Latest news with #CommonwealthofPennsylvania
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Pennsylvanians will need a Real ID by Wednesday; here's how to get a Real ID today
Pennsylvanians have two days to get a Real ID before the deadline, and here's what you need to know and do. According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Department of Homeland Security, the deadline to obtain a Real ID in Pennsylvania is Wednesday, May 7. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is hosting a series of Real ID Days at dozens of drivers license centers across the state to educate people and guide them through the Real ID process. There is a Real ID Day today, Monday, May 5. You will need to produce several other pieces of identification, including proof of citizenship, proof of residency and valid Social Security Number when applying for a Real ID. Pennsylvanians can also obtain Real ID pre-verification online. The next Real ID Day in Pennsylvania is Monday, May 12. It is possible for you to obtain a Real ID after the May 7 deadline. You can apply for a Real ID at anytime. Enforcement of the Real ID requirement is what begins on Wednesday. Obtaining a Real ID is generally optional, but you will need a Real ID for most circumstances that require identification, particularly those flying without a passport. Unsure if you need a Real ID in Pennsylvania? You can access the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's online Real ID questionnaire to find out if Real ID is right for you. After Wednesday, May 7, a Real ID or another form of federally acceptable identification, such as a valid passport or military ID, will be required to: Board domestic commercial flights Enter a military base Enter certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable form of ID A passport would still be necessary for international travel. Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Midweek deadline to get a Real ID in Pennsylvania here's how to get it
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Bill proposes changing Pennsylvania state fossil
(WHTM)– A Pennsylvania lawmaker says she will soon propose a bill that would change Pennsylvania's state fossil. The Pennsylvania State fossil is currently a type of trilobite called Phacops rana. Phacops rana is a marine arthropod from the Paleozoic era. According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, these can be found in rocks in central Pennsylvania that are 541 to 359 million years old. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The legislation, which will soon be introduced by state Representative Stephanie Borowicz (R-76), would change the state fossil to the Hynerpeton bassetti. What makes the Hynerpeton bassetti so unique is that it is only found in Pennsylvania. The current state fossil can be found in 46 other states, five of which have also named it their state fossil, according to the memo. The memo said that Paleontologists Dr. Edward Daeschler and Neil Shubin uncovered the fossilized remains of Hynerpeton bassetti at Red Hill in Hyner, Pennsylvania, in 1993. The extinct four-legged vertebrate lived in the rivers and wetlands of Pennsylvania around 365 to 363 million years ago. The memo said that the students from Bucktail High School's Ecology Club are leading the effort to make the Hynerpeton bassetti the state fossil. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Norwood recognized by governor for planning efforts
It's said that failing to plan is planning to fail, but in Crawford County that won't happen on Zachary Norwood's watch. This month, the planning director's work has paid off as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognized Norwood as a recipient of the 2025 Governor's Award for Local Government Excellence. Norwood was one of 19 officials in local government to receive the honor, which recognizes officials for their dedication to improving public services through innovative initiatives. The award is presented annually during Local Government Week and recognizes people focused on community partnerships, fiscal accountability, and sound land use. Norwood, who moved to Crawford County and joined the planning department 10 years ago, took the seat of director eight years ago. Under his leadership, the planning office has undertaken various initiatives, including adopting the Crawford Inspired comprehensive plan and investing in physical amenities. Norwood's work has supported investments like millions in funding for local parks and trails, the county's ongoing housing rehabilitation program, and attraction of private sector investment — such as Evans Square, Adams Place and the proposed redevelopment of the blighted nursing home in Cambridge Springs. A decade ago, when Norwood first joined, the planning office had adopted a comprehensive plan and had numerous outstanding grant funds that needed to be administered for various projects and programs. 'I took on the role of starting the implementation of the comprehensive plan but also management and oversight of various grant programs,' he said. He focused on initiatives like the Community Development Block Grant program and the county's Act 13 program. Over the past decade, he has expanded the list to include other federal and state resources for investment. A key component for Norwood has been community engagement and communication. 'One of the most predominant ways we engage and secure public voices is through the comprehensive planning process,' he said. The comprehensive plan is like a road map that the county produces every 10 years and guides the county's decision-making. They do surveys, hold meetings, send out direct mailings and engage residents online. 