Northeast

Pennsylvania state trooper fatally shot during traffic stop, officials say

Published

4 weeks ago

March 10, 2026

Pennsylvania state trooper fatally shot during traffic stop, officials say

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A Pennsylvania state trooper was shot and killed on Sunday night while conducting a traffic stop in Chester County, according to officials.

The shooting happened in West Caln Township shortly after 9 p.m. during a traffic stop near Compass and Michael roads.

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that the trooper, identified as Timothy O’Connor, died from the shooting.

PENNSYLVANIA BUS DRIVER CHARGED WITH ENDANGERING DOZENS OF ELEMENTARY STUDENTS WHILE INTOXICATED

L-R: Aerial footage of hospital; Corporal Timothy J. O’Connor Jr. (WTXF; PA State Police)

“I am profoundly saddened to announce that tonight, Pennsylvania State Police family lost a son, lost a hero, and lost a dedicated public servant,” Shapiro said at a press briefing.

“Corporal Timothy O’Connor is killed tonight doing what he’s dedicated his life to. And that is serving others, keeping our community safe, looking out for his fellow Pennsylvanians, especially right here in Chester County,” he continued. “Our entire Commonwealth, State Police family, Chester County, are mourning the loss of Corporal O’Connor.”

The governor added: “He died protecting others, and that is a noble calling. That is something we are profoundly grateful for tonight.”

The shooting happened in West Caln Township shortly after 9 p.m. during a traffic stop near Compass and Michael roads. (Pennsylvania State Police)

Police “put their lives on the line every single day to protect us, to look after us, to ensure our well-being,” Shapiro said. “That’s what Tim was doing tonight. I hope that the good people of Pennsylvania take a moment to appreciate all who put on a uniform, especially the uniform of the Pennsylvania State Police, and go out every day to look after us, do a lot every day and run into danger to keep the rest of us safe.”

Shapiro said flags in Pennsylvania will be flown at half-staff on Monday in honor of O’Connor.

MINNESOTA POLICE SERGEANT, FATHER OF TWO, DIES SUDDENLY AFTER BRAIN INFECTION

Gov. Josh Shapiro said flags in Pennsylvania will be flown at half-staff on Monday. (Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)

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Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe also said he was praying for the trooper.

“Chester County’s brave police officers put their lives on the line for us every day. I thank all of them for their extraordinary bravery and sacrifice,” Roe said on Facebook.

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Boston, MA

Wellness Hangouts Are the New Happy Hours

Published

5 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

Wellness Hangouts Are the New Happy Hours

News

So long, cocktails; hello, electrolyte drinks. Are group health events becoming the city’s preferred way to gather after dark?

Illustration by Jeannie Phan

For years, wellness was a solitary pursuit—early-morning workouts, solo spa appointments, quiet meditation apps. Now, a more collective approach is taking hold, reframing self-care as something to be shared. From candlelit sound baths to evening spa takeovers to communal ice baths, group wellness experiences are emerging as a new way to socialize—one rooted in restoration rather than reservations.

At the forefront locally is Spa After Dark, a new monthly series at the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston. Held on the third Wednesday of each month, the hotel opens the spa after hours for a guided contrast-therapy experience designed to be both social and deeply restorative. Guests rotate between the sauna, vitality pool, and cold-water immersion under the direction of a trained professional, who enhances the sauna ritual with essential oils poured over hot stones, creating waves of aromatic heat.

Spa director Heather Hannig says the concept grew from her own love of thermaculture—the ancient practice of alternating heat and cold for physical renewal. When she started working at the property last year, she realized that the spa’s private suite, sauna, and soaking pools made it possible to translate that ritual into a shared, guided activity. The goal was to create something experiential rather than transactional: guests in swimsuits moving through multiple rounds of heat and cold, then lingering in lounge spaces to rehydrate and connect.

