Mike Vereb, who served as Shapiro's secretary of legislative affairs until his resignation on Wednesday, was accused in the woman's complaint to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission of subjecting her to lewd, misogynistic and unwanted sexual advances during her brief stint working in the governor’s administration.

Vereb didn't immediately respond to a message left on his cellphone Thursday.

A former state lawmaker, Vereb worked closely with Shapiro when he was attorney general. After the Democrat won the governor's post, Verb assumed the role of shepherding the governor's agenda through the politically divided Legislature.

In a statement dated March 31 to the state Office of Administration, the woman said Vereb told her that “If you and I decided to enter into a sexual relationship it would be our business” and that he also told her to wear lower-cut tops and skirts with shorter slits.

Shapiro's spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, said in an emailed statement that he would not comment on a specific personnel matter. But he said the state takes “allegations of discrimination and harassment seriously” and there are procedures to investigate such claims.

The woman’s lawyer, Chuck Pascal, said Thursday he was not able to “confirm the contents or authenticity of any alleged complaint, draft complaint or written statement” from her. “We also cannot at this time confirm the existence of any settlement, agreement, or other resolution of this matter.” Bonder declined to comment on the existence of any settlement.

The woman was offered a position in the governor’s administration about the time Shapiro was taking office in January and resigned in March after she brought forth concerns over Vereb’s behavior, according to her commission complaint. She said the governor’s office did not remedy the situation or protect her from retaliation.

In the statement to the Office of Administration, the woman wrote that she was afraid of Vereb.

“I am scared of what he will do, the rumors he will spread, I am scared for my professional career,” she said. “I am putting this all on the line because I am fearful that he will do this to someone else.”

State Rep. Abby Major, a Republican from Armstrong County, said the woman provided her with the interview and complaint several months ago, at a time when they were talking daily about the matter.

“She lost her livelihood," Major said, noting rumors were being spread about it. “So I’m sure it was very difficult to try to continue working in this atmosphere and in the sphere of politics where some of the people at the very top are working against you.”

Vereb, a Republican, is a former Montgomery County police officer who was elected to the state Legislature in 2007 and served five terms. He served alongside Shapiro when he also was a Montgomery county state representative. In 2017, Vereb went to work for the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General under Shapiro.

The governor’s office announced Vereb's resignation on Wednesday and appointed TJ Yablonski to the role, starting Monday.

Shapiro has not issued any public comment on his departure. In a statement Wednesday announcing Vereb’s resignation, Shapiro’s chief of staff, Dana Fritz, credited Vereb for work on the state budget and called him a “key member of a team."

According to the Hazleton City Police Department, on Tuesday the U.S. Attorney's Office South District of New York successfully identified 33-year-old Eddie Manuel Nunez-Santos, aka "Lucas", a Peruvian National to have been the source of making hoax bomb threats.

The threats occurred between September 15-23 to more than 150 school districts, synagogues, airports, hospitals, and shopping malls.

Investigators stated the threats spanned multiple states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Arizona, and Alaska, and resulted in massive disruptions to the targeted communities, including evacuations of thousands of schools, and children, a lockdown of a hospital, and flight delays. 

Detectives said Nunez-Santos is also charged with attempting to entice a 15-year-old girl to take and send him nude and sexually explicit photographs, and he allegedly sent the bomb threats in retaliation against her and other minors after they refused his requests for child pornography.

Nunez-Santos faces the following charges for the crimes he has committed;

• Transmitting threatening interstate communications
  • Carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison
• Conveying false information and hoaxes
  • Which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison
• Attempting to sexually exploit a child
  • Carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison
• Attempting to coerce and entice a minor
  • Which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison
• Attempting to receive child pornography
  • Carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  

Dozens of schools, businesses, and places of worship were impacted by the threats during the week-long span.

The stocking, which will continue through mid-December, will include approximately 117,500 hatchery-raised adult Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout.

In October alone, the Fishing and Boat Commission says there will be nearly 88,000 trout stocked into 53 lakes and 40 stream sections.

"Anglers who spend time on the water during the fall season, especially, are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery and comfortable temperatures of the year," said Robert Brown, PFBC Deputy Director of Field Operations.  "The enjoyment of fishing on a stream or lake in fall and winter can be even more enjoyable when you plan your adventure around stocked trout fishing opportunities.  The chance to catch stocked trout complements the world-class wild trout fisheries that also come alive around the same time the leaves start changing colors."

Trout stocked during fall and winter can be fished immediately and anglers ages 16 and older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and trout permit.

The extended trout season runs from September 5, 2023, through February 19, 2024, with a daily creel limit of three trout at least seven inches long.

Anyone boating is also reminded to wear a life jacket as water temperatures can quickly drop in the fall and winter months.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited the Eat Real Food Mobile Market at Paxinosa Elementary School in Easton, Pa. Wednesday to announce the theme for the 108th Pennsylvania Farm Show: Connecting Our Communities.

The 2024 Farm Show, Pennsylvania’s State Fair, will run from Saturday, Jan. 6 through Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

"Agriculture unites us. It is the food, fuel, and fiber we rely on for our quality of life and our economy. Food helps define our cultures and our identities," said Secretary Redding.

The Farm Show will feature fan favorites like the 1,000-pound butter sculpture, the famous Farm Show Food Court, youth showmanship, and sheep shearing competitions (among
hundreds of other competitive agricultural events), cooking demonstrations, and more than one million square feet of hands-on agriculture education opportunities.

“Visiting the PA Farm Show is like taking a journey through the heart of agriculture, where you’ll connect with the roots of our food, the spirit of our farming communities, and the boundless possibilities for finding your own path in this industry,” said Sharon Myers, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center Executive Director.

To stay up to date on PA Farm Show news, visit farmshow.pa.gov or follow the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Facebook and Instagram.

Instacart is an online grocery delivery and pick-up service.

Instacart is now available at more than 200 Giant Eagle grocery stores, including those in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Giant Eagle will continue to offer groceries being selected by Giant Eagle employees and ready for pick-up.

Using Instacart will now allow for delivery to a customer's doorstep.

Ollie's Bargain Outlet recently announced that they have officially opened their 500th store location, which held its grand opening in the morning hours of Wednesday, Sept. 27. According to Ollie's Bargain Outlet, the new store location brings them one step closer to their goal of opening 1,050 stores across the country.

In addition to the 500th store location, the Harrisburg-based discount retailer is also celebrating the "topping out" of a new distribution center in Illinois. According to Ollie's Bargain Outlet, this new 615,000-square-foot facility will provide service to between 150 and 175 stores, while also creating over 200 new jobs in the process.

The new Midwest distribution center is scheduled to open in 2024.

“It’s a very exciting week for Ollie’s as we open our 500th store in Iowa—our 30th state—and we are grateful to our team members and customers who have helped us reach this important milestone,” John Swygert, President and Chief Executive Officer said. “As we continue our journey to open more than 1,050 stores, building a distribution center strategically located in Illinois allows us to efficiently meet demand and deliver outstanding deals to our customers at the lowest possible prices while we expand our national footprint.”

According to their website, Ollie's Bargain Outlet opened its first location in Mechanicsburg back in July of 1982. Today, the Pennsylvania company employs over 11,000 team members across 30 states.

Police said they made at least 52 arrests. Burglary, theft and other counts have been filed so far against at least 30 people, all but three of them adults, according to Jane Roh, spokesperson for the Philadelphia district attorney's office.

The flash mob-style ransacking Tuesday night at dozens of stores including Foot Locker, Lululemon and Apple came after a peaceful protest over a judge’s decision to dismiss murder and other charges against a Philadelphia police officer who shot and killed a driver, Eddie Irizarry, through a rolled-up window.

Those doing the ransacking were not affiliated with the protest, Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford said at a news conference, calling the group “a bunch of criminal opportunists.”

At least 18 state-run liquor stores were broken into, leading the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to close all 48 of its Philadelphia retail locations and one in suburban Cheltenham on Wednesday. No employees were hurt Tuesday night, but “some were understandably shaken,” said liquor board spokesperson Shawn Kelly.

The stores were “closed in the interest of employee safety and while we assess the damage and loss that occurred. We will reopen stores when it is safe to do so and when the damage is repaired,” Kelly said.

Video on social media showed masked people in hoodies running out of Lululemon with merchandise and police officers grabbing several and tackling them to the sidewalk. Photos of a sporting goods store at a mall showed mannequins and sneakers scattered on the sidewalk.

The thefts and unrest stretched from downtown to northeast and west Philadelphia, leaving smashed display windows and broken storefront coverings. Police said seven cars were stolen from a lot in the northeast. One of the cars had been recovered as of Wednesday afternoon.

Six businesses in a single retail corridor of North Philadelphia were looted, including three pharmacies, a hair salon, a tax preparation company and a cellphone store, according to the North 22nd Street Business Corridor, a business group.

Benjamin Nochum, the pharmacist and store manager at Patriot Pharmacy, said it was the third time since 2020 his business had been hit.

“When looters steal from us, what they don’t seem to understand is that they are also stealing from our neighbors,” Nochum said in a statement. ”It makes you question how much longer you can hang on.”

People appeared to have organized efforts on social media, according to Stanford, the interim police commissioner. Police are investigating “that there was possibly a caravan of a number of different vehicles that were going from location to location.” Video posted to social media showed people hanging out of cars in a shopping center parking lot, appearing to yell directions to one another.

“This destructive and illegal behavior cannot and will not be tolerated in our city,” said Mayor Jim Kenney, a Democrat, calling it a “sickening display of opportunistic criminal activity.”

His administration is working with police to assess “which areas of the city may need increased coverage or additional resources,” he said.

The chaos in Philadelphia was reminiscent of similarly brazen smash-and-grab thefts elsewhere, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, where organized groups of thieves, some carrying crowbars and hammers, have systematically targeted high-end stores.

