Tag: Pennsylvania

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

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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

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

Powerful earthquake shakes Panama

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

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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

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

2 Timothy 3:12 

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted Paul was reminding Timothy that following Christ does not guarantee an easy life.…

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John 15:18–20

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as…

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Galatians 1:6-10

“When truth becomes negotiable, faith becomes vulnerable so know the Gospel, stand on God’s Word, and seek His approval above the world’s applause.” “I am astonished…

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

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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

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
John 1:12

Isaiah 45:2

“I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, This verse reminds us that…

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Proverbs 21:23

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. This verse emphasizes that people who carefully watch what they say will protect themselves from serious trouble. “Guarding your…

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Slow to Speak: The Secret to Wise Reactions

Talk less, listen more, because wisdom speaks after it understands, not before. If you want stronger relationships and real influence, master this: control your tongue, calm your anger, and lead with…

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Psalm 5:8

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

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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

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
Acts 4:32

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

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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

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
Psalm 1:1

A study of the Mesha Stele

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

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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

Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.
1 Corinthians 10:24

Finding Truth and Life in Jesus

In a world filled with competing voices, confusing paths, and endless distractions, Jesus doesn’t simply show us the way He declares, ‘I am the way.’ When everything around you…

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

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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

For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.”
1 Peter 3:10-11

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