For the past year, drivers in Pennsylvania spotted holding a cell phone while behind the wheel were given written warnings. Beginning today, those warnings become fines. "Troopers will be out in force looking for this, proactively looking for these violations," says State Trooper Nathan Branosky. Drivers holding a cell phone behind the wheel, including at a stop sign or red light are subject to a $50 fine plus court costs.
It appears Democrats are uniting behind Bob Brooks, including those he defeated in last month's primary. Democrats, including ex-Congresswoman Susan Wild, are lining up behind Brooks, who won last month's primary in the 7th Congressional District. Carol Obando-Derstine and Ryan Croswell were also there to support the man who defeated them in May. Lamont McClure, who also lost the primary, was unable to attend because he was reportedly traveling. Brooks told supporters, "I will fight for you every single day that I’m in this. I will not let up. We will be 100% all gas, no brakes.”
A 71-year-old Alburtis man died after an e-bike accident in Lehigh County this week. Phillip Park died Tuesday, a day after the accident that happened in the 600 block of Franklin Street in Alburtis. Investigators believe Park fell from the e-bike and sustained injuries that eventually killed him.
Electricity bills are about to go up again for PPL customers. The utility company and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission agreed to a settlement yesterday that will raise the average residential customer's distribution rate by more than three-percent. PPL was reportedly seeking a seven-percent increase. The rate hike will go into effect on July First.
The Hersheypark workers' union is one step closer to going on strike. The union reportedly voted this week to authorize a strike, but Hershey Entertainment and Resorts noted it has not been made aware of any plans to move forward with a work stoppage. According to WHP-TV, the strike authorization vote took place after union members "overwhelmingly" rejected Hershey Entertainment's latest contract offer. The company said it remains "committed to the bargaining process" and to continuing discussions with the union.
Senator John Fetterman says he would vote against confirming Todd Blanche for Attorney General. The Pennsylvania Democrat said, "I would not vote for him," and pointed to Blanche's efforts to create an "anti-weaponization fund" as reason for concern. He also questioned why the Trump administration would introduce the fund given the scrutiny the war in Iran is facing, and he added, "I don't think we need any of those kind of distractions." Fetterman is joining a growing bipartisan list of lawmakers who have criticized President Trump's potential nomination.
New Jersey officials are touting changes made to speed up the process for REAL ID. Governor Mikie Sherrill says the Motor Vehicle Commission has processed 300-thousand REAL IDs since she took over in January. The governor says, on average, REAL ID wait times have been cut from 73 days to 40 days and roughly two-and-a-half million Jerseyans are in compliance. New Jersey is known for its long MVC wait times, but officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of resources for a streamlined experience.
Bookworms have an excuse now to get out and see the state this weekend. The second annual New Jersey Bookstore Crawl will include 74 independent bookstores from Friday to Sunday. 17 of the Garden State's 21 counties have businesses taking part, after 50 stores welcomed over 4,000 visits from about 1,000 shoppers during last year's inaugural crawl. Those interested are being invited to register on www.njbookstorecrawl.com, which also has a map of participants and other details.
New Jersey has joined a class action lawsuit with six other states against the Trump Administration over its effort to stop development of wind farms off the east coast. The Trump administration ordered construction on five offshore wind farms to stop last year a move that was overturned in the courts. The White House then struck a deal with the developer -- TotalEnergies -- to forfeit its leases for two windfarms off the New York and New Jersey coasts in exchange for support of natural gas project.
Sweet deals on sweet treats are available today in celebration of National Donut Day. Dunkin' locations are giving away one classic donut with the purchase of a beverage. Guests at Duck Donuts can get a free classic donut with no purchase necessary. Sheetz is offering one free donut with any food or beverage purchase of five or more today through next Tuesday for customers who redeem the offer through the Sheetz app.
The Yankees are going to be without their leader for a significant amount of time. The Bronx Bombers announced Thursday that outfielder Aaron Judge was diagnosed with a stress fracture of the first rib on his right side. Judge will undergo imaging in about four to six weeks to determine his level of healing, but the expectation is for him to return this season. The 34-year-old also sustained a stress fracture in one of his right ribs prior to the 2020 season.