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…
Family Of Five Injured In Bucks Crash Was Leaving Birthday Celebration, Loved Ones Say Family Of Five Injured In Bucks Crash Was Leaving Birthday Celebration, Loved Ones Say
Family Of Five Injured In Bucks Crash Was Leaving Birthday Celebration, Loved Ones Say More than a week after a major accident injured a family of five in Lower Makefield, new details are emerging on the victims' road to recovery.  Township police told Daily Voice last week that five people in a BMW SUV were driving along Stony Hill Road around 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 22 when a driver pulled out of an office complex and struck their car.  The BMW "spun and rolled over," police said. Two people were ejected from the SUV while three others had to be extricated by first responders, authorities reported.  Four people in the BMW were taken to area hospitals, and a…
Couple Killed In Carbon County Motorcycle Wreck Leave Behind Children, Grandchildren Couple Killed In Carbon County Motorcycle Wreck Leave Behind Children, Grandchildren
Couple Killed In Carbon County Motorcycle Wreck Leave Behind Children, Grandchildren The motorcyclists who died in a Carbon County accident over the weekend leave behind two families, their loved ones say.  Amy Hollenbach, 44, and Michael Brunell, 42, were heading north on Forest Inn Road in Towmensing Township when an oncoming vehicle veered from its lane and struck their bike around 2:40 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, Daily Voice reported.  They died from their injuries.  On a pair of GoFundMe campaigns launched Monday, May 22, their loved ones say the pair were engaged to be married.  Now, their children are seeking donations to assist with funeral expenses and other end-of-…
After Fire, Neighbors Pitch In To Rebuild Philly Bar After Fire, Neighbors Pitch In To Rebuild Philly Bar
After Fire, Neighbors Pitch In To Rebuild Philly Bar After a fire left the Shipyard Bar in Philadelphia badly damaged and closed for business, its Port Richmond neighbors have stepped up to ease the burden.  It was after midnight on Monday, May 15 when the exterior of the bar, 2537 East Ontario St., suddenly caught fire, said neighbor Lexi Ellis.  Firefighters were on the scene within seconds and were able to keep the flames from spreading to other buildings, but the bar is now in need of serious repairs, according to Ellis.  "While the fire could have been much, much worse, there is substantial fire damage to the outside of the bar, as wel…
'Our Hearts Are Broken': Support Surges For Elderly Couple Killed In Montco Fire 'Our Hearts Are Broken': Support Surges For Elderly Couple Killed In Montco Fire
'Our Hearts Are Broken': Support Surges For Elderly Couple Killed In Montco Fire Just days after a fire killed a Hatfield couple in their home, well-wishers and loved ones have raised thousands for the family members they left behind.  Firefighters were called to the Washington Lane home of Ghanshyam Patel, 78, and Leenabahen Patel, 63, around 4:30 a.m. on Friday, May 12 for a reported structure fire.  By the time crews left the scene, both victims were pronounced dead.  Now, friends of the couple's family are raising funds on GoFundMe to assist loved ones handle funeral expenses and other end-of-life costs. In just three days after going live, the effort has garnered…
'Larger Than Life': Philadelphia's DJ Ernesto Dead At 43 'Larger Than Life': Philadelphia's DJ Ernesto Dead At 43
'Larger Than Life': Philadelphia's DJ Ernesto Dead At 43 Ernesto Di Siro Jr., a noted Philadelphia area DJ, died suddenly on Sunday, May 14, his loved ones wrote on a memorial GoFundMe page. He was 43.  A fixture of Philly nightlife, "DJ Ernesto" was well-known and loved by many, his younger sister Teresa said.  "It was difficult to go anywhere without someone recognizing Ernie," she wrote on GoFundMe. "Ernie had a larger-than-life personality and the biggest heart." On social media, community members and loved ones posted photos and penned tributes in memory of the late DJ. My 🖤 hurts … my little cousin, who will be deeply missed. #dje…
Sudden Eviction Notice Threatens Chesco Horse Sanctuary Sudden Eviction Notice Threatens Chesco Horse Sanctuary
Sudden Eviction Notice Threatens Chesco Horse Sanctuary Staffers at a Chester County horse sanctuary say they have been served an eviction notice, and now have under 45 days to shelter their herd.  In a GoFundMe campaign launched on Friday, May 5, the team at Furvivors Wonderland Horse Rescue and Sanctuary in Chester Springs say they are scrambling for a short-term housing solution for their 16 horses and lone 18-month-old steer.  "This sudden notice of eviction is a hurdle we could not have expected, but rescue is never easy and we will not be derailed," wrote organizer Kristina Hall.  "These animals have been neglected, abused, and traumatiz…
