11 former gymnasts at Parkettes in Allentown have claimed they were body shamed, made to train when injured and sexually harassed. Now, two former Parkettes' coaches are either banned or suspended from further coaching. John Holman has been permanently banned by the U.S. Center for SafeSport while Robin Netwall is only suspended. Jessica Armstrong is a former Parkettes gymnast who says she also was abused decades ago at Parkettes. She says she has spoken with some of the current gymnasts who made the allegations. "Their reaction is a mixture of relief that it's over and frustration that the process took so long," Armstrong says. Holman's ban is for alleged physical and emotional abuse and sexual misconduct with a minor. Netwall's suspension is for alleged physical and emotional abuse. The Morning Call reports a third person, Bill Strauss, was issued a “letter of admonishment” from SafeSport. That letter says allegations Strauss had tolerated the coaches’ behavior would best be resolved by “an educational conversation”.
A 24-year-old Upper Macungie Township woman is dead after a late Monday afternoon incident. The Lehigh County coroner says Abigail Smith died about five hours after the 6pm incident that happened on Seipstown Road in Weisenberg Township. The corner says Smith exited the vehicle while it was still moving following an altercation with the driver. Police are still investigating the circumstances that led to her death.
A Monday night fire in Lower Nazareth Township rekindled Tuesday night. It happened at a home on Cobblestone Lane. There's no word on what caused the original fire or what prompted it to flare up last night. The fire displaced two people.
Lehigh Valley drivers are paying substantially less for gas. According to a AAA East Central report, the local average price for a gallon of gas is $3.13, down 11 cents from the previous week and 45 cents less than last July. Across Pennsylvania, the price dropped six cents over the past week to $3.30 a gallon. That's 36 cents below last July's price.
A new and very unique platz is coming to Musikfest next month. Soberplatz is going to be an alcohol-free space for Musikfest fans who want to take a break from the huge crowds in an alcohol-free setting. Organizers also say it offers an option for those recovering from alcohol problems to enjoy the festival. Soberplatz will be located right near the Levitt Pavilion and Americaplatz everyday of the festival from August 1-10.
A Republican considered a frontrunner to challenge Gov. Josh Shapiro next year says he won't run. Central Pennsylvania Congressman Dan Meuser says he plans on keeping his current job. In a statement issued late Tuesday night, Meuser writes, "Continuing the progress we made is too important, which is why I have decided to remain in the U.S. House of Representatives, working with President Trump and our Republican majorities in both the House and Senate to pass his agenda and forgo a campaign for Governor of Pennsylvania. I am confident we will have an outstanding Gubernatorial candidate, we will defeat Governor Shapiro and make Pennsylvania a leader among states and the best place to live.”
A city workers union in Philadelphia reached an agreement with city officials on a new contract early today. Union president Greg Boulware says he's disappointed with the deal. "There were a lot of factors involved in what was going on and we ultimately did what we thought was in the best interests of all of our membership," Boulware says. Union members will still need to vote on the deal. District Council 33 represents about 9000 blue collar workers in the city. The strike had been going on for about eight days.
In previous years, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs saluted Allentown and Bethlehem with special uniforms. On August 7th, they'll do likewise with the City of Easton. The special Easton IronPigs jersey features the same colors as Easton High: red, grey and white. The word 'Easton' across the chest features Easton's Square replacing the 'O' and the Northampton Street Bridge flanking the word. The hat is black with Easton's Circle street sign as the logo.
Penn State men's hockey is making a major splash. The team gained a commitment from superstar Gavin McKenna on Tuesday. The projected top overall pick in the 2026 draft is considered one of the best prospects in NCAA hockey history. The 17-year-old winger chose the Nittany Lions over Michigan State. McKenna had 129 points in 56 games for the Medicine Hat Tigers in Canada last season.