Shown is the wreckage of Francis Scott Key Bridge as seen from Dundalk, Md., on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, Recovery efforts resumed Wednesday for the construction workers who are presumed dead after the cargo ship hit a pillar of the bridge, causing the structure to collapse. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Manufacturers and shippers are scrambling to figure out where they can load or unload cargo while the main operations at the Port of Baltimore remain closed due to Tuesday’s deadly collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Supply chain experts say other ports up and down the East Coast are likely to absorb much of Baltimore’s traffic, avoiding a crisis. But not without some longer shipping times and upheaval. Baltimore is the ninth-busiest port for international cargo in the nation, but it leads U.S. ports in “roll on, roll off” cargo. That means goods with wheels, composed largely of automobiles but including construction and agricultural equipment.

Keystone State News Connection – Danielle Smith

Pennsylvania’s wild trout streams are getting some much-needed attention and outdoor enthusiasts across the state can voice their views on safeguarding fisheries.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has collected data on 24 proposed Wild Trout Streams, recommending they receive official designation to preserve their “exceptional” trout habitats.

Nate Walters, coldwater unit leader for the commission, said protecting streams supports healthy, self-sustaining wild trout populations, which in turn is vital for water quality.

“It’s important to protect them from any kind of human impacts that can further degrade these streams,” Walters asserted. “Again, it’s important to protect these streams for the water quality and habitat protection standpoint, whether it’s for instream or the wetlands surrounding the streams.”

Walters pointed out all Pennsylvania residents can submit public comments about the Wild Trout Streams designations online. Pennsylvania has more than 80,000 miles of streams and rivers, most of which support fishing, kayaking and boating activities.

Alexandra Kozak, Pennsylvania field manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said officially adding streams to the state’s Wild Trout Stream roster will not only preserve world-class fishing opportunities but boost local economies and tourism.

“We have a $58 billion outdoor recreation economy,” Kozak explained. “Considering that roughly 40% of the streams across the state are not suitable for fishing, swimming or even drinking water, according to the DEP, it makes sense to safeguard these exceptional waterways that are already meeting top standards, that can continue to support our outdoor recreation and then continue to drive, you know, our economy.”

Kozak noted their 2020 survey showed 1.2 million Pennsylvanians fished local waterways. She added local businesses like fly shops, fishing guides and bait stores benefit from anglers visiting these areas.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmembers Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) introduced the Shrinkflation Prevention Act. The legislation would prohibit corporations from deceptively decreasing the sizes of their products without lowering the price commensurately.

Without advertised changes, customers are often unaware when they receive less for what they spend. In practice, shrinkflation might mean more air in a bag of chips, fewer sheets on a roll of paper towels, or a divot in the bottom of a jar of peanut butter.

Shrinkflation cuts down on the purchasing power of working families, and it can add up across multiple items in a shopping trip. Among household paper products and snack foods, roughly 10 percent of inflation has been driven by shrinkflation. From 2020 to 2022, corporate profits rose by 74 percent – five times as fast as inflation.

The Shrinkflation Prevention Act would:

• Direct the FTC to establish regulations to establish shrinkflation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice, prohibiting manufacturers from engaging in shrinkflation.
• Authorize the FTC and state attorneys general to pursue civil actions against corporations who engage in shrinkflation.

“Shrinkflation is a ripoff—yet another way that big corporations are sticking it to folks,” said Rep. Deluzio. “People in Western Pennsylvania are feeling the pinch from corporations charging more for less to pad their profits at our expense. It’s time to fight back. I am proud to join Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez in introducing the Shrinkflation Prevention Act to bring down costs and to crack down on these deceptive practices.”

“Working families across Southwest Washington just aren’t getting the same bang for their buck as they used to at the grocery store. Corporations have used rising prices as cover to give you less for what you’re paying and boost their bottom line—while the amount of packaging and cost to get products on shelves largely remains the same,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “It can be hard to notice when items get a bit smaller, and shrinkflation can add up throughout your shopping cart. I’m introducing this legislation to fight these deceptive practices and get extra breathing room to families facing higher costs.”

Full text of the legislation is available here, and a summary is available here. The Shrinkflation Prevention Act was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA).

March 25, 2024 — This spring, the American Red Cross asks donors to help defend the blood supply by giving blood or platelets now to combat a monstrous fact: only 3 out of 100 people donate blood. That’s why we’re teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures to celebrate the epic new film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and inviting donors to rise together and give blood. When donors share their strength by coming to give March 25 – April 7, they’ll get an exclusive Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. (Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/GXK.*) 

 

In recent weeks, the Red Cross has seen an encouraging increase in the blood supply, but blood and platelet donation appointments remain vital this month. People of all blood types – especially those with type O blood – are critical to ensuring hospital shelves can be replenished as soon as possible.

 

To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Additionally, all who come to give April 8-28 will get a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Spring for details. 

  

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

 

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

 

Amplify your impact − volunteer! 

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. 

 

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday. 

 

Norfolk Southern locomotives are moved through the Conway Terminal in Conway, Pa., Saturday, June 17, 2023. Norfolk Southern reports their earnings Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

The collision of three Norfolk Southern trains in Pennsylvania early this month highlights the shortcomings of the automated braking system that was created to prevent such crashes. That’s because none of the circumstances the National Transportation Safety Board described Tuesday in its preliminary report on the March 2 derailment would have triggered the automated positive train control system to stop the trains. Railroad safety expert Chris Barkan said the system that was created after a deadly 2008 collision in California isn’t designed to stop trains in these circumstances. The eastbound train that smashed into a stopped train had passed a restricted speed signal. But without a stop signal, the braking system wouldn’t have been triggered.