Aj Sisson

Pilot Paul Sokoloski, 57, of Hershey, died when his Cessna 150 collided with a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter at Carlisle Airport on Aug. 19. Two state police aviation team members, Cpl. Bryce Corman and Trp. Jason Mills, suffered minor injuries; Corman was discharged and Mills remained hospitalized in stable condition. The NTSB will lead the investigation, with the FAA assisting. Harrisburg International Airport operations were not affected.

Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack says a rise in youth crime is linked to stolen vehicles and vehicle break-ins, some of which lead to firearms being stolen from cars. Harrisburg police recorded 107 juvenile-offender cases in the second quarter of 2026, down from both the previous quarter and the same period in 2025. McCormack urged gun owners to secure firearms and valuables outside vehicles and said family supervision, parental involvement and discipline are important to preventing youth crime.

Two firefighters and a bystander rescued the driver of a construction truck moments before a freight train struck it in Richland Borough, Lebanon County. The truck had collided with another vehicle, damaged a railroad gate and barrier, and stopped on the tracks as the gates lowered. Kevin Kepley, Daulton Faust and Rory Righter pulled the driver free 16 seconds before the train arrived, and authorities said the driver was uninjured.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg will close after Sunday evening for a nearly three-year, $79.73 million renovation, the largest upgrade in its 62-year history. Work will include infrastructure repairs, a new lobby exhibit, widened escalators, larger elevators, more inclusive bathrooms, a fifth-floor event space and climate-controlled artifact storage in the former Pennsylvania State Archive Building. The museum, which has presented more than 250 years of Pennsylvania history since 1964, is expected to reopen in early 2029 and will offer virtual tours and off-site events during the closure.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and FEMA outlined ongoing inspections, emergency-preparedness reviews, and plans for future public input regarding the proposed restart of the Crane Clean Energy Center, formerly Three Mile Island Unit 1. The NRC will conduct additional inspections focused on cybersecurity and fire protection, while a public meeting is expected before an evaluated emergency exercise. Constellation Energy plans to restart the reactor in the third or fourth quarter of 2027 under a 20-year agreement with Microsoft, with projected investment of more than $1.6 billion and the return of approximately 650 jobs to Dauphin County.

A Warwick School District board meeting reviewed the employment status of Bonfield Elementary principal Amy Balsbaugh after the school’s facility dog, Callie, died in a hot car. The district outlined charges including immorality, incompetency, and negligence, though the county district attorney determined the death to be an unintentional cognitive error and filed no criminal charges. Community members voiced both demands for accountability and support for the principal. The board approved formal administrative charges and scheduled a dismissal hearing for August 5, while also beginning policy reviews intended to prevent similar incidents.

Police report that Rahinne Ambrose was shot multiple times by his daughter’s boyfriend, Numayr McPhaul, during an argument at a home in York Township. Both men were armed. Ambrose was hospitalized, and McPhaul was questioned and released. No charges have been filed.

Smoke-driven Code Purple air conditions prompted Harrisburg to cancel city events and forced some businesses indoors. An upcoming outdoor event was rescheduled due to expected poor conditions. Residents reported heavy haze, while experts warned of heightened respiratory risks and rising hospital admissions following such pollution spikes. Air quality readings reached unhealthy levels, and central Pennsylvania’s vulnerability was attributed to emissions from vehicles, power plants, and other sources.

A large piece of concrete from the 13th Street bridge in Dauphin County fell onto a car traveling on I-83 during severe weather, breaking through the windshield but causing no injuries. Driver Megan Barnhart described the impact and said 911 assisted her in leaving the highway. PennDOT stated that its bridge unit will inspect for loose material and remove any hazards. The incident will not deter Barnhart from future visits to Hersheypark.

The Gettysburg Civil War Battle Reenactment proceeded at Daniel Lady Farm despite near‑100‑degree heat, marking the event’s 163rd anniversary. Staff emphasized that all scheduled activities would continue, with heat precautions such as cooling centers and hydration options in place. Artillery reenactor Mark Milby highlighted historical aspects of the demonstrations and adjustments made due to extreme temperatures, including lighter clothing for participants. The weekend features battles, living history exhibits, demonstrations, and children’s activities.

ICE agents attempting to arrest Clemente Lara-Hernandez in Harrisburg reported that he rammed an ICE vehicle, drove the wrong way on a one-way street, and crashed into a civilian car before fleeing. One agent fired a weapon and another sustained a hand injury. A large police response followed, with the FBI assisting in the investigation. Authorities state the case remains active and urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement.