Pennsylvania state police say 35-year-old Ross Heyer shot his father's fiancee before killing himself very early Monday morning. It all happened at a mobile home park off North Broadway in Wind Gap. State police spokesman Nathan Branosky says police were familiar with the address. "Police have responded to this residence in the past for different kinds of calls," Branosky says. He says Heyer killed himself after shooting the woman in her bed. She was flown to the hospital, where her condition is not being released. Police say Heyer's father was home at the time and was the person who called 911.
The Pennsylvania Department of health Monday added 11,208 new cases of COVID-19 to the state's total, which now stands at 1,513,332. During those same three days, 105 new COVID-related deaths were also added, leaving the state with 30,523 since the pandemic began. Statewide percent positivity for the seven days ending October 14th stood at 9.7-percent.
Allentown homeowners would not see a property tax increase under the mayor's proposed 2022 budget. The $124.8 million spending plan, which Mayor Ray O’Connell delivered to City Council Monday afternoon, holds the property tax rate stable at 7.31 mills. Council will conduct a series of budget hearings beginning on October 27. Final adoption must take place by the end of the year.
A Lehigh County community is looking at the idea of getting rid of single-use plastic bags. South Whitehall Township's environmental committee will discuss Wednesday a potential ordinance to move away from those bags. The discussion will be had during Wednesday night's board's 7 p.m. meeting at the township building at 4444 Walbert Avenue.
Each Pennsylvania senator has remembered former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who died Monday at the age of 84. Via Twitter, Bob Casey said, "General Colin Powell was a trailblazer who served the United States with valor and distinction. His family is in my thoughts and prayers as the Nation mourns his loss." Also on Twitter, Pat Toomey said, "Gen. Powell was a great man who put his country and his family above all else, and I am grateful for his decades of service to our nation. As the Powell family grieves, I hope they know the American people are thinking of them."
Gov. Tom Wolf is ordering all U.S. and commonwealth flags to fly at half-staff at all facilities, police buildings and grounds in honor of Gen. Colin Powell, who passed away Monday. Wolf says Powell was a trailblazer and as a public servant, he dedicated his life to our nation. Flags will remain at half-staff through Friday.
Police are releasing more details about Sunday afternoon's shooting at a Lancaster County mall that left six injured. The shooting at the Park City Center Mall in Lancaster reportedly stemmed from a fight between two men who knew each other. Two people were shot after joining the altercation and struggling for the gun when it was brought out. A woman who was walking through the mall was also shot during the melee. Police say an uninvolved bystander engaged with the group and fired their legally possessed firearm, striking one of the suspects. Two other women were injured while fleeing the area. Everybody who was injured is expected to fully recover.
Activists have rallied against government waste. Protesters showed up at the state Capitol Monday with a 25-foot pig to protest the recent move by Senate Republicans to subpoena voter information, including social security numbers, for their investigation into the 2020 election. Activists say the election here has been fully and fairly reviewed many times and there's no fake election here.
President Joe Biden will be back in Pennsylvania later this week. The President will be making a stop in Scranton tomorrow, making it his first visit to that area in nearly a year since being elected president.
PennDOT is warning Pennsylvanians to be careful of deer on the roads this year. There were more than 5500 deer-related crashes in the state last year. They urge you to slow down in areas where deer crossing signs are posted, to make sure there's plenty of room between your car and another vehicle and to turn on your headlights whenever you're using windshield wipers.
New Jersey E-ZPass customers will now be able to get electronic push notifications to keep them up to date on commuting expenses. Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Monday, requiring the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the South Jersey Transportation Authority to notify customers within 24 hours of passing through a toll and being charged. Murphy says the goal is to promote financial transparency and keep New Jerseyans informed on their commuting costs.
A key member of the Philadelphia Eagles reveals why he's missed the past several games. In a statement, Johnson said, "I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and support over the last two weeks. I appreciate the positive notes and messages as I've worked hard to restore my personal life. Depression and anxiety are things I've dealt with for a long time and have kept hidden from my friends and family. If you're reading this and struggling, please know that you are not alone. I am excited to re-join my teammates and coaches. I'm grateful for the entire Eagles community and look forward to continuing to play in front of the best fans in the world!"