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Washington Post
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
House Republicans eye restrictions on D.C. traffic safety, abortion and more
House Republicans on Monday advanced a hulking effort to overwrite a swath of D.C. laws and restrict local spending, touching facets of city life from health care to public safety in a move that frustrated local leaders who have few options to stave off federal intervention. The federal spending bill would ban the city from enforcing traffic laws with automated cameras, cutting off a key source of revenue as D.C. is grappling with the Trump administration's sweeping cuts to the federal workforce and continues to struggle with traffic deaths and serious injuries. It would also prevent the city from funding its major police accountability legislation and prohibit enforcement of a local law protecting employees from discrimination based on their reproductive choices. 'In my long career representing D.C. residents in Congress, I have rarely seen a bill as unreasonable and patronizing to the more than 700,000 people who live in the nation's capital as this one,' Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District's nonvoting delegate in the House, said in a statement. The bill, facing a long path through Congress, arrives on the heels of President Donald Trump again publicly musing about taking over the city. He has repeatedly derided the nation's capital — which overwhelmingly voted against him three times — as dangerous, filthy and ruined by liberal policies. The House Financial Services and General Government subcommittee considered the bill Monday evening. The bill extends a pair of long-standing budgetary restrictions — known as riders — that D.C. leaders have for years tried to remove. One restricts the city from using local funds to subsidize abortions for low-income residents. Another restricts D.C. from setting up a recreational marijuana market. It also adds a slew of additional funding blockages. Among them is a provision prohibiting D.C. from using local funds to carry out automated traffic enforcement and from stopping motorists from making right turns on red. When asked about the pair of provisions at a news conference earlier Monday, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) said: 'Obviously, they're local issues. How you operate the street is a local issue.' Still, the mayor was hopeful that her administration's lobbying could prevent it. 'We were able to beat it back before and I'll have my teams doing a full-court press on it,' she said, adding the provisions would take the 'untenable' step of unbalancing the local budget. According to Bowser's office, the traffic enforcement rider would blow a $180 million hole in the fiscal 2026 budget, which D.C. government federal affairs officials said was deeply concerning. 'It causes a budget crisis when we don't need one,' said council member Christina Henderson (I-At Large). If enacted, the legislation would also prohibit D.C. from spending local funds to enforce vehicle emission standards. It includes a provision that would prevent the District from allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections and would repeal the Death With Dignity Act, a 2016 measure permitting physicians to help terminally ill patients die. And it allows people with a concealed carry permit from any state or territory to carry a concealed weapon in D.C. and on public transportation. Republicans have proposed many of these riders before, although some were new — including one to restrict funding to implement a bill imposing new requirements on health care insurers involving vasectomies or gender-affirming care; and another that would restrict enforcement of a consumer protection law against oil and gas companies. 'This proposed budget is a billboard for D.C. statehood,' said Ankit Jain, a shadow senator for D.C., lambasting members of Congress for 'this level of micromanagement of D.C. municipal affairs.' He added: 'Don't they have better things to do?' The District has a larger population than Vermont and Wyoming but has no voting representation on the floor in Congress, which the Constitution gives authority over D.C.'s laws and budget. The city won limited self-government when Congress passed the Home Rule Act in 1973, giving D.C. residents the power to elect their own mayor and city council. Another rider would prohibit enforcement of a D.C. law protecting employees from discrimination based on their reproductive health care choices. Two years ago, eight Republicans raised concerns about the provision, a large enough bloc to threaten the entire financial services appropriations bill. Their pushback surprised D.C. officials not used to seeing Republicans defend the deep-blue city. The legislation will next go before the House Appropriations Committee and must pass both the House and a filibuster in the Senate, which requires some Democratic support. Among the barrage of restrictive measures, 'there are a number of victories for residents of the nation's capital,' Norton said in a Sunday statement. Under the bill, the DC Tuition Assistance Grant, which helps pay the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition for D.C. residents, the yearly cap increases $10,000 to $15,000. The lifetime award cap would increase from $50,000 to $75,000. The bill would maintain the provision to exempt the D.C. government from a federal government shutdown in fiscal 