There were a large number of young people in Philadelphia's downtown business corridor, called Center City, shortly before 8 p.m., and some officers stopped a group of males “dressed in black attire and wearing masks," according to a police news release.

At that time, reports and 911 calls came in about the Foot Locker store. When police arrived, they found it had been “ransacked in a coordinated attack,” the news release said.

By 8:12 p.m., police responded to similar calls at Lululemon, where police wrestled a few suspects to the ground as people streamed out of the store. Some of the suspected thieves slipped past police and got away, according to video posted to social media.

Shortly afterward, calls directed police to the Apple Store, where thieves had forced their way in and made off with phones and tablets — then smashed them on the ground when they realized the devices were disabled and their alarms were going off, social media video showed. Some of the merchandise was recovered, according to a police news release.

No injuries were immediately reported, but CBS Philadelphia reported that a security guard was assaulted at the Foot Locker.

The thefts occurred the same day Target announced it will close nine stores in four states, including one in New York City’s East Harlem neighborhood, and three in the San Francisco Bay Area, saying that theft and organized retail crime have threatened the safety of its workers and customers.

The victim, a 66-year-old female, was found unresponsive "with a cloth in her mouth" in her room at the Marriott Airport Hotel on Monday night, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia police told Nexstar in an emailed statement. She was pronounced dead at the scene shortly afterward.

The department has classified the case as a "suspicious death," according to the email. Her body has been transferred to the local medical examiner.

American Airlines has since confirmed the 66-year-old had been employed as a flight attendant for the carrier.

“We are devastated by this news," a representative for American Airlines wrote in a statement shared with Nexstar. "Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues, and we're doing everything we can to ensure all affected have the support they need during this difficult time. We will continue to cooperate fully with local law enforcement in their investigation.”

The victim had not been publicly identified by police or American Airlines as of Wednesday afternoon. Police also confirmed no arrests had been made.

"The investigation is active and ongoing with the Homicide Detectives Division," police said.

On May 27, 2014, State Police and the Perry County Coroner's office began investigating the discovery of human skeletal remains with a gunshot wound located in the area of Idle Road on State Game Lands in Rye Township.

The victim was examined by a Forensic Anthropologist and members of the Mercyhurst University Forensic Scene Recovery Team and determined to be a white male, between 45-70 years of age and standing approximately 5’11”-6’6” tall. way of a gunshot wound to the head.

In October 2022, Perry County District Attorney Lauren Eichelberger was awarded grant money to help identify the victim. Several items collected from the victim were forwarded to Othram Labs, located in Texas, to complete a DNA analysis and genealogy study.

State Police say a distant family member of the victim was identified in February 2023 and through a DNA comparison, investigators were able to positively identify the victim as Michael Allen Holober. Holober would have been 47 years old at the time the remains were discovered.

State Police say Holober was living in the Strasburg, Virginia area in 2012 and had disappeared around that time.

Troopers investigators worked closely with Detectives from the Strasburg Police Department (Virginia) and allege Holober had been shot and killed by an acquaintance, James Callahan, at a residence in Strasburg, VA. State Police say Callahan allegedly transported Holober’s body to Pennsylvania where he was discarded and eventually found by a hiker in May 2014.

State Police say due to the homicide occurring in Virginia, the investigation was relinquished to Virginia authorities. Callahan was arrested and charged on September 26 in Virginia.

Rolando Pena has been indicted by a grand jury for conspiracy to transport stolen money in interstate commerce and interstate transportation of stolen money.

It was cited in the indictment that in March Pena broke into and stole money from six different skilled machines, including one in Johnstown.

Pena, along with other individuals, then transported the stolen money across state lines to New Jersey and New York. According to the indictment, Pena deposited a total of $21,500 into banks in New York, New York.

The counts of the indictment can be found below.

If Pena is charged and found guilty, he could face up to five years in prison along with a fine no greater than $250,000 for the felony of conspiracy to transport stolen money in interstate commerce.

Pena could also face up to 10 years in prison, along with a fine no greater than $250,000 for the felony of interstate transportation of stolen money.

An Apple Store was hit at around 8 p.m. and police chased fleeing teenagers, recovering dropped iPhones and a “pile of iPads” at one spot, a police statement said.

More than 100 people who appeared to be teenagers looted a Lululemon store, NBC10 Philadelphia reported, citing a police officer.

Video posted on social media showed masked people in hoodies running out of Lululemon and police officers grabbing several and tackling them to the sidewalk, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

No injuries were immediately reported but CBS Philadelphia said a security guard was assaulted at the Foot Locker.

The flash mob-style ransacking followed an earlier peaceful protest over a judge's Tuesday decision to dismiss murder and other charges against a Philadelphia police officer who shot and killed a driver, Eddie Irizarry, through a rolled-up window.

However, several police commanders said that the store ransacking wasn't connected to earlier demonstrations, CBS Philadelphia reported.

The thefts also occurred on the same day that Target announced it will close nine stores in four states, including one in New York City’s East Harlem neighborhood, and three in the San Francisco Bay Area, saying that theft and organized retail crime have threatened the safety of its workers and customers.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission reported that a disease has killed more than 30 deer near State Game Lands 214.

Hemorrhagic disease, also known as HD, is killing dozens of deer in Crawford County days before the start of archery season.

Between 30 to 40 infected deer have been found dead in North Shenango and Sadsbury townships.

Travis Lau, press secretary from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, said insects called midges spread the disease. HD outbreaks are less common in northwestern Pa. compared to regions in warmer climates.

"We tend not to get hemorrhagic disease at a state-wide level. We tend not to have hemorrhagic disease on a county-wide level, it more correctly in pockets," said Lau.

He added that since the disease is spread by insects, it can't be controlled and there's nothing that can be done during an outbreak to prevent it from spreading. However, deer can not spread the disease to humans or other deer.

Lau went on to say those who are in an area hit hard by HD can find other public hunting opportunities near by.

"More than 1.5 million acres of state game lands in addition to state forests, state parks the Allegheny National Forest," Lau added.

Lau also said it's a waiting game -- HD could pop up in other areas but the disease doesn't necessarily come back every year.

"There are some things that are unknown about hemorrhagic disease and the biting midges that spread, but we do know that they're not in Pennsylvania all the time," he continued.

Hunters who come across several dead deer are encouraged to contact the Pa. Game Commission at 833-742-9453.

Municipal Judge Wendy Pew agreed with defense attorneys who argued the officer could have feared for his life because he thought the driver, 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry, had a gun.

Police body camera footage shown at the preliminary hearing of fired Officer Mark Dial showed Irizarry holding a knife near his right leg as police approached his stopped vehicle. The officers had pulled Irizarry over on a residential street after a short pursuit prompted by erratic driving.

The ruling came after a courtroom, packed with police and relatives of Irizarry, watched about 20 minutes of the harrowing video footage. His attorneys argued that Dial acted in self-defense when he fired his weapon at close range shortly after noon on Aug. 14.

Irizarry’s relatives appeared stunned and distraught by Pew’s ruling, which prosecutors plan to appeal. The victim's family members said police should not need to fatally shoot someone just because they speed or act irrationally.

“We are going to continue to fight for justice, because that was wrong,” Irizarry's cousin Aracelis Brown, 28, said in an interview after the hearing. Prosecutors said they will seek to have the murder and other charges reinstated.

Bodycam footage shows Dial shot Irizarry about seven seconds after getting out of a police SUV and walking over to the sedan. He fired a total of six rounds.

Police previously backtracked from their initial statements that Dial shot Irizarry outside the vehicle after he “lunged at” police with a knife. Dial, a five-year member of the force, was suspended after officials said he refused to cooperate with investigators. Police said Dial was fired on Sept. 18.

“You’re sitting here telling me that he was trying to lunge at you. He was not. He was locked in the car. So there was no way that he could get to you guys, and yet you still felt threatened and shot at him,” said Brown, ascribing the judge’s ruling to “favoritism” toward police.

Dial's partner, Officer Michael Morris, said the officers started following Irizarry after he sped past them in a bike lane and rounded a corner. They did not put on their lights and sirens but sent in information about the vehicle. Morris said he was not sure whether they received any information back from police radio.

Morris testified Tuesday that he saw the driver holding a knife with a black metal handle that could have looked like a gun. He said Irizarry started to raise it as Dial approached the car, which had stopped while going the wrong way on the one-way street.

“I screamed that he had a knife,” Morris testified.

Dial, sitting at the defense table, dabbed his eyes with a tissue as prosecutors played bodycam video of the fatal shooting. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner had called the videos from Morris and Dial “crucial evidence" that spoke for itself.

Defense lawyer Brian McMonagle urged Pew to drop all charges, which, in addition to murder, included manslaughter, official oppression and four other counts.

“He is firing while trying to take cover,” McMonagle said in court, stressing that Dial acted in self-defense. He said the charges never should have been filed by Krasner, a longtime civil rights lawyer who has clashed with police since taking office in 2018.

“I agree with you 100%," the judge replied as she threw out the case for lack of evidence.

Dial’s bail had been revoked last week after prosecutors argued the charges made him ineligible for release. He was released later Tuesday, McMonagle said.

Defense lawyers noted that even the detective who had sought a warrant for Dial’s arrest asked that the top charge be voluntary manslaughter, not murder.

City Council Member Kendra Brooks joined relatives in demanding that the case go to trial and voiced concern about seeing yet another video showing a white police officer killing a person of color. Irizarry was a member of the local Puerto Rican community who had moved to Philadelphia from Ponce about seven years ago, according to news reports.

“As we have seen with the killing of Walter Wallace,George Floyd,Breonna Taylor, and many others, incidents like the killing of Eddie Irizarry deepen our fear and trauma and widen the breach of trust between communities of color and the police,” Brooks, who is Black, said in a statement.

