In a 6-3 vote, the Allentown School District Board of Directors approved the purchase of weapons detectors for ASD high schools. That vote came during a special meeting Thursday night. That meeting was called after the regularly scheduled meeting, which included comments from some community members opposed to the purchase. "I am not in support of metal detectors. I grew up in that area. That did not do anything for self-esteem. What it did was labeled us kids in that school as bad kids," one woman said. The district said metal the detectors "add another level of security" and will reduce the risk of students, staff or visitors entering the building with weapons.
Investigators are identifying one of the two people found dead earlier this week in a wooded area in New Philadelphia, Schuylkill County. State Police say the body of 18-year-old Hunter Mock was one of the two bodies found, however they're only saying the other body was that of a 16-year-old New Philadelphia boy. While police aren't identifying the body, the Pottsville Area School District says it's Angel Caraballo and counselors are on hand at the school for grieving students. The Schuylkill County coroner is saying both victims were murdered, however is 'not' saying how. The bodies were found Tuesday, a day or two after the teens were reported missing.
The Dan Schantz Greenhouse in southwest Allentown is for sale for an asking price of $3.1 million. Dan Schantz opened his business on the 2.1 acre parcel on SW 29th Street back in 2002 after operating a much smaller store in Emmaus for 15 years.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford says two city cops assigned to the Philadelphia International Airport were shot around 11 o'clock Thursday night. "At 11:34pm, the officer transported to this hospital was pronounced dead," Stanford says. He says it happened as the two officers were coming into work at parking garage D at the airport. The officers observed multiple suspects attempting to break in to nearby vehicles. When the officers intervened, the suspects opened fire. The surviving officer is in stable condition. The officer killed was 50 years of age with 20 years on the force.
In a rare public appearance, former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell was on a conference call organized by Citizens to Save Our Republic and said a third party candidate in the 2024 election could mean Donald Trump's election, something Rendell says is unacceptable. "I believe Donald Trump is guilty of treason, is guilty of trying to overthrow a lawful election," the ex-governor says. Rendell says Trump forfeited his right to be president with his actions before and during the January 6th riot at the U.S. Capitol.
It's deer mating season and New Jersey officials are urging drivers to use caution as days get shorter. The Department of Environmental Protection Fish and Wildlife division warns deer are involved in thousands of car accidents in New Jersey every year, with the highest number occurring during the fall mating season. Since deer are entering what experts call the fall rut, they may suddenly sprint onto roadway as bucks actively pursue does and that typically happens in the very early morning or around sunset. Officials say drivers should look out for "deer crossing" signs, and if they see a deer they should slow down and pay attention to sudden movement.
Penn State University has suspended a fraternity for an alleged hazing incident. The sanction imposed on the Delta Theta chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity runs through fall 2027. The fraternity had been on an interim suspension since late August while the school looked into the allegations. A school news release says the chapter must forfeit all privileges as a recognized student organization. The university didn't say whether any criminal charges have been filed.
New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez faces new charges connected to the bribery case against him. The superseding indictment filed today accuses Menendez of acting as a foreign agent by providing sensitive U.S. Government information and alleges he took other steps that secretly aided the Government of Egypt. Menendez and his wife were indicted last month on bribery charges, alleging they accepted cash and gold bars from several New Jersey businessmen, one of whom has close ties to the Egyptian government.
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is calling on the full Senate to vote to expel fellow Democrat Bob Menendez from the chamber. The New Jersey lawmaker is facing new charges that suggest he acted as a foreign agent on behalf of Egypt. The indictment claims that Menendez, his wife and his business associate arranged meetings where Egyptian officials made requests about foreign military sales and financing. Menendez and his wife were indicted last month on bribery charges, alleging they accepted cash and gold bars from several New Jersey businessmen, one of whom has close ties to the Egyptian government.
Nick Castellanos hit a pair of homers and Trea Turner hit one and the Phillies beat Atlanta 3-1 to win their National League Division Series 3-1. Manager Rob Thomson says his players' approach is terrific. "They just come out and fight every day. I love being around them. They're a lot of fun, but when it's game time, they're focused and they compete," Thomson says. The Phillies begin the National League Championship Series Monday night at home against Arizona.