can be for those working and motorists driving in them. Nationally, there were 891 fatalities and almost 38,000 injured in work zones in 2022. Since 2010, work zone deaths have increased 52 percent. Why are those tragic numbers going up and what can be done to make work zones safer for both workers and motorists? Joining us on the program Tuesday were PennDot District 8 Traffic Engineer Chris Flad and Fritzi Schreffler, Safety Press Officer with District 8 Penndot. Flad was asked why crashes in work zones are increasing,"I think a lot of it has to do with more aggressive driving behaviors that are occurring in society lately and in general. I mean, we all seem to feel like, we need to get somewhere very quickly. Maybe it's a little bit of entitlement, but that sort of leads to aggressive driving behavior. Speeding. Cell phone use, not paying attention. And it doesn't take much to sway outside your lane in a blink of an eye which could change lives for the worse." Flad talked about what it feels like when traffic is driving by you,"When you're a novice you notice it more often. So you will be spooked by traffic. You'll be more cognizant of well, now trucks are going by, the noises. It's a lot of sensory overload in some cases. Because you have a job to do out there, and yet you have traffic within an arm's shot of you. And, as time progresses, you do get a little more comfortable working around. It doesn't make it any more dangerous. But some of that does go away. But, when you do stop and think and when you look at motorists driving alongside the work zone that you're working in, and you see some of the behaviors, that a lot of them might not even be looking at the windshield because they're looking down at their phones or, and things like that, changing their radio stations. It's a little scary. And you think why are they not caring enough? I am out here. I'm trying to better the world through keeping up our infrastructure. Try and do my job. I know they have their jobs to do. Please respect my job. And please allow me the safety to do what I need to do." According to federal highway safety officials, the most common mistakes made in work zones include speeding, following too closely, failure to yield the right-of-way, improper or unsafe lane movements, and driver inattention. Drivers cite poor visibility in work zones, altered traffic patterns, uneven surfaces, sudden stops and poorly marked hazards in work zones for many of the crashes. Schleffer pointed to what PennDot does to make work zones safer,"We do a lot of advance notice that we're going to be out there, even if it's an emergency repair that we have to do. We get information out to the media and to the public as soon as we possibly can. So there's signs, there's a lot of lights that are out there. Sometimes people say, well, how can you have all these trucks out there and they're only working in one spot? Well, per federal standards, there are and state standards, certain amounts of protection. So you have something called an attenuator truck. When you see the chevron on the back of that is there to protect the work zones and protect the workers in the work zone. Because that can take a hit and it can take the force of the hit provided somebody doesn't bounce off of them and into the workers. But, we follow standard operating procedures and try and have the right number of vehicles out there so that somebody isn't just going along in their lane and not paying attention. But unfortunately, it still happens."      Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will construction ruin your commute? PennDOT recently announced new projects in the Pittsburgh area, and the City Cast Pittsburgh team is breaking down what improvements are coming to our roads and bridges. Plus, we've got updates on how to get around now that the Mon Incline is closed – again.  We always cite our sources: PennDOT listed what construction projects are coming up and what projects are wrapping up in the Pittsburgh region. The Pittsburgh Union Progress reporter Ed Blazina wrote about PennDOT's projects and what to expect from the Commercial Street Bridge replacement. Check out what the Commercial Street Bridge will look like once it's completed and painted in Greenfield Green! Improvements are also coming to other parts of the Parkway East and McKnight Road.  Sidewalk repairs are coming to the Hill District and Larimer. The Monongahela Incline's closed again, and this time, PRT is planning for an independent review of the system. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bill would give victims of voter intimidation the right to sue. Dollar Tree is closing 1,000 Family Dollar stores nationwide, several of which are in Pennsylvania. PennDOT wants to know how they did this winter. And a mind-bobbling case gets resolved. 

Following the recent rash of crime, transit safety has returned as a top concern for both residents of Philadelphia and officials. Work-zone speeding is down by almost 40 percent, and it's all thanks to the state's safety camera program, according to PennDOT. It was a strange case of fowl play in Forest County. Lastly, he'll probably need a “plea dill.” 

