Survivors of childhood sexual abuse have gotten what they wanted. By a 161-40 vote Friday, the House passed a proposed constitutional amendment that would seek to provide a two-year window for victims of child sexual abuse otherwise barred by the statute of limitations to file civil claims against their abuser and any institution that covered it up. However, the legislation doesn't mirror with the legislation the Senate passed in January and the two sides must come to an agreement for any change to occur.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom's proposed new roller coaster got a quick review Thursday from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. The LVPC's recommendations for the unnamed new roller coaster include "review of potential noise and light pollution from the proposed attraction’s location at the perimeter of the park" in South Whitehall Township, which have the final say on the new ride, which is proposed for 2.7 acres formerly occupied by the Stinger roller coaster. The township's planning committee has already approved the new ride. Dorney has declined to provide details about the new coaster, which will be near the Possessed ride.
Aldi's new location in Bethlehem Township will replace the current Bethlehem Township store on Easton Avenue. The new grocery store will be in Bethlehem Plaza at the site of the old Kmart at the intersection of Routes 22 and 191. The 3050 Easton Ave. store will close once the new Aldi opens. No details on an opening date have been given, but store officials have said it's due to open this summer.
A pandemic-era bonus SNAP payment comes to an end this month. "Beginning in March, SNAP recipients will no longer receive that additional second payment, that emergency allotment. Recipients will go back to receiving just the one payment at the beginning of the month," says acting DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh. That means a minimum of $95 less will be forthcoming in March. Arkoosh says the change will affect close to 2-million people in Pennsylvania.
Yuengling continues to increase its footprint. The Pottsville brewer is now selling its lager in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, meaning Yuengling is now found in 26 states.
A borough in Schuylkill County is finally off the state's financially stressed list after seven years. Mahanoy City says it's officially being removed from the State's Act 47 program. With Mahanoy City coming out of Act 47 protection, that brings the number of financially distressed localities in the state down from 12 to 11.