'Every policy we put out, every grant we go after, every project or initiative we're investing in is intended to further the vision and further the priorities of our citizens that have been expressed in that planning process,' Norwood expressed. He has also collaborated with various entities like Allegheny College, Crawford County and Crawford Tech, which have all partnered on a federal application for workforce development. The commission is made of volunteer citizen planners and professional staff who aim to use solution-oriented services to grow the local economy, enhance quality of life and preserve the natural environment. It's that whole team that Norwood said deserves recognition. 'While this is a recognition for myself because I was the named individual, nobody gets to where they are by themselves,' he said. 'I am fortunate enough to have an outstanding staff with a number of extraordinary professionals and a thoroughly engaged planning commission. … And a board of commissioners who have supported us the entire way through and have bought into the vision of Crawford Inspired.' In addition to his role in Crawford County, Norwood serves as the chair of the Northwest Section of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association, chair of the Northwest Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, and a member of the statewide County Planning Directors Association of Pennsylvania. County Commissioner Chris Seeley applauded Norwood's achievement in a recent news release, saying, 'Zach has been a driving force behind Crawford County's ability to think long-term, work collaboratively, and deliver on a shared vision for the future. His leadership, professionalism and deep commitment to community engagement have elevated the work of our Planning agency and made a real difference across our county. This recognition is incredibly well-deserved.'
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
Live in Pennsylvania? You have only days to get a Real ID before the federal deadline
Pennsylvanians only have a few days left to obtain a Real ID before the deadline in early May. Here's what you need to know and do. The Department of Homeland Security notes on its website the deadline to obtain a Real ID is Wednesday, May 7. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation hosted a series of "Real ID Days" at dozens of drivers license centers across the state to educate people and guide them through the Real ID process. The next Real ID Day in Pennsylvania is Monday, May 5. You will need to produce several other pieces of identification, including proof of citizenship, proof of residency and valid Social Security Number when applying for a Real ID. Pennsylvanians can also obtain Real ID pre-verification online. It is possible for you to obtain a Real ID after the May 7 deadline. "Although a REAL ID or other TSA-acceptable form of ID will be needed to fly domestically beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians can apply for a REAL ID at any time – before, on or after the enforcement date – depending on their situation," read the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Real ID notice. "Real ID products are a permanent part of PennDOT's services. If you're not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, our Real ID online wizard may be able to help." Obtaining a Real ID is generally optional, but you will need a Real ID for most circumstances that require identification, particularly those flying without a passport. After May 7, a Real ID or another form of federally acceptable identification, such as a valid passport or military ID, will be required to: Board domestic commercial flights Enter a military base Enter certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable form of ID A passport would still be necessary for international travel. Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Live in Philadelphia? You have only a few days left to get a Real ID
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Josh Shapiro's Firebombed House Revealed in New Inside Pics
New photos have been released capturing the horrific aftermath of a suspected arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's home. In a social media post Sunday, the Democratic governor announced that he and his family were woken up in their home at 2 a.m. by police alerting them that a fire had been set ablaze to the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Shapiro and his family were able to evacuate safely and the fire was successfully extinguished. A 38-year-old suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, has been taken into custody, officials announced in a news conference Sunday afternoon. Balmer is expected to be charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person. Photos published by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's website show the stark damage done to the property which was left destroyed and ashen following the incident. Shapiro said Sunday that the fire was lit in a room where he and his friends and family celebrated Passover Seder the night prior. The newly released photos show the charred remains of the family's celebrations just hours earlier. Pennsylvania State Police said in a statement Sunday morning that the fire had left a 'significant amount of damage' to part of the residence. They also added that it was 'an act of arson.' Authorities allege that Balmer hopped over a fence to forcibly enter the residence. They further claimed that he had homemade incendiary devices, with police deputy commissioner George Bivens saying that the attack seemed to have been meticulously planned. 'If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night, hear me on this: We celebrated our faith last night, proudly and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover,' Shapiro said in a news conference Sunday. 'Again, proudly, no one will deter me or my family, or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly and proudly.' 'This type of violence is not OK,' he continued. 'This kind of violence has become far too common in our society. And I don't give a damn if it's coming from one side or the other … It is not OK and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.'
