Pennsylvania
Immigration advocates deliver letters to Pennsylvania senators in response to President Biden’s executive order
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — More than a dozen immigrant rights organizations have signed a letter calling on President Biden and both Pennsylvania senators to stop the pursuit of legislation they say restricts asylum eligibility, closes the border and further militarizes immigration enforcement.
Outside Sen. Bob Casey’s Philadelphia office, Jasmine Rivera, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Immigrant and Citizenship Coalition, and others gathered themselves before walking the letter inside.
“We are calling on the senators and on the president to stop their attacks on the immigrant community both through their rhetoric and through policy,” Rivera said.
The group was prevented from actually going to Casey’s office, however, a representative listened to their concerns in the foyer.
“To flee violence and instability and lack of opportunity to come here to the United States. Those reasons vary from folks who have been threatened by cartels,” Rivera said.
The partial ban on asylum claims is expected to be activated when daily migrant apprehensions between ports of entry surpass 2,500, two sources briefed on the policy told CBS News, meaning it would likely take effect immediately.
According to the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA): “Pennsylvania is home to 85,083 citizens naturalized between 2016 and 2020.”
Sen. Casey’s office provided a statement to CBS Philadelphia:
“I have consistently voted to increase the number of border patrol agents and inspection technology at the border, and I have led the fight to stop the flow of fentanyl coming through ports of entry. The President’s action is an important step to secure our southwest border, but more needs to be done to address this crisis. I will continue to work with anyone who is willing to come to the table and get that done.”
The letter is asking the senators and Biden, “to stop the attacks on immigrants and demonstrate a commitment to the immigrant community by terminating ICE contracts at the Moshannon, Pike, Clinton and Elizabeth Detention Centers.
This comes one week after PICC member organizations dropped off the letter in Sen. Casey’s Pittsburgh offices.
“Right now, the rights are being violated in the United States when folks are seeking refuge, seeking asylum, seeking a better future and we are here to fight for those rights and to demand dignity and justice for all,” Rivera said.
Pennsylvania
Charles Barkley teams up with Pennsylvania casino for new steakhouse, cigar lounge
Get ready, King of Prussia, something new is coming to the community.
Valley Forge Casino Resort announced a partnership with NBA legend and Philadelphia icon Charles Barkley to open a new steakhouse and cigar lounge at the Boyd Gaming-owned resort.
“The Philadelphia area has always felt like home to me, and I’m thrilled to bring something new to a community that’s played such a big part in my life,” Charles Barkley said in a news release. “We’re creating a spot that’s fun, comfortable, and full of personality. I want it to be the kind of place where people can unwind, share a great meal and feel that same energy and connection that make this community so special.”
The steakhouse is set to “fuse contemporary elegance with nods to Barkley’s storied career.” It will have personal memorabilia and design elements that celebrate him and his ties to the Philadelphia region.
Next door to the steakhouse, the cigar lounge will have a club-like vibe with a walk-in humidor, private lockers and a bar.
“Charles Barkley’s personality, charisma and love for Philadelphia make him an incredible partner, and we are incredibly honored to have the opportunity to bring his vision to life at Valley Forge Casino Resort,” said Martha Morales, Vice President and General Manager of Valley Forge Casino Resort.
Officials said that at Valley Forge, Barkey will help shape the restaurant’s menu and overall vision.
Boyd Gaming has even entered a national partnership to feature spirits from Redmont Distilling Co., Barkley’s signature liquor brand, across all of its properties.
In addition, Boyd Gaming will make an annual contribution to Barkley’s charitable foundation, The Charles Barkley Foundation, which supports education and historically Black colleges and universities.
Known as one of the greatest players in NBA history, Barkley first rose to fame as a power forward for the Philadelphia 76ers from 1984 to 1992.
After retiring from the NBA, Barkey became a successful television analyst, working on shows such as “Inside the NBA.”
Pennsylvania
Attorney General Dave Sunday visits Pittsburgh to discuss fight against fentanyl trafficking
Fentanyl continues to destroy lives across the state, and western Pennsylvania is not immune.
Pennsylvania’s attorney general was in Pittsburgh on Monday to talk about how to stop the flow of the dangerous drug.
First, there was OxyContin, then there was heroin, and now, fentanyl is what’s taking so many lives when it comes to illegal drugs.
Attorney General Dave Sunday has released some shocking numbers. He says the battle against the deadly drug is ongoing, and they’re making progress, but this war is far from over.
“The mission is to stop fentanyl, to remove fentanyl from our streets, in our streets and neighborhoods, and to hold accountable the predatory traffickers profiting in death and destruction,” Attorney General Sunday said.
Sunday pointed out the cold reality in the form of numbers. Figures that he says add up to the fatal toll the illegal drug continues to produce.
“We have seized more than 100,000 grams, which is more than 220 pounds, through September, which puts us at over 50 million doses and counting,” Attorney General Sunday said. “Nearly 18 million doses have been seized in the greater Pittsburgh area.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2024, statewide, 3,358 people died from overdose deaths. Sixty percent of those deaths were from fentanyl, with 665 of the victims coming from Allegheny County alone.
“[The drug] enters the United States from Mexico, from chemicals in China,” Attorney General Sunday said, but it’s not exclusive.
Law enforcement officials say the precursor chemicals for fentanyl are also flowing into American ports on both coasts, with millions of pills being produced in clandestine production facilities in homes, apartments, and businesses.
“People are obtaining these pill presses, they’re making these pills, they’re making their way to schools, to colleges, to parties; it’s unbelievably dangerous,” Attorney General Sunday said.
These operations are dramatically dropping the cost of the deadly drugs.
“A few years ago, an ounce of fentanyl could be upwards of $8,000. That’s 14,000 doses of fentanyl. Today, an ounce can be purchased for $200.”
Attorney General Sunday added that times are dark, but there is hope. He cited the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative program, otherwise known as LETI.
“The program diverts individuals out of the criminal justice system and into treatment,” Sunday said. “Long-term recovery is a very real thing.”
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State Police investigating after man’s body found on state game lands in Westmoreland County
Pennsylvania State Police are investigating after a man’s body was found on Saturday night in Westmoreland County.
A hunter came across the body on state game lands across from the 17th hole of the Mannitto Golf Course in New Alexandria.
The victim was later identified as Robert Friend, state police said via social media.
Police have not said how Friend died, but they are calling his death suspicious. Anyone who saw Friend on Friday is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Troop A barracks at 724-697-5780.
More information is expected to be made public on Monday, police said.
-
New York5 days agoVideo: How Mamdani Has Evolved in the Mayoral Race
-
World1 week agoIsrael continues deadly Gaza truce breaches as US seeks to strengthen deal
-
News1 week agoVideo: Federal Agents Detain Man During New York City Raid
-
News1 week agoBooks about race and gender to be returned to school libraries on some military bases
-
Technology1 week agoAI girlfriend apps leak millions of private chats
-
Politics1 week agoTrump admin on pace to shatter deportation record by end of first year: ‘Just the beginning’
-
Business1 week agoUnionized baristas want Olympics to drop Starbucks as its ‘official coffee partner’
-
News1 week agoTrump news at a glance: president can send national guard to Portland, for now