Philly Neighbors Rally For Uber Driver Dad Killed In Suspected DUI Crash Philly Neighbors Rally For Uber Driver Dad Killed In Suspected DUI Crash
Philly Neighbors Rally For Uber Driver Dad Killed In Suspected DUI Crash Friends, neighbors, and well-wishers are stepping up to support the family of a Philadelphia Uber driver killed in a suspected DUI accident on the Schuylkill Expressway last weekend.  Jean Carlos Santana, 31, a husband and father of two, was driving three passengers west on I-76 around 2 a.m. on April 15 when another car "swerved across lanes of travel" and hit the rear of their vehicle, sending them into a bridge pillar, Daily Voice has reported.  Santana and his passengers, 23-year-old twins Tucker and Christian Schimelfenig, and their friend Michael Comerford, 24, were all…
Neighbors Raise $30K For Clarks Summit Men Killed In I-76 Accident Neighbors Raise $30K For Clarks Summit Men Killed In I-76 Accident
Neighbors Raise $30K For Clarks Summit Men Killed In I-76 Accident Less than 24 hours after they were identified by state police, neighbors and community members have raised a staggering $33,885 for the families of three Lackawanna County residents killed in a Philadelphia highway crash.  Twins Tucker and Christian Schimelfenig, 23, their friend Michael Comerford, 24, all of Clarks Summit, and 31-year-old Jan Santana of Philadelphia were all pronounced dead at the scene when another car "swerved across lanes of travel" and hit the rear of their vehicle, sending them into a bridge pillar around 2 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, Daily Voice re…
Berks Neighbors Raise Nearly $10K For Family Of Murdered Teen Berks Neighbors Raise Nearly $10K For Family Of Murdered Teen
Berks Neighbors Raise Nearly $10K For Family Of Murdered Teen Berks County residents are stepping up to assist an area family in their time of need.  Javien Perch, a 19-year-old Reading man, was found dead near Oak Lane on the city's northeast side on Wednesday, April 5, and police are investigating the matter as a homicide.  Now, in the week since, his neighbors have rallied to ensure his friends and family a proper send-off.  Within three days of going live, a GoFundMe page launched by Javien's loved ones has raised a staggering $7,600 as of Friday, April 14. Organizers hope to eventually raise $10,000 to assist with funeral expenses and other end…
Boys Orphaned After Parents Killed In Lehigh Valley Motorcycle Crash Boys Orphaned After Parents Killed In Lehigh Valley Motorcycle Crash
Boys Orphaned After Parents Killed In Lehigh Valley Motorcycle Crash The Lehigh Valley couple killed in an accident on Airport Road have left behind two sons, who their loved ones and neighbors are stepping up to support in their time of need.  Jason and Samantha Loch Izon were riding in East Allen Township on Tuesday, April 4 when they collided with a flatbed truck near the intersection with Portland Drive, Daily Voice has reported.  Samantha, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio has said. Jason, 44, was taken to taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg for treatment, where he passed aw…
East Stroudsburg Lotto Player Wins $1 Million Jackpot East Stroudsburg Lotto Player Wins $1 Million Jackpot
East Stroudsburg Lotto Player Wins $1 Million Jackpot An East Stroudsburg shopper went to Wawa and walked out a millionaire, state officials say.  The lucky player picked up a jackpot-winning "$1,000,000 Game" scratch-off ticket from the shop at 5121 Milford Road, said Pennsylvania Lottery representatives on Thursday, April 6.  For its part, the Wawa will now receive a $5,000 bonus check, gaming officials added.  The "$1,000,000 Game" is a $20 scratcher with opportunities to win up to the titular amount. Winning players should always sign the back of their slip and reach out to state officials by calling 1-800-692-748…
Delco Cops Commended For Rescuing 'Person In Crisis' On Train Tracks Delco Cops Commended For Rescuing 'Person In Crisis' On Train Tracks
Delco Cops Commended For Rescuing 'Person In Crisis' On Train Tracks Two policemen in Delaware County were commended by the top brass for their "outstanding and compassionate work" assisting a resident in crisis on Thursday, March 30.  Officers James Mansfield and Nicholas Denton of the Prospect Park Police Department received praise from Chief Dave Madonna for rescuing the resident, who "was going through a difficult situation" near Amtrak rails in the borough, the chief said in a statement. Mansfield and Denton halted all train service in the area and spoke compassionately with the resident at length, Madonna wrote. "After a period of time and some c…
