Pennsylvania

Most tobacco prevention programs in Pennsylvania are failing, new report says

Published

2 years ago

January 24, 2024

Most tobacco prevention programs in Pennsylvania are failing, new report says

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A new report by the American Lung Association shows most tobacco prevention programs in Pennsylvania are failing

“People are still being exposed to cancerous toxins and materials, said Aimee VanCleave, Director of Advocacy at the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every five deaths in the U.S. is caused by tobacco.

Pennsylvania received three Fs and two Ds in the annual State of Tobacco report which focused on five categories including state funding for tobacco prevention programs and state taxes.

“We’ve seen proven polices that show that if you tax tobacco products at certain rates, it acts as a deterrent,” VanCleave said.

The American Lung Association says that more money designation for prevention could help decrease healthcare funding and reach more people in rural communities and youth.

The organization believes taking flavored tobacco products off the market is paramount to that mission.

“When we’re looking at things like Razzle Berry Pop there’s no question that’s marketed towards children,” VanCleave said.

Pennsylvania also got a D in access to treatments and smoke-free air in workplaces, which is an ongoing discussion at the State Capitol.

“There are no policies right now in Pennsylvania that say you shouldn’t use electronic products indoors,” VanCleave said. “We have an opportunity in the legislature to change that.

The American Lung Association says it is a chance to closed Clean Indoor Air Act loopholes.

“15,000 people who are employed in casinos across the Commonwealth who are breathing secondhand smoke in their workplaces – we have an opportunity to change that for them too,” VanCleave said.

You can read more about House Hill 1657, which aims to amend the Clean Indoor Air Act, by clicking here.

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Pennsylvania

Funeral arrangements set for Pa. state trooper shot and killed in Chester County

Published

5 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Press Room

Funeral arrangements set for Pa. state trooper shot and killed in Chester County

The funeral arrangements for Corporal Timothy O’Connor, who was shot and killed in Chester County on Sunday, have been announced.

The viewing for O’Connor will be Tuesday, March 17, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church located at 338 Manor Avenue in Downingtown, Pa., according to the Parkesburg Police Department.

The funeral will be held at the same location on Wednesday, March 18, at 11 a.m., police said.

O’Connor was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Honey Brook on Sunday night. The suspect, Jesse Nathan Elks, took his own life after shooting O’Connor.

O’Connor was a 15-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police who leaves behind a wife, Casey, and a 6-year-old daughter, according to police.

Pennsylvania State Police

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Pennsylvania

Fire crews try moving burning barge to shallow water in Delaware Bay

Published

17 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

Fire crews try moving burning barge to shallow water in Delaware Bay

Delaware, Pennsylvania, and federal agencies have been responding to a barge fire in the Delaware Bay.

The barge, which is carrying salvage metal, is being moved to shallow water so it can be secured, allowing on-scene responders to extinguish the fire and complete salvage operations, according to a March 10 statement from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.

No injuries have been reported as of 1:15 p.m.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is on scene to perform air monitoring, the statement said.

Responding agencies include the Wilmington Fire Department, Good Will, Leipsic Volunteer, Bowers and South Bowers fire companies. Also there are Delaware State Police, DNREC, New Castle County Office of Emergency Management, Kent County Department of Public Safety, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay.

The Philadelphia Fire Department was enroute.

This is a developing story. Check back with delawareonline.com for more information.

Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.

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