Woman in Pennsylvania diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome after tick bite

Historic Lititz street with autumn trees, American flags, shops, church, library, and festival visitors

A Ross Township woman was diagnosed with a tick-borne disease that’s rare in southwestern Pennsylvania, but common in other parts of the country. Now, she wants to urge others to be more careful when outdoors.  Angela Lundy started feeling sick after she ate a bratwurst on Father’s Day. Then a week later, she split a burger with her husband. “I woke up with severe stomach pain like right along where my bra line is, and it lasted about three hours,” Lundy said.  However, her doctor couldn’t figure out what was wrong, and testing for gallstones came back negative. “It wasn’t until my girlfriend half-jokingly said to me, ‘Well, maybe you have alpha-gal,'” Lundy said.

Everything started to click with Lundy, who remembered getting bitten by a tick behind her left knee in early June after working in her backyard garden. “It was the itchiest bite I had ever had,” Lundy said. She learned a tick infected her with alpha-gal syndrome after her doctor properly diagnosed her based on Lundy having both symptoms and positive blood test results. It’s a tick-borne disease that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said is potentially life-threatening and causes an allergy to mammal meats like beef, pork, venison, and could also cause intolerances to dairy and gelatin. “It’s mostly known to come from the lone star tick,” said Emily Struckhoff, program specialist with Penn State Extension.

A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Health told KDKA that surveillance by the state Department of Environmental Protection now shows lone star ticks with white dots in several parts of the state, including southwestern counties, at low levels. However, the department added that “there is evidence that deer ticks … are also linked to [the syndrome].” “[Lone star ticks are] primarily a southern-associated species, but we have been seeing its range expand further north into southern Pa.,” Struckhoff said. The health department also said, “Recent voluntary reports show that about 300 people test positive for Alpha-Gal each year” in the state.

Now that includes Lundy, who just saw an allergist and is carrying an EpiPen, while taking extra precautions at restaurants and outside. “It’s not fun, but I think there’s like worse things,” Lundy said. This serves as a reminder that ticks are around year-round. Experts said the best steps you can take are wearing long sleeves and pants that you can tuck into your socks, and don’t forget to spray DEET or wash your clothes in permethrin, both of which can repel ticks.

Source: Woman in Pennsylvania diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome after tick bite – CBS Pittsburgh

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:11

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Flight 93 Memorial ceremonies today mark 25 years since 9/11

american flags on the field

Today marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and observance ceremonies will be held at the Flight 93 Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to remember the lives lost that day.

Nearly 3,000 people died and thousands more were injured as terrorists carried out coordinated attacks on the World Trade Center skyscrapers in New York and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.  United Airlines Flight 93 was headed for the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., but the passengers and crew members fought back, leading to the plane crashing into an empty field in Somerset County. 

Remembrance ceremonies will begin at 8:30 a.m. near the Wall of Names. They are expected to run until 10:30 a.m. and will include a reflection on all the attacks from 25 years ago, the reading of the names of the Flight 93 passengers and crew, and the Bells of Remembrance will be rung in their honor.  

A memorial wall made of marble panels, featuring engraved names and a small bouquet of flowers placed at its base, along with a figurine.

SHANKSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 11: Flowers are placed at the Wall of Names during a ceremony commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the crash of Flight 93 during the September 11th terrorist attacks at the Flight 93 National Memorial on September 11, 2024 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  / Getty Images

The afternoon ceremony, scheduled from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., will feature remarks, keynote speakers, music and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Wall of Names. Then, on Saturday, at 7:30 p.m., there will be 40 candle lanterns brought to the Wall of Names as the sun goes down. Thousands of people are expected to attend today’s events at the Flight 93 National Memorial. 

Source: Flight 93 Memorial ceremonies today mark 25 years since 9/11 attacks – CBS Pittsburgh

Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands.
Psalm 112:1

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Galatians 1:6-10

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Aggressive coyote shot and killed after attacking dog in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, police say

Police in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, say an aggressive coyote has been shot and killed after attacking a dog.  In a social media post Friday afternoon, Cheltenham police said they received multiple reports of an aggressive coyote in the Wyncote section of Cheltenham Township.The coyote was spotted near Curtis Park, Hopeland Road, Washington Lane and Rock Creek Drive, police said. The coyote was eventually shot and killed by police after attacking a dog. 