The shift to a more social experience—complete with nonalcoholic beverages, electrolyte-rich drinks, and food designed to support the body—was intentional. “As opposed to a dinner out or a bar experience, we were seeing that there’s an appetite for more group experiences that are wellness-focused, where people can socialize in this setting,” says Danielle McNally, director of marketing and communications for Mandarin Oriental, Boston.

A man and a woman sit inside a wooden sauna. The man, wearing black shorts, is seated on the left side with his hands clasped and looking toward the woman. The woman, wearing a black bikini, is seated on the right side with one knee bent and her arms wrapped around it, looking toward the man. The sauna has wooden slatted walls and bench seating.

Courtesy Remedy Place Boston

This desire for collective wellness extends beyond hotel spas. At Remedy Place Boston, guests gather for communal ice baths, sauna sessions, and breathwork in a sleek, club-like environment that prioritizes recovery and connection. Release Well-Being Center in Westborough similarly taps into the power of group energy through workshops featuring sound baths, singing bowls, and guided practices aimed at nervous-system regulation. After all, these days, social currency isn’t about cocktails—it’s about how good you feel the next morning.

This article was first published in the print edition of the March 2026 issue with the headline: “The New Happy Hour.”

Is Wellness Culture Ruining Social Fun?

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Pittsburg, PA

The sound of music and the sound of the birds

Published

6 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

The sound of music and the sound of the birds

Inside the National Aviary, the magic and music of a bygone era will fill the space, blurring the line between concert and experience. The Peanut Butter and Jam Sessions from Chatham Baroque will take place later this month, and two of the artists joined us on PTL!

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Connecticut

New data shows drop in crime rates across CT, DESPP says

Published

7 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

New data shows drop in crime rates across CT, DESPP says

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – Crime rates kept falling across Connecticut in 2025, with murders, assaults, rapes, car thefts, and other thefts all dropping by double digits, according to the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

The number of murders in Connecticut dropped from 90 in 2024 to 70 in 2025, as seen in the newly released crime report for the fourth quarter. This decline matches a trend across the nation. The nationwide homicide rate is expected to be at the lowest level in more than 100 years, DESPP said.

“This is a story of double-digit declines. You have violent crime down. Robbery down by double digits. This is consistent from quarter to quarter,’’ said Dr. Michael Mascari, Chief Data Officer for DESPP.(DESPP)

“Irrefutably, this is making Connecticut – already one of the safest states – even safer. We are spending more time sharing our resources, building partnerships and task forces, and working collaboratively with our local and federal partners. These numbers are a reflection of that,” said Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins. “But we know there are still areas of concern.”

The latest numbers for 2025 show that crime rates continue to drop across the board in... — The latest numbers for 2025 show that crime rates continue to drop across the board in Connecticut, with murder, assault, rape, vehicle thefts, and other larcenies showing double digit declines for the four quarters of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.(DESPP)

Higgins said fraud offenses, particularly identity theft, continue to increase. Arson also continues to rise. A small but concerning rise in prostitution offenses has also been recorded, said DESPP officials.

“We are drilling down and working with our local and state partners to respond to the increase in these offenses,” Higgins said.

Overall, crimes against property went down by 17 percent. The report said the overall number of crimes against persons is at its lowest point since early 2021.

“This is a story of double-digit declines. You have violent crime down. Robbery down by double digits. This is consistent from quarter to quarter,” said Dr. Michael Mascari, Chief Data Officer for DESPP.

Gov. Ned Lamont said the report shows Connecticut is getting safer, with crime down across the board.

“We’re on track for one of the lowest homicide rates in more than a century. Crimes of any kind are unacceptable, and we’ll keep building on this progress with smart public safety policies and strong support for our communities,” Lamont said.

Col. Daniel Loughman, commanding officer of the Connecticut State Police, said the results are driven by the discipline, coordination and effort of state troopers working alongside municipal and federal partners.

“We recognize this progress, but we will not slow down. CSP will stay focused, stay proactive, and continue driving crime down to keep Connecticut safe,” Loughman said.

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