NJ Attorney, PA Mom Smuggled Contraband To Inmate In Federal Prison: DOJ NJ Attorney, PA Mom Smuggled Contraband To Inmate In Federal Prison: DOJ
NJ Attorney, PA Mom Smuggled Contraband To Inmate In Federal Prison: DOJ A New Jersey defense attorney and a Philadelphia woman are accused of sneaking contraband—including a cell phone, drugs, and cigarettes—into the Federal Detention Center (FDC) in Philadelphia, federal authorities announced on Friday, March 7. Paul DiMaio, 56, of Turnersville, New Jersey, and Tanya Culver, 55, of Philadelphia, were arrested and charged with providing contraband to an inmate and aiding and abetting, Acting U.S. Attorney Nelson S.T. Thayer Jr. said. On Feb. 4 at 10:53 a.m., DiMaio—who is a practicing criminal defense attorney—was recorded on FDC surveillance video entering t…
PA Mom Dies After Fall While Helping Friends Move PA Mom Dies After Fall While Helping Friends Move
PA Mom Dies After Fall While Helping Friends Move A Lehigh County mother of two died after a tragic fall while helping family friends move, authorities and loved ones said. Julie A. Becker, 32, of Richland Township, was pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Allentown Campus, according to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office. An autopsy was completed on Monday, March 10, but her cause and manner of death remain under investigation. According to a Meal Train page set up in her memory, Becker fell while assisting friends with a move, suffered cardiac arrest, and later passed away. Her brother, Danie…
Blood Moon Eclipse Coming This Week: Here's When, What To Know Blood Moon Eclipse Coming This Week: Here's When, What To Know
Blood Moon Eclipse Coming This Week: Here's When, What To Know Skywatchers across North America are in for a treat as the moon prepares to undergo a stunning transformation during a total lunar eclipse, commonly known as a blood moon.  This remarkable phenomenon occurs when the Earth aligns directly between the moon and the sun, casting a shadow that turns the moon a captivating reddish hue. This celestial event is scheduled to take place overnight from Thursday, March 13, into Friday, March 14.  Enthusiasts in North America will have an excellent opportunity to observe the peak of the eclipse, which is expected to occur between 2:26 a.m. an…
Backstreet Boy’s Son Shines On ‘American Idol’ Backstreet Boy’s Son Shines On ‘American Idol’
Backstreet Boy’s Son Shines On ‘American Idol’ Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys legend Brian Littrell, took a major step in his music career Sunday night, March 9, earning a golden ticket to Hollywood on ‘American Idol.’ The 21-year-old from Atlanta, GA, performed an original song before judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie during the season premiere on FOX. “Something about you looks familiar,” Underwood told Littrell during his audition. Littrell, who grew up surrounded by music, said he hopes to “do his dad justice” with his talent. “I guess you can say music runs in our family,” he said. Despite his musica…
Sharp Rise In Fentanyl Poisoning Among US Children Revealed In New Study Sharp Rise In Fentanyl Poisoning Among US Children Revealed In New Study
Sharp Rise In Fentanyl Poisoning Among US Children Revealed In New Study A new study has revealed a staggering surge in fentanyl poisonings among children and teens across the US, with cases skyrocketing by more than 1,100 percent between 2015 and 2023. The findings, published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, highlight the growing threat posed by the deadly synthetic opioid, particularly as counterfeit pills flood the illicit market. The study examined nonfatal fentanyl exposures reported to US poison centers from 2015 to 2023, analyzing cases involving children and adolescents aged 0–19.  Researchers found a dramatic increase in poisonin…
Delayed Emergency Response Blamed For PA Woman’s Death Before Boyfriend’s Proposal: Loved Delayed Emergency Response Blamed For PA Woman’s Death Before Boyfriend’s Proposal: Loved
Delayed Emergency Response Blamed For PA Woman’s Death Before Boyfriend’s Proposal: Loved A Pennsylvania woman who suffered a severe asthma attack died after what her loved ones say was a delayed emergency response, and now they’re calling for change. Azara F. Mapp, 23, of Maxatawny Township, was pronounced dead at 12:25 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, according to the Lehigh County Coroner's Office on Monday, March 10. An autopsy was completed, but her cause and manner of death remain under investigation. Mapp’s family and friends say her death was preventable. According to a GoFundMe campaign set up in her memory, she suffered a life-threate…
Driver On Meth Kills Grandma Killed In Rt 22 Crash: DA Driver On Meth Kills Grandma Killed In Rt 22 Crash: DA
