Podcasts about transportation secretary ray lahood

Grace Gallucci is the Executive Director for the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for greater Cleveland, responsible for transportation and environmental planning, as well as resource allocation in the five county region. She has held this post since 2012.Ms. Gallucci has more than 30 years of finance and planning experience in the field of transportation. Her prior posts include working for the Chicago Regional Transportation Authority where she held the titles of Deputy Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, responsible for the Finance and Performance Management functions, as well as those of the department of Research, Analysis and Policy Development. She also held the positions of Director, Office of Management & Budget and Director of Finance for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. She started her career in transportation as an analyst for the Office of Transportation, Broward County, Florida, working on both highways and mass transit issues.Ms. Gallucci has been an adjunct professor at Cleveland State University, Kent State University, the University of Illinois at Chicago and Northwestern University, teaching courses in public finance, economics, public policy and transportation management. Ms. Gallucci holds a Master of Science in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University, and both a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Dayton.Ms. Gallucci has been the chair of the Northeast Ohio Sustainability Communities Consortium (Vibrant NEO2040) since 2013, receiving the Daniel Burnham Award for best comprehensive plan from the American Planning Association, its highest honor, in 2015.She is active in various professional organizations including the National Association of Regional Councils. She has served on research panels for the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies of Science and has been appointed by former US Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to serve on its Transportation Review Advisory Committee for Safety. She has received many honors including being named one of Crain's Business “40 under 40”, and receiving the distinguished alumni award from Cleveland State University's Levin College of Urban Affairs.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Monday, May 2. You'll also hear about a Mother's Day weekend gun buy-back program led by Greater Peoria mothers who have lost their children to gun violence. You'll also hear about how Peoria is mapping out a plan to maximize potential federal infrastructures. WCBU's Tim Shelley interviews former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who says the Tri-County region has a better chance of landing federal dollars if requests are well-organized and backed by a community consensus. On Deck is produced by WCBU student intern Holden Kellogg.

You might think that attaining jobs with two different governors would make you feel you are a leader, but my guest John Esparza shares how he learned so much at every step of his career by being in the company of other strong leaders. John overcame obstacles in his life, including losing his father while still a teenager, but was able to rise to very high-ranking positions in and around government. You can listen to and follow True North Business on Apple by clicking here, on Spotify here, on the Charisma Podcast Network, or any of the platforms where you typically listen to podcasts. About my guest: John D. Esparza, a graduate of Texas Tech University in Lubbock and a sixth-generation native of West Texas, serves as president and CEO of Texas Trucking Association (TXTA) and Executive Director of Southwest Movers Association (SMA). TXTA, one of the largest trucking associations in the nation, was established in 1932 in Austin, while SMA got its start in 1917. Prior to becoming TXTA president, Esparza worked for both the Gov. Rick Perry and Gov. George W. Bush administrations holding both policy and political management and advisory positions. He has served on the Texas Energy Task Force, the Texas Panama Canal Stakeholder Work Group and the Texas Proposition 1 Special Committee on Transportation Funding. Esparza continues to serve on the Texas Transportation Commission's State Freight Advisory Committee and the Texas Border Infrastructure Planning Committee. Esparza serves on the executive committee as the immediate past chairman of the PrePass Safety Alliance, an Arizona-based premier non-for-profit, public-private partnership whose mission is to improve highway safety and efficiency through technology. He was appointed by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to the Household Goods Advisory Group. He also serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Texas Tech University Research Park (TTRP) in Lubbock where he is the manager of the TTRP Venture LLC fund. He is a former member of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents, appointed by Gov. Rick Perry in 2012. John and his wife Leah, a private school administrator, reside in Southwest Austin and have three sons; Jake Pecos, a junior and Josh Brazos, a sophomore, both at Texas Tech University. Jack Sabine is a high school senior attending St. Michaels Catholic Academy in west Austin. About the host: Following a successful career as CEO, Bobby sold his business to a publicly-traded company.  In what he calls his "second half of life", Bobby seeks to pour Biblically-based principles into growth-minded business leaders.   Through Values-Driven Leadership, Bobby serves as an Executive Coach and Training Consultant for organizations.  He shares many of his principles and practices through a weekly blog, the True North Business podcast, and through three books he has authored: Principled Profits: Outward Success Is an Inside Job, True North Business: A Leader's Guide to Extraordinary Growth and Impact, and The Freedom Paradox: Is Unbridled Freedom Dividing America? Find out more at BobbyAlbert.com

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, August 10, 2021. Our top story is about how Mayor Rita Ali and former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood are leading a renewed push to bring high-speed passenger rail to Peoria. You'll also hear how Peoria County is leading the nation in reported rates of sexually transmitted infections according to new data released last week. Central Illinois Friends Executive Director Deric Kimler tells WCBU's Hannah Alani that de-stigmatization is key to lowering STI rates.