Source: Aggressive coyote shot and killed after attacking dog in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, police say – CBS Philadelphia

So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
Hebrews 9:28

Isaiah 45:2

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Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. In the verse David is praying in the morning while people who hate him…

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Fetterman and McCormick form bipartisan joint fundraising committee

Two men shaking hands silhouetted against the US Capitol dome and sunset with Washington Monument in background

Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators have teamed up to form a joint fundraising committee to raise money for their campaigns in an unusual display of bipartisanship — and one that may not actually be meant to generate funds. Common Ground PA filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Monday. The joint fundraising committee lists both Fetterman and McCormick’s leadership PACs as well as their principal campaign committees as the participants. “The joint fundraising committee is specifically just for raising money,” said Brendan Glavin, the director of insights for non-partisan political transparency organization OpenSecrets. In a joint fundraising committee, only the participants are allowed to receive money donated to the committee.

“They can’t make contributions to other candidates or other PACs.”  Fetterman is up for reelection in the 2028 cycle, while McCormick is not up for reelection until 2030. The most recent FEC filings show Fetterman for PA has about $1.99 million in cash on hand, while McCormick has about $954,000.  Politico was the first to note the joint fundraising committee’s formation earlier this week. When KDKA-TV asked if he’d ever seen campaigns from opposite sides of the aisle form a joint fundraising committee, Glavin said, “I’m not gonna say it’s never happened, but certainly, I was definitely very surprised to see that.”  Glavin said the campaigns may be trying to appeal to a certain kind of donor, and the committee may be more about messaging than money. “The goal may be more to present both of them as being people who are willing to work with the other side. That is something that is attractive to voters, to say ‘I’m not part of this hyper-partisan problem that we have in our country.'”  But Glavin also said the message may have niche appeal. “Certainly most of your donors are not gonna be keen on the idea of giving their money to basically the opposite side of where they stand.”  Neither Fetterman nor McCormick has positive approval with Pennsylvania voters. A Quinnipiac poll in February 2026 found 46% approve of Fetterman’s job performance overall, while 37% approve of McCormick’s handling of his job. Fetterman has also come under fire from within his own party. 

Source: Fetterman and McCormick form bipartisan joint fundraising committee – CBS Philadelphia

A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.
Proverbs 18:6

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Explosive Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak Hits 20 States: Full List of Affected Areas

anonymous man hanging toilet paper in bathroom

A parasite that causes explosive, watery diarrhea has sickened 145 people across 20 US states, prompting an ongoing investigation by federal and state health officials into the source of the outbreak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the cases were reported between May and June 16 and involve patients ranging in age from 5 to 86 years old. So far, 20 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. Breaking It Down What is Shigella and how does it spread? What are the symptoms of Shigella infection? How are health authorities responding to the outbreak in Wayanad? Created with AI. Health officials believe the illnesses are linked to contaminated food because none of the patients reported recent international travel.

However, investigators have not yet identified the exact source. The parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, causes cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness that commonly leads to explosive, watery diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Symptoms usually appear about a week after infection and mainly affect the intestines, although some infected people may not develop symptoms. The CDC said local, state, and federal public health authorities are investigating several clusters of cases spanning multiple states. Officials also noted that the true number of infections may be higher because some cases may not have been diagnosed.

List of 20 States Affected By The Outbreak The CDC has reported cases in the following states and Washington, DC:

  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Connecticut
  • Pennsylvania
  • Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island
  • Delaware
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • Wisconsin
  • Illinois
  • Georgia
  • Florida
  • Texas
  • Louisiana
  • Colorado
  • Alaska
  • Washington DC

Among the affected areas, New York has reported the highest number of cases, with between 31 and 80 infections, followed by Texas and Illinois, which have each recorded between 11 and 30 cases. While cyclosporiasis can resolve on its own, symptoms may last for a month or longer if left untreated, increasing the risk of dehydration. The CDC says the infection is typically treated with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also sold under the brand names Bactrim, Septra and Cotrim. The agency also recommends following safe food handling and storage practices. Previous US outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce, including cilantro, raspberries, sweet peas, mesclun lettuce and basil.

