(Gibsonia, PA) – Pennsylvania State Police have reported via release that on June 29th, 2021, at approximately 1:05 a.m. a Mr. Eric Carrol, a 25 year old man from Greensburg, PA, was traveling westbound on I-76 in a White 1998 Toyota Camry, when he passed the Pittsburgh Interchange, he performed a U-turn. As he was traveling eastbound on the shoulder, Mr. Carrol wrecked into a Speed Limit Advisory Trailer. During the impact, the front bumper struck the trailer. When he hit the trailer, the airbags deployed, making the vehicle disabled. After further investigation, Mr. Carrol exhibited signs of being under the influence of alcohol. He was then transported to Allegheny Health Network Harmar for a chemical test. No injuries were on Mr. Carrol and charges pending lab results.

Story by Beaver County Radio Correspondent, Sandy Giordano

(Hopewell Township, PA) – Hopewell Township Commissioners on Monday night approved a motion to apply for a Multimodal Transportation Fund grant for $226,463 for culvert replacement at the community park.

More Than 47 Million Americans to Travel This Independence Day Weekend
Travel expected to increase 40% compared to last July 4, reaching the second-highest travel volume on record

More than 47.7 million Americans will take to the nation’s roadways and skies this Independence Day (July 1–5), as travel volumes are expected to nearly fully recover to pre-pandemic levels. In fact, this will be the second-highest Independence Day travel volume on record, trailing only 2019. Overall, just 2.5% fewer Americans are expected to travel this year compared to Independence Day in 2019. This represents an increase of nearly 40% compared to last year, when total travel fell to 34.2 million.

While all modes of travel will see increased demand this Independence Day, road trips continue to dominate this summer. Despite the highest gas prices in seven years, more than 91% of holiday travel will be by car. An expected 43.6 million Americans will drive to their destinations, the highest on record for this holiday and 5% more than the previous record set in 2019. With 3.5 million people planning to fly, air travel volumes this Independence Day will reach 90% of pre-pandemic levels, and increase 164% compared to last year.

“There was a major uptick in travel for Memorial Day and it appears Independence Day will continue the trend,” said Bevi Powell, senior vice president, AAA East Central. “Americans are ready to catch up on those missed opportunities with their friends and families from last year, especially to sunny destinations likes beaches and lakes.”

Another 620,000 Americans are expected to travel by other modes this Independence Day, an increase of over 72% compared to last year, but 83% lower than in 2019. This includes travel by bus and train, and the return of cruising as early as late June. For anyone making the personal decision to travel, AAA reminds them that a travel advisor can help with what you can expect on your trip and travel insurance options to help protect your health and travel investment before and during your vacation.

Mid-Atlantic Region Independence Day Forecast Highlights
*Region includes New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

*AAA did not issue an Independence Day holiday travel forecast in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, actual travel volumes were recorded after the holiday for comparison purposes this year.

Top Destinations & Resources to Plan Your Trip
AAA Travel booking data also indicate a strong travel recovery for summer. Nationally, theme parks in Orlando and southern California, as well destinations including Denver, Las Vegas and Seattle are topping the list of Independence Day destinations this year.

Top Independence Day Travel Destinations:

1. Orlando, FL
2. Anaheim, CA
3. Denver, CO
4. Las Vegas, NV
5. Seattle, WA
6. Chicago, IL
7. New York, NY
8. Atlanta, GA
9. Boston, MA
10. Kahului, Maui, HI

*Based on National AAA Travel advance air and tour bookings, July 1–5, 2021

When planning a trip, refer to the new AAA Digital TourBook guides, now available for destinations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean at TourBook.AAA.com. Available on smartphone, tablet or desktop, the new interactive guides feature detailed destination information, must-see attractions, sample itineraries and more.

To meet the needs of today’s travelers, AAA is enhancing its Diamond inspections. Hotels that meet AAA’s standards for cleanliness, condition and new surface cleanliness testing will now be recognized as Inspected Clean and then assigned a Diamond designation. AAA inspectors will start conducting testing to identify Inspected Clean properties later this month. In the meantime, travelers can look for AAA’s Best of Housekeeping badge for peace of mind. Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions they are taking to protect guests.

Long Delays Expected for Drivers
INRIX, in collaboration with AAA, predicts drivers will experience the worst congestion heading into the holiday weekend as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers, along with the return trip on Monday mid-day. Major metro areas across the U.S. could see nearly double the delays verses typical drive times, with drivers in Boston and San Francisco likely to experience nearly three-times the delays.

Daily Worst and Best Times to Travel

Travelers: Prepare for Higher Prices
While AAA found average airfares have declined 2% across the country compared to last Independence Day, travelers can expect to find higher prices for hotels and car rentals as demand climbs. Mid-range hotel rates have increased between 32% and 35%, with average nightly rates ranging between $156 and $398 for AAA Two Diamond and AAA Three Diamond hotels, respectively.

