Tasmin Mahfuz

Keyon Johnson was arrested and charged with prohibited possession of a firearm after a shot was fired toward a chef at the Conewago Inn in York County, Pennsylvania. According to the restaurant owner, two men wearing traffic vests were near the dumpsters when the chef approached them; one reportedly fired a shot that missed before both men fled.

Lancaster City Bureau of Police is asking the public to help identify a middle-aged white man accused of exposing himself in the 600 block of West James Street in April. Police said anonymous tips are accepted and that rewards may be available if information leads to an arrest.

Manheim Township officials announced an $8 million budget shortfall, saying deficits from 2023 through 2026 have depleted nearly all of the township’s operating-fund liquidity. The board attributed the problem to previous boards’ use of reserves from the 2003 wastewater-system sale instead of raising revenue to cover expenses. Vice President Sam Kulp said the township will need to increase revenues and reduce spending.

Manor Township police are coordinating with the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office to extradite Mikaail Cotton from New York to Pennsylvania. Cotton is charged in connection with a crash in which two vehicles sped through stop signs and plunged into the Susquehanna River, killing 20-year-old Saige Zink. He was arrested in the South Bronx after allegedly fleeing during a targeted enforcement action and was found with a stolen firearm and controlled substances. Cotton initially gave officers a false name and has not waived extradition. Investigators have spoken with two other occupants, Savahnnah McFerrin and Helmer Soto-Colon, but have filed no charges against them; police believe one of them was driving the BMW involved in the crash.

Small business owners and skill-game advocates are rallying in Dauphin County to urge Pennsylvania lawmakers to regulate the machines before a statewide ban could take effect. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has given lawmakers until October 13 to act after ruling that skill games qualify as slot machines. A proposed bill would charge $500 per machine each month, with supporters estimating it could generate $300 million in annual state tax revenue.

Franklin & Marshall College and the Lancaster Stormers have agreed to an eight-year partnership making Penn Medicine Park the official home stadium for F&M baseball. The Diplomats will hold all practices and home games there, giving the college’s athletes access to professional facilities.

Residents of Juniper Village in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, performed “Sister Act Senior” for a full audience as part of the Broadway Senior program, a collaboration involving Juniper Communities and Music Theatre International. The resident-led production aims to make theater accessible to older adults, including those with physical or cognitive limitations. Juniper Village, the program’s pilot facility, reported stronger community ties, greater engagement, fewer complaints about pain and support for cognitive health. Another performance was scheduled for Saturday.

A survey of 40 U.S. cities ranked Philadelphia as the third-most stressful city for drivers and Pittsburgh ninth. Atlanta topped the list, followed by Nashville, with traffic density and driver anxiety among the factors evaluated by the survey’s sponsors, described as lemon law experts.

Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania, is offering a 15% tuition discount through its LVC Family Scholarship for parents, siblings, spouses, and children of current students and alumni. The discount applies to 20 career-focused graduate degrees and certificates and is available to new students beginning in the fall term and beyond.

A fire destroyed a detached garage and caused minor damage to a home in Manor Township, Pennsylvania. A firefighter suffered a minor electrical shock after a power pole fell into water near the property and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Officials said the fire was mostly contained to the garage and may have started after the homeowner stored a hot lawn mower.

Seven dancers from Evolving Dance Company in Palmyra, Pennsylvania, are among 13 finalists for a national People’s Choice Award after spending a year perfecting their “Indestructible” routine. The studio is the only Pennsylvania team remaining from more than 500 competitors, with public voting ending Friday at midnight. The competition also raises money for Dancers Against Cancer, and the winner is scheduled to be announced in October in Los Angeles.

A free Farmers-to-Family Produce Market at Hamilton Health Center in Steelton distributed more than 8,000 pounds of fresh food. Organized by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Highmark Wholecare and Hamilton Health, the event aimed to improve food access while helping residents connect with one another and with local support organizations. Additional markets are planned.

Waynesboro officials declared a disaster after 3.5 inches of rain fell in 45 minutes, causing widespread flooding across the borough. Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency officials surveyed the damage, while Borough Manager Jason Stains said residents face difficulties filing claims because many properties are outside designated flood plains. State disaster funding requires at least 25 damaged homes in Franklin County and sufficient evidence of inadequate flood insurance coverage. Residents were asked to submit damage estimates, photographs and videos to help document losses.

