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Butler lawmaker slams ‘inappropriate’ treatment of local police after Trump incident: ‘Thrown under the bus'

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Butler lawmaker slams ‘inappropriate’ treatment of local police after Trump incident: ‘Thrown under the bus'

A Pennsylvania state lawmaker whose district inculdes the Butler Farm Show grounds called out the national media for throwing local law enforcement and first responders “under the bus” after the attempted assassination of former President Trump last month.

State Rep. Aaron Bernstine, a Republican who represents Butler and Lawrence counties, said Saturday the media has wrongly criticized Butler County and other local agencies, adding the culpability for security breakdowns falls at the feet of the U.S. Secret Service.

“Our first responders in this situation have been thrown under the bus by those in the national media. That is entirely inappropriate,” Bernstine told Fox News Digital. “These individuals did everything that they should have done and took every precaution. This is a complete failure from a tactical standpoint, to a communication standpoint, by the United States Secret Service.”

Bernstine said in the time since the shooting, his office has dealt with an uptick in constituent issues as the press, federal agencies, lawmakers and others descend on northwest Pennsylvania.

TOP DEM WHO VISITED BUTLER SAYS LOCAL OFFICIALS TOLD HIM ‘WE NEED TO TALK MORE’ ABOUT USSS FAILURES

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Former President Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, is rushed offstage during a rally in Butler, Pa., July 13. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

“That being said, we have great people here. (It is) a great conservative area. I couldn’t be more proud to represent these folks,” Berstine said.

“What transpired had nothing to do with our local law enforcement. Our local law enforcement did every single thing that was asked of them. We’re so proud of the work that they did. This was a complete security fail by the United States Secret Service.”

Bernstine added that he and the state Legislature — currently out of session — originally planned to hold hearings after the deadly rally, but Congress’ response changed minds.

“Congressman Mike Kelly, R-Pa., and Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., are going to do everything they can to uncover what transpired and make sure it never happens again,” Bernstine said, adding that the swiftness with which Johnson responded to the tragic event led him to believe Harrisburg didn’t need to get involved.

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TOP REPUBLICAN CALLS CHEATLE’S SLOPED ROOF DEFENSE THE ‘FINAL STRAW’

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., speaks to the press July 22, in Butler, Pa. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital )

“Our original plans when this horrible situation occurred were to have hearings, where we would bring people in front of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. My position on that has changed,” he said.

Kelly, who represents Butler and Erie, took part in a bipartisan congressional tour of the rally site and now leads a House task force investigating the assassination attempt.

Bernstine said he and others believe federal House Republicans have directed sufficient resources to their own investigation but that many Harrisburg lawmakers stand ready to pitch in if asked.

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After years of full Republican control, the Pennsylvania House has a one-seat Democratic majority, while the GOP retains comfortable command of the state Senate.

Bernstine, who was first elected in what he characterized as the 2016 Trump wave, said he invited the GOP nominee back to his district as soon as he is ready.

“With what transpired — words can’t even express the difficulty of what’s been on our community — we welcome President Trump back. We look forward to having President Trump back.

“We’re going to have a huge rally that is beyond secure for President Trump.”

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Pennsylvania state Rep. Aaron Bernstine represents parts of Lawrence and Butler counties. (Office of State Rep. Aaron Bernstine/Pennsylvania House of Representatives)

Trump held his first Pennsylvania event since the shooting last week, speaking to an enormous crowd at the Pennsylvania Farm Show complex west of Harrisburg.

The former president quipped during his remarks that the crowd and complex — which similarly fills up for the century-old agricultural celebration every January — reminded him of Madison Square Garden.

During his interview, Bernstine also paid respects to Corey Comperatore, the Butler-area firefighter who was murdered by attempted assassin Thomas Crooks.

“[He was] one of our neighbors who gave so much to the community,” Bernstine said. “This has obviously been a major burden on our community and something that has really been a major burden across this entire nation. And that’s why I have done everything in my power to — No. 1 — help our community.

