Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Game-Changing Rail Freight Revamp Is Here—East Penn Railroad Leads the Charge – MyChesCo
HARRISBURG, PA — Rail freight in Pennsylvania is on the brink of transformation, with $55 million approved to fund 30 vital improvement projects. These initiatives promise to boost economic development, enhance freight mobility, and create or sustain 344 jobs across the state. Among the standout ventures, East Penn Railroad, LLC’s $455,000 project to rehabilitate eight bridges is poised to deliver significant benefits to Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and York Counties.
Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Freight Backbone
With 65 operating railroads spanning approximately 5,600 miles, Pennsylvania’s freight system is unmatched in its scale and importance. It is the backbone of the state’s economy, connecting local industries to national and global markets. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in collaboration with private rail operators and local businesses, has prioritized modernization through programs like the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP).
“Expanding and improving Pennsylvania’s rail freight network will support family-sustaining jobs and connect Pennsylvania communities to the global economy while bolstering local economic development,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These investments will create opportunities for generations of Pennsylvanians to come and will provide key mobility across the Commonwealth.”
Spotlight on East Penn Railroad
The East Penn Railroad project exemplifies the power of targeted infrastructure investment. The company will rehabilitate eight bridges across the Octoraro, Perkiomen, Lancaster Northern, and York branch lines—critical routes for businesses and industries in Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and York Counties. These bridges are essential for the safe and efficient transportation of goods, and their rehabilitation will ensure that local businesses have the reliable infrastructure they need to thrive.
The funding will address aging infrastructure that has long hampered performance and safety. Once complete, these improvements will facilitate smoother operations, reduced delays, and greater capacity for freight transport. For local communities, this means more robust economic growth driven by increased business activity and better connections to other markets.
Building a Better Freight Future
East Penn’s effort is just one of 30 projects approved for funding, each addressing specific challenges within Pennsylvania’s rail network.
Some of the other key projects include:
- CSX Transportation, Inc. ($13.1M) to rehabilitate the 25th Street Viaduct in Philadelphia, a crucial freight artery.
- Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway ($5.8M) to improve six bridges across Allegheny, Washington, Fayette, and Westmoreland Counties, ensuring long-term safety and reliability.
- NorthPoint Development, LLC ($3.8M) for Kinder Morgan terminal rail yard expansion in Bucks County, adding over 13,000 feet of new track to boost industrial capacity.
Each of these initiatives will address bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and position Pennsylvania as a leader in freight innovation.
Why It Matters
Improving freight infrastructure isn’t just a convenience—it’s an economic imperative. For businesses, reliable rail transport lowers costs, increases efficiency, and enhances competitiveness in global markets. For workers, these projects create good-paying jobs during construction and unlock new opportunities for long-term employment in logistics and adjacent industries.
East Penn Railroad’s project, in particular, underscores how smart infrastructure investment can ripple outward. By ensuring that critical bridges are safe and reliable, the company will help make Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and York Counties more competitive while bolstering the local economy.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits, these rail freight improvements also align with environmental goals. Rail transport is significantly more fuel-efficient than road freight, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. By expanding and modernizing Pennsylvania’s rail system, these projects signal a commitment to sustainable growth.
A Commitment to Progress
The Shapiro Administration and the General Assembly have demonstrated a shared commitment to infrastructure as a foundation for progress. Pennsylvania’s rail freight industry isn’t just about moving goods; it’s about creating a future where communities and businesses can flourish.
Pennsylvania’s bold leap forward on rail freight projects marks a turning point for the state. With East Penn Railroad paving the way, the Commonwealth is creating a more connected, competitive, and sustainable future for all.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.
Pennsylvania
Top Pennsylvania 2027 quarterback enrolls into Coatesville (Pa.)
One of the top 2027 Pennsylvania high school quarterbacks from the 2025 season has announced that he’s leaving for a new home.
Per an announcement by Class of 2027 signal caller Mikal Shank Jr., the quarterback has left Harrisburg (Pa.) and is now at Coatesville (Pa.) for his senior season. Shank Jr. last season started 14 games for the Cougars and is arguably one of the state’s top returning players behind center heading into the 2026 campaign.
Per a PennLive report, Shank’s mother said the enrollment to Coatesville was due to “employment relocation.”
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With Shank now leaving Harrisburg, the Cougars lose another piece of the starting offense from 2025 as the team is set to graduate running back Messiah Mickens (Virginia Tech enrollee), wide receiver Elias Coke (Rutgers enrollee) and interior offensive lineman Kevin Brown (West Virginia enrollee).
Shank last season through 14 games completed 191 of 280 passes for 2,505 yards and 24 touchdowns. The Cougars made a deep playoff run in the PIAA playoffs, finishing the season at 13-1 and ranked No. 10 according to the final Pennsylvania 2025 High School Football Massey Rankings.
Coatesville went 10-3 last season and finished as the state’s No. 30 ranked team, according to the final Pennsylvania 2025 High School Football Massey Rankings. The Red Raiders bring back 2027 5-Star Plus offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller to the trenches.
