Several House Democrats, including Lehigh Valley Congresswoman Susan Wild, told House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on a call Sunday that President Joe Biden should end his reelection bid, CNN is reporting. Jeffries held the call as pressure mounts on Biden to withdraw after a dismal debate performance has raised questions about his fitness to hold office, according to multiple news reports. In response to the CNN report naming Wild, the congresswoman issued a statement saying she has concerns over Biden’s electability, though she did not specifically say whether she still supports the president. “In a confidential conversation with other members of House Democratic leadership, I expressed the same concerns that Americans across the country - and here in my district- are grappling with, about President Biden’s electability at the top of the ticket,” Wild said. “I expressed these concerns after spending multiple days speaking with my constituents about the importance of this election, when reproductive rights, workers’ rights and democracy are all on the ballot. “In the coming days and weeks, I will operate as I always have, continuing to have these important conversations while keeping the best interests of my constituents at the forefront of every decision and statement I make,” she said.
Allentown police responded to a motor vehicle crash early Sunday, but discovered the driver was injured from more than just the accident. The crash occurred in the 300 block of Hamilton Street at approximately 5:30 a.m.. When police arrived, they found the driver of the vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim is expected to survive their injuries and there is no danger to the community.
It looks like it's going to be an expensive election season in Pennsylvania. The Political Projections Report said this week that it expects Pennsylvania's political ad spending for the 2024 presidential election to hit 360 million-dollars. That would be the highest in the nation.
Someone threatened to set off a bomb at the Pennsylvania Capitol over the weekend. Capitol Police say they got a threat over email, and emptied the Capitol on Saturday. The threat included a line demanding that President Biden denounce Israel. Nothing was found, and no one was hurt at the statehouse. Capitol Police say they are investigating.
There is a proposal to get rid of so-called forever chemicals in Pennsylvania in the next decade. But it may be harder than it looks. A new plan in the Pennsylvania House would end the use of PFAS chemicals by 2033. But the chemicals are in everything from firefighting foam to the wrappers for cheeseburgers. The legislation would get rid of those first, by 2027. Then get rid of jackets and coats with PFAS by 2029, and finally end all PFAS use by 2033. Opponents say it will be both costly for businesses, and almost impossible to enforce if it becomes law.
Jurors in the federal corruption trial of veteran Democrat Bob Menendez return to a Manhattan courtroom today for what will likely be closing arguments in the case. Menendez is charged with accepting cash and gold bars to help local businessmen secure deals with Egypt and Qatar and in one case, to try to stop a criminal investigation. Defense lawyers for Menendez rested Wednesday after calling just five witnesses in what's been a two-month trial. Menendez has denied the charges. His wife -- Nadine -- faces similar charges and will go to trial later this year.