Northeast
Pennsylvania House Dems propose new expulsion rules after remote voting by lawmaker facing a warrant
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania House Democrats on Thursday proposed a process to determine if state representatives are “incapacitated” and to sanction or expel them, moving in the wake of intense criticism after one of their members voted remotely this week while being sought on charges he violated a restraining order.
The resolution introduced by Majority Leader Matt Bradford of Montgomery County would establish a new group consisting of five House leaders to determine if a representative is impaired physically or mentally so that they are not able to perform their duties.
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His proposed rules change is a response to voting during this week’s legislative session by state Rep. Kevin Boyle, a Philadelphia Democrat who faces an arrest warrant on allegations he violated a restraining order. Details about the warrant have not been released, and Boyle has not responded to phone messages seeking comment left Thursday and earlier this week.
Pennsylvania House Democrats are proposing a process to determine if state representatives are “incapacitated” and to sanction or expel them. (FOX News)
A Philadelphia Police spokeswoman, Officer Tanya Little, said Thursday afternoon Boyle is not in custody.
Boyle lost his committee chairmanship and Capitol access privileges in February after a videotaped episode at a Montgomery County bar where he was aggressively rude to the staff and appeared intoxicated.
Boyle’s status carries significant implications for the power balance in the 203-member House, currently with a 102—100 Democratic majority and a special election next week for the vacancy, a Republican-leaning district in the Pocono Mountains.
Republican leaders have decried Boyle’s ability to vote remotely, telling reporters Wednesday that House Democrats should have simply put Boyle on leave and accusing their Democratic counterparts of allowing Boyle to vote remotely to preserve their thin majority.
Minority Leader Bryan Cutler, a Lancaster County Republican, called Bradford’s proposal a complicated answer to a simple problem. He asked Democrats to stop Boyle from voting “until this issue is finally resolved.”
“Pennsylvania House Democrats continue to use this tragedy to further the tyranny of their majority and that is shameful,” Cutler said in a statement. The House returns to session April 29.
A Republican from Fayette County, Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa, announced on Wednesday she was working on a proposal to change House rules to prevent anyone from voting remotely if they are incarcerated or facing an active arrest warrant. And the only Republican in the House from Philadelphia, Rep. Martina White, said her office has been fielding calls from Boyle’s constituents because his nearby district office hasn’t been responding.
Boyle, 44, is currently facing a primary opponent as he seeks an eighth term in the House. His brother is U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Democrat from a Philadelphia district.
Kevin Boyle was charged three years ago with harassment and violation of a protection from abuse order after showing up at his wife’s house, charges that were subsequently dropped. His attorney at the time described it as a “domestic issue” that did not involve allegations of violence. Kevin Boyle later said he was treated at a mental health facility.
Bradford’s proposal would allow targeted lawmakers to participate, with a lawyer, in the inquiry that would be done by the speaker, minority and majority leaders, and minority and majority caucus chairpersons. The group would meet in secret and could direct that the lawmaker whose status is in question be examined by doctors or psychologists. It would have subpoena power.
If the group would deem a House member to be incapacitated and unable to perform their duties, it would be up to a vote of the full House to decide whether to limit their powers and privileges, suspend them without pay or expel them. If the lawmaker hasn’t been expelled and has completed treatment, they could ask to get their powers or status back.
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Maine
Maine driver to honor friend Kyle Busch during Celebration of America 300
PORTLAND (WGME) — The third annual Celebration of America 300 is set for Thursday night at Oxford Plains Speedway.
This race was a favorite of NASCAR star Kyle Busch, who tragically passed away back in May. He was just 41.
Now, a Maine-born driver who worked on Busch’s team is ready to take the 8 car into victory lane.
For the past five years, Windham native Derek Kneeland was Busch’s eye in the sky, working as a spotter for the cup star. Kneeland says his relationship with Busch was like a brotherhood.
“I was fortunate enough where I got to have a personal relationship with him,” Kneeland said. “He came up, and he ran several races with me in late models and stuff at Oxford and Lee Speedway, and we got to do a lot of cool things together.”
Kneeland says dealing with the sudden loss has been both painful and difficult.
“It’s still hard,” Kneeland said. “I’m having a hard time with it. The weekdays are the hardest. At the track is where I’m most comfortable.”
Kneeland will be at the track and behind the wheel Thursday night, competing in the Celebration of America 300, driving the number 8 car.
“You know, a few days after everything went down, his dad called me, and his dad is a man of very few words, and I said, ‘You know, I’m thinking about running the 8 or 51 as long as I have your guys’ blessing, I would like to do that.’ And he said, ‘Short track world knows him as 51, but the world knows him as 8,’” Kneeland said.
Kneeland says it will be an emotional race, but he’s confident he’ll have a special co-pilot leading the way.
“Hoping he’s going to be on my shoulder and give me the guiding way and but to win it for Kyle, I think that would put the stamp on it,” Kneeland said.
Massachusetts
Millions of gallons of wastewater discharged into Merrimack River due to broken pipe
Approximately eight million gallons of wastewater are currently being discharged into the river per day.
HAVERHILL, Mass. (WWLP) – Those traveling for the Fourth of July weekend are being advised of a wastewater pipe break on the Merrimack River.
The Massachusetts Environmental Police stated that over the weekend, a major wastewater pipe in Haverhill broke, releasing millions of gallons of sewage into the river. The broken pipe was carrying wastewater from the main pumping station to the treatment plant.
Police estimate that approximately eight million gallons of wastewater are currently being discharged into the river per day.
At this time, fishing in the river is not prohibited, and the estuaries and beaches remain open. However, the information is being released to the public to help community members be aware of current conditions and use caution.
To access more information on water quality testing results, you can visit the official DPH website. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Local News Headlines
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand.
New Hampshire
Nashua Man Indicted On 8 Child First-Degree Assault Charges: Hillsborough County Superior Court Indictments
Matthew Mann, 40, of no fixed address in Nashua, on felon in possession and two controlled drug acts; acts prohibited-intent to sell, fentanyl and cocaine charges, all felonies. He was accused of possessing a switchblade knife, more than half an ounce of cocaine, and three baggies of fentanyl. Mann is a felon due to a possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute conviction in Middlesex County Superior Court in October 2007.
Adam Money, 37, of Cathedral Lane in Hudson, on a felony controlled drug act; acts prohibited-methamphetamine charge on Jan. 5, 2024, in Nashua. Previously, according to the indictment, he was convicted of possession in January 2019 in Rockingham County Superior Court.
Antwaun Roach-Baptiste, 37, of Park Street in West Haven, Connecticut, on a felony theft by unauthorized taking charge. He acted in concert with Tyler Paolini to steal more than $1,500 worth of merchandise from Home Depot in Nashua, according to the indictment.
Marques Stanford, 37, of no fixed address in Nashua, on two felony counts of controlled drug act; acts prohibited-cocaine and fentanyl, and a felony count of controlled drug act; acts prohibited-buprenorphine-with intent to sell on Feb. 9 in Nashua. Previously, according to the indictment, he was convicted on a possession charge in January 2018 in Hills South.
Do you have a news tip? Email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella’s YouTube or Rumble channels. Patch in New Hampshire is now in 227 communities and neighborhoods — and expanding every day. Also, follow Patch on Google Discover.
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