On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly: The Pennsylvania State police and PennDOT are education or reminding motorists during Highway Safety Law Awareness Week.  Also on the program... From the projects of Harrisburg to the board room on UPMC, Dr. Sharee Livingston is an OB/GYN and the highest volume female robotic surgeon in Lancaster County. On The Spark, Dr. Livingston discusses her new roles, and how she has stayed true to her childhood dream of becoming a doctor. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  February 18-24 is Highway Safety Law Awareness Week in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or PennDOT are reminding motorists about bicycle, motorcycle, pedestrian, work zone and emergency responder safety laws. Joining us on The Spark Thursday were Trooper Megan Frazer, Public Information Officer with Troop H of the Pennsylvania State Police and Fritzi Schreffler, Safety Press Officer with PennDOT. Tips and information from PennDOT during Highway Safety Law Awareness Week: BICYCLISTS Bicycle Helmet Law: Pennsylvania law (Title 75, Section 3510) requires everyone under the age of 12 to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. This applies to anyone operating the bicycle, riding as a passenger, or riding in an attached restraining seat or trailer. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation strongly recommends that all bicyclists wear helmets whenever they ride. Ensure a proper helmet fit using these guidelines: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/8019_fitting-a-helmet.pdf General Bicycle Law: Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code provides that every person riding a pedalcycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and responsibilities applicable to a driver of a vehicle, with certain exceptions. If you ride in violation of the traffic laws, you greatly increase your risk of a crash. Riding on the Roadway: Bikes may be ridden on the shoulder of the road (in the same direction as the flow of traffic) but are not required to do so. Bikes may also ride on the right half of the roadway as follows: On a multilane roadway, bikes may be ridden in the right-most travel lane. On a two-lane roadway, a bike may be ridden in the right lane. On a roadway with no center line, a bike may be ridden anywhere on the right side of the roadway. Bikes may move from the right lane: When overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction. When preparing to make a left turn. When an obstruction exists that makes it necessary to change lanes or cross the center line with due care. Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast (side-by-side), unless on paths or parts of a roadway set aside for exclusive use of bicycles. A bicycle or motor vehicle may, with good caution, treat an intersection with an inoperable or malfunctioning traffic signal as a stop condition when red or as a caution condition when green or yellow. Often signals with embedded detectors will not respond to the bike awaiting a green light, and this is treated as "inoperable" under law. Motor vehicles must allow 4 feet of distance when overtaking a bicycle and travel at a careful and prudent speed. It is the motorist's responsibility to provide this distance, not that of the cyclist. Motor vehicles may also overtake a bicycle in a no-passing zone to avoid excessive delays, but this must be done with due care and while providing the required 4 feet of clearance. No person shall open any door on a motor vehicle unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with traffic flow. Cyclists may be injured or killed when a door is opened in their line of travel (dooring). Therefore, a distance of 4 feet should be kept between parked motor vehicles and the line of travel when riding along parked vehicles. Safety Talking Points: Always wear a helmet. Pennsylvania law requires all cyclists under age 12 to wear an approved bicycle helmet. Obey traffic laws. Obey stop signs and red lights. Never ride against the flow of traffic. Be predictable: Ride in a straight line with at least one hand on the handlebars. Check to be sure your path is clear, and change directions without swerving. Use hand signals to indicate when you are turning. Make yourself visible: Consider wearing bright cycling clothes. Put reflectors on your wheels and on the front and rear of your bike. At night, a front light and rear reflector are required. Maintain your bike: Carry a pump, a patch kit and a spare tube. Take care of yourself: Carry plenty of drinking water and snacks for energy. Bring your cellphone in case of an emergency. For more information, visit PennDOT's webpage on Bicycle Safety and Pennsylvania Laws. MOTORCYCLISTS Motorcycle Helmet Law: Pennsylvania Law (Title 75, Section 3525) requires that any person who operates or rides a motorcycle (including an autocycle) must wear protective headgear unless he or she is 21 years of age or older and has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for two full years or has completed a motorcycle safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. In addition, the operator or an occupant of a three-wheeled motorcycle or autocycle equipped with an enclosed cab is exempt from wearing a helmet. The Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program offers free motorcycle safety courses to Pennsylvania