Pennsylvania
Who’s playing in the NCAA Men’s Tournament from Pennsylvania and New Jersey?
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — After a week of upsets and games down to the wire on championship week, the field for the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament is set. For the second straight year, zero men’s basketball teams from Philadelphia will be in the tournament.
In the women’s bracket, two local schools — Drexel and Princeton University — each punched their ticket to the big dance after winning their conference tournaments.
Sign up to play CBS Philadelphia’s Bracket Challenge for a chance to win $1,000.
But, there will be plenty of local players from Pennsylvania and New Jersey playing in the men’s tournament, which begins this week.
Here’s the full list by region:
South region
No. 3 seed University of Kentucky vs. No. 14 seed Oakland University
Thursday, 7:10 p.m. on CBS
Kentucky heads into its first-round matchup against Oakland with plenty of talent from the Philadelphia region.
Freshman guard Justin Edwards, a McDonald’s All-American, is a Philly native and played at Imhotep Institute Charter High School. He won two straight state titles in high school.
Freshman guard D.J. Wagner, the son of former NBA player Dajuan Wagner, and senior guard Kareem Watkins are both Camden, New Jersey, natives. Like Edwards, D.J. Wagner is also a McDonald’s All-American.
Freshman forward Aaron Bradshaw is from Roselle, New Jersey, and senior guard Tre Mitchell is from Pittsburgh.
No. 2 seed Marquette University vs. No. 15 seed Western Kentucky University
Thursday, 2 p.m. on CBS
Marquette junior guard Stevie Mitchell is a Reading, Pennsylvania, native and played at Wilson High School before college. He ranks fifth on the team in scoring and averages 8.8 points per game.
Marquette freshman forward Al Amadou is a Philly native and attended Chestnut Hill Academy. He’s played in 13 games for Marquette this season and also played at Quakertown and Bishop McDevitt High Schools before his final two seasons at Chestnut Hill Academy.
No. 8 seed Nebraska University vs. No. 9 seed Texas A&M University
Friday, 6:50 p.m. on TNT
The Cornhuskers have two players on their roster who call the Garden State home.
Junior guard C.J. Wilcher and sophomore guard Jamarques Lawrence are both Plainfield, New Jersey, natives.
No. 4 seed Duke University vs. No. 13 seed University of Vermont
Friday, 7:10 p.m. on CBS
Duke has two players from New Jersey on its roster.
Graduate student center Ryan Young is from Stewartsville, New Jersey, and played at Bethlehem Catholic High School. Junior guard Jaylen Blakes is a Somerset, New Jersey, native and played at Blair Academy.
Meanwhile on Vermont’s roster, redshirt junior forward Ileri Ayo-Faleye is from Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
No. 7 seed University of Florida vs. TBD
Friday, 4:30 p.m. on TBS
Florida freshman forward Thomas Hugh, who played at the Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, has played in 35 games this season and averages 3.9 points.
Gators redshirt senior guard Alex Klatsky, is a Colts Neck, New Jersey, native and attended the Ranney School.
East region
No. 8 seed Northwestern University vs. No. 9 seed Florida Atlantic University
Friday, 12:15 p.m. on CBS
The matchup between Northwestern University and Florida Atlantic University includes two players with ties to the Philly region.
FAU senior guard Jalen Gaffney is from Columbus, New Jersey, and attended the Westtown School in high school.
In 33 games for the Owls, Gaffney averages 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds.
On the Northwestern side, sophomore guard Blake Smith is from Blue Bell, Montgomery County. He attended Germantown Academy and has played nine games for the Wildcats this season.
No. 12 seed UAB vs. No. 5 seed San Diego State
Friday, 1:45 p.m. on TNT
UAB junior forward Yaxel Lendeborg, a Pennsauken, New Jersey, native helped the Blazers punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament after scoring 13 points against Temple University in the American Athletic Conference championship.
In his first season at UAB, Lendeborg led the team in scoring with 13.9 points per game. After graduating from Pennsauken High School, he played at the Arizona Western College Matadors in junior college.
No. 10 seed Drake University vs. No. 7 seed Washington State University
Thursday, 10:05 p.m. on truTV
Drake University graduate student forward Darnell Brodie played at Newark East Side in high school before college. He averages 11.3 points per game.
No. 11 seed Duquesne University vs. No. 6 seed BYU
Thursday, 12:40 p.m. on truTV
The Duquesne University men’s basketball team is heading to their first NCAA Tournament in 47 years after winning the Atlantic 10 championship over Virginia Commonwealth University.
Freshman guard Seamus McDermott, who played at Holy Ghost Prep in Bucks County, played two games for the Dukes this season.
West region
No. 9 seed Michigan State University vs No. 8 seed Mississippi State University
Thursday, 12:15 p.m. on CBS
Michigan State senior guard A.J. Hoggard is a Coatesville, Pennsylvania, native who played at Archbishop Carroll in Philly’s Catholic League before finishing his high school career at Huntington Prep in West Virginia.
Hoggard ranks third on the Spartans in points per game at 11 and leads the team in assists.
No. 13 seed College of Charleston vs. No. 4 seed University of Alabama
Friday, 7:35 p.m. on truTV
Two players with New Jersey roots play for Charleston and Bama.
