In Idaho, the presiding judge in the upcoming trial of Bryan Kohberger says the death penalty will remain on the table. Kohberger is charged in the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students. He was arrested at his parents' home in the Poconos following the murders. Judge Steven Hippler ruled yesterday against the defense's argument that, because of his autism, their client should not be a candidate for the death penalty if convicted.
Back in 2022, the U.S. Senior Open was held at Saucon Valley Country Club. Next fall, the PGA Tour Champions will return with the first Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic to be played at Lehigh Country Club. President of the PGA Tour Champions Miller Brady says the week of September 28, 2026 will be a big deal for a lot of people, businesses and charities. "Ultimately, this event will be a win-win for everyone involved. A win for Jefferson Lehigh Valley. A win for the club. A win for the community. A win for the spectators and most definitely a win for economic impact for and local charities," Brady says. Jefferson Health, which acquired Lehigh Valley Health Network last year, is sponsoring the event, which is scheduled to run at least for the next five years beginning next fall. Players on the PGA Tour Champions include Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie and Fred Couples.
Allentown police are investigating a downtown shooting on Thursday. One person was shot on the 1000 block of Hamilton Street shortly before five p.m. Jeani Garcia is the interim executive director of Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley and she says any shooting is a concern, but especially when this one happened. "I'm extremely concerned that this can happen in broad daylight, on one of the first warm days," Garcia said. The victim was taken to the hospital, where their condition is not known at this time.
Walmart stores across Pennsylvania will be getting major upgrades in 2025. The retailer says that 26 locations across the commonwealth and 650 stores across the U.S. will each be given a new look with expanded departments. In our area, stores set to receive these upgrades include Walmarts on Millcreek Road in Allentown and Lincoln Avenue in East Stroudsburg. Renovations will include new signage, displays and expanded departments. Improved online pickup and delivery zones and pharmacy improvements with wider aisles, private screening rooms and privacy checkout are also in the works.
Republican leaders in the Pennsylvania House want more transparency from the third-party security review of this month's arson attack at the Governor's Residence. They say so far, only the State Police and the governor's office have received updates. "We understand that there are some things, when it comes to security, that do not need to be made public. I understand that. But, we believe the accountability portion of it certainly needs to be public," Republican House Leader Jesse Topper says.
The man accused of setting fire to the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence last week has been moved to a Wayne County institution that offers psychiatric treatment for inmates. 38-year-old Cody Balmer was moved to the State Correctional Institution Waymart Thursday morning. The institution has a forensic treatment center that offers treatment for mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders to inmates within the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections who require intensive psychiatric care. Balmer's mother says her son had bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and she had tried to get him help in the days leading up to the fire. Balmer's preliminary hearing is set for May 28.
State officials are warning that most of Pennsylvania is at high risk for a wildfire. The latest Forest Fire Danger map by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shows 61 of the commonwealth's 67 counties in the high risk category. That includes the Lehigh Valley and Lycoming County. It comes as crews continue to fight a wildfire near Bear Mountain that has burned more than 600 acres.
Pennsylvania State Police say 532 crashes occurred over the Easter holiday weekend. Six people died in those crashes and 95 of those wrecks resulted in injuries. 2024 numbers showed 490 accidents, 71 of which caused injuries, with seven people dying. More than 11,000 citations were handed out from Friday through Sunday of last weekend.
The DEA is partnering with participating local health organizations and law enforcement agencies for tomorrow's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event is an opportunity for you to safely drop off and dispose of expired and unneeded prescription medications. Drop-off locations will be available in most communities. A complete list of those sites can be found at www.dea.gov/takebackday.
The Eagles and Chiefs flipped spots at the end of the first round of the NFL Draft and the Eagles used their pick to take Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman says the decision was not a difficult one. "For us, this was a really easy pick. He's a really explosive player. He can play inside. He can be an edge rusher. We just feel really fortunate to bring him back home to Philly," Roseman says. Campbell is from South Jersey. Roseman says he tried to trade up earlier in the draft to get Campbell, who Roseman says was in the Eagles top-ten on their draft board.
Two Penn State football stars are headed to the NFL. Defensive end Abdul Carter and tight end Tyler Warren were picked in the first round of last night's draft. Carter was taken with the number three pick by the New York Giants, while Warren was selected 14th by the Indianapolis Colts.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in game two of their playoff series. The Phantoms took game one and can wrap up the best-of-three series with a win tonight. You can hear the game at 7 on 1470am and the iheartradio app.