residents and active-duty military with a valid Pennsylvania driver's license and motorcycle permit. Safety Talking Points Rider Safety Tips: Ride the bike that's right for you. Your feet should reach the ground when you're in the saddle, and the controls should be easy to operate. ​Always wear the proper clothing, use your headlight, and ride in the best lane position. Always let drivers know what you're doing by using the correct signals. Keep your distance from others so you have more time to react and more space to adjust. Always be looking for potential hazards and anticipating how you will react. If a car can cross your path, assume that it will. Avoid obstacles by slowing down or going around them. On slippery roads, reduce your speed, use both brakes, and try to keep your bike as upright as possible.  Motorist Safety Tips: ​Be aware that motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections. Be aware that large vehicles can block a motorcycle from a motorist's view and a motorcycle can suddenly appear out of nowhere. Allow for more following distance. Leave at least four seconds when following a motorcycle.​ Signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.​ Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width as the motorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely in all types of road conditions. For more safety tips and information on proper gear and upkeep, visit PennDOT's webpage on Motorcycle Safety. PEDESTRIANS General Pedestrian Law: Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code details the rights and duties of pedestrians. Generally, people walking may cross the street at any point, but pedestrians and motorists must understand their responsibilities. Below are the basic laws to follow when crossing the street or driving. When a pedestrian crosses the street in a crosswalk, the driver must yield. Drivers are not required to yield until you begin to step into the crosswalk. Pedestrians should not walk or run unexpectedly into the path of a moving vehicle. Pedestrians should not assume drivers will see or yield. Look left, right, and left again before stepping out. It is illegal for drivers to pass a vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, as the second driver may not see the pedestrian in the crosswalk. If a pedestrian crosses the street not at an intersection and there is no crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield to vehicles. When crossing the street at a signalized intersection, both pedestrians and motorists must obey the traffic-control devices. These signs and signals help identify who must yield. When walking along a road with sidewalks and its use is practicable, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway. Safety Talking Points  Tips for Pedestrians:  Cross only at crosswalks. Don't cross between parked cars. Look left, right then left again and keep looking. Wait for a gap in traffic, then step one foot off the curb or fully enter crosswalk and make eye contact with approaching drivers. Always obey traffic signs and signals especially pedestrian count down timers. See and be seen – drivers need to see you to avoid you. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or carry a flashlight at night. Watch for turning vehicles at intersections, even if you have the right-of-way and proceeding lawfully. Watch your children. Children can't judge a vehicle's speed and distance and need the help of an adult to be safe. On streets with multiple lanes in each direction, be aware of what drivers in both near lanes are doing. If one driver is allowing you to cross, the other might not see you. If no sidewalk is available, walk as far on the side of the road as you can, and always walk against traffic. Always be aware of your surroundings, and never get distracted. Tips for Motorists:  Slow down when approaching a crosswalk or intersection. Watch for pedestrians and be prepared to yield to them. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks – the law requires motorists to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks at signalized and non-signalized intersections. Travel at a prudent speed. Don't try to beat the light. Watch for mid-block crosswalks. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in mid-block crosswalks, so yield to them. Expect the unexpected – look out for children who may dart out between cars or buses or cross mid-block without a crosswalk. Drivers on streets with multiple lanes in each direction should be aware that pedestrians may be crossing all lanes. WORKERS (Work Zone, Emergency Responders) The Law: Pennsylvania's work zone safety laws are designed to protect both highway workers and motorists. Posted Work Zones: Headlights on. All motorists are required to travel with their headlights turned on in all posted work zones, not just active work zones. It is necessary for drivers in vehicles with daytime running lights to turn on their headlights in order to activate their taillights. Speed-monitoring devices. Interstate work zones with a project cost exceeding $300,000 will have a speed-monitoring device to alert motorists of their speed prior to entering the work zone. Active Work Zones  PennDOT manages two distinct programs relating to active work zones: Criminal Violations under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3326 (Duty of driver in construction