Daily car rental rates have increased 86% compared to last Independence Day, topping out at $166. Consumers have experienced high costs and limited availability of rental cars in some markets, due to the chip shortage impacting auto manufacturers. This production delay has presented a domino effect as rental car companies work to increase their inventory of new vehicles in time to meet the increased demand for domestic road travel.

The 43.6 million Americans expected to travel by car this Independence Day can expect gas prices to be the most expensive since 2014 with the national average likely to remain above $3 per gallon. AAA members can save on gas by joining the Fuel Rewards at Shell program. Save 30 cents per gallon on your first fill-up at Shell when you join between July 1 and August 31, 2021. Join now at AAA.com/Shell.

More Tips for Travelers
While many aspects of daily life start to return closer to a pre-pandemic normal, AAA cautions that the travel landscape has changed. Remember to exercise caution while traveling, and consider working with a travel advisor to plan your trip. They can help if you need to make any last-minute changes to travel plans, explore travel insurance options and help you plan a vacation that meets your needs and comfort-level this summer.

Although the CDC advises that fully vaccinated people can travel domestically at low risk to themselves, it’s important to keep in mind that some local and state travel restrictions may still remain in place. Travelers can refer to AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map and TripTik.AAA.com for the latest information to help plan their trip.

Make Sure Your Car is Road Trip-Ready
Before hitting the road, AAA reminds motorists to plan their route in advance and ensure their vehicle is ready, to help avoid a breakdown along the way. AAA expects to rescue more than 460,000 Americans across the country at the roadside this Independence Day weekend.

AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP), and members can track the service technician’s progress en route to their vehicle. Also, don’t leave home without an emergency roadside kit and continue to pack extra snacks or meals as well as cleaning supplies, including disinfecting wipes.

Regardless of how you plan to get to your destination, AAA advises travelers to seek the advice of a knowledgeable travel advisor to help plan their trips this Independence Day. To get started and to learn more, visit AAA.com/Travel.

Methodology: AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Markit. For the purposes of this forecast, the Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, July 1 through Monday, July 5. When the Fourth of July falls on any day of the week other than a Wednesday, it is considered to be a five-day holiday period. The travel forecast was prepared the week of June 1, 2021.

In cooperation with AAA, IHS Markit developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes, using macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including prices of gasoline, airline travel and hotel stays. For the 2021 Independence Day holiday travel forecast, IHS Markit also examined changes in the IHS Markit containment index regarding COVID‑19–related restrictions and activity.

About INRIX: INRIX is the global leader in connected car services and transportation analytics. Leveraging big data and the cloud, INRIX delivers comprehensive services and solutions to help move people, cities and businesses forward. INRIX’s partners are automakers, governments, mobile operators, developers, advertisers, as well as enterprises large and small.

About IHS Markit: IHS Markit (NYSE: INFO) is a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. The company delivers next-generation information, analytics and solutions to customers in business, finance and government, improving their operational efficiency and providing deep insights that lead to well-informed, confident decisions. IHS Markit has more than 50,000 business and government customers, including 80 percent of the Fortune Global 500 and the world’s leading financial institutions. Headquartered in London, IHS Markit is committed to sustainable, profitable growth.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 73 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.  News releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Harrisburg, PA –The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, July 3, through Monday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.     Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.

A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2021 is available online.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Idlewild & SoakZone to exclusively host Pittsburgh parks’ fireworks display in 2021

Kennywood, Sandcastle, and Idlewild and SoakZone – Pittsburgh’s Premier Destinations for Family Entertainment – will offer free admission to military service members over the Independence Day holiday weekend. The parks will feature extended hours, extra entertainment, and a special fireworks display in the Laurel Highlands.

All three Pittsburgh parks will honor active duty and retired military members and veterans with free admission when they visit July 2 – 5 for the extended holiday weekend. Service members must have received an honorable discharge and have a valid ID, and will also be able to purchase up to three discounted tickets for family and friends for $20 each. Non-military guests will find discount ticket opportunities as well.

“As we approach the July 4 holiday, honoring our military members is one of the most important things we can do,” says Mark Pauls, Kennywood/Sandcastle General Manager. “We’re proud to offer military members and their families a chance to come to our parks and enjoy a day of family fun!”

This weekend, all three parks celebrate America in their own, unique way. At Kennywood, Pittsburgh’s Destination for Family Fun and Entertainment, attendees can expect musical performances throughout the weekend, with the always-popular Wiener 100 dachshund races scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday. Plus, the region’s wildest rides, from Steel Curtain, 2019’s Best New Roller Coaster, to the century old classic Jack Rabbit and many other family favorites. Beginning on July 4, Kennywood will add an hour of fun to Sunday through Thursday operations, closing at 8 p.m. The park is open until 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

At Sandcastle, Pittsburgh’s Hometown Waterpark, guests will get extra time to unwind and the return of Pittsburgh’s most relaxing ride: The Lazy River. After extensive repairs due to offseason flooding of the Monongahela River, The Lazy River reopened June 29, just in time for a Sandcastle schedule expansion! From July 2 – 5, Pittsburgh’s Hometown Waterpark will be open from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Then beginning July 9, Sandcastle will extend operating hours on Fridays to 6 p.m.

