The Allentown Police Department says the use of force by officers during an incident last weekend was justified. The department claims a man involved in a domestic dispute struck an officer then fought against attempts to handcuff him. According to WFMZ-TV, video taken at the scene shows the man being hit with a baton and tased after he was handcuffed and on the ground. An attorney for the people involved in the incident told the news outlet they are conducting their own investigation.
An international student is pleading guilty to fabricating documents to get into Lehigh University. Police say 19-year-old Aryan Anand submitted false transcripts, income statements, and a death certificate for his living father to Lehigh officials. The investigation started after Anand reportedly posted about the fake documents on social media. As part of the plea deal, Anand will return to India.
The Palmer Township Board of Supervisors authorized the township to execute a settlement agreement involving a conditional use application Monday night at the municipal building. The vote was 5-0. The deal settles ongoing litigation involving a 216-unit apartment complex on nearly 17 acres at 1493 Van Buren Road, offered by developer Lou Pektor's Greystone Capital. The 216 units will encompass six, three-story buildings with elevators. The apartments will include one- and two-bedroom units and one-and two-bedroom den units.
The Lehigh Valley to Denver flights are being cut back. Allegiant Air will suspend service from Lehigh Valley International Airport to Denver beginning in November and will likely bring it back in the spring. Allegiant began its LVIA to Denver service from the Lehigh Valley in June 2023.
Prosecutors in Pike County are moving ahead with charges against and East Stroudsburg school bus driver who slammed on the brakes and injured two kids. It happened back in April in Lehman Township. Investigators say the driver, Kerry Sullivan, suddenly slammed on the brakes. All 40 of the kids on the bus were tossed out of their seats. Two kids had to be taken to the hospital. No one is saying why Sullivan suddenly slammed on the brakes. She's looking at assault and harassment charges.
Ninety people are facing charges for allegedly committing public assistance fraud. According to the Office of the State Inspector General, the suspects received Pennsylvania taxpayer-funded benefits they were not allowed to have by either trafficking their public assistance or misrepresenting their household circumstances. In addition to the possibility of prison time, the suspects will have to pay a total of more than 700-thousand-dollars in restitution.
The Pennsylvania State Police have developed an informational card that should be carried by people with autism and presented during any encounter with police. The cards alert law enforcement officers that the individual has autism and, therefore, may be nonverbal, bothered by loud noises, hyper-sensitive to touch, and unresponsive to commands or questions. The officers are directed to be patient, use a calm and direct voice, and keep their questions and commands simple. Individuals may print the card from the website and carry it in a wallet, or they can choose to save it on their phone. Troopers will also distribute the cards at public community events.
There is a rush to get Pennsylvania's marijuana plan through the state capitol. Lawmakers yesterday said the state needs to get a jump on legalizing marijuana before other states swallow the market, and keep what they say is Pennsylvania's share of marijuana taxes. State Rep. Aaron Kaufer from Luzerne is one of the supporters who say Pennsylvania is behind its neighbors in legalizing pot. But other Republican lawmakers say the plan at the Capitol now is too broad, and doesn't let local communities opt-out of marijuana sales if they want to.
A staffer with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has testified Senator Bob Menendez changed his position on the Egyptian government following a meeting with Egyptian officials. Yesterday, Sarah Arkin testified that the Democratic lawmaker was not so concerned with Egypt's alleged human rights record after a meeting involving his wife and a defense official for Egypt. Arkin also testified that Egypt always pushed Menendez -- who chaired the committee -- for military aid without conditions. Menendez and his wife are accused of accepting cash, gold bars and a Mercedes in exchange for political favors.
On the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision overturning abortion rights, a New Jersey lawmaker has introduced a package of bills promoting reproductive healthcare. State Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz says a study shows one in four women in America is expected to have an abortion by the time they're 45. One of the nine bills would force insurance carriers, any business contracted to provide health benefits for public employees and the Medicaid program to cover abortions. Religious employers would be granted an exemption. The bill cleared the Senate Budget Committee yesterday. Governor Phil Murphy is expected to sign it.