Tag:

Josh Shapiro

Raging Wildfires Scorch Pennsylvania, Threaten Communities as Containment Efforts Continue Raging Wildfires Scorch Pennsylvania, Threaten Communities as Containment Efforts Continue
Raging Wildfires Scorch Pennsylvania, Threaten Communities as Containment Efforts Continue Pennsylvania has been dealing with significant wildfire activity, with several blazes impacting different parts of the state as of Sunday, Nov. 10. Blue Mountain Fire, Northampton County: This major wildfire erupted near the Lehigh Gap and scorched approximately 600 acres. As of Nov. 7, officials reported that the fire was 100% contained, preventing further spread. Crews worked tirelessly to secure the area and protect surrounding communities. Governor Josh Shapiro wrote in a release on the fire:  "Thank you to all of our first responders who worked around the clock to battle the Blue Moun…
All Eyes on Governor Shapiro for Essential ID/A Funding All Eyes on Governor Shapiro for Essential ID/A Funding
All Eyes on Governor Shapiro for Essential ID/A Funding As the dust settles from the 2024 election, Pennsylvania’s leaders must now prepare for the 2025 Legislative Session and the forthcoming Fiscal Year 24/25 budget debate, as families, caregivers, and individuals in the Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (ID/A) community look to Governor Josh Shapiro to champion crucial funding needs. Last year’s budget delivered a historic funding boost for ID/A services, reflecting Governor Shapiro’s deep commitment to this essential community. However, the final enacted budget fell $93 million short of the Governor’s proposed funding—a shortfall that cont…
BREAKING: York County DA Dave Sunday Elected PA AG BREAKING: York County DA Dave Sunday Elected PA AG
Breaking: York County DA Dave Sunday Elected PA AG The current York County District Attorney Dave Sunday is the projected winner of the race for Pennsylvania’s Attorney General, according to unofficial results by the Pennsylvania State Department. Republican Sunday flipped the role by defeating his Democratic opponent Eugene DePasquale with a margin of 51.2% to 49.5% with 94% of votes counted, numerous outlets reported.  The current AG, Michelle Henry was not running after being appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro to fill his shoes when he was elected Governor and vacated the AG role in 2022.  "Dave received his undergraduate degr…
Russians Made Bomb Threats To Multiple PA Polling Places: FBI (UPDATE) Russians Made Bomb Threats To Multiple PA Polling Places: FBI (UPDATE)
Russians Made Bomb Threats To Multiple PA Polling Places: FBI (Update) Called-in and emailed bomb threats prompted evacuations at multiple polling places, the district's attorney's office confirmed on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The following morning the FBI informed they believe Russians were responsible. Threats were made at locations across Pennsylvania, according to a statement by Governor Josh Shapiro at a press conference on election night. None of the threats were credible, the Gov. Shapiro explained.  We can watch the conference in full in the player below.  Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt will hold a media update with @GovernorShapiro on t…
Actors Robert De Niro, Sam Waterston Rally For Harris In Harrisburg Actors Robert De Niro, Sam Waterston Rally For Harris In Harrisburg
Actors Robert De Niro, Sam Waterston Rally For Harris In Harrisburg Governor Josh Shapiro, joined by Robert De Niro and Sam Waterston, led a "New Way Forward" rally in Harrisburg on Monday, Nov. 4, urging Pennsylvanians to vote Democrat on Election Day, Nov. 5. The event underscored Vice President Kamala Harris’ proposals to lower costs and protect rights versus Donald Trump’s “Project 2025” agenda, which speakers claimed would add $4,000 in annual costs for Pennsylvania families and enforce a nationwide abortion ban. De Niro, who had surprised Eagles fans by appearing at a tailgate in Philadelphia to campaign for Harris just days earlier, lent his support t…
3 PA Voters Win $1 Million From Elon Musk For Signing America PAC Petition 3 PA Voters Win $1 Million From Elon Musk For Signing America PAC Petition
