Hits & Misses
MISS: The state Department of Transportation announced this week that it will begin issuing “REAL ID” driver’s licenses and personal identification cards that comply with federal rules. Pennsylvania was more than a decade late to the game, but finally moved forward with the federal rules last year. Without a REAL ID driver’s license in the next couple of years, people won’t be able to enter federal facilities or board a flight unless they show other identification, such as a passport or military card. In March, customers can begin requesting a REAL ID, but not without paying a price. The cards are $30, meaning anyone with a valid driver’s license now will have to pay extra if his or hers expires after REAL ID requirement go into effect in late 2020. PennDOT should consider waiving this fee for anyone who has a valid, albeit noncompliant license that expires after October 2020 when the new rule begins. It’s not their fault Pennsylvania dragged its feet on this federal requirement.
HIT: Pennsylvania is among the 19 states that sued last month to stop a Texas-based company from posting guidelines on how to make undetectable, untraceable plastic guns, and opponents scored another victory this past Monday when a U.S. judge in Seattle extended a temporary restraining order preventing the plans from going online. U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik explained that it is “the untraceable and undetectable nature of these small firearms that poses a unique danger.” The Trump administration resolved long-running litigation with the company earlier this summer, and the settlement would have allowed instructions for 3D-printable guns to be made available on the internet. This could have opened the door for anyone with a 3D printer to become a gun manufacturer. After the ruling, Washington Attorney Bob Ferguson said, “I’m glad we put a stop to this dangerous policy. But I have to ask a simple question: Why is the Trump administration working so hard to allow these untraceable, undetectable, 3D-printed guns to be available to domestic abusers, felons and terrorists?”
HIT: The print media industry has endured its share of well-publicized woes in recent years as readers and advertisers have flocked to the web, but it received some exceptionally good news Wednesday when the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) wiped out tariffs that had been placed on newsprint imported from Canada. The commission found that the imported groundwood paper coming from north of the border did not harm the paper industry in this country. The Commerce Department had halved the tariffs earlier this month, but even lower tariffs would have been a blow to many newspapers and print publications. According to David Chavern, president and CEO of the News Media Alliance, “The ITC’s decision will help preserve the vitality of local newspapers and prevent additional job losses in the printing and publishing sectors.”
HIT: At long last, it appears officials in South Strabane Township are ready to sign off on the city of Washington’s plan to create a second road into Washington Park, to be used only in case of emergencies. This is hardly a new idea. The second access point from Clare Drive in South Strabane was first suggested after a massive tire fire in 1997 that nearly stranded students at Washington Park Elementary School. Until now, largely because of opposition coming from South Strabane, the proposal went nowhere. But now it seems the two municipalities are hammering out the final details of an agreement for the road. It should have been done long ago, but at least it’s getting done.