Visitors stand in front of Michelangelo’s “David statue” in the Accademia Gallery in Florence, Italy, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. The Florence museum and the city’s mayor are inviting parents and students from a Florida charter school to visit and see Michelangelo’s sculpture of David. The invitation comes after the school principal was forced to resign following parental complaints that an image of the nude Renaissance masterpiece was shown to a sixth-grade art class. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

HILLSDALE, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan college will no longer partner with a Florida charter school after the school’s principal resigned due to complaints sixth graders were exposed to pornography during a Renaissance art lesson that included Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture. MLive.com reports Thursday that Tallahassee Classical School no longer is affiliated with Hillsdale College, a small, Christian classical liberal arts college in southern Michigan. Tallahassee Classical School uses Hillsdale’s classical education curriculum. Hillsdale spokeswoman Emily Stack Davis says the Florida school’s license to use Hillsdale’s curricular materials has been revoked. Hope Carrasquilla resigned last week at the Florida school following an ultimatum from the school board’s chairman.

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced the Railway Accountability Act to address additional long-standing rail safety concerns, protect workers, and help prevent future harm to rail-side communities across the country.

The Railway Accountability Act would build on the proposals in the bipartisan Railway Safety Act, introduced earlier this month by Senators Brown and J.D. Vance (R-OH), and co-sponsored by Senators Fetterman and Casey.

The Railway Accountability Act would take multiple steps towards guaranteeing rail safety by directing the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to study wheel-related failures and derailments; enhancing switchyard safety practices; enacting commonsense brake safety measures; requiring large freight railroad companies to join a confidential “close call” reporting system administered by the FRA & NASA; and ensuring that railways provide sufficient reporting and safety equipment to its workers, among other improvements.

 

“It is an honor and a privilege to introduce my first piece of legislation, the Railway Accountability Act, following the derailment affecting East Palestine, Ohio, and Darlington Township, Pennsylvania. This bill will implement commonsense safety reforms, hold the big railway companies accountable, protect the workers who make these trains run, and help prevent future catastrophes that endanger communities near railway infrastructure. Working Pennsylvanians have more than enough to think about already — they should never have been put in this horrible situation,” said Sen. Fetterman. “Communities like Darlington Township and East Palestine are too often forgotten and overlooked by leaders in Washington and executives at big companies like Norfolk Southern who only care about making their millions. That’s why I’m proud to be working with my colleagues to stand up for these communities and make clear that we’re doing everything we can to prevent a disaster like this from happening again.” 

 

“Too many communities in Pennsylvania and across the Nation have suffered from catastrophic train derailments. The Railway Accountability Act would implement additional commonsense safety measures to help prevent these disasters in the future,” said Sen. Casey. “Along with the Railway Safety Act, this bill will make freight rail safer and protect communities from preventable tragedies.”

 

“Rail lobbyists have fought for years to protect their profits at the expense of communities like East Palestine and Steubenville and Sandusky. These commonsense safety measures will finally hold big railroad companies accountable, make our railroads and the towns along them safer, and prevent future tragedies, so no community has to suffer like East Palestine again,” said Sen. Brown.

The legislation is also supported by labor unions including the Transport Workers of America (TWU), the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers (NCFO), and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers-Mechanical Division (SMART-MD).

Senators Fetterman, Casey, and Brown have worked tirelessly to support Pennsylvanians and Ohioans affected by this disaster in the short-term, namely advocating for resources and holding Norfolk Southern accountable for the harm the derailment has inflicted, in addition to working to prevent similar disasters from happening in the future.

The senators wrote to Norfolk Southern Corporation President and CEO Alan Shaw about the company’s legal and moral obligation to the residents of East Palestine and Darlington Township, demanding answers on how the company plans to be an active member of response and clean-up operations. They pressed EPA on its plan to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for releasing hazardous materials into the air and water. They wrote to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to share rail safety concerns they have heard from constituents, rail experts, and railroad workers as NTSB conducts its investigation into the derailment. And finally, Sens. Fetterman and Casey worked with Congressman Chris Deluzio to urge Norfolk Southern to provide assistance to Pennsylvanians in Darlington Township after repeated reports that Pennsylvania residents were being turned away at the Family Assistance Center in East Palestine.

The Pennsylvania senators joined with Sens. Brown and Vance last month to introduce the bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2023, which would take much needed steps to improve rail safety protocols and prevent future train disasters. The bill will take key steps to improve freight rail practices, such as enhancing safety procedures for trains carrying hazardous materials, establishing requirements for wayside defect detectors, creating a permanent requirement for railroads to operate with at least two-person crews, increasing fines for wrongdoing committed by rail carriers, and more.