3 PA Voters Win $1 Million From Elon Musk For Signing America PAC Petition Three Pennsylvania voters were each awarded $1 million by Elon Musk after signing a petition for his America PAC during townhalls in the battleground state. "Two $1 MILLION checks have gone out to voters for signing our petition to support the Constitution," America PAC said on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday, Oct. 20. "A registered swing state voter who signs the petition will be selected to earn $1M as a spokesperson for America PAC every day until Election Day." Two $1 MILLION checks have gone out to voters for signing our petition to support the Constitution.A registered swing state v…
Harris Taps Gov. Tim Walz As Running Mate As Swing State Tour Starts Ahead Of Convention Harris Taps Gov. Tim Walz As Running Mate As Swing State Tour Starts Ahead Of Convention
Harris Taps Gov. Tim Walz As Running Mate As Swing State Tour Starts Ahead Of Convention Vice President Kamala Harris has ended weeks of speculation after naming Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, Aug. 6.  The 60-year-old Walz was a seemingly late entrant to the "veepstakes" but gained popularity after several media appearances went viral.  The chair of the Democratic Governor's Association, Walz was a US Congressman from 2007 to 2019. A former high school social studies teacher, he's served 24 years in the Army National Guard. Harris said she chose Walz because of his dedication to working-class families.  One of the things that stood out …
Pennsylvania State Trooper Dead, Another Injured In Shooting Pennsylvania State Trooper Dead, Another Injured In Shooting
Pennsylvania State Trooper Dead, Another Injured In Shooting A Pennsylvania State Police trooper died and another was seriously injured in a shooting in Juanita County on Saturday, June 17, authorities said. A gunman engaged the two troopers around 12:45 p.m. in Mifflintown Borough, exchanging shots with both troopers, PSP said.  After a search, the trooper was found in Walker Township around 3 p.m.  The gunman and one trooper died while the other trooper was hospitalized with serious injuries, police said. Gov. Josh Shapiro and PSP Col. Christopher Paris were at the hospital with the wounded trooper. This is a developing story. Check ba…
Evacuation Ordered In PA Following Ohio Train Derailment: Gov. Josh Shapiro (VIDEOS; PHOTOS) Evacuation Ordered In PA Following Ohio Train Derailment: Gov. Josh Shapiro (VIDEOS; PHOTOS)
Evacuation Ordered In PA Following Ohio Train Derailment: Gov. Josh Shapiro (Videos; Photos) Days after a train derailment in Ohio, the crash scene continues to burn so crews are doing a "controlled release" of "toxic material" to prevent an explosion— leading the governor of Pennsylvania to urge people at the border to evacuate.  Governor Josh Shapiro joined Gov. Mike DeWine in urging all of those within a one by to two-mile radius of East Palestine — to "evacuate immediately," first on Sunday then again he reiterated the plea on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023.  pic.twitter.com/i3nuDQcIBq — Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) February 6, 2023 East Palestine: Residents living wi…
HS Track Coach Pleads Guilty To Hosting Alcohol-Fueled Sex Party For Teens: PA AG HS Track Coach Pleads Guilty To Hosting Alcohol-Fueled Sex Party For Teens: PA AG
HS Track Coach Pleads Guilty To Hosting Alcohol-Fueled Sex Party For Teens: PA AG A 20-year-old Pennsylvania track coach and substitute teacher has pleaded guilty seven months after investigators found out that he hosted a house party for minors— where he used a fake ID to purchase alcohol, which he gave to the minors— whom he then photographed and videotaped them “engaging in sexual activities,” according to a release by Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office. In addition to playing host to the minors and secretly recording them— Peyton Harris of Mifflintown— shared the recordings “with other individuals on social media,” the release explains. Harris was arrested …
Sen. Bob Casey Announces Cancer Diagnosis Sen. Bob Casey Announces Cancer Diagnosis
