For the second time in as many school days, a bomb threat Monday morning once again closed Lehigh Career & Technical Institute. The school received multiple threats around 9:30 Monday morning. All students were evacuated to the Schnecksville fire house and then were taken back to their home school district, while the building remained closed and police investigated. The school was closed Friday due to a bomb threat.
Officials with the Allentown School District are hoping things will get back to normal Tuesday. Students at three schools were placed on a temporary lockdown Monday afternoon due to threats of violence. Dieruff High School went into lockdown at 12:15 p.m. following tips received through Safe2Say about a potential shooting and violence. About an hour later, Allen High School and Trexler Middle School also were locked down after tips came in about a bomb threat and a potential shooting. Police say the threats at all three schools turned out to be bogus and all the lockdowns were lifted.
Payrow Plaza outside Bethlehem City Hall will be getting a new look for the upcoming Christmas season. "We have a lot of new initiatives this year. We have a 15-foot illuminated star that's coming in. We also have some added decor here in the plaza that people will see lit up at the annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday," says Tammy Wendling, who is with the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce. She says thousands of new ecofriendly LED lights will also outline the library and rotunda.
Two people were taken to a hospital after a head-on crash Sunday on Route 248 at Gap View Drive in Lehigh Township. It happened around 5:30 Sunday afternoon when a car crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a SUV. Both drivers were taken to the hospital.
During a special meeting Monday night, Allentown City Council approved a $50,000 transfer to complete the construction of Irving Pool. The City says the old pool and bathhouse will be replaced by an activity pool complete with a beachfront entrance, 3-foot deep wading area, water features, amenities, whirlpool-type features, swim lap lanes and a new bathhouse.
Construction of a new Home Depot is underway in Lower Macungie Township. The 136,000-square-foot Home Depot is being built along Hamilton Boulevard and will be part of the Macungie Crossing retail complex near the Walmart Supercenter along Mill Creek Road. The new Home Depot is expected to open next summer.
Dozens of migrants are preparing to call Philadelphia their temporary home. According to Mayor Kenney, the migrants are headed north from Texas and they're expected to arrive any day now. Mayor Kenney made it clear that the city will welcome the people with open arms. Migrants have been sent from Texas to several other major cities throughout the year.
A bill allowing hunters to apply for doe licenses online has been signed by Governor Tom Wolf. Supporters say the new law improves access to antlerless deer licenses by allowing for simple online and point-of-sale application. It replaces a mail-in system. The bill had the full support of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Three pieces of legislation are now in state house committees that would protect dogs and cats that are sold or used for medical experiments. Modeled after the successful "Beagle Bills" that were passed in Virginia this year, the measures would restrict the import and sale of animals from kennels and dealers who have serious or multiple citations under the federal Animal Welfare Act. They would also enhance animal adoption if the animals can be adopted as well as close loopholes in Pennsylvania's animal cruelty law.
Pennsylvania's Liquor Control Board is giving state residents and licensees the chance to acquire rare bottles of whiskey. A limited-release lottery is now underway at FWGS.com. Those who have their entry drawn will have the opportunity to purchase from 1,590 bottles of rare whiskeys. Those interested have until 5 p.m. this Friday to get in on the lottery.
Large venues in New Jersey are now required to share emergency plans with law enforcement in preparation for active shooter situations. Governor Phil Murphy signed the legislation, which applies to large venues that can hold more than five-thousand spectators, movie theaters capable of seating more than one-thousand people, and places of worship that can seat more than 500 people. The plans will have to be prepared and maintained every year in coordination with local fire and law enforcement agencies. Citing the deadly shooting at the University of Virginia, Governor Murphy says it is clear we must do everything possible to protect communities from senseless gun violence.
This morning at eleven o'clock, Governor Murphy is joining Port Authority officials to cut the ribbon on the new Terminal 'A' at Newark Liberty International Airport. The state-of-the-art, one-million-square-foot terminal features 33 gates, with 21st century technology, inspiring public art, and locally inspired concessions. Murphy's office says it represents the largest design-build project in New Jersey history.
The number of flu-like illnesses in New Jersey appears to be on the rise. Flu activity is still considered "moderate" statewide, but the state Department of Health's most recent Influenza and Respiratory Illness Surveillance report shows ER visits and outpatient provider visits from people experiencing flu-like illnesses is higher than last week. The number is also higher than this week last year. The report shows no confirmed influenza-associated pediatric deaths this season, although flu and RSV outbreaks do continue to increase throughout the state predominantly in school and childcare settings.
The 1972 Miami Dolphins can breathe easier. There won't be a perfect team in the NFL this season as the Eagles lost to Washington 32-21 on Monday Night Football. Quarterback Jalen Hurts says the team isn't concerned about losing out on the chance for history. "I wasn't entertaining it at all. We obviously want to win all the games we play. Tonight wasn't our night," Hurts says. The Eagles hurt themselves with four turnovers. Philadelphia is now 8-1. Washington moves to 5-5.