After getting just about no snow so far this winter, the Lehigh Valley picked up a little more than two inches Monday. This person was fine seeing a bit of snow. "There's no snow to have fun with...and we live in the Poconos. This has been insane," the woman says. The official snowfall at Lehigh Valley International Airport was 2.2 inches. There's a little more reported to our north and less to the south.
It's an Operation Snowflake morning. The vast majority of local schools are operating on a two-hour delay, however some schools in the Poconos are closed today because of Monday's snow. Get the complete list by entering the keyword 'snowflake'.
A Northampton County family lost everything in a Monday morning fire. It happened just before 1 o'clock Monday morning on English Road in Moore Township when fire tore through a barn and home, completely destroying each. It appears the homeowners were trying to start a fire in the woodstove in the barn to keep the animals warm, but it took off and engulfed the barn and nearby home.
Operations are now back to normal at Lehigh Valley International Airport. Officials say the west side of the airport's main terminal was shut down for nearly two hours Monday as officers investigated a suspicious package. An airport authority spokesperson says flights weren't affected by the investigation and normal operations resumed just before 2 p.m. Airport police are continuing their investigation with help from officials in the surrounding areas.
John Fetterman's office is providing an update on the senator. The Democratic lawmaker announced earlier this month that he had checked into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment of clinical depression. In a statement released Monday, Fetterman's office said that the senator is doing well and remains on a path to recovery with the help of his doctors. They add that he is visiting with family and staff members daily and keeping updated on the news and Senate business.
Pennsylvania ranks third among states for accessing so-called sin taxes. That's according to an analysis released last Tuesday by the state Independent Fiscal Office. Pennsylvania has a sin tax ratio of point 64 percent on just over five-million-dollars of personal income. The state ranks just below West Virginia and Rhode Island in the report. The I-F-O defines sin taxes as those on gaming, liquor and cigarettes. Pennsylvania also reportedly levies the 14th highest cigarette tax rate in the U.S. at two-dollars and 60 cents per pack.
New rules are in place at a Montgomery County fast food restaurant that'll ban young people under the age of 16 without an adult. It's a new mandate at the Chick-fil-A in Royersford after several issues of misbehavior among the age group. According to the restaurant, most of the problems arise when school is out and on Saturdays. Employees have been disrespected, there's been reports of vandalism and explicit language. Moving forward, anyone under the age of 16 must have an adult with them to dine-in or they should take their food to go. No word on how long this will last.
State officials say they're encouraging rural fire companies to apply for grant funding to help control wildfires. Volunteer fire companies often join the Bureau of Forestry crews to battle wildfires. Officials say this set of grants will help to get more equipment and train firefighters to fight wildfires. Local companies can receive grants up to 12-thousand 500-dollars.
Governor Phil Murphy is set to deliver his upcoming budget proposal Tuesday morning. He says building the so-called Next New Jersey means creating an economic future that uplifts everyone. He's expected to outline what New Jersey is doing to combat a national teacher shortage that's impacting the state. For the sixth year in a row, he's proposing that fares stay the same for all N-J Transit riders. The governor could also mention how he plans to expand access to liquor licenses for restaurants and breweries across the state.
One Democratic congressman wants airlines to get rid of surprise costs for travelers. In a letter to the Department of Transportation, New Jersey's Josh Gottheimer is urging them to finalize rules that require airlines to show the full price of a plane ticket up front. He's proposing all airlines be mandated to display a so-called "Airline Transparency Box," which will highlight baggage fees along with change and cancellation fees. He says far too many constituents are complaining that fare rules are too confusing, as if the airlines are trying to nickel and dime passengers. It comes as President Biden used his State of the Union to take aim at "junk fees" across all industries.
The Philadelphia Eagles are promoting quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson to offensive coordinator. He replaces Shane Steichen, who left to become the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.
Penn State football is losing its defensive line coach to the Detroit Lions. The Centre Daily Times reports John Scott Jr. is leaving the Nittany Lions for the role with Detroit. The 47-year-old spent the last three seasons with Penn State and helped develop four NFL draft picks. Head coach James Franklin thanked Scott in a statement and said, "This was a great opportunity for him in the NFL and I wish him and his family nothing but the best."