In addition, Senators Fetterman, Casey, and Brown recently introduced the Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act to support first responders on the front lines of hazardous train derailments.

The text of the Railway Accountability Act is available here.

A one-page summary of the Railway Accountability Act is available here.

 

THE RAILWAY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT WOULD:

• Direct the Federal Railroad Administration to examine the causes of and potential mitigation strategies for wheel-related derailments and mechanical defects, and publish potential regulations that would improve avoidance of these defects.
• Ensure that employees can safely inspect trains by prohibiting trains from being moved during brake inspections.

• Require that the mechanic that actually inspects a locomotive or rail car attests to its safety.

• Direct the FRA to review regulations relating to the operation of trains in switchyards, and direct railroads to update their plans submitted under the FRA’s existing Risk Reduction Program (RRP) to incorporate considerations regarding switchyard practices.
• Require the FRA to make Class I railroad safety waivers public in one online location.
• Require railroads to ensure that communication checks between the front and end of a train do not fail, and that emergency brake signals reach the end of a train.
• Ensure Class I railroad participation in the confidential Close Call Reporting System by requiring all railroads that have paid the maximum civil penalty for a safety violation to join.
• Ensure that railroads provide warning equipment (such as white disks, red flags, or whistles) to railroad watchmen and lookouts.

FILE – House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., is flanked by Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., left, and Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., as he talks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington, March 24, 2023. House Republicans are set to approve a sprawling energy package that counters virtually all of President Joe Biden’s agenda to address climate change. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans have passed a sprawling energy package that would counter virtually all of President Joe Biden’s agenda to address climate change. The bill approved Thursday would sharply increase domestic production of oil, natural gas and coal, and ease permitting restrictions that delay pipelines, refineries and other projects. It would boost production of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt that are used in electric vehicles, computers, cellphones and other products. Democrats call the bill a giveaway to big oil companies. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says the bill is “dead on arrival” in the Democratic-controlled Senate. Biden has threatened a veto.

This photo provided KSTP, emergency personnel respond to the scene of a train derailment early Thursday, March 30, 2023 in Raymond, Min. A train hauling ethanol and corn syrup derailed and caught fire and nearby residents were ordered to evacuate their homes, authorities said. (KSTP via AP)

Authorities say a train hauling ethanol and corn syrup derailed and caught fire in Minnesota and residents within 1/2 mile of the crash were ordered to evacuate from their homes. Kandiyohi County Sheriff Eric Tollefson says in a statement that the BNSF train derailment was reported about 1 a.m. Thursday in Raymond, about 100 miles west of Minneapolis. BNSF said 22 cars derailed and four caught fire, but there were no injuries. BNSF says there was no other hazardous material in the cars. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told CNN that about 14 cars were carrying hazardous materials. BNSF said ethanol was the only hazardous material. Several federal agencies are responding to the crash and Gov. Tim Walz plans to visit the site Thursday.

The Supreme Court building is seen on Capitol Hill, Monday, March 27, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is grappling with whether a man serving a life sentence for his role on an international “kill team” should get a new trial. The justices heard 90 minutes of lively arguments Wednesday about a situation that sometimes arises in criminal trials with more than one defendant, when one person’s confession might also implicate someone else on trial. Adam Samia, who was convicted of a killing a real estate broker in the Philippines, was tried with two other men who carried out the attack. One of the men confessed to his role and also implicated Samia. The Supreme Court has previously imposed limits on the use of a confession in these circumstances.

FILE – The OpenAI logo is seen on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen displaying output from ChatGPT, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Boston. Are tech companies moving too fast in rolling out powerful artificial intelligence technology that could one day outsmart humans? That is the conclusion of a group of prominent computer scientists and other tech industry notables who are calling for a 6-month pause to consider the risks. Their petition published Wednesday, March 29, 2023, is a response to San Francisco startup OpenAI’s recent release of GPT-4. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

Are tech companies moving too fast in rolling out powerful artificial intelligence technology that could one day outsmart humans? That’s the conclusion of a group of prominent computer scientists and other tech industry notables such as Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak who are calling for a 6-month pause to consider the risks. Their petition published Wednesday is a response to San Francisco startup OpenAI’s recent release of GPT-4, a more advanced successor to its widely-used AI chatbot ChatGPT that helped spark a race among tech giants Microsoft and Google to unveil similar applications.