Driver On Meth Kills Grandma Killed In Rt 22 Crash: DA A man who was high on meth when he crashed his car, killing his passenger on Route 22 in Whitehall Township, has been sentenced to state prison, prosecutors announced on Monday, March 10. Juan Ramone Sierra, 45, of Allentown, pleaded guilty on Jan. 16 to Homicide by Vehicle While Driving Under the Influence, Accidents Involving Death While Not Licensed, and Driving Under the Influence – Controlled Substance – 2nd Offense, court records show. Lehigh County Judge Thomas M. Caffrey sentenced Sierra to five to 10 years in prison followed by seven years of probation, according to District Atto…
PA 4-Year-Old Brynley Kropnick Killed In DUI Crash, Suspect Arrested: Police PA 4-Year-Old Brynley Kropnick Killed In DUI Crash, Suspect Arrested: Police
PA 4-Year-Old Brynley Kropnick Killed In DUI Crash, Suspect Arrested: Police A 55-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the Harrisburg crash that killed 4-year-old Brynley “Bryn” Eliza Kropnick in November 2024, authorities announced. Mary Kaye Flatley was taken into custody on Monday, March 10, 2025, and charged with homicide by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle, DUI: controlled substance - schedule 1, recklessly endangering another person, driving at a safe speed, and prohibiting text-based communications, according to Harrisburg Police. The crash occurred on Nov. 8, 2024, at the U.S. Route 22/322 interchange with Interstate 81. The …
Trump, CAIR, SJP Release Statements On Columbia Protest Organizer Held By ICE In NJ Trump, CAIR, SJP Release Statements On Columbia Protest Organizer Held By ICE In NJ
Trump, CAIR, SJP Release Statements On Columbia Protest Organizer Held By ICE In NJ A Columbia University graduate detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now at the center of a political firestorm as the Trump administration slashes federal funding to the school and enforces new visa restrictions targeting international students linked to protests. Mahmoud Khalil Detained Amid Federal Crackdown Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and recent Columbia graduate, was taken into custody by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Saturday, March 8, outside his university-owned apartment in New York City. ICE claims his student visa was revoked, but …
Elon Musk Blames Cyberattack After X Hit By Waves Of Outages Elon Musk Blames Cyberattack After X Hit By Waves Of Outages
Elon Musk Blames Cyberattack After X Hit By Waves Of Outages Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has experienced separate significant waves of outages which the billionaire entrepreneur attributes to a potential cyberattack. The issues began around 6 a.m. Eastern time on Monday, March 10 when approximately 20,538 users reported problems, according to DownDetector, a site that tracks outages,  The outages subsided briefly before resurging, with nearly 40,000 users reporting issues by 10 a.m. Since then, around 26,000 additional reports have been logged as of 12:30 p.m. ET. Many users said that the app would not load properly and posts were not…
Electric Shock Sends Person To Hospital In Lancaster City: Dispatch Electric Shock Sends Person To Hospital In Lancaster City: Dispatch
Electric Shock Sends Person To Hospital In Lancaster City: Dispatch A person was rushed to the hospital after being shocked in Lancaster City on Monday morning, March 11, emergency dispatchers confirmed. The incident happened near South Queen and Furnace streets around 11:29 a.m., according to dispatch logs. The severity of the person’s injuries has not been disclosed. Officials have not said what caused the shock. No further details were immediately available.
Missing UPitt Student Sudiksha Konanki Vanishes During Beach Walk In DR Missing UPitt Student Sudiksha Konanki Vanishes During Beach Walk In DR
Missing UPitt Student Sudiksha Konanki Vanishes During Beach Walk In DR The search is on for a University of Pittsburgh student from Virginia who vanished while on vacation in the Dominican Republic. An "exhaustive" international search involving the US and Dominican Republic officials has been launched for Chantilly native Sudiksha Konanki, 20, who has not been heard from since last week. Konanki was reported missing on Thursday, March 6, while vacationing with five friends at a resort in Punta Cana, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Konanki, a citizen of India and permanent US resident, has not been seen since around 4:15 a.m. that …
Ex-Olympian Accused Of Ordering Murders Added To FBI's Most Wanted List Ex-Olympian Accused Of Ordering Murders Added To FBI's Most Wanted List
Ex-Olympian Accused Of Ordering Murders Added To FBI's Most Wanted List In a stunning fall from grace, a former once celebrated for his prowess on the slopes, now finds himself at the center of a chilling manhunt. Accused of orchestrating a deadly drug trafficking operation that spans continents, Ryan Wedding, age 43, has been placed on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list, joining the ranks of the most notorious criminals in America.