This month I sit down with John Esparza, President and CEO of TXTA. He's a 15 year veteran of the Texas Trucking Association. One of the largest trucking associations in the country to talk about key legislative issues facing trucking companies doing business in Texas. He's a 6th generation Texas with deep roots in the industry. I traveled out and sit down with several professional drivers to get a perspective from the driver called "Trucker Talk" to connect with the show or submit guest ideas send to john@pipertransportation.com TXTA Homepage: https://www.texastrucking.com/TXTA Lawsuit Reform Initiative Webpage: https://www.texastrucking.com/lawsuit-reform-initiative/This page has links to one-pagers and how to contact lawmakersKeep Texas Trucking Coalition Website: https://keeptexastrucking.com/Keep Texas Trucking Coalition Videos: https://keeptexastrucking.com/videos/Keep Texas Trucking Coalition About the Legislation: https://keeptexastrucking.com/legislation/Keep Texas Trucking Coalition One-Pagers: https://keeptexastrucking.com/handouts/John D. Esparza, a graduate of Texas Tech University in Lubbock and a sixth-generation native of West Texas, serves as president and CEO of Texas Trucking Association (TXTA) and Executive Director of Southwest Movers Association (SMA). TXTA, one of the largest trucking associations in the nation, was established in 1932 in Austin, while SMA got its start in 1917.Prior to becoming TXTA president, Esparza worked for both Gov. Rick Perry and Gov. George W. Bush administrations. He has served on the Texas Energy Task Force, the Texas Panama Canal Stakeholder Work Group and the Texas Proposition 1 Special Committee on Transportation Funding. Esparza continues to serve on the Texas Transportation Commission's State Freight Advisory Committee and the Texas Border Infrastructure Planning Committee. Esparza serves on the executive committee as the immediate past chairman of the PrePass Safety Alliance, an Arizona-based premier non-for-profit, public-private partnership whose mission is to improve highway safety and efficiency through technology. He was appointed by the U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to the Household Goods Advisory Group. He also serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Texas Tech University Research Park in Lubbock and a former member of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents. He and his wife Leah reside in Austin and have three sons; Jacob Pecos, a junior at Texas Tech University, Joshua Brazos, a freshman at Texas Tech University and Jack Sabine, a high school junior attending St. Michaels Catholic Academy in west Austin. For more information about the Trucker's Service Association: https://tsatruck.org/If you have suggestions for topics or guests for the podcast you can contact john@pipertransportation.com Thanks for tuning in!

On this week’s episode of the Under the Dome podcast the State Journal-Register’s Doug Finke and Bernard Schoenburg discuss the resignation of Illinois Director of Agriculture John Sullivan after it was revealed he had received the controversial 2012 email from former top lobbyist Mike McClain, who are the front runners going into Sunday's election for a new Illinois Senate President and why former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and former Republican member of Congress, says he will "absolutely not" vote for President Donald Trump in 2020.

Hillary Clinton’s e-mail server remains at the center of the FBI mess, and best-selling campaign biographer Jonathan Allen says her decision to use it was the black cloud that hung over her campaign. Charlie Peters, the legendary founder and editor of the progressive Washington Monthly, reflects that Donald Trump was elected because Baby Boomers owned stock and became prosperous. And Bill Press interviews former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood about the need for a massive infrastructure program.   Support the Show Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.   Jonathan Allen Jonathan Allen is co-author of a hot new book that autopsies the Hillary Clinton campaign, and he believes it was her e-mail server that was the black cloud that hung over the campaign.   Charlie Peters Magazine editor and essayist Charlie Peters, who grew up during the New Deal, says bluntly that erudite progressives are getting “clocked” by the simplicity of the other side.   Ray LaHood Bill Press interviews former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood about the need for a gasoline tax and a massive infrastructure program.   Jim Hightower Koch brothers are out to conquer the countryside.  