FILE – The overdose-reversal drug Narcan is displayed during training for employees of the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), Dec. 4, 2018, in Philadelphia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved selling overdose antidote naloxone over-the-counter, Wednesday, March 29, 2023, marking the first time a opioid treatment drug will be available without a prescription. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved selling overdose antidote naloxone over-the-counter, marking the first time an opioid treatment drug will be available without a prescription. Wednesday’s approval is for Narcan, a name-brand version of naloxone sold by Emergent BioSolutions. How much this will impact a nationwide overdose crisis is not clear, even though better access to naloxone is a priority. The decision means Narcan can be available at convenience and grocery stores, but its price isn’t clear. For many people who use drugs, naloxone is already available from community groups — and that’s not expected to change.

FILE – Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., leaves an intelligence briefing on the unknown aerial objects, at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 14, 2023. A person close to Fetterman says he’ll return to the Senate in April, two months after the freshman Democrat sought inpatient treatment for clinical depression. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A person close to Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman says he’ll return to the Senate in April, two months after the freshman Democrat sought inpatient treatment for clinical depression. The person, who was not authorized to discuss Fetterman’s plans and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Wednesday that Fetterman will return the week of April 17. It wasn’t immediately clear when Fetterman will leave Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he checked in Feb. 15. The 53-year-old Fetterman was still recovering from the aftereffects of a stroke he suffered last May when he went to Walter Reed. Doctors say post-stroke depression is common and treatable.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Norfolk Southern has completed their first $1 million in reimbursements to Pennsylvania fire departments, first responders, and Beaver County Hazmat. This initial $1 million from Norfolk Southern is part of the funding Governor Shapiro secured in reimbursements for equipment that was damaged or contaminated during the response and remediation to Norfolk Southern’s train derailment in East Palestine. Fire companies from Beaver, Lawrence, and Washington Counties responded to the derailment and the controlled vent and burn – and Governor Shapiro is working to ensure they receive any and all funding they need.

 

Governor Shapiro continues to deliver on his promise to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for any and all impacts to the Commonwealth. Last month, Governor Shapiro secured an initial commitment from Norfolk Southern to pay for millions in damages to Pennsylvania and impacted residents in Beaver and Lawrence Counties, including covering costs to local responders.

 

“Norfolk Southern’s train derailment hurt communities in Western Pennsylvania, put our first responders at risk, and has taken up immense local and state resources,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Norfolk Southern must do better – and the entire cost of this derailment and its impact on the Commonwealth must be picked up by them, not the people of Pennsylvania. This critical funding will help make fire departments and first responders whole, and my Administration will continue to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for any and all impacts on our Commonwealth.”

 

“Our fire companies and first responders put their health and safety on the line for Pennsylvanians each day – we are proud of the good work they do and we thank them for their service,” said Acting Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook. “In order to continue doing their jobs safely and effectively, our firefighters need the right gear. We urge Norfolk Southern to continue to swiftly reimburse our departments and their local partners for any damaged equipment.”

 

In addition to securing this critical funding for Pennsylvania fire departments and first responders, Governor Shapiro has led the way to ensure that Pennsylvania residents are receiving reimbursements for losses they incurred as a result of Norfolk Southern’s train derailment. Governor Shapiro is fighting for Pennsylvanians like those he met with in Darlington Township – who just this week received reimbursements for 20 dozen eggs they lost after the derailment. Pennsylvanians who want to apply for reimbursements should visit this link to learn how to apply as the Shapiro Administration continues working to hold Norfolk Southern accountable and secure funding for all damages to our Commonwealth.

 

The Shapiro Administration plans to maintain a long-term presence in Beaver County to continue assisting residents impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) staff are continuing to conduct the Assessment of Chemical Exposure (ACE) survey among residents and first responders living near the derailment. The surveys help residents identify symptoms, experiences, and concerns about the impact of the train derailment on their lives.

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been conducting independent water and soil sampling to closely monitor water contamination risks within a two-mile radius of the East Palestine derailment. Concerned residents who are beyond the two-mile radius may reach out to DEP to request testing by calling 412-442-4000.

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture launched a hotline for concerned farmers and producers. Those who have questions or concerns can contact the hotline at 855-777-6735.

 

Visit the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency’s (PEMA) dashboard for more information about resources available to Pennsylvania residents.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published March 30, 2023 9:54 A.M.

(Beaver Falls, PA) The City of Beaver Falls has announced street sweeping will resume on April 3rd. They say residents should still follow the day listed for their block, although the time has been modified. Street sweeping in the city will now take place from 5am until 1pm. Beaver Falls Mayor Kenya Johns issued a statement on Facebook saying the reason for the extended operation time is due to current staffing issues.  She stated that the daylight operations will be pursued for a trial period before making a final decision. Mayor Johns also said nobody will be ticketed during this transition.