Some Lehigh County elected officials and candidates say Lehigh County DA Jim Martin is guilty of what they call a "criminalization of democracy." The concern stems from Martin's decision to send detectives to monitor voter drop boxes during next month's primary election to ensure only one vote per person is dropped off. County Commissioners David Harrington and Zach Cole Borghi, County Controller Mark Pinsley and state House candidates Enid Santiago and Joshua Siegel all signed the release, which claimed Martin's plan is "a poor use of taxpayer funds, an inappropriate use of his position in office and likely voter intimidation." State law states a voter may only drop off their own ballot at any drop box.
COVID-19 cases are rising at the highest rate in two months. On Wednesday, state officials say Pennsylvania recorded nearly 2200, the largest case increase since late February. Also, 13 new deaths due to COVID were reported. The officials add that the state's rolling seven-day average is at almost 1600 cases. That's up from just over 1300 last week.
A man is facing charges in an assault involving a power tool. 39-year-old Kyle Bogans is accused of using a power drill to attack a woman after an argument at a barbershop in Easton. Two women got in a verbal argument with another woman inside the Focus Hair Studio on Washington Street. Bogans showed up and became involved in the argument, which turned physical, and he allegedly struck the two women. He then used a power drill to injure one of the women's heads.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks and Schuylkill counties has been added to the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior. In 1967 the sanctuary was designated a National Natural Landmark for its exceptional value in illustrating the natural history of the United States.
Gov. Tom Wolf was in Reading Thursday to push his idea to use American Rescue Plan Act money to put $2000 in some Pennsylvanians pocket. He says the money would help Pennsylvanians being hit hard by soaring prices. "Gasoline prices are high. Inflation is up. Food prices are up. There's rent. It's $2000 and it's up to you to spend however you want," Wolf says. If passed, the $2,000 direct payments would be available for households with an income of $80,000 or less.
The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania's May primary is coming up quickly. New registrations are due by May 2nd. Also, applications for mail-in and absentee ballots must be submitted by May 10th. The primary general election will take place May 17th.
Pennsylvania's wild turkey season starts tomorrow and runs until May 31st. More than 150,000 hunters are expected to take to the state's fields for spring gobbler season. Game Commission turkey biologist Mary Jo Casalena said the statewide flock is likely bigger right now than in the last few years.
There's a red flag warning for all 21 counties of New Jersey. The fire weather watch will remain in effect for Friday. The National Weather Service has issued the warning due to the lack of rain, low humidity, and gusty winds. Those conditions increase the chances for wildfires. Officials say a simple flick of a lit cigarette could spark a serious fire.
The Philadelphia Eagles have traded for a top wide receiver. The Eagles acquired wide receiver A.J. Brown from Tennessee for the Eagles' 18th overall pick and a third-round selection. Brown had 63 catches last year for the Titans. The Eagles reportedly are giving Brown a four-year extension worth $100 million. Earlier, the Eagles moved up in Round One of the NFL Draft to select defensive lineman Jordan Davis out of Georgia.
Former Nazareth High School and Penn State star wide receiver Jahan Dotson is a first round NFL Draft pick. Dotson was taken by Washington with the 16th overall pick in Round One of the NFL Draft Thursday night and says it is a dream come true for him. "It's amazing, honestly. I couldn't believe. It's pretty much what I've been working for all my life. I excited for the moment and ready to get to work," Dotson says. Dotson caught 91 passes last year, including 12 for touchdowns, for the Nittany Lions.