Ray LaHood served as the United States Secretary of Transportation from 2009-2013. Prior to that, he served in the House of Representatives, representing Illinois's 18th congressional district. In this interview with Chuck Marohn, Mr. LaHood discusses bipartisan collaboration on infrastructure decisions and his views on the presidential candidates' position on drastically increasing infrastructure spending. He answers questions like, "If we're going to invest in infrastructure, where should that money come from? Who should decide how it is spent?" He also discusses his view on gas tax increases, and small-scale vs. large-scale projects. His book, Seeking Bipartisanship: My Life in Politics, is available now. This interview is part of our ongoing conversation on infrastructure spending

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a speech to The Ripon Society, former GOP Congressman and current Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood expressed optimism that both parties will be able to work together in the wake of the mid-term elections. He also pointed to three areas – deficit reduction, transportation funding, and the war in Afghanistan — where, he believes, the Obama Administration and Republicans in Congress will be able to find common ground.

Former Secretary of Transportation and Congressman Ray LaHood joins BACK ROOM POLITICS to discuss his time as Secretary, what he sees as America's and Congress' Challenges in the future.   The Back Room Politics team will discuss the issues surrounding a possible Government Shutdown and the looming budget crisis.

Anyone who needs to create occasional small pulblished documents should take a look at Xara Page and Layout Designer. A small company in Poland specializes in fixing Microsoft Outlook blunders. We'll take a look at one of their applications. In Short Circuits: I found something that will be popular with tablet owners, Intel is working on new CPUs that will power smaller, ultra-thin devices, former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood takes on distracted drivers, and Google aims at your TV set with Chromecast.