and maintenance areas or on highway safety corridors) identify fines and penalties when an officer pulls you over for a violation. Posting of active work zones. Active work zones must be designated as such to notify motorists when they enter and leave the work zone. A white flashing light attached to the "Active Work Zone When Flashing" sign will indicate an active work zone. The flashing light will only be activated when workers are present and turned off when workers are not present. Fifteen-day loss of license for driving dangerously. Motorists caught driving 11 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit in an active work zone, or who are involved in a crash in an active work zone and are convicted for failing to drive at a safe speed, automatically will lose their license for 15 days. Fines doubled/jail time increased. Fines for certain traffic violations — including speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic devices — are doubled for active work zones. Also, the law provides for up to five years of additional jail time for individuals convicted of homicide by vehicle for a crash that occurred in an active work zone. Civil Violations under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3369 (Automated speed enforcement systems in active work zones) began in 2018. Section 3369 allows for a fine to be administered using calibrated and tested automated speed enforcement technology. Civil violations are only fines and don't reflect any points or insurance ratings. The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program uses vehicle-mounted systems to detect and record motorists exceeding posted work zone speed limits by 11 miles per hour or more using electronic speed timing devices. AWZSE systems are only operational in active work zones where workers are present. Work Zones that have an AWZSE system present and active will have unique signs in advance of the enforcement area, alerting drivers to the upcoming enforcement. Registered owners receive a warning letter for a first offense, a violation notice and $75 fine for a second offense, and a violation notice and $150 fine for third and subsequent offenses. These violations are civil penalties only; no points are assessed to driver's licenses. For more information on the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program, including a list of projects where the units are deployed, visit https://workzonecameras.penndot.gov/. Move Over Law  Pennsylvania's Move Over Law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area who are unable to safely merge into a lane farther away from the response area to "pass the emergency response area at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit and reasonable for safely passing." An emergency response area is where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders have lighted flares, posted signs, or try to warn travelers. Act 105 of 2020, signed on October 29, 2020 and effective 180 days later on April 27, 2021: Creates a new point system that imposes two points for failure to merge into the lane not next to the emergency response area. Sets fines at $500 for first-time offenders, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense. Requires a 90-day license suspension for a third or subsequent offense. The license suspension also applies to incidents that seriously injure or kill another person. The suspension is six months if the person injured or killed is an emergency service provider or was near a disabled vehicle. Sets additional fines of up to $10,000 for violators who injure or kill an emergency service responder or a person in or near a disabled vehicle. Doubled fines for several traffic violations when committed in an emergency response area when first responders are present. A similar law (Title 75, Section 4572.2) requires motorists to move over or slow down when approaching a stationary trash or recycling truck. Disabled vehicles are covered by the Move Over law when they display at least two of the following markings: Vehicular hazard signal lamps. Caution signs or other traffic control device. Road flares. Portable Emergency Warning Devices Title 75, Section 4530 requires any truck class III or greater, truck tractor, bus, or any motor vehicle towing a trailer carry at least three portable emergency warning devices and display the devices when stopped on a roadway or shoulder for 10 minutes outside of an urban district, or on a divided highway anywhere, even in an urban district (like I-95 in Philadelphia).Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PennDOT is gearing up to redo the portion of I-95 in Philly that runs from the Ben Franklin Bridge to the Walt Whitman Bridge. But, initial proposals have some neighborhood groups concerned that the highway will take up space currently used for houses and recreation. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Inga Saffron, architecture columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, about how the interstate could change and why not everyone is thrilled about a bigger highway.  Read Inga's full column here. Learn more about the I-95 Central to South Philadelphia Planning Study here.  Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We're also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, if you ever wanted to hear about PA snow plowing, this second half is for you!