More about Coatesville High School
Coatesville Area High School (CASH) serves as the central high school for the Coatesville Area School District in Pennsylvania. Established in the late 1800s and relocated to its current campus in 1968, it features extensive facilities, including a football stadium and a vocational center. Known for its “Red Raiders” athletics teams, CASH provides students with a robust sports program and extracurricular activities that build school spirit and community engagement.
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How to Follow Pennsylvania High School Football
For Pennsylvania high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Keystone State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the Pennsylvania high school football excitement across the state.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania High School Wrestling Rankings Before 2026 PIAA States – FloWrestling
Is Pennsylvania the most wrestling-centric state in the country? Does the Keystone State have the most talent? Or even the top talent? Is it harder to win a state title there than anywhere else?
These all are terrific questions, and the answers may vary depending on who you ask and where they’re from, much like our nation’s great pizza debate, where the answers will vary by region.
What we do know for sure, is that Pennsylvania is well-represented in the 2025-2026 FloWrestling High School Wrestling Rankings, but with the 2026 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Boys & Girls Individual State Wrestling Championships on the horizon, where do the competitors rank amongst their peers?
If you follow high school wrestling, you’ve probably already heard many of the names, whether it was at past PIAA events, national tournaments, international competition, college recruiting news or signings, etc.
Now, here they are listed by weight class in FloWrestling’s latest Pennsylvania-only rankings.
Among the most recognizable are Bishop McCort senior Bo Bassett (152 pounds), his brother and teammate Melvin Miller (172 pounds) and Adam Waters (189 pounds) from rival school Faith Christian Academy.
As you get ready to see who takes home the titles at the 2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships, set for March 5-7 at GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, here’s a look at where everyone falls in the pecking order:
What Are The Weight Classes For High School Wrestling In Pennsylvania?
- Boys: 107, 114, 121, 127, 133, 139, 145, 152, 160, 172, 189, 215, 285
- Girls: 100, 106, 112, 118, 124, 130, 136, 142, 148, 155, 170, 190, 235
Pennsylvania High School Wrestling Rankings Before 2026 PIAA State Championships
As of Feb. 22, 2026
Boys
Girls
When Are The 2026 PIAA Boys & Girls Individual State Wrestling Championships?
The 2026 PIAA Boys & Girls Individual State Wrestling Championships will take place March 5-7, live on FloWrestling and the FloSports app.
The first girls wrestling champions in PIAA action were determined in 2024.
The road back to GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, began with regional competition across 12 sites (eight boys, four girls) in February (Feb. 20-21; Feb. 22; Feb. 27-28; Feb. 28)
Among the highlights at the 2025 event was Bassett winning his second individual PIAA state championship and helping Bishop McCort to a Class AA runner-up finish behind Faith Christian.
Read more: 2025 PIAA Wrestling State Championship Results And Brackets
How To Watch The 2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships
Live coverage of the 2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships on March 5-7 will be broadcast on FloWrestling and the FloSports app, with news, notes, stats and more available on both platforms.
Archives will be available immediately following the conclusion of each match.
If you’re going to be in the area and want to catch the action in person, click here for spectator and ticket information.
Read more: 2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships Schedule & Brackets
2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships Brackets
Here’s where you’ll be able to find the brackets for the 2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships:
2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships Schedule
Here’s a look at when everything is going down:
All Times Eastern
Wednesday, March 4
- 4-7 p.m. – Media registration
- 4-7 p.m. – School registration (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 4-7 p.m. – Qualifying wrestlers’ workout (AA/Girls/AAA) (six mats)
- 6 p.m. – Officials’ meeting
Thursday, March 5 (Session 1)
- 7:30 a.m. – Media registration
- 7:30 a.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AA)
- 7:30 a.m. – Late school registration (AA)
- 7:45 a.m. – Skin condition check (AA)
- 8 a.m. – Weigh-ins (AA)
- 9 a.m. – Preliminaries and first round (AA), six mats (52/104 matches)
- 12:30 p.m. – First-round consolations (AA), six mats
- 12:30 p.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (Girls)
- 12:30 p.m. – Late school registration (Girls)
- 12:45 p.m. – Skin condition check (Girls)
- 1 p.m. – Weigh-ins (Girls)
- 2 p.m. – First round (Girls), six mats (104 matches)
- 3 p.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AAA)
- 3 p.m. – Late school registration (AAA)
- 3:15 p.m. – Skin condition check (AAA)
- 3:30 p.m. – Weigh-ins (AAA)
- 3:30 p.m. – First-round consolations (Girls), six mats (52 matches)
- 4:30 p.m. – Preliminaries and first round (AAA), six mats (52/104 matches)
- 8 p.m. – First-round consolations (AAA), six mats (52 matches)
Friday, March 6 (Session 2/Session 3)
- 6:30 a.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AA)
- 6:45 a.m. – Skin condition check (AA)
- 7 a.m. – Weigh-ins (AA)