Family attorney Shaka Johnson has called the initial police narrative “an intentional misleading of the public” and said he intended to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the officer and the city.

Outgoing Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, who is leaving after three turbulent years to take a transit security job in New York, said the footage “made it very clear that what we initially reported was not actually what happened.”

Woman arrested after suspected drugs found in school zone: Police

According to a press release, Safeway Fresh Foods of Vineland, New Jersey is recalling its 32-oz. Diced Organic Butternut Squash product as it has the potential to be contaminated with Escherichia coli O45. 

The FDA states that E. coli O45 causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). This condition is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly; the condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

The 32-oz. diced butternut squash was distributed only to Costco in Washington DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The potential for contamination was discovered after routine testing by the company detected the presence of E. coli O45.

The closest Costco to the Valley in Pennsylvania is in Cranberry Township.

Consumers who specifically purchased Costco item 20522, UPC 040232244124, 32-oz. diced Organic Butternut Squash between September 7, 2023, and September 15, 2023, with a use-by date of September 19 are urged to return it to their local Costco. If you have any product with this date code remaining, the FDA is asking that you do not consume it.

The FDA states that no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-856-692-7200 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. ET to 4:00 p.m. ET.

Haley Potter, 25, appeared before Erie County Judge John Mead on Tuesday, Sept. 26 where she pleaded guilty to one count of theft by unlawful taking, one count of identity theft, and one count of false reports.

Potter was sentenced to two years probation.

Potter was previously arraigned on July 11, 2022 after investigators alleged Potter had fabricated claims of stalking which led to a three-month investigation.

In April of 2022, Pennsylvania State Police alleged that Potter reported to the PSP Erie station that she was a victim of ongoing stalking and harassment from an unknown person.

Potter claimed the unknown person had extensive knowledge of her whereabouts at all times, slid a handwritten note under her door, and had flowers delivered to the station where she worked.

PSP report that Potter orchestrated the whole thing and there was no unknown person.

Man convicted in infamous murder-for-hire heading back to prison

According to investigators with the U.S. Marshals, the following four men are wanted in for crimes committed in Harrisburg:

Angelo Arrington: 37 of Harrisburg. Wanted for firearms violations and absconding from federal probation and state parole.

These charges are a result of his involvement in a shooting incident that took place in the area of N. 3rd Street and Herr Street in Harrisburg City on May 28. Police say during this incident, four individuals were shot.

Jerry Khalil Foster: 42 of Yeadon. Wanted for attempted homicide, firearms violations, and absconding from federal probation and state parole.

These charges are a result of a shooting incident that took place in downtown Harrisburg City on August 13. Officials in this incident,
four individuals were shot.

Kurt Darnell Tasker Jr.: 33 of Harrisburg. Wanted for the homicide of two individuals.

These charges are a result of a shooting incident that took place in the 1st block of South 16th Street in Harrisburg City on March 13, police stated.

Shawn Jason: 47 of Harrisburg. Wanted for attempted homicide, firearms violations, and burglary.

These charges are a result of a shooting incident that took place in the 1800 block of North Street in Harrisburg City on September 9. During this incident, detectives say three people were shot with a rifle including a young child.

Anyone with information is asked to call the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2, submit tips via the USMS Tips app, or through the Dauphin County Crime Stoppers.

"I would say this is a massive problem," Resolute Counseling therapist Mikala Morrow said.

Morrow is a licensed therapist on the front lines of mental health in Pa., a state with more than 1,500 suicides a year.

"That's just the statistics for those who have completed suicide, not those who have attempted suicide, who have overdosed, who engage in acts of self-harm, who are also people in a lot of pain," Morrow said.

Pain exacerbated by the pandemic. More people need help, but not enough people providing it.

"As a physician, I can tell you this is something we've never had enough of for years," secretary for the Pa. Department of Human Services Dr. Valerie Arkoosh said.

Arkoosh says the state's steering an additional $20 million to the counties for mental health services this year with an understanding much more is needed. She's also stepping up recruiting.

These are incredibly caring and helpful professions," Arkoosh said. "There's tremendous opportunity for professional growth, and I hope that people will look seriously at becoming a social worker, other or a peer specialist."

New recruits might solve tomorrow's problem but aren't fighting today's battle. There are depressed, anxious and even suicidal clients waiting weeks or months for treatment.

"It is very frustrating and sad to see how many people cannot get the care that they need," Morrow said.

Morrow says society must pick up the slack and be part of the solution, check in on friends and loved ones, help them find the help they need and advocate.

"Get on as many waitlists as you can if you find yourself on a waitlist for a therapist, don't stop there," Morrow said. "Reach out to your community, join a support group, read a self-help book. Engage in a podcast."

Morrow has about 60 clients. She dreams of the day that number to be zero.

"The goal is I don't want any clients," Morrow said. "Like I want you to all go off and do your thing."

Perhaps someday but certainly not today.

A reminder if you're struggling with dark thoughts or are in crisis the suicide prevention hotline is 9-8-8. the call will be answered and the next steps provided.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission announced that 30 to 40 deer were found dead during the week of Sept. 8 in the area of State Game Lands 214 in North Shenango and Sadsbury townships in Crawford County. The deer all succumbed to hemorrhagic disease.

The disease is caused by a virus that is spread by insects called biting midges. These insects are typically abundant in the late fall which is when outbreaks of the disease occur.

White-tail deer are more likely to catch the disease and are found to have large-scale mortality events which have been recorded in the state over the past few years. According to the Game Commission, there have been no significant negative impacts from the viral strains and local populations quickly recover after an outbreak.

While the disease is not a present danger to humans or pets, the Game Commission warns the public to keep a safe distance and not handle wildlife unless they are hunting or trapping.

If two or more dead deer are found in the same area at the same time, it can be reported to the Game Commission by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453) or by using the Game Commission’s Wildlife Health Survey tool online.

Man accused of stealing car from car dealership: Report

Ames went out of business in 2002 after filing for bankruptcy a second time. Fast forward 20 years and the store we once thought only lived in our memories started to make headlines. It appeared as though the store was making a return.

The long-forgotten website was updated with a single-page statement that Ames was returning and multiple locations would open, with a number of locations being announced in the spring of 2023.

As time usually does, it kept moving along. Before we knew it, summer 2023 was in full effect without a peep from Ames about any future locations they were planning to reopen. Now we're officially in autumn and it's still unknown if this is real -- or was it a hoax all along?

Here's what we do know:

In late 2022, Ames' website was active again and announced a return. It appeared that a company based in the United Kingdom -- with a U.S. subsidiary -- purchased the name and was amping up for a relaunch in the Northeast United States.

Boardman school board approves land transfer for educational space

WPRI, our sister station in Rhode Island, talked with Shannon de Molyneux in 2022 via email about the possible return of the retail chain. She told WPRI she’s the president of Cross Moline Ventures, which is described as a U.S. subsidiary of a U.K.-based firm in the Molyneux Group, however, she declined all requests to be interviewed, citing a hectic schedule.

“We’re currently dealing with a lot of requests from other networks … who want to do live interviews with me or my team,” de Molyneux said. “I currently do not have any time in my schedule until after the New Year.”

It was also confirmed by de Molyneux that stores would open in Connecticut first before opening in New York and Pennsylvania. Seven stores in total were said to be opening in 2023.

In April, the Ames website went offline. The company's X/Twitter account had various messages about updates, changing servers, having technical issues, and more to explain why the website was down. This lasted for months before finally going back online. The Ames account in 2023 has mostly tweeted about these issues, or replied to various skeptics, but no actual updates have been seen.

In June, the Ames website was changed to discuss a "shake up" of board members due to "mismanagement." Gone were any references to the store reopening, nor when it might.

One skeptic went on to sarcastically praise them. They said they weren't mad, but just wanted to know who was behind this.

Neighbors upset with housing company as cockroaches roam the streets

Ha!!!! Hadn’t checked in for a while. Boardmembers? Employees? Stakeholders? Man - someone’s fantasy world is on fleek

At some point, please reveal yourself just so we can see the face behind this hoax. Not even mad - just curious if you’re a 15-year-old or something.

@DriveTimeVideos on X/Twitter

It should be noted that the U.K. based Molyneux Group's website is no longer accessible.

In early 2023, the company announced that Cross Moline Ventures would be rebranded as Silver Knight Group. That website is also currently down, showing a message that it's being redesigned.

Silver Knight Group's X/Twitter is sporadically used, as is the Ames account, and neither has seen activity since early August. Silver's Instagram shows no posts at all, despite their profile touting that they own more than 300 brands.

The Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) for Ames, Rolando de Aguiar, is unable to be reached on Linked In without a premium account and his contact information links right back to his own profile.

It should also be noted that media coverage of any potential Ames store openings has been non-existent.

WTAJ reached out via email to de Molyneux and the Ames team on Monday, Sept. 18, and as of this writing, WTAJ received no response.

On Friday, Sept. 22, PennDOT and the Norfolk Southern Corporation finalized a deal to expand rail service on the Pennsylvanian Amtrak line. That travels round-trip between New York City and Pittsburgh via Harrisburg once every day.

The new agreement between the Commonwealth and Norfolk Southern supports increasing those services to twice per day with PA investing $200 million in infrastructure and safety improvements, which will be built and maintained by Norfolk Southern.

“Ensuring more Pennsylvanians have access to safe and reliable transportation to western PA will reduce commute times, help connect hundreds of thousands of residents and boost local economies. This expansion of service on the Pennsylvanian will provide key mobility and economic benefits," PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. 

Mike McClellan, Norfolk Southern's senior vice president and chief strategy officer, called the deal a "win-win" that increases rail options for citizens and improves Commonwealth infrastructure.

"Norfolk Southern is excited to build upon our partnership with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by increasing passenger rail options for the citizens of Pennsylvania while improving the resilience of our infrastructure for the shippers in the Commonwealth," said McClellan.