A collision involving three tractor-trailers in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, injured one person and caused major traffic delays. One lane remained open in each direction before all lanes reopened shortly after 7 a.m. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the crash.

A preliminary hearing in Dauphin County Court reviewed charges against Jeremiah Moran for the fatal shooting of 17‑year‑old Camar Cordero near a Harrisburg bus stop. Moran’s defense claimed he acted in self‑defense, while the victim’s mother, Marcella Everson, rejected the argument and emphasized her son’s character. Investigators cited video evidence and Moran’s admission to support the charges. Everson also criticized the Harrisburg School District for placing her son at an unfamiliar bus stop. City and school officials called for broader action to address youth violence as the case moves forward, with Moran scheduled to return to court in September.

Saquon Barkley confirmed that his family was unharmed after burglars targeted his Chester County home, noting that nothing was taken and his daughter was away during the incident. Two younger children were present, prompting him to increase home security. Police reported that the suspects fled before officers arrived.

Harrisburg ranks fifth on LinkedIn’s list of emerging U.S. cities for economic opportunity, with growth driven by logistics, food distribution, manufacturing, state government jobs and increasing data center development. LinkedIn highlights distribution advantages as a key factor, while Augusta, Georgia, tops the list.

Pennsylvania State Police charged Zachary Conroy with murdering his mother, Karen Conroy, after physically and sexually assaulting her in Marysville. He later barricaded himself inside a home before being arrested by a special response team. The victim died more than a week after the assault, and Conroy is scheduled to appear in court on August 12.

Pennsylvania state senator Doug Mastriano faced sharp questioning during his confirmation hearing to become U.S. ambassador to Slovakia, with Democratic senators challenging his past comments, associations, and views on religion in public life. Mastriano defended his record and denied supporting conspiracy theories, while exchanges with Senators Tim Kaine and Jacky Rosen grew tense over election claims and religious qualifications for leadership. Despite the opposition, strong Republican backing in the Senate provides him a likely path toward confirmation, though no vote has yet been scheduled.

John Fetterman warned he would leave the Democratic Party if it formally adopts an anti‑Israel stance, calling it a personal red line. He offered no clarity on whether he would join Republicans or become an independent. His past votes aligning with Republicans and new Quinnipiac polling showing low approval among Democrats and high approval among Republicans highlight his shifting political position.

The Mifflin County district attorney stated that a viral video showing a man attempting to turn himself in to Lewistown police after an alleged conversation with a minor cannot prompt an immediate arrest because evidence gathered by vigilante groups often fails to meet legal standards. The DA said the Lewistown Police Department is actively investigating both the case and the video.

Newly obtained scanner audio, hospital records, and family interviews reveal additional details about the fatal shooting of 18‑year‑old Specialist Krystofer Lopez during firearms training at Letterkenny Army Depot. Investigators informed the family that the Sig Sauer M17 pistol involved did not malfunction and confirmed the existence of video now under forensic review. Records show delays in medical transport after a helicopter was unable to land on the base, with Lopez arriving at the hospital without a pulse following significant blood loss. The Army Criminal Investigation Division confirmed it is conducting a felony criminal investigation, while federal prosecutors declined to comment on any involvement. The family continues to seek answers about training protocols, weapon handling, and the circumstances leading to their son's death.

First responders in Brecknock Township rescued a 700- to 800-pound pony trapped in a muddy creek, working together to safely free the animal. The cause of how the pony became stuck remains unknown.

The Trinity Farmers Market in New Kingstown begins its fifth season after a weather delay, offering a community gathering space with free vendor spots for local farmers, artisans, and small businesses. Organizers emphasize the importance of buying local to support the area’s agricultural economy. The market operates every Thursday in July and August from 4 to 7 p.m.

Marc Fogel describes the harsh conditions and psychological toll of spending 1,277 days in a Russian prison after being convicted for carrying medical marijuana. He recounts difficulties adjusting to normal life following his release, which was secured after the U.S. government declared him wrongfully detained and negotiated his return. Fogel expresses gratitude toward his family, lawmakers, and the White House, and urges support for other Americans still imprisoned in Russia.

Pennsylvania regulators are reviewing a video Bryce Harper recorded through Cameo that was allegedly used by a FanDuel VIP host to encourage additional betting from a customer who later filed a lawsuit claiming gambling addiction and major financial losses. The lawsuit names FanDuel, DraftKings, the NFL and others, alleging improper promotion practices. Harper stated he did not consent to the video being used for gambling engagement. The video reportedly included a FanDuel watermark added afterward. Sports organizations and FanDuel have declined to comment as questions persist about sportsbook promotional methods.