Sen. Bob Casey Announces Cancer Diagnosis US Senator Bob Casey was diagnosed with prostate cancer last month, he announced in a tweet Thursday, Jan. 5.  The Pennsylvania Democrat says that while the news "came as a shock," his outlook for the future is "excellent."  Last month, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. While this news came as a shock, I can report that I have an excellent prognosis, as well as the benefit of exceptional medical care and the unwavering support of my family. — Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) January 5, 2023 The 62-year-old said his doctors expect him to make a full recovery after undergoing surgery…
Police Chief Killed By Suspected Carjacker In PA Exactly Four Years After Being Sworn In Police Chief Killed By Suspected Carjacker In PA Exactly Four Years After Being Sworn In
Police Chief Killed By Suspected Carjacker In PA Exactly Four Years After Being Sworn In A Pennsylvania police chief was fatally shot by a suspect who late was killed by officers exactly four years after being sworn in as chief. Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire — who was sworn into his role on Jan. 2, 2019 — was killed in the line of duty Jan. 2, 2023, officials confirm. He was allegedly shot by a suspected carjacker identified as 28-year-old Aaron Lamont Swan near the the 800 block of Sixth Avenue shortly after 4 p.m., local police said. Swan fled in a vehicle then crashed, and ran into a wooded area toward a housing development, Allegheny County Police Superintende…
Ticketmaster Cancels Public On-Sale For Taylor Swift Tour, Citing 'Insufficient' Inventory Ticketmaster Cancels Public On-Sale For Taylor Swift Tour, Citing 'Insufficient' Inventory
Ticketmaster Cancels Public On-Sale For Taylor Swift Tour, Citing 'Insufficient' Inventory It's tough times for Taylor Swift fans who were hoping to purchase tickets for her upcoming tour this week. Ticketmaster has canceled its public on-sale for Swift's "Eras Tour," which was set to open on Friday, Nov. 17. The tour of stadiums across the United States will begin in 2023. "Due to extraordinarily high demands on ticketing systems and insufficient remaining ticket inventory to meet that demand, tomorrow's public on-sale for Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour has been cancelled," the company tweeted on Thursday, Nov. 17. Due to extraordinarily high demands on ticketing systems and…
PA Taylor Swift Fans Experiencing Ticketmaster Troubles Can Contact Attorney General PA Taylor Swift Fans Experiencing Ticketmaster Troubles Can Contact Attorney General
PA Taylor Swift Fans Experiencing Ticketmaster Troubles Can Contact Attorney General Seething Swifties experiencing Ticketmaster troubles are being urged to report their woes. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro is hoping that Taylor Swift fans struggling to secure a ticket to the Berks County native's upcoming Eras Tour will contact him. 🎶 Trouble, trouble, trouble 🎶Having trouble using Ticketmaster? Pennsylvanians experiencing problems using the site should submit a complaint to my office: https://t.co/ZMqsSY0N2I — AG Josh Shapiro (@PAAttorneyGen) November 17, 2022 Ticketmaster made national headlines for excessive wait times on Tuesday, as fans logged on and …
McKeesport Native, Austin Davis Makes History As Pennsylvania's First Black Lt. Governor-Elect McKeesport Native, Austin Davis Makes History As Pennsylvania's First Black Lt. Governor-Elect
McKeesport Native, Austin Davis Makes History As Pennsylvania's First Black Lt. Governor-Elect 33-year-old McKeesport native, Austin Davis has made history, becoming the first-ever Black Lt. Governor-elect of Pennsylvania, numerous media outlets now project.  Davis will be sworn in in January alongside Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro, CNN, ABC, and NBC News project.  The current  35th district representative to the Pennsylvania House has served the area in this role for four years, and previously was an assistant to Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. Davis is a member of the Legislative Black Caucus, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Allegheny …
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro Projected Winner Of Gubernatorial Race: Reports Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro Projected Winner Of Gubernatorial Race: Reports