Future improvements and construction for the railway will come from a feasibility study by Norfolk Southern, which PennDOT did request, and covers upgraded rail lines, sidings and necessary communications signals infrastructure and ensures that safety and the Commonwealth's best interest are fully addressed.

With the most operating railroads out of any state with 65 and the fifth most track mileage with over 5,600 miles, the new expansion will help connect communities and bring jobs, economic development and infrastructure investment to more areas in western PA.

Forkner, who has not previously held elected office, would be facing three-term incumbent Democrat Bob Casey in the spring primary.

According to Forkner's campaign, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with a Minor in Math from Virginia Tech. He established his own electrical engineering consulting firm and is a two time cancer survivor.

"I'm running for US Senate to give a voice to the teacher, the student, the nurse, the doctor, the electrical, the engineer, and everyday Americans everywhere," Forkner said. "I'll fight against the Washington bureaucrats and plutocrats to make healthcare universal for everyone, lower the cost of a college degree, and ensure an economic future that works for workers."

Five issues listed as priorities on Forkern's website are universal healthcare, affordable education, gun violence, protecting democracy, and economic security.

This week Republican Dave McCormick entered the Senate primary, touting endorsements from the state's Republican congressional delegation. McCormick lost the 2022 primary to Mehmet Oz by less than 1,000 votes.

Ronald Davis, 37, of Williamstown, is accused of trying to convince fellow Troopers that the woman was threatening to harm herself, State Police in Lykens said.

In August, State Police said, Davis received the Involuntary Mental Health Commitment after he went to the station and was told to contact Dauphin County Crisis Intervention. Although he was contacting them for a personal reason, Davis allegedly told the crisis team he was a Trooper and used his work email to submit the form.

State Police say they closed in on the woman's location in Weiser State Forest when Davis said he found her after getting approval for the commitment form.

State Police say an eyewitness recording showed Davis assaulted the woman as he was trying to restrain her. A State Police report says the woman claimed that she couldn't breathe numerous times while being restrained by Davis and that she was thrown to the ground when she tried to get away from Davis.

Davis, State Police said, did not ever state he was acting as a State Police Trooper or identify himself as one when restraining the woman. The woman did not understand why she was being arrested and appeared confused when Troopers were trying to tell her about the mental health commitment process, according to court records.

Troopers noted that the woman had multiple bruises all over her body that were consistent with an assault.

Text messages from the woman that Davis allegedly showed Troopers were taken out of context to make it seem like the woman wanted to harm herself, court documents state.

Davis faces a felony charge of strangulation and misdemeanor charges of unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, simple assault, official oppression, and recklessly endangering another person.

Davis is a member of Troop L in Jonestown and has been a member of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) since 2015, court documents state.

Davis is currently locked up in Dauphin County Prison with his bail denied and awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 2.

McCormick formally announced the launch of his campaign in Pittsburgh on Thursday evening.

The former hedge fund CEO is the first Republican to enter the spring primary, potentially setting up a general election race against incumbent Democrat Bob Casey.

During the 2022 Senate campaign, McCormick was endorsed by several national Republicans including Senator Ted Cruz and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the crowded primary.

However, McCormick failed to get the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and lost to Trump's endorsed candidate, former television doctor Mehmet Oz, by less than 1,000 votes.

Oz would go on to lose the November general election to Democrat John Fetterman by more than 260,000 votes.

Questions that plagued Oz (who lived in New Jersey) and may surface for McCormick is his residency. According to the Associated Press, while McCormick owns a home in Pittsburgh, public records indicate McCormick “still lives on Connecticut’s “Gold Coast.”

“Dave has called Pennsylvania home for 30 years and served our country outside of Pennsylvania for an additional 13,” Elizabeth Gregory, a spokeswoman for McCormick, told the Associated Press. “It’s the place he mailed letters back to when he served in Iraq and the place where three of his daughters were born.”

Gregory added, “While he maintains a residence in Connecticut as his daughters finish high school, Dave’s home is in Pittsburgh and for the last 10 years he has owned a working farm in his hometown of Bloomsburg, which has been in the family for decades.”Dave McCormick “seriously considering” Senate run after Mastriano opts out

Prior to running for U.S. Senate in 2022 and serving as CEO of Bridgewater Associates, McCormick was an officer in the Gulf War and served in President George W. Bush’s administration with the Treasury Department.

Republican State Senator and former gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano opted not to run for U.S. Senate earlier this year. Kathy Barnette, who finished third in the 2022 Republican Senate primary, has already said she does not plan to run. No Democrats have formally announced intentions to run against Casey, a three-term incumbent.

"This is a very tough state to run statewide," Casey told abc27's Dennis Owens.

McCormick would be the first, and potentially only, Republican with statewide name recognition to enter the primary. In 2022 he lost the Republican nomination to Mehmet Oz by less than 1,000 votes on a ballot with seven candidates, four of whom each received less than 6%.

However, should he reach the general election, McCormick will be facing a three-term incumbent with a name Pennsylvania voters have known for decades.

"It's daunting," says Republican Commentator Jeffrey Lord. "It's like challenging a Kennedy in Massachusetts."

"McCormick is a very strong, impressive guy and candidate," said Republican strategist Christopher Nicholas. "We see that because Democrats have been attacking him all summer... you don't attack weak candidates. You attack strong candidates that instill fear in you."

McCormick, a former hedge fund manager who served in the military, has the funds to make a run at Casey's seat. Casey mailers are using feat to fundraise, saying they could be outspent.

"I think that does not bode well for Pennsylvania, said State Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia).

In July, it was reported that Casey raised more than $4 million in three months, his best fundraising quarter ever.

Pennsylvania Democrats will paint McCormick as an out-of-touch, out-of-state rich guy with ties to China who will ignore the working class.

"Policy that would only make him and his wealthy friends a lot more wealthy, and that's not where Pennsylvania people are," said Hughes.

The 2024 election will also have ties to a presidential election as Donald Trump, who did not endorse McCormick in 2022, leads the presidential primary field.

Asa Hutchinson, the former Governor of Arkansas who's running against Trump, says "it would" be bad for McCormick to have Trump at the top of the Republican ticket.

"Donald Trump, whether you love him or not, you know, he brings controversy," said Hutchinson. He brings chaos. And that's not the path to victory. That's not the path to bring in independent voters."

McCormick will have to give voters a reason to not vote for Casey, a three-term incumbent, which will not be easy.

"It does give you a chance to have a conversation with the people about specific issues and what you've done and where you stand," said Casey, "and I look forward to that."

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) said that employers of these seasonal attractions who hire performers under the age of 18 must acquire special permits and follow other requirements of the Child Labor Act.

If these attractions such as haunted houses or horror scenario experiences are found to have violated the Child Labor Act, they could face administrative or criminal penalties. This includes fines of up to $500 for the first violation and up to $1,500 per violation and/or up to 10 days in prison for additional violations.

According to L&I, its Bureau of Labor Law Compliance (BLLC) issues about 1,500 entertainment permits for minors each year. This starts in September and continues through December for the holiday season.

The permits require information about the child's employment arrangement and a parent or guardian's signature. The BLLC will not approve an entertainment permit if the performance could be dangerous or hazardous to the child.

"The Halloween season is a wonderful opportunity for young people to get some work experience, earn a paycheck and have some fun. Performance work can be theatrically scary, but it shouldn't be dangerous; especially for children. I encourage teens, parents, employers and Halloween enthusiasts to familiarize themselves with Pennsylvania's special protections for child performers and alert the Department if rules that protect children are being ignored," L&I Secretary Nancy Walker said.

Any applications for entertainment permits must be submitted to L&I before the child's first performance or rehearsal. Anyone who believes an attraction is violating any child labor laws is asked to file a complaint on L&I's website.

The group, who call themselves the "Million Dollar Medicals" after buying a big money winner in the historic July 28 Mega Millions, comprise 15 UPMC medical workers who have been playing for nearly 20 years.

Jackie Burdick, who spoke for the group, said that five of them started playing together 20 years ago and it grew from there.

“This is the first time we won!” said Burdick. “I’m usually the one who collects the money from my co-workers to play the Lottery. We made a last-minute decision to play that day.”

“I was at a doctor’s appointment in Pittsburgh when I saw on the news that someone won $1 million. Then a family member called me and said, ‘Someone in Smethport won! You better check your ticket.’ I was like, ‘I better check,'” she told the PA Lottery.

Jackie said she scanned the ticket with the PA Lottery app and it instructed her to ‘see a retailer.’

“When I scanned it at a retailer it showed, ‘Congratulations you won $1 million!’ I thought, ‘Oh my gosh this can’t be real. I have to call these girls!’” she said.

Each member of the group has already received a check for an estimated $48,600, after taxes.
“I think I’ll spend my portion of the prize on my kids, grandkids and a nice vacation,” Burdick added.

“We always say, it only takes one ticket to win, and their last-minute decision certainly paid off,” said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “We appreciate all medical workers and congratulate this group for winning this prize. Pool play is a terrific way to play responsibly and within your means.”

The Chester County jail board unanimously approved plans Wednesday to fully enclose the exercise yards at the facility in Pocopson, southwest of Philadelphia. The project is expected to cost $2.5 million to $3.5 million and could take as long as nine months to complete.

TranSystems, a Kansas City, Missouri-based engineering and design company hired for the redesign, said the new enclosures will be a “permanent solution” to the security flaws that Cavalcante exploited in his Aug. 31 escape by crab-walking up between two walls that were topped with razor wire and then jumping from the roof.

The redesign plan calls for fully enclosed exercise yards, with 18-foot-high masonry walls to replace fencing, and the removal of shed roofs that could inmates could scale. The plan also calls for removing basketball hoops.

The design notably blocks overhead sunlight into the yard, save for a small ribbon of windows at the top with secure screening. An LED lighting system will mimic daylight, the company said.

