The Allentown parking authority will reportedly ask the city council to update and change some parking ordinances, including one to remove jail time for some violators. A vote is set for next Wednesday to remove potential prison time from the city ordinances. The city council, at the urging of Mayor Matt Tuerk recently approved 20-thousand-dollars for a consultant to provide a legal and policy analysis of the city's parking authority. The mayor says group's executive leadership has "disregarded the interests of the people," among other complaints.
The impact of last Friday morning's fire at the Trexler Park Apartments in Allentown is still being felt today. Bill Slotter is with the American Red Cross and says, "Due to the number of families affected, the decision was made that we would open a shelter." Slotter says that shelter at the First Presbyterian Church in Allentown is still being used by some of those forced out of their apartment. Officials say 65 people were impacted. Officials say once a main electrical power line that was damaged is fixed, most people will be able to return to their apartments.
Former Easton City Councilwoman Elinor Warner has died. Warner died Friday at the age of 59. In addition to her duties on council, Warner also served as Vice Mayor of Easton. Mayor Sal Panto will hold a flag lowering ceremony in Centre Square in her memory on this afternoon at 5pm.
A Poconos state lawmaker wants drivers' hands to be on the wheel and not a phone. "Distracted driving while using a cell phone is an issue that affects all areas of this commonwealth and it is a very, very real public safety concern," says St. Sen. Rosemary Brown, who continues to push legislation that would prohibit driving while holding a cell phone. Hands-free devices would still be permitted in Brown's legislation, which has already passed the House.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has issued a warning about a new scam that targets state residents who get public assistance. The scam involves unsolicited calls or texts that ask for information about EBT cards or Medicaid/SNAP data. The agency also says the messages are sent randomly and will sometimes target people who aren't on public assistance. The messages often say that the recipient's EBT card is blocked and ask for information. Officials say the real Department of Human Services will never ask for information about EBT cards, SNAP, Medicaid, or any other programs through random calls or texts.
The Philadelphia Eagles are losing more starters from their Super Bowl team of 2022. ESPN reports Isaac Seumalo is signing a three-year deal with Pittsburgh. The former Eagles guard switched to the right side of the line on Philadelphia's team last year and played in all 17 regular-season games. The 29-year-old was originally a third-round pick by the Eagles back in 2016 and is the second Philly lineman the Steelers have inked this offseason. Nate Herbig signed a two-year, eight-million-dollar deal last week. C.J. Gardner-Johnson is headed out of Philadelphia. ESPN reports the former Eagles safety has agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions. Gardner-Johnson spent last season with Philly. The 25-year-old led the league with six-interceptions in 2022.