The MBTA reports a significant recovery in ridership, nearing pre-pandemic levels, with ongoing infrastructure repairs and safety improvements, and is preparing for major events in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup, while updating service policies to enhance accessibility and staffing.
A federal judge approved the DOJ's request to dismiss the criminal case against Boeing, citing concerns over the company's non-prosecution agreement which lacks independent monitoring and accountability, despite Boeing's commitment to safety and compliance efforts following the 737 MAX crashes.
The Lake County Board approved a 149-home subdivision called Lakeshore Preserve in Clermont, which includes safety enhancements like roundabouts to address high crash rates and fatalities on Lakeshore Drive, aiming to improve traffic safety and preserve open space, with construction contingent on completing the new roundabouts.
Family members of the victims killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Renton emotionally spoke about their lost loved ones, urging prayers for the 18-year-old driver responsible and calling for safety improvements at the intersection where the tragedy occurred. The crash resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries, prompting calls for action from local government officials. Concerns about road safety and the need for changes were raised by the community, as the incident adds to the rising trend of traffic fatalities in Washington state.
Three University of Wyoming swimmers were killed and two others injured in a highway crash in Colorado when their SUV veered off the road and rolled over. The crash marks at least 15 students from the university killed in recent years on the perilous highway. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, with factors such as speeding, impairment, and distractions not being ruled out. This tragic incident has once again highlighted the need for safety improvements on the highway, which has seen a high number of crashes in recent years.
The California Public Utilities Commission has unanimously approved PG&E's request to increase its rates, with the majority of the funding going towards safety improvements such as underground power lines to reduce the risk of wildfires. Many PG&E customers are unhappy with the increase, citing the additional financial burden. The average electric bill for a non-CARE residential customer on the Central Coast will increase by $22 next year, with additional increases in subsequent years. Despite the frustration, some customers understand the need for the rate increase to fund necessary improvements. The rate increase will take effect on January 1.
NASCAR driver Ryan Preece has been discharged from the hospital after a terrifying crash at Daytona International Speedway. Preece's car rolled multiple times during the incident, but he was able to climb out with assistance and was later transported to Halifax Health Medical Center for observation. Preece, who is part of Stewart-Haas Racing, has been cleared by doctors and is on his way back home. The incident highlights the safety improvements made in NASCAR, particularly with the introduction of the Next Gen car, which has significantly reduced the number of missed races and reported concussions.
Tameka Foster, the ex-wife of R&B singer Usher, is calling for the draining of Lake Lanier, Georgia's largest lake, where her son was fatally injured in a boating accident 11 years ago. Foster has collected over 2,500 signatures for her online petition, advocating for safety improvements and the removal of hazardous debris. Lake Lanier serves as a recreational area for boaters and anglers, but also provides drinking water for approximately 5 million people and generates hydroelectric power. The lake has seen numerous boat collisions and drowning deaths over the years.
The Sumner Tunnel in Boston will be closed for eight weeks this summer for maintenance work, causing severe traffic congestion. The tunnel will be closed every day from July 5 to Aug. 31, and a second similar closure is planned for next summer. The public is being encouraged to use MBTA services whenever possible to avoid the congestion. The project will bring numerous safety and environmental changes to the 88-year-old tunnel, including adding fire-proof concrete panels to the interior.