PennDOT is getting more than $143 million to improve freight rail and Amtrak service along the Keystone Corridor between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Staff in one Lehigh County community will now be on a four-day work week.  The state Department of Labor and Industry says five McDonald's locations in Pennsylvania has violated child labor laws. A 15-month-old boy has died after he was hit by a freight train in Cumberland County. Gamers will have the opportunity to hone their craft at one of the largest esports training arenas in central Pennsylvania. As climate change brings more rain and heat, homeless people living outside will face even more challenges.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or Penndot's District 8 is made up of eight counties in South Central Pennsylvania. During the 2023 construction season, $517 million in contracts for new projects were awarded. That's more than double its 2022 total in contracts. The money from the federal infrastructure had an impact but how much. Kevin Keefe, Penndot District 8 Assistant District Executive for Construction appeared on The Spark Monday with details of the just completed construction season..Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  More Americans travel over the Thanksgiving weekend than any other period of the year. They'll be going to family gatherings for the holiday, college students are returning home over break, and in Pennsylvania, many deer hunters are heading to camp. Most of the travelers will be driving. Traffic is already heavier on some highways than usual. There's no doubt that some of us will asked ourselves whether we're following the laws or protocols of the road. More likely though, we'll be critical of another driver. On The Spark, we take this timely opportunity to talk about rules of the road – answering questions about what's safe, what's legal, what's not and how to be better drivers. Joining us on the program Wednesday were Lt. Adam Reed, Director of the Communications Office for the Pennsylvania State Police and Fritzi Schreffler, Safety Press Officer with District 8 Penndot. Schreffler said that motorists should be on the lookout for deer this weekend and this time of year overall,"I think people forget it's rutting season. They're (the deer) all looking for a mate right now. So they're not paying attention or whether they're running across the road. But also hunting season is upon us. The farmers are clearing out their fields, and that's the area where they like to hang out. And the more construction, the more development that we have. They're losing their habitat." State Farm Insurance has these tips for avoiding a collision with a deer: Always scan ahead for animals as you drive, particularly if you see signs such as “deer crossing.” Slow down when you see animals along the road. If you see one deer, you can assume others are nearby — so exercise extra caution. Reduce distractions, such as from a cellphone. Avoid swerving if a crash seems inevitable. It is better to maintain control of your car even if that means a collision. Flick your high beams at night: This can cause animals to flee. Lt. Reed said the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest party nights of the year and as a result, stopping drunk driving is a priority,"Thanksgiving weekend, really through the holidays, but specifically, Thanksgiving weekend is a very DUI focused weekend for PSP. In addition to enforcing and being present with the increased traffic volumes. Our troopers are also going to have special details out there, checkpoints out there on the lookout specifically for impaired drivers."  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PennDOT preps for winter weather.  DEP revises its environmental justice policy for the first time in nearly two decades. Pennsylvania lands on list of fake news stories compiled by the Associated Press. A shortage of bus drivers is hitting the midstate hard. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On June 11, 2023, a gasoline truck caught fire under I-95 in Philadelphia, essentially melting a major section of the primary roadway through the center of the Northeast Corridor. Facing what looked like a months-long reconstruction process, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation assembled a quick action team to implement an extraordinary repair effort, built on interagency cooperation and a unique recycled material, restoring I-95 to full use in only 12 days. Telling us about this quick rebuild is Lou Belmonte, District Executive for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

It's the Friday news roundup! Pittsburgh had on impact on the whole dang state when we elected a new representative this week; Pennsylvanians will be automatically registered to vote at the DMV; our five most recent former governors would love to open our primary elections; the “revolving door” for lawmakers to become lobbyists is an increasing problem in Harrisburg; and Gov. Josh Shapiro opened a text line for constituents — if you have an iPhone. We're with Stephen Caruso of SpotlightPA and Kim Lyons, the new executive editor of the Pennsylvania Capitol-Star.  We love to cite our sources: Stephen did a great summation of the 21st House District race Kim shared the new motor voter law for The Pennsylvania Capitol-Star Stephen points out for SpotlightPA that PennDOT isn't exactly set up to absorb the change SpotlightPA's Kate Huangpu reported on PA's most recent five governors' shared letter in support of open primaries You can text Gov. Josh Shapiro at 717-788-8990 through the app Community Current state law bars elected officials and employees from lobbying their previous workplaces for a year, and Stephen reports there's a bipartisan bill to extend the ban to two years Want some more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rich Roman, District Executive for PennDOT's Engineering District 4, joins the News Engine Podcast to discuss the 7.5-mile Interstate 81 widening project between Scranton and Avoca.The enormous project will cost $500 million and take 10 years but it will be 5 years before crews start digging. Between now and then there's a lot of planning.Rich takes us inside the expansion and discusses how traffic will be affected and what drivers and commuters can expect. He also discusses a similar 7-mile widening project for Luzerne County that's expected to start in two years.We also couldn't resist the opportunity to give Rich some grief about the traffic circle near the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and he breaks down for us why roundabouts can work.If you travel on Interstate 81 in Lackawanna or Luzerne Counties this episode is a must-listen.You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Spotify Contact News Engine: contactus@timesshamrock.comIf you know someone who you'd like to hear on the News Engine podcast or would like to join us we'd love to hear your guest suggestions. Visit the News Engine homepage for extra photos and reader comments.Thanks for listening!