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro Projected Winner Of Gubernatorial Race: Reports Democratic candidate and current Pennsylvania Attorney General, Josh Shapiro has been projected as the winner of the Pennsylvania gubernatorial race, according to NBC News, the New York Times, and the Associated Press. Although every precinct has not submitted results, Shapiro leads with 74% of precincts reporting, according to NBC.  BREAKING: Democrat Josh Shapiro wins Pennsylvania governor's race, NBC News projects. https://t.co/IAT1oNcXPg pic.twitter.com/osRepr5Vr0 — NBC News (@NBCNews) November 9, 2022 Shapiro has not yet formally declared victory. You can view county-by-county re…
Pennsylvania Man Admits To Luring Women Online To Handcuff, Rape Them: AG Pennsylvania Man Admits To Luring Women Online To Handcuff, Rape Them: AG
Pennsylvania Man Admits To Luring Women Online To Handcuff, Rape Them: AG A year after he was charged, a Patton Township man has admitted to raping and sexually assaulting six women that he met online, according to a release by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022.  Kevin P. Mullen has pleaded guilty to charges related to the rape and sexual assault of six women over a nine-year period, 2012 through March 2021. **WARNING THE FOLLOWING DETAILS MIGHT BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS*** The 50-year-old man used social networking platforms to connect with his victims, advertising that he was looking for a “cleaner” or “someone t…
Four Jehovah's Witnesses Sexually Assaulted, Raped 19 Children In PA: Attorney General Four Jehovah's Witnesses Sexually Assaulted, Raped 19 Children In PA: Attorney General
Four Jehovah's Witnesses Sexually Assaulted, Raped 19 Children In PA: Attorney General Four Jehovah's Witnesses have been charged in connection with the sexual abuse of children, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office. All 19 victims were minors and members of Jehova’s Witness congregations at the time of the abuse. Two of the cases involve the men's daughters and all of the cases involve minors the men were very close with, authorities learned through the 49th Investigating Grand Jury and are charged by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.  The men charged in multiple rape and sexual assault cases are Jesse Hill, formerly of Berks County and now…
PA Junkyard Owner 'Scammed People Out Of Their Hard Earned Money' Ordered To Pay $106K AG Says PA Junkyard Owner 'Scammed People Out Of Their Hard Earned Money' Ordered To Pay $106K AG Says
PA Junkyard Owner 'Scammed People Out Of Their Hard Earned Money' Ordered To Pay $106K AG Says A York County auto shop and junkyard has been ordered to pay $106,000 in restitution to customers, according to a release by the office of Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro on Monday, Oct. 24. The owner and operator Emeka K. Oguejiofor of  Progress Auto Salvage Inc., located at 964 Rossville Road in Lewisberry, was charged with violating Pennsylvania consumer protection laws. Oguejiofor and his associates "accepted deposits and advance payments for consumers and failed to do the agreed-upon work," the attorney general's office states in the release.  "This junkyard…
PA Gangsters Found Guilty In 2017 Double Kidnapping Homicide: AG PA Gangsters Found Guilty In 2017 Double Kidnapping Homicide: AG
PA Gangsters Found Guilty In 2017 Double Kidnapping Homicide: AG A pair of gang members were found guilty in a 2017 double kidnapping and beating death of two Pennsylvania men, the state attorney general said. A Somerset County jury returned guilty verdicts against Samson Washington and Marekus Benson, members of the East Main Money Gang (EMMG), State Attorney General Josh Shapiro said Friday, Oct. 21. Washington and Benson tracked down Damien Staniszewski and James Smith in March 2017, after they stole drugs and cash from an EMMG house, Shapiro said. Washington and Benson then kidnapped the two young men, tied them up, and assaulted…
Accused  PA Rapist Paid 'Hit Man' To Kill Witnesses, AG Says Accused  PA Rapist Paid 'Hit Man' To Kill Witnesses, AG Says