The grand finale this year will be at Idlewild & SoakZone, the Best Kids’ Park in the World, exclusively hosting the Pittsburgh parks’ fireworks celebration in 2021. Idlewild’s rides and attractions will remain open until 9:00 p.m. for bonus riding on Sunday, July 4, with the fireworks spectacular scheduled for 9:30, weather permitting.

“We are thrilled to host this year’s fireworks show,” says Brandon Leonatti, Idlewild & SoakZone General Manager. “Following a challenging 2020, we can’t wait to welcome Guests for a truly memorable Independence Day at Idlewild!”

For tickets, a complete activities schedule, and more information, visit each park’s website: Kennywood, Sandcastle, and Idlewild.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is leaving a pandemic-inspired nationwide ban on evictions in place, over the votes of four objecting conservative justices. The court on Tuesday rejected a plea by landlords to end the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moratorium on evicting millions of tenants who aren’t paying rent during the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, the Biden administration extended the moratorium by a month, until the end of July. It said then it did not expect another extension. U.S. Judge Dabney Friedrich in Washington had struck down the moratorium as exceeding the CDC’s authority, but put her ruling on hold.

(AMBRIDGE, Pa.) Fire and EMS companies in the 16^th Legislative District were awarded $197,903 in grant funding to address a wide range of needs, from equipment, building repairs and training to replenishing pandemic-related expenses, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.

Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said 15 fire and EMS companies are receiving grants from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner at a critical time.
“The pandemic made working on the frontlines even more difficult than usual, as departments faced shortages while battling new risks and logistical problems,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding should ease a bit of the burden on our tireless first responders by ensuring they have the resources they need to stay safe.”

Matzie said the following grants were awarded:

Ambridge Borough Fire Department – Fire Company, $12,233.

Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $12,411.

Baden Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $15,000.

City of Aliquippa – Fire Company, $13,302.

Conway Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $12,946.

Economy Volunteer Ambulance Service – EMS, $8,855

Economy Volunteer Firemens Association – Fire Company, $14,193.

Freedom Volunteer Fire Department — Fire Company, $11,520.

Harmony Township Volunteer Firemen Inc. – Fire Company, $14,015.

Hopewell Township Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $12,233.

Leetsdale Fire Department – Fire Company, $11,876.

Monaca No. 1 Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $11,340.
Monaca Volunteer Fire Department No. 4 – Fire Company, $12,411.

Quaker Valley Ambulance Authority – EMS, $8,993.
Rochester Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 – Fire Company, $26,585.

The grants were awarded under the OFC’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program and can be used for facility construction and renovation, purchase or repair of equipment, fuel purchases, member training and certification, public education, recruitment and retention, debt reduction, overtime costs associated with backfilling positions while firefighters are training, and supplementing pandemic-related expenses.

Additional information, including a link to the full list of awardees, is available here.

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) Giant Eagle announced that they are attempting to reduce their carbon dioxide output by 50% by 2030 and will seek to get to net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Giant Eagle says is planning on achieving those goals by:

1) Converting their fleet of 200 trucks to 100 percent alternative energy.

2) Infrastructure improvements that target carbon reduction and energy efficiency such as smart lighting solutions and greener HVAC systems.
3) Investments into green energy solutions including direct green power purchasing agreements and other renewable power investments.

4) Investments into negative emissions technologies which include carbon capture, soil sequestration and reforestation

This initiative will include electricity, refrigeration and fuel used in stores, offices and with related transit of goods, according to Giant Eagle. Giant Eagle also says it will focus on other sustain-ability efforts.

Keystone State News Connection

Emily Scott

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s Environmental Quality Board is expected to make its final ruling on whether the state will join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in July.

RGGI is a multistate cap-and-invest program to cut carbon emissions, and a new report from the Ohio River Valley Institute shows it has strong potential to support the communities hit hardest by closing coal plants.

The report said Pennsylvania could see $300 million annually from RGGI, a portion of which could support lost tax revenue and workforce development in area communities.

Joann Kilgour, executive director of the Ohio River Valley Institute, said RGGI is an opportunity for the Commonwealth to learn from past mistakes.

“Looking at RGGI as really an opportunity to provide some planning and use proceeds to usher in a more prosperous future in coal plant communities across the Commonwealth,” Kilgour explained. “Whereas, without a plan, market forces will continue to shutter coal plants and there will be no planned funding to cushion job losses and other economic impacts.”

Energy company GenOn announced earlier this month it plans to close the Cheswick coal-fired power plant in Allegheny County in September. That will leave only three conventional coal plants online in Pennsylvania without plans to retire or transition.

Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-West Chester, introduced the RGGI Investments Act in June.

She said it would broaden the areas in which the state can invest RGGI proceeds to include a proposed Energy Communities Trust Fund and an Environmental Justice Fund.

“The RGGI Investments Act is enabling legislation for these valuable RGGI proceeds to be directed to the communities and individuals who need it the most,” Comitta asserted.

Pennsylvania is the only state in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast region not yet a part of RGGI. If approved, it could join by early 2022.