2026 and would approve D.C. to spend under its next fiscal local budget. The bill also includes $70 million for the Emergency Planning and Security Fund to help cover the cost of local support for activities associated with the federal government — a perennial issue for D.C., which routinely spends more money than Congress appropriates to manage national events and demonstrations. That is more than double the $30 million Trump proposed in his budget request, leaving D.C. government federal affairs officials breathing a sigh of relief and thankful to the committee for the bump. Meanwhile, Trump has threatened to derail the plan to build a new stadium for the Washington Commanders unless the team changes its name. While campaigning, Trump singled out the nation's capital, pledging to 'rebuild our cities, including Washington, D.C., making them safe, clean and beautiful again.' Earlier this month, he again mused about a federal takeover of the city — a move he could execute with the help of a GOP-led Congress. He told reporters: 'We could run D.C.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Is driving slow in left lane illegal in South Carolina? What to know about Move Right Law
Drivers in South Carolina tend to use the left lane to coast down the highway, passing cars that aren't in a rush to reach their destination. It can be especially frustrating when a slowpoke driver moves in front of you, the arrival time on the GPS increasing minute by minute. However, what most Palmetto State drivers fail to recognize is that the left lane is not intended just for putting your pedal to the metal. If you are not using the left lane to pass another vehicle, expect to receive a fine, according to S.C.'s Move Right Law. What is the Move Right Law? The Move Right Law requires drivers only to use the "far left-hand lane on controlled-access highways when overtaking and passing another vehicle," per South Carolina's Department of Public Safety. Controlled-access highways include common interstate highways and S.C.'s highways SC-22, SC-31, and SC-277. When did the Move Right Law go into effect? The Move Right Law took effect on August 15, 2021. Warning tickets were issued within the first 90 days the law took effect. Is driving in the left lane a criminal offense? Although driving in the left lane is not categorized as a criminal offense within the state, it is still a civil law violation. Breaking it may result in a fine of $25. Court costs will not be assessed in addition to the fine, and a violator will not be arrested for the offense. Even so, residents should adhere to this law regardless of safety reasons. When can I drive in the left lane? S.C. state law outlines the following exceptions for driving in the left lane: When no other vehicle is directly behind the car in the left lane. When traffic conditions and congestion make it impractical to drive in the right lane. When snow and other inclement weather conditions make it safer to drive in the left lane. When obstructions or hazards exist in the right lane. When, due to highway design, a vehicle must be driven in the left lane while preparing to exit. To law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles engaged in official duties, as well as vehicles involved in highway maintenance and construction operations. When a driver of a tractor-trailer commercial motor vehicle combination is unable to move into the right lane safely due to another vehicle overtaking or passing his truck to the right. When a driver of a vehicle requiring a commercial motor vehicle license to operate is unable to move into the right lane safely due to a highway grade or another vehicle overtaking or passing his vehicle on the right. Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@ This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Is it illegal to drive slow in the left lane in South Carolina? Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Virginia State Police Add New Ford Mustang Pursuit Vehicles to the Fleet
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Virginia State Police troopers took delivery of their new S650 Ford Mustang GT pursuit vehicles this week, the agency shared in a video on social media on Monday. The state of Virginia is already one of the strictest states in the country when it comes to speeding and reckless driving. Now, thanks to its newest fleet of 480-horsepower Mustang GTs, the state is about to make things even more difficult for those who violate traffic laws. VSP announced earlier in the year that they would be bringing the American pony car to the fleet. In March, they debuted the Mustang GT in VSP livery at an event at the Martinsville Speedway. And now these 155-mph muscle cars are in the hands of troopers across the state. The VSP Mustang is not only fast and powerful, but it looks pretty good too. The silver and blue livery adds some shark-like flair. For what it's worth, VSP recently took ninth place in the American Association of State Troopers' contest for the best-looking police cruiser. Of course, you might not think it looks so great if you see one of these in your rearview with its emergency lights on. The Mustang is not new to police work. State police agencies have been using Mustangs for over 40 years. And Virginia is not the only state to adopt the new S650 generation for police duty. North Carolina, South Carolina, and Kentucky are among the other states that use the newest Mustang as part of their fleets. VSP didn't release specific details about the options on their new Mustangs. They appear to be wearing the 19-inch Carbonized Gray aluminum wheels and the Brembo brakes from the GT Performance Package. However, the VSP Mustang does not have the raised rear wing that is also included in the package. However, what is clear is that these cars are equipped with the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