SNAP recipients who lost food during the July Fourth weekend storms must apply for replacement benefits by July 14, with eligibility limited to food destroyed due to weather‑related power outages. Requests can be submitted in person or by contacting the County Assistance Office.

Pennsylvania lawmakers approved a human trafficking bill that includes eliminating a felony enhancement for prostitution charges involving individuals who are HIV-positive and aware of their status. Introduced by Rep. Ben Waxman, the measure advanced after being attached to a larger bill with bipartisan momentum. Although not retroactive, its passage removes the possibility of future felony charges under an outdated provision rooted in early HIV-era fears. The Pennsylvania Equality Caucus welcomed the change for aligning state law with modern science and reducing stigma, and the bill awaits Governor Josh Shapiro’s signature.

A five-year-old boy was found walking naked in a Swatara Township roadway after escaping a home described as hoarder-like and unsanitary. Bystanders kept him safe until police and EMS arrived. Charging documents state he climbed over a baby gate secured with zip ties and duct tape. Guardians Tucker Heagy, Jade Shuey and Stephanie Schaffner were arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The boy was taken to WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital for evaluation.

Police arrested Luis Lopez Jr. as the second suspect in a June 30 home invasion in Warwick Township. Lopez and Hector Martinez Jr. allegedly assaulted a homeowner, held two teenagers at gunpoint, and forced a neighbor to drive Lopez to Reading after stealing the neighbor’s vehicle. No injuries were reported.

President Donald Trump removed the leadership of the Election Assistance Commission, with the White House terminating the commissioners’ positions immediately. The commission, responsible for election funding, equipment certification, and security guidance, is expected to undergo changes that could influence local election procedures. Pennsylvania elections director Sean Drasher warned that adjustments to federal certification standards could affect state equipment approvals. The firings have raised concerns about federal interference in election oversight ahead of the midterms.

The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals at the Carlisle Fairgrounds features nearly 3,000 vehicles from classic muscle cars to new performance models, allowing car owners to showcase their vehicles. Attendee Brenda Cottom highlighted the sensory experience of the event. The show runs July 10–12 with full event hours and admission details provided.

A fire that destroyed the Broad Street Market’s brick building three years ago was determined to be accidental and caused by an electrical malfunction. The building remains uninhabitable while reconstruction, estimated at $23.7 million, is expected to be completed by next May.

Two parks in Manheim Township remain closed as crews clear debris and assess storm damage. Landis Woods Park is unsafe due to downed trees and hanging branches, while Perelman Park is inaccessible because of large fallen trees blocking the entrance and scattered debris throughout the area.

An 11-year-old boy from Juniata County lost his right hand after an alligator attacked him while he was fishing with his father near Orlando. The alligator lunged when the boy returned a fish to the water, and despite his father’s attempt to free him, doctors later amputated the injured hand. Recent video from Seminole County shows how easily alligators can remain hidden in shallow water, underscoring expert warnings about the risks they pose. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission captured and killed the nearly 9-foot alligator believed to be responsible.

A Fourth of July celebration at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster featured a hot‑dog eating contest with ten participants competing to finish five hot dogs each. Reporter Tasmin Mahfuz provided live coverage as contestants used different techniques and progressed toward the finish, concluding with the winner celebrating with family.

A Lebanon City apartment fire on June 16 that displaced more than two dozen residents and condemned multiple units was determined to have been caused by a discarded cigarette, according to Fire Chief Duane Sweitzer. Investigators found that a person smoking on a balcony discarded the cigarette into a receptacle where it ignited and spread to adjacent buildings, including the Downtown Lounge Bar and Restaurant. Mayor Sherry Capello had previously indicated the fire began next door.

Union Pacific’s Big Boy, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will travel to the East Coast for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, including free displays in Philadelphia on July 4 and 5. The locomotive will then pass through the Susquehanna Valley on July 8 with stops in Lebanon, Enola, Lewistown, and Altoona. Representatives from the Reading and Northern Railroad highlight renewed interest in preserving rail history and emphasize the locomotive’s enduring appeal.

West York Borough canceled its upcoming America250 celebration in response to an extreme heat warning forecasting temperatures near 100 degrees and heat indices up to 110. Officials said the event may be rescheduled for early August, while the National Weather Service issued warnings for the Susquehanna Valley through Friday.