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • September 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 9A2 Open City Hall debutsAnn Arbor residents have a new way to share feedback with city staff and Council members with the debut of A2 Open City Hall. This new online forum will feature questions about specific projects and initiatives on a regular basis, inviting the public to give input from the convenience of their keyboards. The first topic on A2 Open City Hall is already underway and focuses on changes residents would like to see along the South State Street Corridor. Additional topics will be launched this fall.Fire restructure proposal meetings In March, Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard presented a fire department restructuring proposal to City Council, which would position the department to operate out of three fire stations. One station would be located on the north side of the city (Station 5), one on the south side of the city (Station 2) and one in downtown Ann Arbor (Station 1). However, before this proposal is considered further, community meetings have been scheduled in each of the city's five wards to give citizens the opportunity to hear more about the fire restructure proposal and ask specific questions pertaining to fire suppression coverage. Please consider attending one of these forums.Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6–8 p.m., Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road.Wednesday, Sept. 19, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave.   Thursday, Sept. 20, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, 343 S. Fifth Ave., conference room A.    Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6–8 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive, program room.Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6–8 p.m., Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial, Suite 200. This meeting will be taped and later replayed on CTN Channel 19 and available online to view on demand. More information about the fire restructure proposal is available on the city website. Be street savvyThe streets of Ann Arbor are again bustling with vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians as schools are back in session, and summer vacations have come to a close. Check out the rules-of-the-road reminders and resources on the city's “walk bike drive” Web page to help ensure safe travels for all, including: For those on foot, cross at marked crosswalks, and make sure to give motorists enough time to see you and stop.For bicyclists, ride on the road when possible — and obey the traffic signals. Use bike lanes when available.For motorists, be extra alert at crosswalks, and stop when pedestrians are present to cross. Drivers should also safely give bicyclists room on the road, ideally 3–4 feet of space.Fall/Winter registration now openRegistration for Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation fall/winter classes is now open. Find the new, 56-page, color guide at Larcom City Hall, local library branches, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road) and all parks and recreation facilities. It's also posted on the parks website as a PDF that you can view or download. Classes include indoor swim lessons at Mack Pool, instructional skating, beginning hockey skills, yoga, cultural arts programs at the senior center and much more. The guide also features events at the canoe liveries and Leslie Science & Nature Center. Sign up is easy and convenient. Register in person, or use the online registration system.Solid waste plan updateThe City of Ann Arbor five-year Solid Waste Management Plan updating process is underway.  An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan has been working with staff, City Council, and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the plan. Opportunities for residents to participate are now being offered as well.Take the solid waste planning survey online or use the printed version in the WasteWatcher newsletter (with a prepaid return mailer) that is delivered to all city residential addresses in September. All residential survey participants have the option to include their address to be eligible for three random drawings for a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant or grocery store of your choice, or a $50 certificate for an Argo Livery canoe rental or from iTunes. Just respond by Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, to be included in the survey summary and prize drawings.After the survey is closed and tabulated, Solid Waste Management Plan updating process public forums and hearings will be held. The meetings will provide opportunities for small-group discussion about city solid waste program and policy areas, such as easier disposal options for specific materials, expanded recycling, waste-reduction strategies, composting expansion and Drop-off Station operations. Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive.Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Community Television Network studio, 2805 S. Industrial. (The draft  Solid Waste Management Plan presentation and discussion group summaries will be taped for replay.)Public hearings will be held at Environmental Commission and City Council meetings, tentatively in December. Please visit the Solid Waste Management Plan Five-year Update Web page for project updates.CTN hours changeBeginning Sept. 1, Community Television Network will have new facility hours for the public and education channels. The new hours are:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.Wednesday: 4–9 p.m.CTN is located at 2805 S. Industrial Highway, suite 200, in Ann Arbor. Go online for more information. CERT Program registrationThe Ann Arbor Police Department Office of Emergency Management in conjunction with the Washtenaw County Emergency Management Division is accepting applications for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. The application can be found online, or call Crime Prevention Specialist Adele El-Ayoubi, ICPS, with the Ann Arbor Police Department at 734.794.6933. A background investigation will be conducted on all applicants. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14. The training will be held every Tuesday from Sept. 25 to Nov. 6, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Coursework is a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on training in scene assessment, fire safety, emergency medical response, team organization, disaster medical operations and light search and rescue. Attendance at all classes is required for certificate completion.The CERT program educates residents about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact Washtenaw County and trains participants in basic disaster response skills. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist neighbors or fellow employees following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.A2 passes 2,000 mark with latest LED streetlightsAnn Arbor was one of the first cities in the world to convert conventional streetlights to light emitting diodes (LEDs) in an effort to contain costs, save energy and support Mayor Hieftje's Energy Challengeto reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community. Since it began in 2007/2008, cities from across the country and the world are now moving to LEDs. Ann Arbor's latest batch of LEDs, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, will go up at the Broadway Bridge, nearly completing the conversion of the over 2,000 city-owned streetlights. The Lumecon brand “Ring of Fire” LED series replicates the decorative acorn style of the lights now seen along Broadway Bridge. Detroit Edison owns and operates another 5,000-plus streetlights in Ann Arbor, and is beginning to pilot more LEDs, especially as they look to replace mercury-vapor streetlights that will no longer be manufactured.LED streetlights in the downtown, arterial streets and in neighborhoods use on average about half of the electricity of conventional lights and are reducing around 700,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year — or the equivalent annual electricity usage of 60 households. Two-thirds or more of the cost savings in converting city-owned lights to LEDs is in the deferred cost of not having to maintain the fixture (work hours to replace the light and components like ballasts and igniters). LEDs manufactured today are expected to last 10 times longer, if not more, than their metal halide, sodium and mercury-based predecessors. The long life of LEDs frees up city labor hours or the need to hire outside support to operate, maintain and replace fixtures. LEDs also contain zero mercury. Each LED fixture saves around $90 per year in energy and avoided maintenance, and, with over 2,000 lights, that is over $180,000 per year in potential