(AP Photo)
October 29, 2021 07:02 AM
By LISA MASCARO, AAMER MADHANI and FARNOUSH AMIRI Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says he has reached a “historic” framework with Democrats in Congress on his sweeping, though scaled-back domestic policy plan. But Biden still must nail down votes from a few skeptical fellow Democrats. Biden announced the framework at the White House after he went early Thursday to Capitol Hill to pitch House Democrats. The proposal is now $1.75 trillion and without a paid family leave program and other priorities. But it’s still robust with new health care, free-prekindergarten and climate change programs. Biden wanted a deal before he left later Thursday for global summits in Europe. But votes are still a way off, as lawmakers push for more.

Story by Frank Sparks News/Program Director 
October 29, 2021 6:59 AM
(Bridgeville, Pa.) 12-year-old Jayson Kidd of Bridgeville, died after collapsing during basketball practice at Chartiers Valley Middle School on Wednesday.
His cause of death was of anomalous origin of the coronary artery, and his manner of death was natural, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office said.
The Chartiers Valley School District Superintendent Johannah Vanatta released this statement about the incident saying that
“The Chartiers Valley family is deeply saddened by a tragic incident that occurred at the Middle School around 5:00 pm on Wednesday. Out of respect for the family, we will not release any further details at this time.
“The Middle School Crisis Team will be available for students and staff as needed.”

(File Photo)
Story by Frank Sparks, News/Program Director
October 29, 2021 06:48 AM
(Pittsburgh, Pa.) The trial for Robert Bowers who is accused of killing 11 people and wounding dozens of others at the Tree of Life Synagogue just over three years ago could start in July 2022.
The defense and federal prosecutors have been fighting over what evidence will be allowed at trial. Bowers’ defense is trying to keep the jury from hearing some anti-Semitic statements Bowers allegedly made that day.
Bowers faces federal hate crime charges, which carry the death penalty. Bowers is accused of carrying out the largest hate crime ever against Jews in the United States

(File Photo)
Story by Frank Sparks, News/Program Director
October 29, 2021 6:42 AM
(Harrisburg, Pa.) The Pennsylvania Game Commission is warning drivers to careful and be on the lookout for deer in the next few weeks as deer will be on the move as the breeding season heats up.
the Game Commission also says that with Daylight Saving Time on the horizon, this means more drivers will be on the road at both dusk and dawn the same time deer are most likely to be more active.
The game commission reminds drivers that if they see one deer, that usually means there are a few more nearby and to use caution.

October 28, 2021 01:21PM
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was joined by Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Chair Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) and Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) to reintroduce the Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act.   Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.  The legislation would prohibit Amtrak from requiring forced arbitration agreements from passengers, restoring the customer’s ability to sue the company in U.S. court in the event of safety issues.

“Requiring forced arbitration agreements unfairly limits consumer rights and protections,” said Lamb.  “Congress needs to take action to restore the legal rights of Amtrak passengers and their families.”

“This bill will restore vital legal rights to the travelers who are injured on Amtrak trains and seek just redress,” said Blumenthal.  “Amtrak’s current forced arbitration and class action ban policies are unjust and unfair.  Riders are often unaware they’ve signed away their legal rights with the purchase of a ticket until the worst happens, like so many passengers impacted by the Montana crash discovered first hand.  Legal accountability will be a powerful incentive to safer Amtrak practices.”

“This bill would ensure customers can pursue legal remedies in court and give them more options to resolve problems they experience with Amtrak travel,” said Payne, Jr.  “In addition, it would hold Amtrak more accountable for actions and issues that occur during rail travel.”

“Rail travel can reduce emissions, connect underserved communities, and bolster our economy, but these benefits should not come at the cost of passenger rights.  When tragedy strikes, passengers deserve their day in court.  I’m proud to join Representative Lamb, Representative Payne, and Senator Blumenthal in introducing legislation to restore the legal rights and protections of Amtrak riders and their families,” said Strickland.

On January 1, 2019, Amtrak revised its requirement that legal action against the company be resolved through a mandatory arbitration process.  Under this change, with the purchase of an Amtrak ticket, customers waive their right to sue Amtrak in a U.S. court for any reason.  Amtrak’s 2019 forced arbitration agreement applies to all possible claims that could be brought, ranging from ticket disputes, to discrimination, to catastrophic injury and wrongful death.  Additionally, the policy covers passengers whose tickets were bought for them – including minors – and prohibits customers from joining class action suits.  Forced arbitration also discourages customers from filing complaints for smaller violations by instituting high fees and extended timelines.  Airlines are already prohibited from using mandatory forced arbitration.

The Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act is endorsed by Public Citizen, American Association for Justice, National Disability Rights Network, and the National Association of Rail Passengers.

Visit Lamb’s website to learn more about the Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act.