 Once an icon of athleticism, Wedding now faces serious allegations, including multiple murders linked to his alleged drug empire.  As authorities intensify their search, a $10 million reward has been offered for informat…
Serious Safety Risk Warning Issued For Americans In Mexico On Spring Break Serious Safety Risk Warning Issued For Americans In Mexico On Spring Break
Serious Safety Risk Warning Issued For Americans In Mexico On Spring Break As spring breakers head to Mexico, the US State Department is warning travelers about serious safety risks. Related story - US Travel Advisory Expanded: These 23 Nations Now Under Warning Recent incidents involving American tourists have raised alarms, necessitating immediate attention from those planning trips south of the border. Travelers are urged to remain vigilant and informed to ensure their safety during this popular travel season. Important Safety Concerns Every year, thousands of US citizens visit Mexico for spring break, drawn by its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture…
Grocery Shoppers Pivot As Inflation Reshapes Spending Grocery Shoppers Pivot As Inflation Reshapes Spending
Grocery Shoppers Pivot As Inflation Reshapes Spending As inflation continues to strain household budgets, consumers are scaling back purchases of both name-brand and private-label snacks and drinks.  TreeHouse Foods, a leading manufacturer of private-label products for major retailers like Walmart and Trader Joe’s, is now feeling the pinch, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.  After initially benefiting from consumers shifting toward budget-friendly options, TreeHouse is now seeing slower sales growth as rising costs for essentials like coffee and eggs impact spending, the outlet said. Once a growth driver, private-lab…
Rotting Human Remains Found In Southwest Philly Construction Trailer: Police Rotting Human Remains Found In Southwest Philly Construction Trailer: Police
Rotting Human Remains Found In Southwest Philly Construction Trailer: Police A gruesome discovery was made inside a construction trailer in Southwest Philadelphia, where human remains were found so severely decomposed that investigators couldn't immediately determine the person's identity. The body was located around 7:07 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, inside a white trailer at the intersection of 51st Street and Grays Avenue. The remains were in such an advanced state of decay that police have not yet identified the person’s age, gender, or cause of death. How long the body had been inside the trailer or whether foul play was involved remains unclear. The investigation…
Plane Crashes In Lancaster County, Explodes Near Retirement Community (UPDATE) Plane Crashes In Lancaster County, Explodes Near Retirement Community (UPDATE)
Plane Crashes In Lancaster County, Explodes Near Retirement Community (Update) A plane crashed and exploded near a retirement community in Lancaster County, injuring multiple people and triggering a massive emergency response on Sunday, March 9, officials said. The aircraft, a Beechcraft A36TC Bonanza registered as N347M and owned by Jam Zoom Yayos LLC, went down near Fairview Drive and Meadowview Court in Manheim Township at 3:18 p.m., according to emergency dispatchers. The 1981-manufactured plane had five occupants, all of whom survived but sustained injuries of varying severity. New video from the plane crash site in Manheim Township, Pennsylvania. Reports of m…
Columbia University Protest Organizer, Green Card Holder, Held By ICE On Unknown Charges Columbia University Protest Organizer, Green Card Holder, Held By ICE On Unknown Charges
Columbia University Protest Organizer, Green Card Holder, Held By ICE On Unknown Charges A Columbia University graduate who helped organize the campus’s Gaza solidarity encampment has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite being a legal permanent resident, advocates say. DHS Agents Detain Activist At His Home Mahmoud Khalil was taken into custody by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers at his New York City home around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, according to advocates. The two plainclothes agents allegedly followed Khalil and his eight-months-pregnant wife into their apartment building—owned by Columbia—before confronting him without id…
New Details Emerge, ID Released Of 27-Year-Old Shot During Confrontation Near White House New Details Emerge, ID Released Of 27-Year-Old Shot During Confrontation Near White House
New Details Emerge, ID Released Of 27-Year-Old Shot During Confrontation Near White House New details have emerged, including the identity of a 27-year-old man who was shot by US Secret Service personnel near the White House overnight. The agency confirmed the incident shortly after it occurred right after midnight Sunday morning, March 9, noting that President Donald Trump was not at the White House at the time.