Source: Explosive Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak Hits 20 States: Full List of Affected Areas | Times Now

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Psalm 37:7

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New “glamping” reservations at Laurel Hill State Park canceled over tent safety concerns

camping tents and chairs in the middle of a grassy area

Last October, Pennsylvania announced plans to bring “glamping,” or luxury camping, to several state parks, including Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset County. But now, some of those plans have been put on hold.  A safety issue involving tents scheduled to be used at several parks has forced cancellations and refunds for people who had already booked reservations. According to Timberline Glamping, a recently manufactured batch of canvas tents was unable to meet both fireproofing and waterproofing requirements at the same time due to changes in federal environmental standards. The company says that because the tents did not meet safety expectations, it made the decision not to use them.

In a statement to KDKA, Timberline Glamping said, “Timberline Glamping prioritizes the safety of our guests over any profits or convenience. All reservations that had to be cancelled due to this safety recall have been refunded in full.” The issue comes as Pennsylvania state parks continue to see strong visitor numbers and growing interest in camping. State officials have promoted the glamping initiative as a way to expand overnight lodging options and attract new visitors to the parks. In a statement to KDKA, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said, “DCNR is committed to keeping visitors informed and ensuring all facilities meet strict safety standards.

Timberline Glamping identified an issue with a batch of canvas tents that prevent fireproofing and waterproofing treatments from working together, and glampsites using those tents will remain closed. Six sites at Hickory Run and Promised Land State Parks remain on track to open by July 4 using tents that meet safety requirements, and no issues have been reported at French Creek State Park. Timberline notified guests in advance, issued refunds, and has worked closely with DCNR to address the issue and meet the Commonwealth’s public safety standards.”

Source: New “glamping” reservations at Laurel Hill State Park canceled over tent safety concerns – CBS Pittsburgh

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

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25 people arrested, 52 chickens recovered during raid breaking up cockfight in Chester, Pennsylvania

roosters fighting in close up shot

Police arrested 25 people and recovered 52 chickens while breaking up an active cockfight in Delaware County over the weekend. Law enforcement acted on a tip received last week about a cockfight scheduled for Saturday in the 500 block of Franklin Street in Chester, the Pennsylvania SPCA said in a news release Monday. Multiple agencies executed a search warrant Saturday night and interrupted the cockfight in progress. They arrested 25 people, rescued 52 live birds and found three dead roosters. The live birds were taken to the PSPCA headquarters in Philadelphia for treatment.

They will remain in PSPCA custody pending their surrender or adjudication of the court case, according to the animal shelter. “Cockfighting is one of the most brutal forms of animal cruelty,” Nicole Wilson, PSPCA director of animal law enforcement and shelter operations, said in a statement. “These birds are forced to fight to near death one cut at a time, suffering devastating injuries in the process.”   Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony in 42 states, including Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. The PSPCA said the investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information should contact its hotline at 866-601-SPCA.

Source: 25 people arrested, 52 chickens recovered during raid breaking up cockfight in Chester, Pennsylvania – CBS Philadelphia

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

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New livestream camera shows lives of Pennsylvania’s secretive timber rattlesnakes

close up of coiled sidewinder rattlesnake in sand

A new livestream wildlife camera takes viewers right into a timber rattlesnake rookery in Pennsylvania. The new livestream gives a 24/7 look at timber rattlesnakes living in an undisclosed, remote location in Pennsylvania. A rookery is where the female snakes spend the summer, preparing to give birth and care for their babies.  Considered one of the largest rattlesnake species in the world, the secretive timber rattlesnake is native to the eastern U.S. and is endangered and threatened in nearly half of the states where it lives.  The camera comes from a partnership between Cal Poly and Carlisle-based Dickinson College. It’s the third installment for Project RattleCam, which aims to encourage education about rattlesnake behavior, discourage harm and foster dialogue.  While timber rattlesnakes are venomous, experts say they prefer to avoid confrontation and only strike in self-defense.

Not only do rattlesnakes help control rodent populations, preventing the spread of disease, but their venom has also helped produce medications like anti-clotting drugs. Faculty researchers, students and volunteer community scientists monitor the livestream chat, where viewers can ask questions and even name the snakes. “Scar” is the first to be named in Pennsylvania.  “The public can help us collect data,” Emily Taylor, a Cal Poly biological sciences professor and co-director of Project RattleCam, said in a press release. “In fact, we have science journal article publications coming out soon that are co-authored by some viewers who helped us as community scientists. It’s really important to me that people know that this isn’t just a camera.

