281 days after he introduced his budget, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed it Wednesday and sounded very pleased with the final result. "This is a balanced budget that cuts taxes, that makes critical investments, that protects 100 percent of Pennsylvania's rainy day fund and still leaves us with $8 billion in reserves," Shapiro says. Earlier Wednesday, the state House passed the budget in a 156-47 vote and the Senate approved it in a 40-9 vote.
Senate President Kim Ward says she and most Republicans are pleased with the state budget finally signed Wednesday. "We've got some great policy getting out of the regional gashouse initiative, being pulled out of the uncertainty of our electric rates and we never touched the rainy day fund," Ward says. Fellow Republican State Senator Joe Pittman says, "Divided government, as difficult as it might be, can work for the benefit of all of the people in this Commonwealth."
An Easton man is charged with holding up the Papa John's on South 25th Street in Wilson on the afternoon of November 4th. 34-year-old Sean Thompson-Ferrero was arrested Tuesday for allegedly showing a knife and then stealing $80 from the Papa John's. Police say video surveillance and public tips helped them capture Thompson-Ferrero at his home.
The old Air Products corporate campus along Hamilton Boulevard in Trexlertown could be the future home of a massive data center. The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission says it has received plans for a 2.6 million square-foot building. Air Products still owns the property, which is about a mile from the company's new headquarters.
Effective today, you are able to fly to a new destination from Lehigh Valley International Airport. Allegiant Airlines has added a non-stop flight to Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Florida. The new flights will operate up to twice weekly, on Sundays and Thursdays.
An investigation is underway into an explosion on the Penn State campus. Officials said a large explosion was heard in the Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building Wednesday afternoon, leaving one person trapped inside who needed to be rescued by first responders. No injuries were reported and the university says there is no ongoing threat to the campus.
Less than 24 hours after helping the Eagles beat the Packers on Monday Night Football, Whitehall High School graduate and Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was on hand to present 50 brand new beds to area children. Barkley says it's all about perspective. "It's super special. It's the thing that really matters. You obviously want to go out there and win games and score touchdowns, but most importantly you want to be remembered for what you do in your community," Barkley says. The donated beds came about with the teamwork of the Michael Ann and Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation, the Salvation Army and Ashley Furniture.
In one of her final acts as a member of Congress, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill blasted the bill to end the government shutdown and said it will send New Jerseyans' healthcare premiums skyrocketing. Sherrill made the remarks on the House floor yesterday as she voted against the funding measure. She says she plans to turn in her resignation next week as she leaves Congress. Sherrill won the governor's seat in last week's election.
Southern Lehigh will play Bethlehem Catholic tonight for the District 11 4A football championship. Southern Lehigh comes in at 11-1 and Bethlehem Catholic is 8-4. The Spartans and Golden Hawks kickoff tonight at 6:30 at Catasauqua's Alumni Field. In addition to winning the District 11 title, tonight's winner advances to the state football playoffs.