Trump is spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The man, who has been identified as Andrew Dawson, whose last known address is North Manchester, Indiana, was transported to a hospital with critical injuries, according to The Washington Post. No Secre…
US Travel Advisory Expanded: These 23 Nations Now Under Warning US Travel Advisory Expanded: These 23 Nations Now Under Warning
US Travel Advisory Expanded: These 23 Nations Now Under Warning In a significant move to safeguard American travelers, the US Department of State has updated its travel advisory system, identifying 23 nations where heightened caution is urged.  The advisory system evaluates a range of risks, including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health threats, and natural disasters. The State Department reviews Level 1 and 2 advisories annually, while Level 3 and 4 warnings are reassessed every six months.  According to a department statement, "A Travel Advisory will also be updated anytime there is a change in US government posture, normally as it relat…
Reading Hospital, 23 Others In PA Ranked Among Nation's Best: See The Full List Reading Hospital, 23 Others In PA Ranked Among Nation's Best: See The Full List
Reading Hospital, 23 Others In PA Ranked Among Nation's Best: See The Full List When it comes to medical care, not all hospitals are created equally, and patients want the best treatment available, whether it's for a routine procedure or a life-saving intervention. Newsweek has released its World's Best Hospitals 2025 list. The rankings, created in collaboration with global data firm Statista, scored hospitals based on expert surveys, patient experience, and hospital performance metrics. Eleven hospitals in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic earned spots among the top 250 worldwide. The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore was ranked No. 4 glob…
Firefighter Kaleb Barker Killed In Shooting As VA Family Seeks Support For Son’s Future Firefighter Kaleb Barker Killed In Shooting As VA Family Seeks Support For Son’s Future
Firefighter Kaleb Barker Killed In Shooting As VA Family Seeks Support For Son’s Future The family of Kaleb Barker, the Danville firefighter who tragically died in an accident, is seeking support to secure his young son's future. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched on behalf of Barker’s wife, Dr. Natalie Barker, by her colleagues at Chatham Animal Clinic in Virginia to help fund their son Noah’s education. As of Saturday, March 9, the fundraiser has raised over $16,000 toward its $50,000 goal. Barker, 31, was shot in the torso inside a home in the 900 block of Countryside Drive in Ringgold, Virginia on Tuesday, March 5, at 7:42 p.m., according to the Pittsylvania…
PA Man’s Sick Intentions Exposed After 65 Child Exploitation Files Found: DOJ PA Man’s Sick Intentions Exposed After 65 Child Exploitation Files Found: DOJ
PA Man’s Sick Intentions Exposed After 65 Child Exploitation Files Found: DOJ A former Dauphin County man is headed to federal prison after authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of his plans to exploit a child, the FBI shared on Saturday, March 8.  Dylan Ruppert, 29, of Halifax, was sentenced to 97 months behind bars after investigators found 65 files of child sexual exploitation on his phone, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced on Saturday, Feb. 22. Federal and state agents raided Ruppert’s home on Aug. 11, 2023, and not only discovered the explicit images but also chilling messages in which he allegedly discussed …
PA Outside Top 20 States For Women, New Study Says: Here's Why PA Outside Top 20 States For Women, New Study Says: Here's Why
PA Outside Top 20 States For Women, New Study Says: Here's Why Women in several Northeast states have some of the best opportunities in the country, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States for Women on Monday, Mar. 3. The study's release also ties into International Women's Day, which is on Saturday, Mar. 8. All 50 states and Washington, DC, were rated across 25 key metrics. The statistics measured economic opportunities, healthcare quality, and safety for women. The findings highlight stark disparities nationwide, with some states offering significantly better conditions for women than othe…
Alert Issued For USPS Scam Text: Here's What To Know Alert Issued For USPS Scam Text: Here's What To Know
Alert Issued For USPS Scam Text: Here's What To Know A new scam is targeting people with fraudulent text messages pretending to be from the United States Postal Service (USPS)—and officials are urging caution. The US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is warning customers about a rise in phishing and smishing attacks, where fraudsters send fake texts and emails that appear to come from USPS. The messages often claim that a package is delayed or that a payment is due, directing recipients to click a link that steals personal information. How To Identify A Fake USPS Message Postal inspectors say these scams are becoming more advanced, but ther…