costs. Previous grant support from the Downtown Development Authority for the nearly 1,000 downtown decorative globe lights, and federal grants for much of the remaining LED streetlights, have made this innovative energy solution a reality.Ann Arbor assists USDOT in vehicle crash-avoidance pilotAccording to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 3,000 cars, trucks and buses equipped with “connected” Wi-Fi technology will enable vehicles and infrastructure throughout Ann Arbor to “talk” to each other, in real time. This initiative kicked off last month as part of a year-long safety pilot project by the USDOT. This innovative technology is designed to help avoid crashes and improve traffic flow.U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently joined elected officials and industry and community leaders on the University of Michigan campus to launch the second phase of the safety pilot, the largest road test to date of connected vehicle crash-avoidance technology. This study was also made possible with the assistance of City of Ann Arbor information technology and signs and signals staff who assisted USDOT and U-M's Transportation Research Institute with this first-of-its-kind test of connected vehicle technology in the real world. The test cars, trucks and buses, most of which have been supplied by volunteer participants, are equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication devices that will gather extensive data about system operability and its effectiveness at reducing crashes. Read more about the project on the USDOT website. WATS public meetingThe Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) is hosting public meetings to discuss the 2040 Long-range Plan for Washtenaw County. On Wednesday, Sept. 12, 4–6 p.m., WATS will discuss the community values survey results and present draft goals and objectives for the plan. The meeting will take place at Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St., in the Council chambers on the second floor. Visit the WATS website for more information on this initiative. Connecting William StreetJoin the Connecting William Street conversation. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is seeking input to shape the future of five city-owned sites downtown: the Library Lane lot, the Fifth and William lot, the ground floor of the Fourth and William Parking Structure, the Main and William lot, and the Ashley and William lot. Community survey feedback and a market analysis have been used to begin crafting strategies for transforming these five parking areas into uses that will better serve the community. Now, your help is needed to shape a more specific plan. Please join the community conversation, and provide input to help frame development strategies for these sites.To participate via an online venue, please pre register for a webinar taking place Wednesday, Sept. 5, 7–8 p.m.  Space is limited, but more dates will be added as the meeting fills. To participate in person, a public meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 10, noon–1:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch multipurpose room, 343 S. Fifth Ave.  Please pre register for this meeting.  At these events, the DDA will present an overview of the project and possible development scenarios. Please select the time and venue that works best for you. The same information will be provided at both the webinar and public meeting.Better Buildings for Michigan ProgramWith winter just a few months away (believe it or not), now is the ideal time to make sure your home has all the proper energy-efficient enhancements. This otherwise daunting task has just gotten a little easier, thanks to the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office (SEMREO).  The SEMREO Better Buildings for Michigan Program offers incentives and rebates for home energy improvements, including double the current rebates offered by DTE (up to $3,000). And the program has recently expanded, making residents of Ann Arbor and all of Washtenaw County eligible. Better Buildings for Michigan uses a community approach to deliver energy efficiency improvements for homes and businesses by providing access to incentives and affordable loans. The program is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and developed by the Michigan Energy Office; Michigan Saves; the City of Grand Rapids; the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit; and the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.The Better Buildings for Michigan Program is available for a limited time. Go online for more information.  High-rise lighting reminderAnn Arbor again joins other cities in helping migrating birds have a “Safe Passage” during seasonal migrations. From the middle of August through the end of October, migrating birds are flying over Ann Arbor on their way south from their northern breeding grounds. These birds are at risk of dying when they become confused at night by lighted windows of tall buildings. On clear nights, birds navigate by the stars, but on cloudy and foggy nights, they attempt to navigate using the lights of tall buildings. Birds either crash into lit windows or endlessly circle buildings until they are exhausted. Please ask occupants on floors five and above of your building to join the “Safe Passage” effort by pulling the drapes or closing the shades on windows in lit rooms between 11 p.m. and dawn. (These actions may help save energy, too.) For details, please see “safe passage" online.  In this issue: A2 Open City Hall * Fire restructure proposal meetings * Street safety * Fall/winter registration * Solid waste plan update * CTN hours change *  CERT program registration * LED streetlights * USDOT vehicle crash-avoidance pilot * WATS public meetings * Connecting William Street * Better Buildings for Michigan Program * High-rise lighting reminder * Dog Swim * West Nile Virus * Greenbelt Bus Tour * Game day traffic and parking * Urban and Community Forest Management Plan * Fall golf events *Golf for a good cause  * SEMCOG Regional Transportation Plan * Dates to rememberDog SwimAfter Buhr Park Outdoor Poolcloses for the season, it's your four-footed friend's turn to go for a swim. Register today for the annual dog swim, taking place Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 5 and 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. Pre registration is required, and spaces go quickly. For one dog, the fee is $7.50/$6 for residents; for a second dog, the fee is an additional $3.75/$3 for residents. Call today:734.794.6234. Buhr Park Pool is located at 2751 Packard Road.  Prevent West Nile VirusWest Nile Virus cases are on the rise both nationally and in Michigan. And as Labor Day weekend is about to begin, Michigan residents are urged to take precautions against mosquitoes while spending time outdoors. A few simple steps can help prevent mosquito bites and potentially contracting West Nile Virus (WNV).Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA approved repellent to exposed skin or clothing, especially during peak mosquito activity periods such as dusk and dawn. Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside. Empty water from mosquito-breeding sites such as buckets, unused kiddy pools or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. The unusually hot and dry summer has favored the mosquitoes that transmit WNV. These same conditions have led to a reduction in the number of "nuisance" mosquitoes, which are more abundant during wet summers. WNV-carrying mosquitoes breed in small collections of stagnant water, are common around people's homes and often bite people indoors. While few mosquitoes may be noticed outdoors, those that are present and biting are likely to be the type that potentially carry WNV.Most people bitten by a WNV-infected mosquito show no symptoms of illness. However, some become sick three to 15 days after exposure. WNV can cause serious neurological illnesses, such as meningitis and encephalitis and can have long-term health consequences. People 50 and older as well as people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe WNV disease symptoms.When you're running out the door, remember to grab not only your sunscreen, but your insect repellent too. Go online  for more information and surveillance activity updates about WNV.All aboard the Greenbelt Bus Tour!Tour protected farm and open space properties, and learn about the Greenbelt Program, local agriculture and talk with local farmers during the 2012 Greenbelt Bus Tour on Saturday, Sept. 22. The tour's air-conditioned, luxury motor coach will depart at 10 a.m. from the 3700 Plymouth Road Park and Ride, and will return at 1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.Pre registration is going on now, and closes on Friday, Sept. 14. The cost is $10 per person. To register, contact  Ginny T

