The Parkland School District will fully reopen today following a threat that shut down the district entirely Thursday and forced remote instruction Friday. In a statement to parents Sunday night, school officials said, "All Parkland Schools will operate on a normal schedule for Monday. Law enforcement continues to investigate the threat toward Orefield Middle School from last week. South Whitehall Township Police, Upper Macungie Township Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police will provide an increased police presence throughout Monday at our schools." Last Friday, South Whitehall Police said that "there was a specific time frame provided in the threat and that has passed."
Flags have been flying at half-staff in Pennsylvania over the weekend and will remain in that position for another week. The first tribute ended Sunday night and was for the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks in what's now called Patriot Day. The second tribute is part of a presidential proclamation for remembrance of Queen Elizabeth. Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of her funeral, which has now been set for next Monday, September 19th.
First Lady Jill Biden was among those gathered at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset County Sunday to remember and honor those who died on September 11, 2001. She said everyone must carry forward the hope that defies hatred. "As we stand on this sacred and scarred earth, a record of our collective grief at a monument to the memories that live on in us each day," Biden said. Mrs. Biden praised passengers and crew who fought back against terrorist hijackers that day, preventing those hijackers from hitting a target believed to be somewhere in Washington DC.
We're not sure why there was a large police response in Allentown Sunday night. Police and EMS were called to the area of South Fourth and Susquehanna streets around 8:45 p.m. One person was reportedly taken away by ambulance. Police have not commented on why they were there or what happened.
An effort to make every resident feel safe and included is underway in Nazareth. A gathering of residents, local businesses and organizations met at the borough park over the weekend to find ways to counteract a letter that opposed a campaign for inclusiveness in the city. The letter had criticized "You belong. You matter." signs, saying they're part of an effort to sexualize children. Organizers of the weekend's event say inclusiveness is only about being accepting of other people.
A $2.5 million re-do of the courtyard in front of the Governor's Mansion is now complete. Officials say the project replaces the cobblestone driveway, which will help the residence be more accessible to people with disabilities. The improvements also include benches, more lighting and relocating the flagpoles to a more prominent spot along Second Street. A snow-melt system also has been installed to reduce the use of chemicals from snow and ice removal.
People who ride ATVs and dirt bikes illegally in Pennsylvania now face higher risks when they're stopped by police. A new law went into effect Friday that lets police seize and possibly destroy such illegal vehicles. The measure, which was signed into law over the summer, makes it illegal to operate a snowmobile, dirt bike, or ATV on any street or highway that isn't designated for them.
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 as well as the rate of transmission continue to tick downward across the Garden State. Yesterday, officials reported an additional 1205 cases of the virus along with four confirmed deaths. The rate of transmission also fell to .87 yesterday from .89 Saturday, reflecting a continuing drop in the spread of the virus.
The Philadelphia Eagles held off a Detroit Lions fourth quarter comeback to win in Detroit 38-35 in their season opener. Head coach Nick Sirianni says there's plenty to work on after the win. "We got a lot to clean up and that's offensively, defensively and on special teams. But, we were able to get a win and in this league, on the road, in the first game, we'll take it any way we can get it," Sirianni says. The Eagles host the Vikings in week two on Monday Night Football.