Source: New livestream camera shows lives of Pennsylvania’s secretive timber rattlesnakes – CBS Pittsburgh

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
1 Peter 5:6

God as Your Ever-Present Help

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Chester, Pennsylvania, police officer hospitalized after violent attack while responding to burglary

a paramedic holding a radio

A Chester police officer is expected to recover after authorities say he was violently attacked Tuesday morning while responding to a reported domestic burglary. According to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, Officer Michael Tierney approached a man connected to a reported burglary near Meadow Lane and West 9th Street in Chester when the suspect suddenly attacked the officer. “It was a really scary incident, and it could’ve been a whole lot worse,” Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said. Investigators said Tierney attempted to calmly speak with the suspect on the sidewalk before the encounter turned violent. “There was no real provocation.

Officer Tierney was acting in nothing but a professional manner,” Rouse said. Authorities identified the suspect as Lawrence Crews. Prosecutors said Crews repeatedly punched Tierney, wrestled him to the ground and struggled for control of the officer’s Taser. “He was in effect pistol-whipped with his own Taser as a struggle ensued,” Rouse said. “Eventually, he was able to get the suspect, Mr. Crews, off of him.” Additional officers later took Crews into custody. Tierney was rushed to ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. Officials said Tierney suffered cuts to his face and head and may have sustained a concussion, but he is expected to make a full recovery. “He was banged up, he was shaken up, it was wild, and it was unprovoked,” Rouse said. Prosecutors said Crews may have been suffering a health crisis at the time of the incident, though officials stressed there was no justification for assaulting a police officer.

Source: Chester, Pennsylvania, police officer hospitalized after violent attack while responding to burglary – CBS Philadelphia

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:10

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6-year-old Pennsylvania girl holding art auctions to raise money childhood cancer patients

patient lying in bed

Life for a child should be a time of wonder and discovery, but children with cancer are sometimes robbed of those wonders. A 6-year-old girl from Pennsylvania is making it her mission to help those patients through art.  It all started when Kaylin Lundell, who loves to draw and color, was in the car with her mom and a commercial for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which specializes in care for kids with cancer, came on the radio. “She wanted to do something about it, and I wanted to support her,” said Kaylin’s mom Tea Lundell. 

That’s when Tea Lundell said she came up with “a conspiracy of kindness.” She proposed an art auction to raise money for St. Jude’s. The artists would be children, just like her daughter.  “Right now, we have four businesses that we have scheduled the event for, they are fully committed,” she said.  The kids can draw whatever they want. Then it’s up to the highest bidder to claim the creation. The money collected is all going to St. Jude’s.  Kaylin Lundell said she’s trying to raise $100,000. She sad she wants the kids to enjoy something other than fear and pain.  “Kids should just dream about other kids, being a kid and having ice cream after dinner from their parents,” she said.  Kids who make art for the auction will have their creations embossed with the official seal of Kaylin Lundell’s Draw for a Dream campaign. They’ll also have a signed certificate of authenticity. 

Source: 6-year-old Pennsylvania girl holding art auctions to raise money childhood cancer patients – CBS Pittsburgh

But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.
Psalm 103:17-18

Avian Flu Has Killed Thousands of Birds in the U.S. Pennsylvania Is at the Epicenter.

flock of birds flying in the sky

This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment and a Pennsylvania Capital-Star partners.  When two bald eagles built a nest in Philadelphia in 2007, it was the first time one had been recorded in the area in 200 years. Today, eagles can be spotted swooping over Wissahickon Creek, flying near Kelly Drive, and soaring above FDR Park. Their return to American skies is one of the 21st century’s great conservation stories. From near-extinction lows in the 1960s, the estimated population of bald eagles in the United States has rebounded to more than 315,000.

Source: Avian Flu Has Killed Thousands of Birds in the U.S. Pennsylvania Is at the Epicenter.

For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.
Psalm 31:3

Man charged in murder-for-hire plot at Pennsylvania shopping plaza

News Room

Another man has been charged in connection with a murder-for-hire plot that ended with a deadly shooting in the parking lot of a Westmoreland County shopping center in 2022.

Source: Man charged in murder-for-hire plot at Pennsylvania shopping plaza – CBS Pittsburgh