Chicago suburb cracks down on 'dangerous' e-bike riders
The Brief Elk Grove Village officials issued a warning after more than 15 minors on e-bikes and dirt bikes rode dangerously through town, ignoring traffic laws and fleeing from police. The incident happened shortly after the village enacted a new ordinance requiring e-bike riders to have a valid driver's license and stay on roads under 35 mph. Violators could face fines of up to $200 as police continue to monitor and enforce the new rules. ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. - Elk Grove Village officials are speaking out after a group of young people riding e-bikes and dirt bikes created a "dangerous situation" in the suburb. The suburb, on July 1, implemented a new ordinance aimed at addressing the misuse of e-bikes in the village—and now, they are cracking down. What we know As e-bikes surge in popularity, several suburbs are hitting the brakes. Police said more than a dozen minors rode e-bikes through the village on Monday, running red lights, weaving through traffic and breaking several laws. Officials shared surveillance images from the incident, which unfolded outside of Village Hall. "About 20, what we call mini dirt bikes, were going down Biesterfield Road, went through the light and everything," said Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson. According to police, the riders fled from officers when they tried to stop them. "Every town's had enough of it. They're fed up. And the bottom line is this — it's all about safety," Johnson said. "Someone's going to get killed. We don't want that to happen in Elk Grove." The warning comes days after a new ordinance was implemented that requires all e-bike riders to provide a valid driver's license when riding on village streets. They must also obey the rules of the road and stay on streets with speed limits below 35 mph. E-bikes are not permitted on public sidewalks, but electric scooters are — as long as riders follow proper safety rules. To utilize an electric scooter on the roads in Elk Grove Village, a driver's license is required. Riders who violate the rules could be subject to fines between $50 and $200. Five of the minors from this week's incident were identified and ticketed, Johnson said. One of them, he added, drove several miles to get there. "Unlicensed all the way from Hanover Park into Elk Grove, so these are not just little harmless things, these are full-sized, operating machines that should be licensed by the state and controlled by people that know how to use them, i.e., a driver's license," Johnson said. Johnson adds that juveniles who are caught violating the ordinance will be held with police until they are picked up by a parent or guardian. What they're saying Many community members, including Amy Tripp, are welcoming the new limits. "There needs to be some safety and regulation on that," Tripp said. Tripp said she's seen juveniles operating motorized vehicles at high speeds; one, she says, almost knocked over her friend's daughter near a local park. "And [the riders] are not looking out because they are thinking they are pedestrians, but then the people driving are having to worry about these quick and fast. It's an accident waiting to happen," Tripp said. What you can do Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, and Schaumburg are just some of the suburbs that have passed similar ordinances. For more information on e-bike restrictions in Elk Grove Village, click HERE. The Source The information in this report came from the Elk Grove Police Department.
CTV News
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Photo radar cameras activated in Orillia: Here's what you need to know
Motorists in Orillia will need to pump the brakes with two new automated speed cameras in action this week. A memo on Wednesday from the City says photo radar cameras stationed at Park Street and Fittons Road West will be operational 24/7 starting this week, with reduced speed limits of 40 kilometres per hour through those areas. The new Community Safety Zones with 40km/h speed limits were introduced in April, and include Fittons Road West, Park Street, and Westmount Drive South, which were identified as priority locations based on speed and safety following a data-driven review conducted by city staff. Fines are increased for traffic violations in Community Safety Zones. 'Do the limit. Don't get a ticket,' the City stated. Signage warning motorists about the coming cameras had been in place for the required 90 days before activation. Motorists will now notice replacement signs reading 'Speed Camera in Use.' Tickets are issued if a speed camera captures a vehicle exceeding the posted limit. The photo is then reviewed by a Provincial Offences Officer, and a ticket is sent, along with the image, to the registered plate owner, which must be paid or disputed within 30 days. The penalty is a fine, no demerit points are applied. The Westmount Drive South automated speed camera is not active at this time. The City didn't provide a timeline for when it would be operational. Related Articles