The design will prevent escape attempts and block contraband delivery by drones or other remote devices, according to TranSystem. The jail's acting warden also proposed additional security upgrades — including the installation of at least 50 new cameras and the hiring of eight more guards — that were also approved by the board.

Funding will come from the county's remaining federal pandemic relief allotment.

Other planned changes include brightly colored inmate uniforms that are easier to spot in an escape attempt.

Cavalcante, 34, was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, in front of her children in 2021. Prosecutors say he wanted to stop her from telling police he was wanted for another killing in Brazil. At the time of his escape, he was awaiting transfer to a state prison to serve a life sentence.

He was captured after a two-week manhunt that left residents on edge and led to school closures right at the start of the academic year, warnings for homeowners to lock their doors and blocked roads over the busy Labor Day weekend.

Cavalcante was charged with escape after his capture, and his next hearing in that case is scheduled for Wednesday. No lawyer has yet spoken on his behalf. He is now being held at a state prison outside Philadelphia.

Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) has introduced legislation he says will fully ban indoor smoking and protect customers and employees from second-hand smoke.

“Fifteen years ago, this commonwealth took an enormous step forward in ensuring that our workers are not forced to breathe in toxic smoke – it’s time to finish the job,” Frankel said.

Camillia Al-Rokh, who works in hospitality, says it's not fair for somebody to choose between having a job and exposing themselves to dangerous health risks.

"So to turn around and say that we allowed to blow smoke in their faces and tell them to just deal with it or get another job is the most unhealthy thing that you could ever say to somebody," Al-Rokh says.

Frankel says casinos are fighting against his legislation.

"They had the opportunity to come here and defend their decisions and allow that allow and promote smoking, and they declined. What does that say about your position, if you will only advocate for it in secret behind closed doors?"

At the Sierra Madre Saloon in Cumberland County, smokers are welcome and their General Manager says it's part of their business.

"A lot of people come here just because we're smoking bar," says Steve Devins.

Devins says the bar's financial health is on the line and says this is a matter of choice.

"They can walk in the doors. We advertise that we're smoking the establishment on the doors, on our coupons, on our website. It's their choice to work here, and it's their choice to eat here."

The choice is now up to lawmakers with advocates urging them to finish what they started 15 years ago with Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act.

"This bill is about spouses, parents, siblings, and kids," says Deborah P. Brown, the Chief Mission Officer for the American Lung Association. "This is about Pennsylvania families who continue to be ravaged by the horrific health effects of secondhand smoke exposure and who have been waiting for lawmakers to fulfill their responsibility to protect public health."

Frankel's bill would include not only tobacco cigarettes but also e-cigarettes by expanding the definition of smoking. The bill would also allow localities to enact stronger smoke-free ordinances.

Shapiro, speaking at a news conference at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, said his administration is convening an AI governing board, publishing principles on the use of AI and developing training programs for state employees.

Pennsylvanians will expect state government to understand AI, adapt to AI and ensure that it is being used safely in the private sector, Shapiro said.

“We don’t want to let AI happen to us," Shapiro said. "We want to be part of helping develop AI for the betterment of our citizens.”

Shapiro's administration plans to start a two-year fellowship program to recruit AI experts who can help agencies incorporate it into their operations. He said the state's public safety agencies have already begun consulting with AI experts to prepare for any AI-driven threats, such as fraud.

The governing board of senior administration officials will be asked to guide the development, purchase and use of AI, with the help of Carnegie Mellon faculty, the administration said.

Among state policymakers nationwide, AI is a growing area of concern. States including Wisconsin, Texas, Louisiana, North Dakota and West Virginia have taken action to study some of the effects of AI.

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month signed an executive order to study the development, use and risks of AI, and lawmakers in at least 25 states have introduced bills that address it, according to the National Conference on State Legislatures.

In Pennsylvania, lawmakers have introduced several bills on AI, including a pair to study its impacts on the state.

One bill would allow caseworkers to use it to help determine someone's eligibility for a government program and to detect fraud. Another would create a registry of companies that make software containing algorithmic logic for use in automated calls, voice or text prompts online.

The four were added to the involuntary exclusion list after being accused of leaving a total of nine children unattended in their vehicles while they went to gamble.

A woman was placed on the involuntary exclusion list after leaving three children, ages 10, 14 and 15 unattended in a running vehicle in the parking garage of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course for 2 hours and 2 minutes while she patronized the casino and gambled on slot machines.

A second woman was placed on the involuntary exclusion list after leaving minors unattended on two occasions at separate casinos:

• a 10-year-old child unattended in a vehicle near the parking lot of Rivers Casino Philadelphia for 22 minutes in order to obtain a promotional gift. It was also noted in the investigation that the child left the vehicle and entered the casino after the car was struck by another vehicle;
• two children, ages 11 and 12, unattended in a vehicle in the parking lot of Live! Philadelphia Casino for 25 minutes in order to obtain a promotional gift.

A man was placed on the involuntary exclusion list after leaving two children ages 3 and 7 unattended in a running vehicle in the parking garage of Live! Philadelphia Casino for 24 minutes while he gambled in the sportsbook. It was also noted in the investigation that the 7-year-old child left the vehicle and was found wandering in the garage while the 3-year-old was left alone in the vehicle.

A second man was placed on the involuntary exclusion List after leaving a 5-year-old child unattended in a vehicle in the parking lot of Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino for 27 minutes while he entered the casino. It was also noted in the investigation that the child was left in a non-running vehicle when the outside temperature was 22 degrees. 

The Board said they tracked 151 of these incidents in the first eight months of 2023, down from 233 in the first eight months of 2022.

In addition, the Board also dished out a $45,000 fine to Pilot Travel Centers after they said underage gambling took place at a video gaming terminal in Westmoreland County and for failing to have a Board-certified employee on duty while the terminals were able to be played.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, a Freightliner truck was hauling ice cream heading east through Somerset toward Bedford County just before 1 a.m., Sept. 20.

A flatbed truck with blue/black colored tarps was reportedly trying to pass the truck in the right lane for unknown reasons before merging into the left lane and hitting the truck around mile marker 110.6. The truck lost control and turned over, stopping in the right lane. The other vehicle drove away from the crash.

State police said cleaning up the ice cream took nearly six hours while Herring Motors helped with the truck. Somerset EMS took the truck driver to Conemaugh Memorial with suspected minor injuries. Somerset Maintenence also assisted with the clean-up.

Anyone with information is asked to call PSP Somerset at 814-445-4104.

According to court documents, Xuliang Hou, 32, and Yuna Lin, 30, were indicted by a grand jury for allegedly scamming victims with lies to get them to buy gift cards and provide the couple, and their co-conspirators, with the gift card numbers. The duo would then use that information to buy millions in items, including electronics, the recently unsealed indictment showed.

"The defendants, along with their co-conspirators, stand accused of swindling victims out of millions of dollars across multiple states over the course of several years," Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Ivan J. Arvelo said. "HSI New York remains steadfast in our commitment to thwart criminal organizations seeking to undermine the integrity of American businesses and the stability of our financial system.”

The duo now faces a potential maximum of 20 years in prison each.

The charges were filed in the Southern District of New York. The case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Coyle and Benjamin M. Burkett are in charge of the prosecution.

Powell’s victory gives Democrats a 102-101 majority in the House. Republicans have a 28-22 majority in the Senate, creating a divided Legislature that has kept Democrats from passing priorities such as broadened protections for LGBTQ+ people and gun control measures and Republicans from wins on issues including school vouchers.

The divided Legislature has also meant Republican senators have been unable to take to voters proposed constitutional amendments limiting the governor’s power and implementing voter ID.

Most recently the division has mired the state in a two-month budget stalemate after negotiations soured over education funding, in part because of the voucher debate.

Powell identified affordable and dignified housing, a strong local economy and community assets such as robust recreation centers, libraries and strong infrastructure as top issues. Housing, she said, was a particular concern. People feel displaced by rising costs and seniors want to stay in their homes.

“I’m grateful. As someone who’s been a lifelong public servant, this is the highest honor of my life, and I am so excited to be able to work on behalf of every single one of us,” she said in an interview Tuesday night.

Powell, 32, is the director of workforce strategies for InnovatePGH, a public-private partnership aimed at making the city a leading tech hub. She previously worked in Washington, D.C., for U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.

“I joke, but truly I’ve had the honor of holding every job in government except this one,” she said previously.

Powell will fill the vacancy left by progressive Democrat Sara Innamorato, who resigned in July to pursue local office in Allegheny County. She defeated Republican Erin Connolly Autenreith in the heavily Democratic district.

Autenreith said in a phone interview Tuesday night that she hopes the Legislature tackles her top priorities — funding for police, improvements in education and increasing jobs in Allegheny County. She hopes to continue working with Republican candidates in her role as Republican committee chair in Shaler.

The House is due back at the Capitol next week to resume work on a long-overdue state budget, though Powell's victory may not be certified until early October, a spokesperson for the county said.

Majority Leader Rep. Matt Bradford said fellow Democratic lawmakers welcomed Powell to the House and “we look forward to continuing our work as the majority to move our commonwealth forward.”

As part of his plea agreement in federal court for West Virginia's northern district, Hardy Carroll Lloyd admitted that the actual or perceived Jewish faith of the government witnesses and victims in the trial of Robert Bowers prompted him to target the jury and witnesses.

Lloyd, 45, of Follansbee, West Virginia, faces more than six years in prison if the plea agreement is accepted by the court.

The Justice Department described Lloyd as a self-proclaimed leader of a white supremacy movement. Prosecutors said Lloyd, who was arrested on Aug. 10, sent threatening social media posts and emails along with comments on websites during Bowers’ trial. Lloyd pleaded guilty to obstruction of the due administration of justice.

Bowers was sentenced to death last month after a jury determined that capital punishment was appropriate.

