June 12: Collapse

I-95 Collapse

☔ Monday, Monday. And much-needed rain is on the way

PA Weather
Pittsburgh | Showers, 70
Harrisburg | Showers, 77
Philadelphia | Showers, 81

PA Sports
Pirates (34-30) | NY Mets 2-1 | Tu-Th vs. Chicago Cubs
Phillies (32-33) | LA Dodgers 7-3 | M-Th vs. Arizona
Union (9-5-3) | San Jose 1-2 | June 21 vs. Orlando

What’s Happening
The House convenes at noon. Appropriations committee meets this afternoon.

What We’re Hearing
“It plays a lead role in the lives of nearly everyone in Philadelphia and its collar counties—directly and indirectly.” – Rep. Brendan Boyle talking about I-95

Happy Birthday
Cake and candles for Sen. Chris Gebhard and Rep. Natalie Mihalek.

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Top Story

1. Months Of Repairs And Travel Headaches Are Ahead After An I-95 Bridge Collapsed In A Fire

I95 collapse in Philadelphia after fire will bring traffic chaos

“An elevated section of I-95 in Northeast Philadelphia collapsed early Sunday after a tanker truck carrying gasoline burst into flames beneath it, severing the main expressway on the East Coast and causing travel chaos in the region that will be felt for some time.

Four northbound lanes fell onto Cottman Avenue in the city’s Tacony neighborhood after steel girders supporting the roadway were weakened in the searing fire, officials said. The interstate was closed in both directions between Woodhaven Road and Aramingo Avenue.

Standing within view of the collapsed and charred section of roadway Sunday night, Gov. Josh Shapiro said he would issue a disaster declaration Monday morning, a step that will allow Pennsylvania to receive federal aid.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

  • What We Know And Don’t Know. (Inquirer)

 

Related

Updates On The I-95 Fire And Partial Highway Collapse. “Multiple City and state agencies are responding to address impacts to residents in the area and travelers affected by the road closure. We will share more details as they become available.” (City of Philadelphia)

Detours Posted. What Residents, Visitors Should Know. “As Action News Traffic Reporter Matt Pellman explained on Action News Monday morning, one of the problems with this stretch of I-95 is that there really aren’t “perfect” alternates to it – however, there are options to try out.” (WPVI)

The State’s Response. What Local Lawmakers Said. “U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-2nd District, said he’d “reached out to President [Joe] Biden and to Transportation Sec. [Pete] Buttigieg to ensure that all available federal resource be deployed quickly to repair the damaged section of I-95 in my district that collapsed early this morning.” (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

 

State

2. Why The New Governor’s First Budget Process Could Be Going Into Overtime

Gov. Josh Shapiro at CODE PA introduction

“Pennsylvanians will soon learn a lot about the real dynamic between their new governor and the divided Legislature in Harrisburg.

Despite receiving some kind words from Republicans across the aisle when it was unveiled in March, the $45.8-billion spending plan advanced by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro remains an object of GOP scrutiny with the June 30 deadline just weeks away. Conservative lawmakers continue to show reservations about its 6% spending increase.” (PhillyBurbs.com)

Related

PA Democrats Introduce Legislation To Prevent Gun Violence. “In a pair of announcements, Pennsylvania senator Bob Casey Jr. and representatives Dwight Evans and Madeleine Dean introduced separate pieces of legislation to deal with growing gun violence in the country.” (PoliticsPA)

A Train Safety Bill Inspired By The East Palestine Derailment Faces Tough Odds In PA Legislature. “In the wake of a hazardous train derailment less than a mile from the Ohio border, Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing legislation that supporters say would improve safety standards and increase corporate accountability.” (Spotlight PA)

PA’s Plan To End Telefile Proves To Be A Taxing Problem For Amish And Mennonite Communities. “Around 40,000 Pennsylvania taxpayers will not be able to file taxes next year using a telephone-based system that’s been in place for three decades, presenting a problem for members of Plain Sect communities.” (PennLive)

 

Around The Commonwealth

3. Getting PA’s Fair Share Of Federal Internet Money: Critics Say State Efforts Are Falling Short

Dollar bills

“In January, the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority told the federal government that it had found 50,000 more places around the state without good internet connections than had been officially counted.

Those missing addresses were like pieces of gold — because any increase in the count of poorly served areas could mean more federal dollars for broadband expansion in Pennsylvania. ” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Related

Local Dems Pledge Unity After Tough Primary As Leaders Look Ahead To Change. “After a high-stakes primary that pitted factions of the party against each other, Allegheny County Democrats joined on Saturday for a “unity picnic” in which former rivals literally and metaphorically embraced and pledged to join efforts this fall.” (WESA)

Central PA-Owned Barstool Sports Joins Targets Of Backlash For Supporting Gay Pride. “Penn Entertainment-owned Barstool Sports is the latest company to face hostility for supporting the LGBTQ+ community, according to multiple news reports.” (PennLive)

The Real(?) Story Behind Montco’s Change From Republican To Democrat. “Many people believe what turned Montgomery County from a reliably Republican county to a largely Democratic county was a population shift as people moved from Philadelphia and kept their party affiliation.” (DV Journal)

Struggling To Cover Basic Expenses? Study Finds It’s A Widespread Problem Across PA.A new report from the United Way of Pennsylvania confirms what too many Lehigh Valley residents are already experiencing. Nearly 40% of households are struggling to afford basic amenities, even if they’re working full-time, the study found.” (LehighValleyNews.com)

 

Editorial

4. What They’re Saying

  • Debt Ceiling Deal Shows Who’s A ‘Show Horse’ In Washington. (Kyle Sammin)
  • Here’s What’s Most Obscene About GOPers Crying “Injustice!” About Trump’s Indictment. (Will Bunch)
  • Target And Bud Light Are Hurting, But Mark Cuban Says Wokeness Is Good Business. (Salena Zito)
  • Shapiro’s Master Plan For Older Pennsylvanians A Good First Step. (Ray E. Landis)
  • Trump Indictment Boosts Second Tier Of GOP Hopefuls (But Not Much). (Keith Naughton)
  • What If Everyone Had To Vote? (Roxanne Patel Shepelavy)
    PA Prospers When We Lead On Energy Production. (Stephanie Catarino Wissman)
  • ‘Protection’ Still Core Of DEP’s Job. (Citizens Voice)
  • Do The Homework On Moms For Liberty-Affiliated School Initiatives. (York Dispatch)

 

1 Thing

5. Fish Story

It’s official: A 66-pound flathead catfish caught near Conestoga in Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County has been certified by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as a new state record

On the morning of May 14, 46-year-old Michael Wherley of Fayetteville, Franklin County, caught the massive fish on the Susquehanna River section known as Lake Aldred.

Wherley’s flathead catfish was recorded as weighing 66 pounds, 6 ounces, exceeding the previous state record by more than ten pounds.

Following the inspection, the live catfish was successfully released back into the river and swam away. (WBAL)

 

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