- 8 a.m. – Quarterfinals (AA), three mats (52 matches)
- 8 a.m. – Second-round consolations (AA), three mats (52 matches)
- 10:15 a.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (Girls)
- 10:30 a.m. – Third-round consolations (AA), three mats (52 matches)
- 10:30 a.m. – Skin condition check (Girls)
- 10:45 a.m. – Weigh-ins (Girls)
- 11:45 a.m. – Quarterfinals (Girls), six mats (52 matches)
- 12:45 p.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AAA)
- 1 p.m. – Skin condition check (AAA)
- 1:15 p.m. – Weigh-ins (AAA)
- 1:15 p.m. – Second-round consolations (Girls), six mats (52 matches)
- 2:15 p.m. – Quarterfinals (AAA), three mats (52 matches)
- 2:15 p.m. – Second-round consolations (AAA), three mats (52 matches)
- 4:45 p.m. – Third-round consolations (AAA), six mats (52 matches)
- 6:15 p.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 7 p.m. – Semifinals (AA/Girls/AAA), 2/2/2 mats (26/26/26 matches)
- 9 p.m. – Fourth-round consolations (AA/AAA), 2/2 mats (26/26 matches)
- 9 p.m. – Third-round consolations (Girls), two mats (26 matches)
Saturday, March 7 (Session 4/Session 5)
- 8 a.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 8:15 a.m. – Skin condition check (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 8:30 a.m. – Weigh-ins (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 8:45 a.m. – Skin condition check, finalists (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 9 a.m. – Weigh-in, finalists (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 9:30 a.m. – Fifth-round consolations (AA/AAA), 2/2 mats (26/26 matches)
- 9:30 a.m. – Fourth-round consolations (Girls), 2 mats (26 matches)
- 11:30 a.m. – Third-, fifth- and seventh-place matches (AA/Girls/AAA), 2/2/2 mats (39/39/39 matches)
- 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 3:40 p.m. – Parade of Champions (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 4 p.m. – Championship Finals (AA/Girls/AAA), 1/1/1 mats (13/13/13 matches)
When Was The 2026 PIAA Team Wrestling State Championships?
The 2026 PIAA Team Wrestling State Championships took place Feb. 6-7 at the 1st Summit Arena in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and included 20 teams that survived the preliminary and first round of the tournament, which was held Feb. 3 at host schools across the state.
The advancing teams made their way to Johnstown for two more days of intense competition, with the 1st Summit Arena hosting the quarterfinals through the championship matches.
In Pennsylvania this year, there were 475 schools participating in boys wrestling.
They were divided into two classifications – 228 schools in AA and 247 schools in AAA – which are further split into 12 districts. Class AA is for schools with 1-308 male enrollees, and Class AAA wrestling includes schools with 309-9999 male students.
Read more: 2026 PIAA Team Wrestling State Championships Schedule & Brackets
Did You Know: PIAA Wrestling Has A Long History
The first state wrestling championships in Keystone State happened in 1938, while the girls were added to the action in 2024. The PIAA Team Wrestling State Championships debuted in 1999.
There are 14 four-time individual state champions in Pennsylvania. Another 30 have won three times.
2025-2026 FloWrestling High School Wrestling Rankings
Top 20 as of Feb. 18, 2026
Curious about how the top wrestlers from each state stack up against competitors from across the country?
Click here to see the latest high school rankings from FloWrestling.
FULL DUAL: Bishop McCort vs. Faith Christian | 2026 PIAA AA Team State Finals
Faith Christian has been dominant in team wrestling in Pennsylvania, and Bishop McCort keeps falling just short.
Trackwrestling Has Joined The New FloWrestling
Trackwrestling officially has merged with FloWrestling, bringing its powerful tournament tracking tools and live data into a modern, all-in-one platform.
Fans can follow every bout with pro-grade brackets, mat schedules, team rosters and detailed wrestler profiles—all seamlessly integrated within FloWrestling.
This move delivers a faster, smarter and more connected experience for the wrestling community. Through the updated FloSports app, users can track live results, explore brackets and even sign up for free alerts so they never miss a match.
FloWrestling Archived Footage
Video footage from all events on FloWrestling will be archived and stored in a video library for FloWrestling subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.
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Pennsylvania
Man cited after abandoning car in frozen pond at Pennsylvania country club: Police
A man has been cited after police said he drove a vehicle into a frozen pond at a country club in Pennsylvania, left the scene, then spent the night in a hotel.
According to the East Lampeter Township Police Department, on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, around 10:38 a.m., officers were called to the Lancaster Country Club after receiving reports about a vehicle in a pond.
Police said that, through an investigation, it was learned that Sung Chun, a 50-year-old man from Hoboken, New Jersey, had driven onto the property the day before around 8:30 p.m., crossed portions of the golf course, and ultimately ended up in a pond.
Chun then exited the vehicle and walked away without reporting the incident and spent the night at a nearby hotel, according to police.
Credit: East Lampeter Township Police Department
Credit: East Lampeter Township Police Department

Credit: East Lampeter Township Police Department
Police said Chun returned to the location while police were on scene investigating the incident and was ultimately cited with “Trespass by Motor Vehicle.”
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