Here's Where Philly Ranks Among The Most Irish Cities In America, According To One Study Here's Where Philly Ranks Among The Most Irish Cities In America, According To One Study
Here's Where Philly Ranks Among The Most Irish Cities In America, According To One Study Americans nationwide are embracing their Irish heritage in celebration of St. Patrick's Day, but some cities run a little greener than others.  How does Philadelphia stack up?  According to the LawnStarter.com blog, the City of Brotherly Love is one of the top ten most Irish cities in the United States in 2023.  More goes into the calculation than a simple demographic survey, LawnStarter explains. The blog selected America's Irish-est cities by considering "access to Irish pubs, dance schools, and social groups," among other "indicators" of Emerald Isle heritage.  By t…
Philly TikTok Chef To Appear On FOX Show After Super Bowl Philly TikTok Chef To Appear On FOX Show After Super Bowl
Philly TikTok Chef To Appear On FOX Show After Super Bowl After the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, Feb. 12, audiences can stay tuned to root for someone else with Philadelphia ties. Cassie Yeung is a chef and TikTok influencer who will appear alongside Gordon Ramsay on FOX's "Next Level Chef." The competition series puts culinary pros head-to-head to test their skills under the leadership of TV's most recognizable celebrity chefs — including the famously prickly Ramsay.  "He's intimidating by nature but honestly so supportive," Cassie tells Daily Voice. During filming, Cassie was chosen to compete…
Viral TikTok Captures Moment Spirit Of Late Police Officer Visits Baby, Montco Mom Says Viral TikTok Captures Moment Spirit Of Late Police Officer Visits Baby, Montco Mom Says
Viral TikTok Captures Moment Spirit Of Late Police Officer Visits Baby, Montco Mom Says Ryan Allen has been keeping a close on the family he left behind. The Hatboro officer died last April of a brain injury resulting from an allergic reaction to a bee sting. But his wife, Whitney Allen, believes his spirit is around. Whitney captured what she believes was her late husband visiting their baby Leo in a video that she posted to TikTok, garnering more than 8 million views. "I was cleaning up the kitchen after putting the baby down and the monitor was on the counter," she told Daily Voice. "Something caught my eye... I saw this 'glow' around Leo, who had been fussing and cryi…
It's Lit! MontCo Family Keeps Christmas Display Going Strong For 40th Year It's Lit! MontCo Family Keeps Christmas Display Going Strong For 40th Year
It's Lit! MontCo Family Keeps Christmas Display Going Strong For 40th Year For the 40th year running, one Montgomery County family is decking the halls this season.  The Drelicks of Harleysville were fresh off a four-game winning streak on Family Feud when they launched their 2022 Christmas display on Black Friday, the family announced on its Facebook page.  Well-known to neighbors and passersby, the family tradition dates back to 1983, Jospeh Drelick tells Daily Voice.  "I was 13. My parents went out to a Christmas party and I went outside and put up a set of lights and some old Christmas bells," he said.  "We grew from there, more lights every year," includin…
Not Forgotten: Philly Area Native Among Thousands Killed At Pearl Harbor Not Forgotten: Philly Area Native Among Thousands Killed At Pearl Harbor
Not Forgotten: Philly Area Native Among Thousands Killed At Pearl Harbor Of the more than 2,400 Americans killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor exactly 81 years ago, at least one was a native of Delaware County.  Michael Savinski, a 23-year-old Seaman First Class from Chester, was stationed aboard the famous USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on the day the Japanese Empire launched a surprise attack, according to federal war records.  The Arizona, coincidentally a Pennsylvania-class battleship, was sunk after a Japanese bomb landed on its munitions storage room, causing an explosion and killing 1,177 sailors, the National Parks Service says.  Savinski went dow…
Community Rallies Around Injured Berks County Student Athlete Community Rallies Around Injured Berks County Student Athlete
Community Rallies Around Injured Berks County Student Athlete Noah Martinez, a Muhlenberg High School student and goalie of the soccer team, brought his A-game to the semifinals on Tuesday, Oct. 18.  But just as the teen was going in for a save, Noah hit his jaw — breaking the bone into four pieces and badly damaging several of his teeth.  Now, his community is stepping up to help in his hour of need.  Noah's loved ones launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist his parents as the teen sets down the long road to recovery.  As of Thursday, Oct. 20, the campaign has raised more than $2,600.  The donations are meant to h…