“Hardy Lloyd attempted to obstruct the federal hate crimes trial of the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. “His guilty plea underscores that anyone who attempts to obstruct a federal trial by threatening or intimidating jurors or witnesses will be met with the full force of the Justice Department.”

In May 2022, the Texas Department of Public Safety offered a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to Lloyd’s arrest after he allegedly posted a series of comments online threatening to carry a firearm onto the Texas Capitol grounds and challenge any police officer who tried to “take enforcement actions” against him. A statement from the department said Lloyd was a convicted felon.

The Governor said Tuesday he hopes voters won't opt out of the registration, saying the process "was easy as pie."

"We know that increased voter participation strengthens our democracy," Shapiro said. "We also know that doing it here through the DMV means it's going to be safe and secure."

The Governor also knows that skeptics will fear the decision is somehow giving an advantage to Democrats.

"I think what it's doing is giving our democracy an advantage," Shapiro said. "We're not checking your registration. We don't care what your views are on issues."

County election officials did express some concerns because when this system was rolled out years ago, it was possible that people who were not U.S. citizens, but here legally, could get registered to vote.

County officials raised red flags, including at the time, Al Schmidt, who's now Secretary of State and overseeing the state's elections.

"It was an issue some years ago that was corrected by the Pennsylvania Department of State," Schmidt tells abc27. "Nothing about the changes today as significant as they are to improve voter access, enable non-citizens to register to vote."

"I would also remind people, added Shapiro, "that if you try and put false information like claiming you're a citizen when you're not, that is a punishable offense."

Many Republicans pushed back against the decision, saying the Governor went around the state legislature.

“Honest, transparent and secure elections remain the cornerstone of our constitutional republic," said State Senator Cris Dush (R). "Sadly, by unilaterally implementing automatic voter registration, Gov. Shapiro has once again demonstrated his ignorance of the entire electoral process and his inability to work with the legislature as required by the Pennsylvania Constitution."

House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler said Tuesday "the problem here is not necessarily the end, but the means."

"The governor is following the sad and misguided precedent set by his predecessor that recognizes our election laws need updating and modernized but then disenfranchises the General Assembly from exercising its constitutional prerogative to make laws,” Cutler said. “This unilateral action on the eve of what is likely to be a hotly contested and close election will cause many Pennsylvania voters to continue to question the security and results of our system.”

Cutler also called for voters to be required to show identification to vote, saying if they have a driver's license they should have no issue presenting an ID.

The Governor's office says 23 states, including Virginia, Georgia, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and New Jersey, have taken similar steps.

Pennsylvania's next election is Nov. 7, 2023, and the last day to register to vote is Oct. 23.

Epps was transported to Temple University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead around 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, the university said.

“There are no words that can describe the gravity and sadness of this loss,” board chairman Mitchell Morgan said in a statement. “President Epps was a devoted servant and friend who represented the best parts of Temple. She spent nearly 40 years of her life serving this university, and it goes without saying her loss will reverberate through the community for years to come.”

Epps, the university’s former law school dean and provost, was named to the post in April following the resignation of Jason Wingard, Temple’s first Black president. Wingard resigned in March after leading the 33,600-student university since July 2021.

The National Transportation Safety Board said the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has refused to provide unredacted inspection and investigation reports for UGI Utilities Inc., the natural gas utility at the center of the probe into the March 24 blast at the R.M. Palmer Co. plant in West Reading.

The powerful natural gas explosion leveled one building, heavily damaged another and killed seven people. Investigators have previously said they are looking at a pair of gas leaks as a possible cause of or contributor to the blast.

The interagency dispute over five years' worth of UGI records involved a conflict between state and federal law.

The Public Utility Commission said it could not provide the records in the format that the safety agency demanded, citing a state law that protects “confidential security information" about key utility infrastructure from public disclosure, even to other government agencies.

The commission said it offered safety investigators a chance to inspect the reports at its Harrisburg office or to sign a nondisclosure agreement, but the federal agency refused.

“This is a unique situation where a federal agency is demanding that the PUC violate state law," PUC spokesperson Nils Hagen-Frederiksen said in a written statement. “It is unfortunate that the NTSB has rejected possible solutions to this issue, but we continue working to resolve this impasse.”

The safety board said federal regulations entitled it to the utility company records and asserted the PUC was required to turn them over.

Because federal law preempts state law, NTSB chair Jennifer L. Homendy wrote to the state utility commission chair, the PUC “has no legal basis to withhold the ... inspection reports from the NTSB in any manner."

In addition to issuing the subpoena, the safety agency said it also barred the Public Utility Commission from having any further role in the federal probe.

"The actions of PA PUC have evidenced a lack of cooperation and adherence to our party processes and prevent your continued participation in the investigation," Homendy wrote.

About 70 Palmer production workers and 35 office staff were working in two adjacent buildings at the time of the blast. Employees in both buildings told federal investigators they could smell gas before the explosion. Workers at the plant have accused Palmer of ignoring warnings of a natural gas leak, saying the plant, in a small town 60 miles (96 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia, should have been evacuated.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, some time between midnight and 6:50 a.m. on Sunday, 6,000-8,000 minks got out of Richard H. Stahl Sons Incorporated located on State Route 890 in Rockefeller Township.

State police say the suspect, or suspects, cut holes in the fence surrounding the mink farm and released approximately 6,000-8,000 of them from their pens.

Officials say there are thousands of minks all over the surrounding area. The Sunbury Animal Hospital notes the animals should not be approached as they can be aggressive.

Several minks were seen dead along the roadway near the fur farm, presumably hit by passing vehicles.

State police say numerous state agencies and farm staff are working to capture the escaped animals.

The Sunbury Animal Hospital is urging residents in the area to be cautious of their surroundings outside, these animals can be very aggressive if approached.

If one does approach you, it is advised to get as far away from it as possible.

Although the mink are small in size, they are still a danger to pets.

"They are very good at getting through little holes, and they certainly can be a danger to the small animals, I would suspect cats and kittens, kittens especially, could be at risk," said veterinary and partner of Sunbury Animal Hospital Beverly Shaw.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission says to not go out of your way to trap them or catch them, as they may bite or attack and that could potentially spread diseases.

However, if residents do find themselves with a mink in a trap, they are to reach out to the Sunbury Animal Hospital where they will safely return the mink to the farm, or if the mink is causing problems, to call the game commission and they will come to take care of it.

“It probably was planned, but poorly planned,” said Pennsylvania State Police Trooper David Beohm.

Beohm said the first four were taken into custody shortly before 6 a.m. after they went to a home and knocked on the door. They turned themselves in because they were cold and tired, Beohm said.

Police caught up with the other five after a pickup truck and trailer were reported stolen. After a brief car case, police found four of them in the vehicle. The last teen ran off and was caught in a field a short time later.

State and local police were called late Sunday to take control of the juvenile center in Morgantown, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia. Beohm said the escape happened after the boys, all between the ages of 15 and 17, wrested the keys away from two staff members.

They got out of the building and went to the recreation yard, where they found a spot to crawl under the fence, Beohm said. All were captured less than five miles from the detention center.

The escape follows the capture of an escaped murderer who eluded Pennsylvania authorities for two weeks despite an extensive manhunt.

Beohm said the teenagers likely didn't have the desperation or motivation of someone like Danilo Souza Cavalcante, a murderer with a life sentence who escaped from a Pennsylvania jail and eluded law enforcement for two weeks before his capture on Sept. 13.

“I figured we’d catch these kids because they are not as resilient” as Cavalcante, Beohm said at a news conference.

Cavalcante escaped from the Chester County jail in southeastern Pennsylvania on Aug. 31 by crab-walking up between two walls that were topped with razor wire, and then jumping from the roof.

Abraxas Academy is an enclosed residential treatment program providing “specialized care for delinquent male youth between the ages of 14 to 18 in 9th grade or above,” according to the facility’s website.

The escaped teenagers were in detention for firearms possession, robbery, auto theft and other offenses, according to Beohm.

All will be charged with escape and some may face other charges.

___

This story has been updated to correct the spelling of the first name of the adult inmate captured in the unrelated escape. It's Danilo, not Danelo.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval of the measure after a vote during a meeting in Erie on Saturday and plans to revisit it for final consideration during a meeting in January.

According to the Game Commission, they have received numerous complaints about hunters using dogs to hunt coyotes during the regular deer and bear season which causes intentional and/or unintentional pushing, driving or killing of deer and bears.

It's against the law in Pennsylvania to hunt deer or bear with dogs but the Game Commission said coyote dogs could pose potential problems for lawful hunting by others.

The Game Commission noted the ban would not affect the in-season nighttime hunting of furbearers with dogs in weeks when the regular deer and bear firearms seasons are open.

More information about the potential ban and other topics from the commissioner's meeting can be found on the Game Commission website.

The UAW declared a strike against Detroit Three automakers, often referred to as the Big 3, on Thursday following failed contract talks to secure a new labor agreement. Workers officially ceased production and went on strike at midnight on Friday following the expiration of their current collective-bargaining agreement at 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

The Big 3 are Ford Michigan Assembly Plant, Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex and General Motors Wentzville Assembly.

"It's time to decide what side you're on. Are you on the side of the Big 3 CEOs who made a combined $74 million last year, and now are claiming they cannot afford to pay their workers? Or are you on the side of the UAW workers who bust their ass every day, the people who build the American cars and trucks we Pennsylvanians drive," Fetterman said in a press release on Friday. "I know which side I'm on. As long as these brave workers continue to walk the picket line, my entire team and I will have their backs."

Sen. Fetterman's press release went on to vouch his team's support until the workers reach a fair deal, stating that he will always come down on the side of workers and the union way of life. "It's what built this nation, it's what built Pennsylvania, and it's what built the middle class."

His statement ended with two simple words: "Solidarity forever."