Not all roads in Pennsylvania lead to getting a vanity plate green lit. Host Trenae Nuri joins City Cast Pittsburgh's Megan Harris and Elizabeth Kauma to break down what phrases, acronyms or combination of up to seven letters and numbers get rejected by the state when it comes to personalized license plates. This episode aired in March 2023.  Did the episode inspire you to get a vanity plate? You can apply for a personal licensed plate using this Penndot form, and you can find more information on the process here. Make sure to check the state's Do Not Issue list before you apply, so you don't waste time and money on a plate that will get rejected. Can you set off fireworks in Philadelphia? What to know about the rules and regs in advance of July 4 Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We're also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bill that's on its way to the Senate would allow for non-U.S. citizens to teach in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh Public Schools' proposed code of conduct policy has gotten some pushback. Bees are getting a little help from the Pennsylvania Turnpike and PennDOT. And Knoebels' Haunted Mansion turns 50.

The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Episode (06/22/2023): 3:05pm- On Thursday, the United States Coast Guard held a press conference in Massachusetts to confirm that they have located the remains of OceanGate's Titan submersible. Titan's debris was located 1,600 feet from the bow of the Titanic. According to the Coast Guard all five passengers “have sadly been lost.” 3:25pm- Appearing on Fox29, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro explained that in order to reopen I-95 as quickly as possible PennDot will partner with Pocono Raceway. The NASCAR racetrack will send a jet dryer. “The vehicle—a helicopter engine mounted on a red Chevy Silverado—is used to dry the racetrack after rain, and will be used to keep the newly-laid asphalt dry so crews can paint lines.” You can read Anthony R. Wood and Rob Tornoe's article in The Philadelphia Inquirer here: https://www.inquirer.com/news/i95-repair-philadelphia-penndot-schedule-nascar-jet-dryer-20230622.html 3:30pm- On Wednesday, the House of Representatives successfully voted to censure Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) for false statements he made publicly—baselessly alleging that the 2016 Trump campaign colluded with Russian officials. 3:40pm- Chef Andrew Gruel— founder, CEO, and executive chef of Slapfish, a seafood restaurant franchise based out of Huntington Beach, California—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss the U.S. Agriculture Department's recent decision to approve lab-grown proteins for human consumption. Would you be interested in eating “cell-cultivated” chicken? You can read more about the story here: https://www.wsj.com/articles/chicken-grown-from-cells-headed-to-u-s-dinner-tables-a964fe7b?mod=business_featst_pos3 4:05pm- According to House Ways & Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO), two whistleblowers have informed Congress that the Department of Justice intentionally excluded evidence in their investigation into Hunter Biden—and alleged that the U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware David Weiss “tried to bring charges” against Hunter “in the District of Columbia and was denied.” He also attempted to bring charges in “Central District of California” but “had that request denied” as well. 4:15pm- Appearing on Fox News with Sean Hannity, Congressman James Comer (R-KY) alleged that investigators were asked to stand down in the Hunter Biden case—calling the ultimate plea agreement a “sweetheart deal.” 4:40pm- Will billionaires Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk actually fight one another in a televised cage match? They both claim they're serious about squaring-off against each other in what would almost certainly be the most highly viewed recreational fight in history. PLUS does Henry have what it takes to win the mullet championship? 5:05pm- Justin Goodman— Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy at White Coat Waste Project—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss a recent report from his organization. Anthony Bellotti of the WCW, writes: “Newly-leaked U.S. intelligence identified [Ben] Hu as the first person to get sick at the Wuhan Lab. In 2021, the WCW Project first obtained these receipts via a FOIA challenge lawsuit proving the U.S. govt funded Hu's gain-of-function animal experiments.” You can read more about the report here: https://blog.whitecoatwaste.org/2023/06/15/covid-origin-wcw-investigation-proves-u-s-govt-funded-patient-zero/ 5:15pm- On Wednesday, former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines testified before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing where she defended women's sports—documenting the negative consequences of allowing biological males to compete against females in college and high school athletics.  5:25pm- The Afternoon Mystery Movie Clip! 5:30pm- According to reports, former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake “practically lives at Mar-a-Lago.” Many are speculating that she is actively petitioning to be Donald Trump's 2024 presidential running-mate. 5:40pm- John Lott Jr.