Carbon County officials are identifying the person found dead in the Lehigh River earlier this week. Authorities say the body of Felix DeJesus Junior was discovered in the river near the wastewater treatment plant in Jim Thorpe Monday afternoon. The cause of his death is still being investigated.
Bethlehem City Council voted Tuesday to settle a land dispute between the city and its namesake hotel. City Council voted unanimously to approve a three-way deal among the city, its redevelopment authority and Christmas City Hotel — owner of the Hotel Bethlehem — that ensures the hotel can continue to use a small parking area and exit lane off Main Street. CCH will pay the Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority $100,000 — less an earlier payment of $4,250 — for a net of $95,750. In return, the city and redevelopment authority will grant a perpetual easement for the hotel to use the land. The deal also settles the status of the drop-off area on Main Street in front of the hotel. The hotel will control that area, not the Bethlehem Parking Authority.
First Lady Jill Biden was in Allentown yesterday. Biden took part in an event at Lehigh Carbon Community College along with Congresswoman Susan Wild, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, and other lawmakers. The first lady did not discuss her husband's performance in last week's debate or the questions on if he will stay in the race against Donald Trump. Wild disputed criticism from Republicans that Biden's visit was "damage control" after the debate, stating that it was planned some time ago.
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey says President Joe Biden is able to run a strong race and serve a second term in the Oval Office. Casey hadn't commented since last Thursday night's debate between Biden and former President Donald Trump until a campaign stop in Scranton. He said, "He had a bad night and debate, but I think people know what's at stake." Casey told reporters voters are more concerned about issues like abortion, labor and voting rights and the fate of democracy.
The average price for a gallon of gas is costing more than it did a week ago. According to AAA East Central, the average price across the state stood at $3.65 on Tuesday, about two cents more than the prior week and a penny more than last year at the same time. In the Lehigh Valley, the average price is $3.55 gallon, up three cents from last week, but two cents less than a year earlier.
Pennsylvania lawmakers are looking to expand Sunday hunting in the Poconos. A plan from Rep. Mandy Steele is moving at the Capitol in Harrisburg. While her proposal would allow more hunting on Sunday, it would close the state's parks to hunters. Steele says there is a need to expand the hunt in Pennsylvania, given the exploding number of deer in the state. Pennsylvania is one of 12 states that generally does not allow for deer, bear, and turkey hunting on Sundays.
The checks are in the mail. Governor Josh Shapiro was in Dunmore on Monday to announce that Pennsylvania is sending 266 million-dollars in tax rebates back to seniors and people with disabilities. The property tax and rent rebate program is expanding this year. The governor says more than 442 thousand people are getting a check from the state. The rebate checks went out on Monday, if you're waiting on a check you can check with the state's Department of Revenue.
The 2023-24 fiscal year has ended and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has reported more than $45 billion in taxes collected. The Department of Revenue reported $45.5 billion in General Fund Collections, more than $862 million above estimates. Sales Tax: $14.3 billion (1.7% above estimate) Personal Income Tax: $17.9 billion (0.7% below estimate)
Pennsylvanians can fish for free without a fishing license this Fourth of July. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission says Thursday is a Fish-For-Free-Day, meaning people can spend the holiday fishing even if they don't have a license. All fishing regulations like seasons and creel limits still apply.
The Philadelphia Zoo has been around for 150 years. Officials celebrated the zoo's birthday on Monday. Nearly 100-million guests have visited the facility since 1874. Philadelphia's Zoo is home to almost 19-hundred animals.
The federal corruption trial of Senator Bob Menendez resumes today with defense lawyers offering explanations for why Menendez stashed money and gold in his home. The trial paused yesterday. Monday, the senator's attorneys began their defense by presenting Menendez' sister, Caridad Gonzalez. She testified she was not surprised to learn that her brother had hundreds of thousands of dollars hidden in his Englewood Cliffs home. She called it a "Cuban thing." Prosecutors say the money and gold bars found were bribes paid for political favors.