Sen. Casey also issued a statement of solidarity for the workers, reminding his constituents that the UAW voluntarily reduced their benefits to help these same whom they're striking against survive when the auto industry was struggling.

"Striking is always a last resort for workers, who risk losing their health care and may never make up the wages lost. I stand in solidarity with the united Auto Workers as they fight for their fair share. I urge the Big 3 to come to the table with offers that reflect what these workers deserve."

In a statement issued by Ford on Thursday night, the company says that UAW's counterproposal, if accepted, would more than double Ford's current UAW-related labor costs.

General Motors and Stellantis have not issued official statements on their company websites.

Last year Ford had a fourth-quarter net income of $1.3 billion and an adjusted earning of $2.6 billion. General Motors had a year-end net income attributable to stockholders of $9.9 billion and a record-setting adjusted earning of $14.5 billion. Stellantis's six-month financial report released in June shows the company having already earned a net profit of over $10 million in the first half of 2023.

Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll joined regional PennDOT, business, labor, and elected leaders in Erie on Friday, Sept. 15 to announce the start of the $111.7 million Bayfront Parkway Central Corridor Improvement Construction Project.

Preliminary construction work on the project is beginning now, in fall 2023, with the major work taking place in 2024, according to PennDOT.

The Bayfront Pkwy project will bring dual-lane roundabouts to State Street at Sassafras Street Extension and Holland Street, a multi-use trail connecting downtown and the waterfront, and an overhead pedestrian bridge on Holland Street.

Bayfront Parkway Improvement Project rendering

The project is expected to take three years to complete and will be done in phases to keep traffic flowing to nearby businesses.

Pedestrian Walk along Bayfront Parkway rendering

The Bayfront Parkway Central Corridor Improvement Construction Project will include:

• Dual-lane roundabouts at Sassafras Street Extension and Holland Street.
• Grade separate intersection at State Street, including a traditional signalized at-grade intersection and a path for through traffic on the Bayfront to travel below the intersection.
• Sidewalk and crosswalk upgrades throughout the length of the project;
• Multi-use trail connecting the existing trail network, downtown, and the waterfront.
• Overhead pedestrian bridge Holland Street.

PennDOT noted the goal of Bayfront Pkwy project is to improve traffic flow and make the waterfront more accessible from downtown Erie.

In Erie, Governor Shapiro and Secretary Carroll Celebrate Start of Bayfront Parkway Improvement Project with Business, Labor, and Local Leaders:

“The Bayfront Parkway is a major corridor for tourists and Erie locals alike – it is the gateway to both this beautiful bayfront and Erie’s downtown, which is currently undergoing an incredible economic revitalization. That’s why the Commonwealth is investing more than $37 million to revitalize the Bayfront Parkway,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “As I stand here today, I see one thing very clearly: the future is bright for Erie. You have a rich cultural heritage, a beautiful Bayfront, a growing economy, and a downtown corridor that’s being revitalized, and you have in me a Governor who is going to invest, support, and stand up for this region.”

Other projects and long-term plans to increase connectivity and safety along the Bayfront:

• Soldiers' and Sailors' Home multi-use bridge  
• 12th Street (Route 5) signal and pedestrian improvements
• Erie East Side Active Transportation Study
• Cranberry Street Safety Improvement Project 
• Eastern Bayfront (Sixth Street) Pedestrian and Roadway Improvement

Cavalcante fled Brazil in 2018, several months after allegedly shooting a man whose family members said owed him money. Today, Cavalcante faces life in a U.S. cell for the brutal killing of his girlfriend.

“I thought he wanted to escape to Brazil,” Tocantins state prosecutor Rafael Pinto Alamy told The Associated Press on Thursday. “He would have to comply with the prison rules here, which are much more lenient.”

A court hearing in Cavalcante’s Brazilian homicide case has been set for Oct. 11. The case is expected to go to a jury, probably next year, Alamy and Cavalcante's lawyer told the AP.

Brazil does not deliver life sentences. Even had Cavalcante been sentenced to the maximum 30 years, Alamy said, he might have been able to walk free after some 12 years with reductions for good behavior.

Just after midnight on Nov. 5, 2017, Cavalcante allegedly killed a man outside a restaurant in Figueiropolis, a small rural town of about 5,200 inhabitants in Tocantins, a state in Brazil's hinterland.

The 20-year-old victim, Valter Júnior Moreira dos Reis, was shot five times, according to a police report seen by the AP. His sister later told officers she thought Cavalcante had attacked him because of a debt her brother owed him related to damage done to a car, the report read.

Cavalcante then ran to his car and fled the scene, a direct witness told officers.

Authorities in Brazil opened an investigation and, within a week, a judge had ordered his preventive arrest, documents show. Law enforcement was not able to find Cavalcante, who was not from the area.

According to the Brazilian investigative television show Fantastico, Cavalcante was able to travel to capital Brasilia in January 2018. It is unclear whether he used fake documents to travel, but he was only included in a national warrant information system in June of that year, the prosecutor working on the case told the AP.

Even if he had traveled with his own identification, he was only a fugitive in the state of Tocantins, Alamy said.

Cavalcante’s arrest in the U.S. on Wednesday made the front page of many Brazilian newspapers. Coverage of the manhunt has likewise been splashed across papers and television programs throughout his 14 days on the run, despite the fact that the country is relatively more accustomed to jailbreaks and fugitives who, sometimes released from jail temporarily, decline to return.

Cavalcante's lawyer, Magnus Lourenço, said he was unsure his client would be notified of the October court hearing in time, and that it might be delayed.

Meantime, loved ones of the victim in Brazil have expressed relief that Cavalcante will resume paying for his crimes, even if in another country.

“We’re pleased (with his capture), but there was no justice for my brother in Brazil. Justice is very slow,” Dayane Moreira dos Reis, the victim's sister, told newspaper Folha de S. Paulo. “We spent seven years without any answers. We (now) hope he’ll stay in prison for his whole sentence.”

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This story corrects the spelling of the first name to Danelo Cavalcante.

After eluding a police dragnet in southeastern Pennsylvania for two weeks, escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante could sense authorities were closing in. He knew he had to make a break for it or face capture. So he formulated a plan: The 34-year-old fugitive would carjack someone within 24 hours and try to flee to Canada or Puerto Rico.

But there would be no car, no ride to the border, no way out.

Cavalcante — dirty and wet and hiding in thick underbrush — was captured by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection tactical team Wednesday morning. The team’s search dog, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois named Yoda, bit him on the scalp and then latched onto his leg as Cavalcante, still armed with a rifle he’d stolen a few days earlier, made one last futile effort to crawl away.

Hours later, inside a Pennsylvania State Police barracks, the Brazilian national, speaking in Portuguese through an interpreter, revealed to investigators his plan to forcibly take a car.

“He said the law enforcement presence in this perimeter was becoming too intense, and that he felt that he needed to get out of the area,” Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark, recounting Cavalcante’s interview, told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Cavalcante provided other details about his life on the run since his brazen escape from the Chester County jail on Aug. 31, in which he crab-walked his 5-foot, 120-pound (152-centimeter, 54-kilogram) frame up two opposing prison walls topped with razor wire, then jumped from the roof.

He said he didn't eat for the first three days after busting out, surviving on creek water and then, finally, stealing watermelon from a farm and cracking it open with his head.

“I don’t know that he was particularly skilled. He was desperate,” state police Lt. Col. George Bivens, the leader and public face of the intensive search, said at a news conference Wednesday. “You have an individual whose choice is go back to prison and spend the rest of your life in a place you don’t want to be, or continue to try and evade capture. He chose to evade capture.”

Using the difficult terrain to his advantage, Cavalcante stayed put for days at a time and only moved at night, hiding in foliage so thick that search teams came within a few yards of him on three separate occasions. He said he covered his feces with leaves in an effort to hide his tracks from the hundreds of federal, state and local law enforcement agents who were out looking for him.

The sprawling search area consisted of miles of dense woods, residential neighborhoods and even Longwood Gardens, one of the nation's top botanical gardens, where a surveillance camera captured him walking through the area with a duffel bag, backpack and hooded sweatshirt.

As the days wore on — and police dogs, armored carriers, horses and helicopters became a familiar presence — residents grew increasingly uneasy.

“Many neighbors had a police officer on their deck with a machine gun while they slept,” resident Jennie Brown, said over Labor Day weekend. “I’ve never felt more scared and more safe at the same time. It’s a really strange feeling.”

Cavalcante, meanwhile, seemed to have serendipity on his side.

He swiped a backpack that happened to have a razor in it, which he promptly used to shave off his beard in order to change his appearance. He pilfered a pair of boots to replace his worn-out prison shoes. He slipped out of an initial police perimeter and stole a dairy delivery van that had been left unlocked with the keys inside, ditching it miles away when he ran out of fuel.

At one point, Cavalcante told investigators, he heard a message broadcast from a police chopper in Portuguese, urging him to surrender.

He thought about it. He didn’t want to be caught, but he also didn’t want to die, Clark said.

“He said, ‘I knew that I had to pay for what I had done. However, I wasn’t willing to pay with my life,’” Clark said.

Late Monday, Cavalcante stole a .22-caliber rifle and ammunition from an open garage and fled when the homeowner, who was in the garage, drew a pistol and shot at him several times.

The homeowner missed, but Cavalcante's luck would run out soon enough.

Around 1 a.m. Wednesday, a Drug Enforcement Administration plane equipped with thermal imaging picked up the heat signature of a figure on the move. The figure didn't resemble a deer, a fox or some other animal. It looked like a person.

It looked like Cavalcante.

Stormy weather then moved in and grounded the plane, but tactical teams formed a tight perimeter to hem him in. The weather cleared hours later, and the officers advanced on him. He had no idea they were there until it was too late.