—President of the Crime Prevention Center. Author of “Gun Control Myths: How Politicians, the Media, and Botched Studies Have Twisted the Facts on Gun Control”—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss his most recent report for Real Clear Investigations, “Murder, They Spun: Selective Stats Leave Suspicious Fingerprints All Over the Crime Debate.” You can read the full article here: https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2023/06/20/murder_they_spun_selective_stats_leave_their_grubby_little_fingerprints_all_over_the_crime_debate_941167.html 6:05pm- Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Freedom Caucus announced “opposition to Penn State funding” due to its hospital's policy of prescribing puberty blockers, in some instances, for children under the age of 10. Other schools potentially impacted by the PA Freedom Caucus' stand would be Temple University and the University of Pittsburgh. On Thursday, in a press release, PFC said: “House Bill 1456, a bill to provide over $259 million to Penn State University, failed to reach the two-thirds majority threshold required for final passage in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives following an investigation by the Pennsylvania Freedom Caucus that uncovered the prescription of experimental puberty blockers to children as young as five years-old.” You can read the full press release here: https://twitter.com/PAFreedomCaucus/status/1671984203066425344 6:35pm- According to House Ways & Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO), two whistleblowers have informed Congress that the Department of Justice intentionally excluded evidence in their investigation into Hunter Biden—and alleged that the U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware David Weiss “tried to bring charges” against Hunter “in the District of Columbia and was denied.” He also attempted to bring charges in “Central District of California” but “had that request denied” as well. 6:50pm- Words of wisdom with Vice President Kamala Harris!

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 1: On Thursday, the United States Coast Guard held a press conference in Massachusetts to confirm that they have located the remains of OceanGate's Titan submersible. Titan's debris was located 1,600 feet from the bow of the Titanic. According to the Coast Guard all five passengers “have sadly been lost.” Appearing on Fox29, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro explained that in order to reopen I-95 as quickly as possible PennDot will partner with Pocono Raceway. The NASCAR racetrack will send a jet dryer. “The vehicle—a helicopter engine mounted on a red Chevy Silverado—is used to dry the racetrack after rain, and will be used to keep the newly-laid asphalt dry so crews can paint lines.” You can read Anthony R. Wood and Rob Tornoe's article in The Philadelphia Inquirer here: https://www.inquirer.com/news/i95-repair-philadelphia-penndot-schedule-nascar-jet-dryer-20230622.html On Wednesday, the House of Representatives successfully voted to censure Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) for false statements he made publicly—baselessly alleging that the 2016 Trump campaign colluded with Russian officials. Chef Andrew Gruel— founder, CEO, and executive chef of Slapfish, a seafood restaurant franchise based out of Huntington Beach, California—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss the U.S. Agriculture Department's recent decision to approve lab-grown proteins for human consumption. Would you be interested in eating “cell-cultivated” chicken? You can read more about the story here: https://www.wsj.com/articles/chicken-grown-from-cells-headed-to-u-s-dinner-tables-a964fe7b?mod=business_featst_pos3

Pennsylvania, like the rest of the nation, wants to get “junk fees” under control. The pilot program for speed detection cameras in work zones ends this year, but PennDOT officials want to keep it around. The Lehigh River is one of America's “most endangered.” Plus, he's serving pizza — with a side of justice.

A school has enforced stricter rules to its bathroom policies in order to mitigate reports of fights and vandalism, and students aren't too thrilled about it. The state Attorney General has stated a ticket retailer must now give people full refunds for cancelled shows. A couple has to relocate their nonprofit for a PennDOT highway project and was only offered $100 for their troubles. Lastly, this thief's gotta steal ‘em all.

The path we take through life and career is nowhere close to a straight line. It has starts, stops, re-directs, and construction delays longer than anything PennDOT could throw at us. Take it firsthand from Chef Joe Gatto, personal chef, author, and TV host of From Scratch. He's a filmmaker turned chef to Boston celebs whose passion for all things culinary and success onscreen are a perfect amalgamation of his lived experiences. Having never been to culinary school or worked in a restaurant, Chef Joe is the embodiment of the success one can find when you embrace life in the way only you know how.