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“But, in addition to that, [we must] be supportive of the work that’s being done in Congress to understand what happened, why it happened, who was involved and what are the things that we can do to ensure this never happens again.”

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Boston, MA

Boston Pops gearing up for major July 4th celebration: ‘You only turn 250 once’ – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

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Boston Pops gearing up for major July 4th celebration: ‘You only turn 250 once’ – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News


BOSTON (WHDH) – The Boston Pops are preparing for their Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular this weekend with half a million people expected to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday on the Charles River Esplanade.

The President and CEO of Boston Symphony Orchestra said an even bigger celebration is being prepared at the hatch-shell this year.

“Everything is bigger. You only turn 250 once!” said Chad Smith, President and CEO of Boston Symphony. “We recognize that Massachusetts has been a center of revolution, not just in the Revolutionary War, but through the last 250 years. That spirit, sense of innovation, the sense of pushing our country forward is going to be on display as well.”

Organizers are bringing in lighting, sound equipment, extra stages, and of course – the fireworks.

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“Planning to bring in new details and amplify the experience on the Fourth of July with a bigger firework show. They’re going to have drones for the first time, amazing talent,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.

This year’s spectacular is being hosted by actress Jane Lynch, and will feature performances by country star Lainey Wilson, Chance the Rapper, Trombone Shorty, and Broadway star Megan Hilty.

“We’re going to have remarkable artists that represent the vast diversity and breadth of American music,” Smith said.

The Boston Pops have been performing on the Esplanade for the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular for 52 years, and organizers said this year’s show will highlight the history of Massachusetts.

“The history of the Pops is so closely tied to the Massachusetts story on the Fourth of July,” Fox said.

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The fireworks show will begin at 9:15 p.m., and will be set to live music from the Pops.

(Copyright (c) 2026 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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Pittsburg, PA

Ferris wheel to support veterans spinning Wednesday through Sunday on Pittsburgh’s North Shore

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Ferris wheel to support veterans spinning Wednesday through Sunday on Pittsburgh’s North Shore


Pittsburgh officials are partnering with a nonprofit to provide a unique way to thank veterans for their service while getting a grand look at the Steel City.

A 90-foot Ferris wheel dubbed the Salute to Service Wheel will be spinning on the North Shore from Wednesday through Sunday.

It’s provided by Piatt Companies and Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty with half of ticket sale proceeds going to Veterans Leadership Program.

First launched in 1982, VLP helps veterans navigate life’s transitions. Efforts include wellness services, housing, career development and various support programs.

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Mayor Corey O’Connor, parks and recreation director Eric Sloan, Piatt Companies CEO Lucas Piatt and representatives from the Veterans Leadership Program are expected to host a grand opening celebration Wednesday around 12:30 p.m. at North Shore Drive and Art Rooney Avenue and take the first rides.

It is part of Pittsburgh’s Independence Day celebration.

Tickets are on sale now and cost $11.20, including a $1.20 service fee. They can be found at pittsburghpa.gov.

Bookings are in hour intervals from 2-9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday and from 2-8 p.m. Sunday.

Riders smaller than 48 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult.

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Connecticut

US Supreme Court to consider challenge to Connecticut assault weapons ban

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US Supreme Court to consider challenge to Connecticut assault weapons ban


HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – The U.S. Supreme Court said Tuesday it will take up an appeal challenging bans on the AR-15 and other semi-automatic firearms, including the ban in Connecticut and in the Chicago area.

Similar bans are in place in about a dozen states. The case is expected to be heard in the fall.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said the state’s assault weapons ban is lawful and that his office is prepared to fight the challenge in court.

“Connecticut’s assault weapon ban is lawful, lifesaving, and broadly supported. The gun lobby has flooded the courts in states across the country to get an assault weapons case up to this Supreme Court. We are prepared for this fight, and we are going to go in with everything we’ve got to keep these weapons of war off our streets, out of our schools, and away from our families,” said Attorney General Tong.

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