Cavalcante, who was sentenced to life in prison last month for killing his ex-girlfriend, and who is wanted for a 2017 killing in Brazil, was taken to a state prison in the Philadelphia suburbs after speaking with investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service and detectives with Pennsylvania State Police and Chester County.

“There are highs and lows in an investigation like this,” State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris said on NBC’s “Today” show Thursday. “The resolve was constantly there ... And we knew that he was desperate. We knew that he was where we were looking.”

___

Associated Press reporter Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia contributed to this story.

"We want to be able to leave our homes without fear of being shot," Jameet Ahuja, the plaintiff's attorney said.

The lawsuit falls under the state's 1975 preemption law, which only allows Pennsylvania to pass gun regulations. The plaintiffs argue that municipalities, like Philadelphia — which has a significantly higher rate of gun violence compared to the remainder of the Commonwealth — should have the right to pass independent gun regulations.

The plaintiffs also claim the law violates the Pennsylvania State Constitution, which provides the right to "life and liberty."

"The rates of firearm violence and death in Philadelphia is, I would say, unparalleled except for Chicago, and frankly, no one wants that comparison," Ahuja said.

Because of that, the lawsuit argues municipalities should and are capable of writing their own gun laws.

"It can be chaotic, but it's not unprecedented," Dickinson College President and former Federal Judge John Jones said. "For example, you [could] have a certain set of gun laws in Cumberland County, but then you cross the bridge into Dauphin County and you're subject to different laws."

At the Wednesday hearing, some state justices questioned the legal soundness of the plaintiff's argument. Judge Kevin Brobson claimed it was built around emotional rhetoric.

"The countervailing argument is that the state has an interest in uniformity of its gun laws," Jones said.

The case may now head to a lower court to be tried. Originally, it was struck down by the Commonwealth Court 3-2, but the plaintiffs appealed the decision.

The winning ticket was sold by Prokopovitch Pitt Stop Market, 105 Prokopovitch Lane, Perryopolis, for the Oct. 18, 2022 drawing.

The ticket matched all five balls drawn, 3-10-11-30-35, to win $250,000.

The winner has until Oct. 18, 2023, to claim the prize. A prize claim must be filed with the Pennsylvania Lottery, either by mail or at a lottery office, by then.

By law, unclaimed, expired lottery prizes remain in the Lottery Fund and are used to support programs benefiting older Pennsylvanians. Although some lotteries give players only 90 or 180 days to claim a prize, Pennsylvania Lottery draw game prizes may be claimed on a business day up to one year from the drawing date.

The Pennsylvania Lottery encourages claimants to sign the back of the ticket, call the Lottery at 1-800-692-7481 and file a timely claim at any of the Lottery’s seven area offices. Currently, all PA Lottery area offices are open to the public between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Appointments are recommended. PA Lottery Headquarters in Middletown remains closed to visitors.

During July, felony charges of fraudulently receiving public assistance were filed against 51 people, while two people were charged with misdemeanors.

It was alleged that these people misrepresented themselves and their household circumstances to obtain taxpayer-funded public benefits.

The restitution owed to the Commonwealth totals $309,666, OSIG said. Additional cost savings will come as the defendants will be temporarily disqualified from receiving benefits.

“The Office of State Inspector General tirelessly maintains the public’s trust in our benefits programs,” said State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller. “I applaud the fine work of OSIG agents to hold accountable anyone who commits fraud, waste, or abuse of taxpayer money.”

The maximum penalty for public assistance fraud is seven years in prison and a fine of $15,000. In the case of SNAP, Cash Assistance, or Subsidized Day Care fraud, defendants also face a mandatory disqualification period from the benefits and programs.

All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Yoda, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, helped Pennsylvania State Police and other law enforcement agencies apprehend Cavalcante, without incident, on Wednesday.

“K-9s play a very important role not only for tracking but also for, in a circumstance like this, safely capturing someone,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police. “[It’s] far better that we’re able to release a patrol dog like this and have them subdue the individual than have to use lethal force."

A police K-9 training expert believes the capture of Cavalcante was the perfect “marriage” between technology and police K-9s.

Cavalcante was serving a life sentence for killing his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, in front of her children in 2021. He had been on the run for weeks before police and a K-9 surrounded him Wednesday in a wooded area.

“A Border Control Tactical Unit (BORTAC) that was moving in on the area had a search canine, which was released once Cavalcante showed signs of an attempt to flee,” according to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office. “The dog was able to subdue Cavalcante, and team members from the Border Tactical Unit and the Pennsylvania State Police immediately moved in to capture the fugitive.”

The DA’s office said Cavalcante sustained a “minor bite wound” from Yoda, but was evaluated by medical staff on the scene.

K-9 training expert Michael Gould told NewsNation Yoda did exactly what they were trained to do: Bite and hold.

“Because they're taught to bite and hold, that means the injuries associated with that usually are not significant,” Gould said.

Calvacante was still armed with the rifle as he tried to escape by crawling through the underbrush and he continued to resist as he was taken into custody after 8 a.m. ET.

Despite days of advanced police technology and manpower, Gould said he’s not surprised that, once again, a K-9 ultimately brought down Cavalcante.

“Dogs are waterproof, they see at night — they have night vision, they are voice-activated,” said Gould. “These circumstances couldn't have been more dangerous: You have an armed suspect, a murderer accused of heinous crimes, and rather than putting law enforcement at risk, the dog is capable of locating, holding and apprehending a suspect just by the how they’re trained.”

As law enforcement was getting close to Cavalcante early Wednesday morning, heat-seeking aircraft were forced to depart the area as severe weather approached.

Gould said this is where K-9s can simply do what technology cannot.

“Rain, sleet, hail, snow... The dogs can be deployed," said Gould. “Unlike, for example, the fixed-wing aircraft or other technology. So, the dogs are an amazing piece of technology from my biased perception.”

Cavalcante, a 34-year-old from Brazil, escaped from the Chester County prison on Aug. 31 by scaling a wall, climbing over razor wire and jumping from a roof. The breakout wasn’t detected by guards for a full hour, authorities say.

He had been spotted multiple times since his escape. Despite immense resources dedicated to the search, he managed to elude law enforcement for days.

After being taken into custody, Cavalcante was escorted to the Pennsylvania State Police Avondale Barracks for processing. He is currently being held at SCI Phoenix, a maximum-security prison in Montgomery County, according to the Department of Corrections. A felony charge of escape was filed against Cavalcante, who could also face more charges.

NewsNation writer Taylor Delandro contributed to this report.

Yoda is a four-year-old Belgian Malinois who helped Pennsylvania State Police and other law enforcement agencies apprehend Cavalcante, without incident, during the two-week manhunt.

"The men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection provide integral law enforcement support to local authorities, protecting and serving local communities around the country alongside our partners," a statement from a spokesperson from the Customs and Border Protection says. "Today’s actions are the latest demonstration of how our agents and officers bring incredible capability, additional interagency communications technology, and dedication to keep our communities safe.  Most importantly, all those involved in the search were able to return home safe following the end to this manhunt."

Cavalcante is currently locked up at SCI Phoenix, a maximum-security prison in Montgomery County, according to the Department of Corrections. A felony charge of escape was filed against Cavalcante, who could also face more charges.

“K-9s play a very important role not only for tracking but also for, in a circumstance like this, safely capturing someone," said Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police. "[It’s] far better that we’re able to release a patrol dog like this and have them subdue the individual than have to use lethal force,"

BRTAC agents from Buffalo, Detroit, Washington and Vermont, and Border Patrol’s Special Operations Group in El Paso, Texas partook in finding Cavalcante, a news release from the CBP reads.

There was an Air and Marine Operations (AMO) ground tactical air controller (GTAC) who helped the State Police in their search. Technicians from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Information Technology field also assisted with the way law enforcement was able to communicate.

Other law enforcement agencies that helped State Police during the manhunt include the FBI, U.S. Marshals, ATF, Chester County District Attorney’s office, and agencies from Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, and Bucks Counties.

The announcement is expected to come in the next few weeks. The Hill has also reported an announcement "is expected in the near future."

McCormick, who declined to comment on camera Wednesday morning, would be the first Republican to enter the race after State Senator and former gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano opted not to run. McCormick said he was "seriously considering" running after Mastriano decided not to get in the race.

Recently, McCormick has been promoting his book and appearing at events with Pennsylvania candidates, including State Treasurer Stacy Garrity.

During the 2022 campaign, McCormick was endorsed by several national Republicans including Senator Ted Cruz and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the crowded primary, but failed to get the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.

Instead, Trump endorsed former television doctor Mehmet Oz, who lost the November general election to Democrat John Fetterman by more than 260,000 votes.

The 2022 race featured seven candidates on the ballot and several others who dropped out before ballots were printed. Kathy Barnette, who finished third, has already said she does not plan to run.

Questions that plagued Oz (who lived in New Jersey) and may surface for McCormick is his residency. According to the Associated Press, while McCormick owns a home in Pittsburgh, public records indicate McCormick "still lives on Connecticut’s “Gold Coast.”

“Dave has called Pennsylvania home for 30 years and served our country outside of Pennsylvania for an additional 13,” Elizabeth Gregory, a spokeswoman for McCormick, told the Associated Press. “It’s the place he mailed letters back to when he served in Iraq and the place where three of his daughters were born.”

Gregory added, “While he maintains a residence in Connecticut as his daughters finish high school, Dave’s home is in Pittsburgh and for the last 10 years he has owned a working farm in his hometown of Bloomsburg, which has been in the family for decades.”

Prior to running for U.S. Senate in 2022 and serving as CEO of Bridgewater Associates, McCormick was an officer in the Gulf War and served in President George W. Bush's administration with the Treasury Department.

The winner of the 2024 Republican primary will likely face incumbent Democrat U.S. Senator Bob Casey, who is running for a fourth term. No Democrats have formally announced intentions to run against Casey.