Accused PA Rapist Paid 'Hit Man' To Kill Witnesses, AG Says A Pennsylvania man accused of sexual assault is now charged with hiring a hit man to eliminate his accusers, state officials have announced.   Ferdinand Cuevas-Heredia, 44, of Luzerne County, was arrested on Sept. 27 and charged with three counts of criminal solicitation to commit homicide, two counts of attempted witness intimidation, and other related offenses, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro said in a statement.  Cuevas-Heredia was previously charged with forcing an adult and two children to perform sex acts, Fox56 has reported.  Investigators said Cuevas-Heredia…
Suburban Philly Resident Cut By Political Signs Rigged With Razor Blades, Police Say Suburban Philly Resident Cut By Political Signs Rigged With Razor Blades, Police Say
Suburban Philly Resident Cut By Political Signs Rigged With Razor Blades, Police Say Police in Bucks County are investigating after they say a resident was cut by razor-rigged political signs strategically placed in their yard. A booby-trapped campaign sign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro, among two others, were placed without permission on the resident's property, Upper Makefield police said in a Sunday, Oct. 16 Facebook post. When the homeowner tried to remove the sign, they were cut by the razor blades taped around the edges of the board, authorities said. "Obviously, this was designed to inflict punishment on anyone who attempted to remove the sign…
15 Dirt Bike-Riding Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine Dealers Nabbed In Harrisburg Drug Bust: AG 15 Dirt Bike-Riding Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine Dealers Nabbed In Harrisburg Drug Bust: AG
15 Dirt Bike-Riding Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine Dealers Nabbed In Harrisburg Drug Bust: AG A six-month investigation into alleged drug dealing dirt bike riders in Harrisburg resulted in the arrests of 15 people and a massive drug and gun seizure, Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced on Friday, Oct. 7. The details of the charges were released in an 88-page affidavit detailing the drug deliveries witnessed by police in broad daylight in the area of Regina, 14th, 13th, Wayne, Evergreen, Derry, Swatara, and Argyle streets. Police began watching the group in March 2022 after Harrisburg police department's narcotics unit witnessed a drug run and soon involved state police and a…
PA Man With Disabilities Loses Testicle After Beating With Metal Rod By Caretakers: AG PA Man With Disabilities Loses Testicle After Beating With Metal Rod By Caretakers: AG
PA Man With Disabilities Loses Testicle After Beating With Metal Rod By Caretakers: AG Two "direct support counselors" beat a man under their care with a metal rod so badly that his testicle needed to be surgically removed, according to a release by Pennsylvania's Attorney General Josh Shapiro's office on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022.  August Thorne Young of North Versailles and Eric Walker of Pittsburgh were working for Taylor Maleski Home, LLC, an organization that provides supportive home services to individuals with intellectual disabilities in Allegheny, Indiana, and Westmoreland counties, when they assaulted the man with a metal rod on Nov. 2, 2021, according to the…
'Disturbing Details' Of Trafficked Children Forced Into Labor By PA Woman, Dead Ex-BF, AG Says 'Disturbing Details' Of Trafficked Children Forced Into Labor By PA Woman, Dead Ex-BF, AG Says
'Disturbing Details' Of Trafficked Children Forced Into Labor By PA Woman, Dead Ex-BF, AG Says A woman and her now deceased ex-boyfriend forced minors— including their foster children— into "forced labor" at their car detailing business, Attorney General Josh Shapiro alleges.  Ellen Cummings, 44, of Meadville ran Tip Top Resources/Go2Detailing, a car detailing business located at 500 East Walnut Street in Lewistown, with her boyfriend, Scott Mogel—  he died in 2020— according to a release by the Attorney General's office on August 31.  “The details of this case are disturbing. These individuals took advantage of vulnerable young people, some of which were under their …
PA Defense Attorney Pressured Clients Into Sex: AG PA Defense Attorney Pressured Clients Into Sex: AG
