Gas prices in the Lehigh Valley and across the commonwealth have backed off just a bit. According to AAA East Central, the average price for a gallon of gas in Pennsylvania dropped by a little more than a penny over the past seven days to settle at $3.67 as of Tuesday. That is four cents more expensive than one year ago. In the Lehigh Valley, the price sits at $3.58 a gallon, three cents less than a week ago, but three cents more than a year ago.
In the wake of the assassination attempt of former President Trump in western PA, Berks County Sheriff Eric Weaknecht describes his experiences dealing with the Secret Service. "When you get a call from the Secret Service they say they're going to be at a certain location at a certain time, details to follow. The Secret Service will come out and talk with the sheriff, the local municipalities and they get as many people as possible to assist as possible because it is a huge undertaking," Weaknecht says.
Local law enforcement is getting some praise for their work at the Butler Township Trump rally. Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe says Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle called him to applaud their efforts at the event this past Saturday. State police were assisting federal officials with security inside the perimeter and local officers were stationed in the surrounding area, including at the AGR building where gunman Thomas Crooks fired from. Cheatle has said that a decision was made to avoid placing any law enforcement on that roof and to secure that building from inside instead.
Pennsylvania will now allow cocktails in cans at grocery stores and gas stations. Lawmakers okayed an expansion for the now-popular drinks. Currently only state-owned wine and liquor stores can sell the canned cocktails. But the expansion opens up the chance for restaurants, bars, beer distributors, grocery stores, and convenience stores to apply for a new license to sell the drinks. The state says canned cocktails are very popular, and will likely account for $35 million in sales by 2028.
Charges will not be filed in the fatal shooting near the Pennsylvania State Capitol last month. The Dauphin County District Attorney's Office has ruled the shooting on the 200 block of State Street was in self-defense. Officials said 52-year-old Paul Kattouf was discharging pepper spray into a vehicle containing a pregnant woman, male, and child when he was shot. The shooting reportedly stemmed from a road rage incident.
The Pennsylvania State Police are entering a patrol vehicle in this year's Best Looking Cruiser contest. The annual competition is sponsored by the American Association of State Troopers. Voters have until July 29th to look through photos of police cars and trucks from across the nation and select their favorite. The top 13 cruisers will be featured in next year's AAST calendar, with the winner placed on the cover. Those who would like to enter a vote can find a link to the contest at state-troopers-dot-org.
New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez and two of his business associates have been convicted on all charges in a federal corruption trial. Menendez was accused of accepting an array of bribes in exchange for helping foreign governments. The gifts totaled more than $100,000 worth of gold bars, along with hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash stuffed throughout his New Jersey home. After his conviction, Menendez said the jury got it wrong. "I have never, ever, been a foreign agent and the decision rendered by the jury today would put at risk every member of the United States Senate in terms of they think a foreign agent would be," Menendez said. Prosecutors used emails and text messages from Menendez as evidence, along with FBI testimony to prove their case. Menendez is expected to be sentenced on October 29th.
Calls continue for Senator Bob Menendez to step down after he was found guilty in his federal bribery trial yesterday in New York. Governor Phil Murphy said Menendez was found guilty of endangering national security and the integrity of the criminal justice system. He says, in the event of a vacancy, he will make a temporary appointment to "ensure the people of New Jersey have the representation they deserve." Other Democratic leaders calling for his resignation include Senator Cory Booker and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Menendez has until August 26th to decide whether to continue his campaign as an independent.
The American League beat the National League 5-3 in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Texas. Six Phillies played. Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm all were in the starting lineup. All three had hits and combined went 3-8 in the game. Three Phillies pitchers took the mound. Cristopher Sanchez, Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman combined to pitch 1.1 innings of perfect baseball.