Lots of talk but no action taken yet on a resolution that would take a look at Allentown's police department and possibly divert resources away from it. Allentown City Council discussed the resolution late into the night. Ce-Ce Gerlach is one of the resolution's three sponsors and says it's not an anti-cop measure. "This resolution doesn't mean that tomorrow we start acting on these items," Gerlach says. Two former Allentown policemen, Ed Zucal and Daryl Hendricks said they couldn't support a resolution that takes money away from the Allentown PD. No vote was taken, but council committed to having a special meeting next month, with a vote perhaps happening then.
PennDOT is extending the expiration dates for driver licenses and photo ID's to August 31st. That grace period applies to cards that expired after March 16th. The extension was set to expire tomorrow.
As it stands now, there will be no fans in the stands for PIAA football this fall. The state's high school sports governing body released its Return to Competition guidelines Wednesday, using PA Department of Health and CDC guidelines. The document states that should spectators eventually be permitted to attend, those in seating areas will have to adhere to social distancing requirements and wearing face coverings would be required.
A key member of the Philadelphia Eagles says he's tested positive for the coronavirus. Offensive lineman Lane Johnson made the announcement on Twitter Wednesday and says he feels fine. Two other players, linebacker Nate Gerry and offensive lineman Jordan Mailata, were also placed on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list which consists of players who either have tested positive for the coronavirus or who has been in close contact with somebody who has.
A new Philadelphia Eagles player will not put himself at risk to play this season. Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin has opted out of the season out of concerns with COVID-19. NFL rules are allowing players to make the option to play or not by August 3rd. Goodwin says he is thinking about his family and his daughter who was born in February. Several other NFL players have decided not to play this season as well.
New Jersey health officials say there are 489 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and 18 new deaths, while the transmission rate remains high. Hospitalizations also increased for the third consecutive day, which officials say means the pandemic is increasing again after declining for weeks. Wednesday marked the sixth straight day that the number of new positive cases exceeded 400.
Three New Jersey lawmakers have proposed a bill that would require all school districts in the state to ffer only remove instruction for the new school year. The bill's sponsors say the proposal is meant for the protection and safety of students and teachers. The bill would allow in-person instruction for only special education classes and related services. Gov. Phil Murphy and the state Education Department have called for all schools to offer some in-person classes this upcoming school year.
A rollover crash closed Route 33 in Monroe County for several hours Wednesday night. A vehicle flipped over the guardrail, hit a tree, then caught on fire around 4:30 p.m. at mile marker 18 in Hamilton Township. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the crash.
Organizers of a gun safety rally at the state Capitol say they want tougher laws for unlicensed gun dealers. The Pennsylvania Safety Alliance says there should be more strict gun licensing laws, since states which tighten those restrictions have fewer homicides and suicides. The group claimed the decrease was dramatic, with the death rate decreasing by double-digits.
There's still no sign of Linda Stoltzfoos, the missing Amish teen who was last seen the weekend of June 25th. Wednesday, her uncle, Mervin Fisher spoke. "The community feels like something's been taken from the community. The emotional ups and downs are tough. Each day Linda is on our minds and we're thinking where is she?". Fisher says. Justo Smoker's been accused of kidnapping the 18-year old Stoltzfoos.
Vice President Mike Pence will visit western Pennsylvania today. The vice president is scheduled to headline a "Cops for Trump" rally in Greensburg at noon. Pence will then travel to Somerset to tour a local business there and discuss economic policies with business leaders.