PA Defense Attorney Pressured Clients Into Sex: AG A 47-year-old defense attorney in Pennsylvania pressured his clients into sex and either paid them for it or used it as an exchange for payment, authorities said. Corey Kolcharno, a former assistant district attorney in Lackawanna County, is facing four felony counts of promoting prostitution for targeting four women who struggled with addiction, had a history of being sexually abused, and were financially strapped, PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro said Monday, Aug. 8. “Kolcharno picked these victims because they had limited choices, because he thought they would be easy to silence, and les…
Ex-Pennsylvania Police Chief Learns His Fate For Repeatedly Raping Child Ex-Pennsylvania Police Chief Learns His Fate For Repeatedly Raping Child
Ex-Pennsylvania Police Chief Learns His Fate For Repeatedly Raping Child A former police chief in eastern Pennsylvania was sentenced Friday, July 15 to 16 to 32 years in prison followed by three years of probation for repeatedly raping a child, WFMZ reports. Former Weissport Police Chief Brent Getz, of Lehighton, was convicted in March 2019 on charges of child rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, and other related offenses, according to Attorney General Josh Shapiro. Getz’s co-defendant, Gregory Wagner, pleaded guilty to child rape and sexual exploitation of children in Nov. 2020 and agreed to testif…
PA Contractor Ripped Off $86K From Clients, AG Says PA Contractor Ripped Off $86K From Clients, AG Says
PA Contractor Ripped Off $86K From Clients, AG Says A contractor in Pennsylvania has been charged after he accepted deposits to build elevators in six residents' homes but never did any of the work, authorities said. Michael Bloom, of Williamsport, agreed to the projects, which totaled $86,110, AG Josh Shapiro said. He provided little or no services in return and refused to give his customers refunds. Five of the homeowners left in the lurch by Bloom were over 60 years old, the AG said. “The law is clear on this,” AG Shapiro said. “Contractors can’t enter into a contract, accept money from a homeowner, and then fail to deliver — and that’s …
Police Officer Among 9 Charged In PA Meth Ring Police Officer Among 9 Charged In PA Meth Ring
Police Officer Among 9 Charged In PA Meth Ring A police officer was among nine people charged in the takedown of a Pennsylvania meth ring, authorities said. Kevin E. Davis, an officer with the Hanover Township Police Department, was the owner of a stash house in Wilkes-Barre where agents seized 10 pounds of meth worth over $600,000, 2.7 pounds of fentanyl, 10 pounds of marijuana, and $15,063 in cash, Attorney General Josh Shapiro said in a June 17 release. The investigation began in December 2021 into the accused ringleaders of the organization, Gerinardo Rivera and Ramon Severino Fernandez, Shapiro said. Rivera and Fernandez …
Father-Son Duo Among 23 Arrested In Major Philly Drug Ring: AG Father-Son Duo Among 23 Arrested In Major Philly Drug Ring: AG
Father-Son Duo Among 23 Arrested In Major Philly Drug Ring: AG Approximately five pounds of heroin and fentanyl were seized, along with 1.6 ounces of methamphetamine, three assault rifles, and $179,000 in cash in the takedown of a major Philadelphia drug ring, authorities said. A father and son duo was among 23 people arrested as local, state, and federal law officers served more than 40 search warrants on affiliated properties and vehicles on Wednesday, June 8, Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. Evidence seized in the bust. (photo one)PA AG's Office Evidence seized in the bust. (photo two)PA AG's Office The ringleaders were identified as Curti…
PA Chiropractor Sexually Assaulted 9-Year-Old Patient: AG PA Chiropractor Sexually Assaulted 9-Year-Old Patient: AG
PA Chiropractor Sexually Assaulted 9-Year-Old Patient: AG A 59-year-old Pennsylvania chiropractor was arrested on accusations he sexually assaulted a nine-year-old patient, authorities said. An investigation began on Dec. 29, 2021, when the now 22-year-old victim's mom contacted the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs about the alleged sexual assault, according to an affidavit of probable cause. The woman claimed her daughter was "digitally penetrated" by John Pandolfo during a final exam in his Drexel Hill office sometime between 2009 and 2010, records show. In court papers, the vi…