Four years ago he was a one of 435, just a seven-term Congressman from a sleepy section of western Illinois. But since then life has been a bit harried to say the least. When Representative Ray LaHood joined the Obama Administration as the 16th Secretary of the Transportation in January 2009 little did he know that he would be presiding over the most dramatic time in the American auto industry since Henry Ford drove his first car around Detroit. From bankruptcies to bailouts to batteries driving green vehicles, his department oversees everything we drive or ride in on the ground or on the water, as well as divisions like the FAA, the FHA and NHSTA to name three. This week on Autoline from the floor of the Washington Auto Show, John McElroy welcomes Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for an exclusive one-on-one interview on everything automotive and more.

Four years ago he was a one of 435, just a seven-term Congressman from a sleepy section of western Illinois. But since then life has been a bit harried to say the least. When Representative Ray LaHood joined the Obama Administration as the 16th Secretary of the Transportation in January 2009 little did he know that he would be presiding over the most dramatic time in the American auto industry since Henry Ford drove his first car around Detroit. From bankruptcies to bailouts to batteries driving green vehicles, his department oversees everything we drive or ride in on the ground or on the water, as well as divisions like the FAA, the FHA and NHSTA to name three. This week on Autoline from the floor of the Washington Auto Show, John McElroy welcomes Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for an exclusive one-on-one interview on everything automotive and more.

Four years ago he was a one of 435, just a seven-term Congressman from a sleepy section of western Illinois. But since then life has been a bit harried to say the least. When Representative Ray LaHood joined the Obama Administration as the 16th Secretary of the Transportation in January 2009 little did he know that he would be presiding over the most dramatic time in the American auto industry since Henry Ford drove his first car around Detroit. From bankruptcies to bailouts to batteries driving green vehicles, his department oversees everything we drive or ride in on the ground or on the water, as well as divisions like the FAA, the FHA and NHSTA to name three. This week on Autoline from the floor of the Washington Auto Show, John McElroy welcomes Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for an exclusive one-on-one interview on everything automotive and more.

The National Transportation Safety Board recently recommended that all mobile phones be banned in cars, even hands-free phones. But in a startling outbreak of common sense, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he does not support the ban. Rumors are swirling around Italy that Luca di Montezemolo might run for prime minister. GM engineers are working to eradicate noisy brakes. All that and more, plus a look at the new Volkswagen Golf R.

Public Policy

Port directors from across the nation talked face-to-face with United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Friday, February 5, 2010, at the San Diego Convention Center. LaHood attended a special town hall morning session of the first-ever National Port Summit. The event was organized by the Department of Transportation and MARAD.