Allentown Diocese Bishop Alfred Schlert says when Pope Francis died is particularly symbolic. "The eight days following Easter are celebrated as if each day were still Easter. So he died really, in this very intense time of rejoicing and the hope of eternal life," the Bishop said. Schlert added, “I think he wanted to die in the glory of the resurrection.”
Local Catholics attended special Masses in memory of Pope Francis, who died Monday. "Pope Francis was really a humble person. He just had a of love, especially a lot of love for humble people, the poor people. That's his legacy," one man said. Pope Francis' funeral has been set for Saturday morning.
Governor Josh Shapiro has ordered flags to be lowered at half-staff to honor Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday morning. According to the Governor's office, the flags shall be lowered to half-staff until sunset on the date of interment, which has been set for Saturday. In a statement on X, Shapiro said "Pope Francis was the first of his position to finally acknowledge the suffering of survivors who have too long been ignored. He leaves a legacy of being a fighter for the defenseless, a teaching we should all learn from."
It appears a Nazareth restaurant is a complete loss after an overnight fire. Just after 1 o'clock this morning, a fire began in the China Wok on South Main Street. That fire spread to the neighboring Lehigh Learning Academy. The restaurant is destroyed while the school is damaged. Investigators are trying to piece together what may have started the fire.
Officials say a wildfire burning along Bear Mountain in Jim Thorpe is now 53-percent contained. While progress is being made, Jeremy Hamilton with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says it's a difficult battle. "It's been really steep, rocky rugged terrain that the firefighters are up there dealing with. The vegetation is exceptionally dry, it's being problematic so any little ember that touches down, it's just going to take off," Hamilton says. The fire, which broke out Saturday, is now contained to a little more than 500 acres, with some of that a controlled backburn being done to prevent a greater spread.
A preliminary hearing for a man charged with arson in a fire at the governor's home is being delayed. Thirty-eight-year-old Cody Balmer is accused of setting a destructive fire in the Harrisburg residence of Governor Josh Shapiro and his family on April 13th. A preliminary hearing had been scheduled for tomorrow with Balmer facing charges including arson and attempted murder. That hearing has now been pushed to May 28th.
A proposed bill is looking to make changes to the state's gas pumps. The legislation would require service stations to have labels detailing the rates of federal and state liquid fuels taxes. Sen. Michele Brooks, who authored the bill, says consumers have a right to know how much of their money is going to the gas tax with every gallon they purchase.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has announced plans to spray 38-thousand acres of State Game Lands. The Commission says the action is being taken to control the "Spongy Moth" from spreading. Officials warn that the insect could cause severe defoliation if left untreated. Spraying will begin as soon as leaf-out occurs and spongy moth egg masses hatch, likely in late April and May.
Sentencing is set for June 12th for Nadine Menendez, wife of former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez. She was found guilty yesterday of all 15 charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery and extortion in her federal bribery and corruption trial in Manhattan. Several of those charges carry up to 20 years behind bars. Prosecutors say Nadine Menendez was a partner in crime with her husband -- a go-between demanding and collecting bribery payments in the form of gold bars, cash and a Mercedes. Bob Menendez was found guilty last year and will report to prison to serve an eleven-year sentence in June.
The Eagles are locking-down their Super Bowl winning center. The team extended Cam Jurgens on Monday to a four-year deal worth nearly $70 million. The contract includes almost $40 million. Jurgens was entering the last year of his rookie contract and is now the second-highest paid center in the league behind Chiefs' stalwart Creed Humphrey.
A star player on the Eagles is getting his stolen car back. AJ Brown posted on social media that someone took his car in a matter of minutes early Monday morning. Police say the vehicle was eventually recovered in Camden, New Jersey and one person was in custody. The three-time Pro Bowler joins a long list of athletes that have been targeted for thefts and home break-ins over the past year.