US Cracking Down On Egg Smuggling From Mexico As Prices Soar US Cracking Down On Egg Smuggling From Mexico As Prices Soar
US Cracking Down On Egg Smuggling From Mexico As Prices Soar With egg prices at record highs, authorities are seeing a sharp increase in smuggling operations attempting to bring eggs across the US-Mexico border. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported a surge in egg seizures, as rising costs drive some travelers to attempt sneaking in eggs despite strict import bans. The San Diego Field Office said Thursday, Feb. 27, that egg interceptions have increased 158 percent since the start of the 2024 fiscal year. The main culprit behind soaring egg prices? A devastating avian flu outbreak that has affected 166 million birds in the US since …
‘He Was Loved’: Family Remembers Giovanni Zambrano, 22, Missing Man Found Dead In PA Woods ‘He Was Loved’: Family Remembers Giovanni Zambrano, 22, Missing Man Found Dead In PA Woods
‘He Was Loved’: Family Remembers Giovanni Zambrano, 22, Missing Man Found Dead In PA Woods Giovanni Zambrano was more than just a name on a missing person’s alert—he was a hardworking young man, a dedicated gamer, and a beloved brother in a family of seven. His aunt, Aura Santos, shared memories of the 22-year-old after his remains were found in a wooded area of Allentown earlier this week. Zambrano, a graduate of William Allen High School, was remembered as a "shy and sweet kid" who took pride in showing up to work on time and had considered going to college. "He just didn’t see a way out of his emotional problems and couldn’t see a way out," Santos said. She recalled how much…
Search Intensifies For Missing PA Teen Enci Aubrey Wu, Last Seen In NJ, Feared Sex Trafficked Search Intensifies For Missing PA Teen Enci Aubrey Wu, Last Seen In NJ, Feared Sex Trafficked
Search Intensifies For Missing PA Teen Enci Aubrey Wu, Last Seen In NJ, Feared Sex Trafficked The search for missing Pennsylvania teen Enci Aubrey Wu has gained momentum as community members rally for more visibility and support in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to statements by her parents on Friday, March 7. Wu, 14, of Palmer Township, Easton, who goes by Aubrey, vanished after climbing out of a bathroom window at her home on Jan. 10, 2025. Investigators later confirmed she was seen in New Jersey and at a Wawa in Whitehall Township on Jan. 11, but she has not been located since. Her parents and volunteers have been tirelessly searching for her for nearly two months, p…
What Is Hantavirus? Gene Hackman's Wife Died From Rodent-Transmitted Disease, Officials Say What Is Hantavirus? Gene Hackman's Wife Died From Rodent-Transmitted Disease, Officials Say
What Is Hantavirus? Gene Hackman's Wife Died From Rodent-Transmitted Disease, Officials Say A rare but serious virus linked to rodents claimed the life of Betsy Arakawa, the wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, health officials said. Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on Tuesday, Feb. 11, a full week before the 95-year-old Hackman died from cardiovascular disease and advanced Alzheimer’s, New Mexico’s chief medical examiner revealed at a press conference Friday, March 7. The couple of more than 35 years–along with one of their three dogs–was found dead inside their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, as Daily Voice reported. Hantavirus is …
‘Heartbreaking’ Years-Long Sex Abuse Of 2 Kids Uncovered In PA: DA ‘Heartbreaking’ Years-Long Sex Abuse Of 2 Kids Uncovered In PA: DA
‘Heartbreaking’ Years-Long Sex Abuse Of 2 Kids Uncovered In PA: DA A Pennsylvania man sexually abused two children for years before his alleged crimes were uncovered, prosecutors announced. Kevin Charles Martin is facing 17 charges related to the sexual abuse of children after a ChildLine report in November 2024 triggered an investigation, the Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office said. The report alleged Martin engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a juvenile victim dating back to 2016. Investigators later identified a second victim, prosecutors said. Both children detailed years of disturbing abuse in forensic interviews, authorities said. A…
Counselor Used Hidden Cameras To Record Women In Bathroom At Pennsylvania Office: DA Counselor Used Hidden Cameras To Record Women In Bathroom At Pennsylvania Office: DA
Counselor Used Hidden Cameras To Record Women In Bathroom At Pennsylvania Office: DA A family counselor is accused of secretly placing spy cameras disguised as charging blocks to record women using the bathroom at his Quakertown office, authorities announced on Thursday, March 6. Jonathan Elliot Moyer, 54, of Alburtis, was arrested after investigators uncovered video evidence of him setting up the covert devices, according to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office. The investigation began Monday, March 3, when a witness discovered an electronic storage device containing footage of Moyer placing a hidden camera in the bathroom at Empower Life Coaching & Counseling, …