Crimson Tide graduate student guard Aaron Estrada, a Woodbury, New Jersey, native ranks second on the team in points with 13.4 per game.
Charleston junior guard Jack Miller is from Ocean Township, New Jersey, and played seven games in the 2023-24 season. Charleston graduate student guard Bryce Butler is a Latrobe, Pennsylvania, native, which is just outside Pittsburgh.
No. 11 seed New Mexico vs. No. 6 seed Clemson University
Friday, 3:10 p.m. on truTV
Clemson graduate student forward Jack Clark, who previously played at La Salle and N.C. State, appeared in 20 games for the Tigers and averages 4.2 points per game.
Clark is a Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, native.
New Mexico junior forward Deraje Agbaosi is from Union, New Jersey.
No. 14 seed Colgate University vs. No. 3 seed Baylor University
Friday at 12:40 p.m. on truTV
Colgate, winners of the Patriot League, has several players from Pennsylvania on the roster.
Junior forward Jeff Woodward, who scored 1,450 points at Methacton High School in Eagleville, is from Audubon, Pennsylvania.
Senior Colgate guard Alex Capitano played at Malvern Prep in high school and fifth-year forward Ryan Moffatt is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
No. 1 seed University of North Carolina vs. TBD
Thursday, 2:45 p.m. on CBS
North Carolina’s talented roster features freshman guard Elliot Cadeau, who is from West Orange, New Jersey.
Midwest region
No. 1 seed Purdue University vs. TBD
Friday, 7:25 p.m. on TBS
Purdue senior forward Ethan Morton is from Butler, Pennsylvania, which is just outside Pittsburgh. He’s played in 32 games this season for the Boilermakers.
No. 9 seed Texas Christian University vs. No. 8 seed Utah State University
Friday, 9:55 p.m. on TBS
Hoops fans across the Delaware Valley will recognize the name of one of TCU’s best players.
Jameer Nelson Jr., the son of the former St. Joseph’s Hawk great and NBA player Jameer Nelson, is a senior guard for the Horned Frogs. The older Nelson knows a thing or two about making a deep tourney run.
Nelson Jr., a Haverford, Pennsylvania, native, ranks second on TCU in scoring and averages 11.3 points per game.
No. 4 seed University of Kansas vs. No. 13 seed Samford University
Thursday, 9:55 p.m. on TBS
Jayhawks freshman guard Elmarko Jackson, a Marlton, New Jersey, native has made an immediate impact for Kansas this season.
Jackson has played in 32 games, including 17 starts, averaging 4.2 points per game. He was a McDonald’s All-American at the South Kent School in Connecticut before college.
No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s University vs. No. 2 seed University of Tennessee
Thursday, 9:20 p.m. on TNT
Several players from New Jersey currently play at Saint Peter’s, which is looking to upset Tennessee.
Junior guard Marcus Randolph played at Willingboro and Archbishop Wood High Schools. He was a former two-time All-Catholic League selection during his time at Wood. He’s a Willingboro native.
Like Randolph, senior guard Latrell Reid is also a Willingboro native.
Sophomore guard Elijah Perkins is a Middletown, New Jersey, native and played at Camden High School. Junior guard Jaheim Tanskley is from Edison, New Jersey.
First Four
No. 10 seed University of Virginia vs. No. 10 seed Colorado State University
Tuesday, 9:10 p.m. on truTV
Virginia freshman guard Elijah Gertrude is from Jersey City, New Jersey, and played at Hudson Catholic Regional High School.
Virginia sophomore guard Ryan Dunn and freshman guard Christian Bliss are both from New York, but played high school basketball in Pennsylvania. Dunn played at the Perkiomen School and Bliss played at the George School.
No. 16 seed Wagner University vs. No. 16 seed Howard University
Tuesday, 6:40 p.m. on truTV
Both the Seahawks and Bison’s rosters have players from Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Wagner senior guard Rahmir Moore is a Philly native and played at St. Joe’s in college. Junior guard Tyje Kelton and redshirt sophomore Di’Andre Howell-South are also both from New Jersey.
On Howard, graduate student guard Isiah Warfield is from Monaca, Pennsylvania, which is in Beaver County, and freshman guard Jordan Atkins is from South Orange, New Jersey.
A state trooper was hit by a vehicle in Somerset County.
Somerset County District Attorney Molly Metzgar said the trooper was trying to help a disabled vehicle on Route 31 westbound when they were hit on Saturday.
According to our partners at WJAC, the trooper suffered injuries to their head, leg and pelvis.
The trooper has been released from the hospital.
“This is a stark reminder of the dangers that our first responders face on a daily basis. I encourage everyone to life the trooper and his family up in their thoughts and prayers,” Metzgar said.
Officials said the trooper still has “a long way to go” before returning to duty.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Game-Changing Rail Freight Revamp Is Here—East Penn Railroad Leads the Charge – MyChesCo
HARRISBURG, PA — Rail freight in Pennsylvania is on the brink of transformation, with $55 million approved to fund 30 vital improvement projects. These initiatives promise to boost economic development, enhance freight mobility, and create or sustain 344 jobs across the state. Among the standout ventures, East Penn Railroad, LLC’s $455,000 project to rehabilitate eight bridges is poised to deliver significant benefits to Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and York Counties.
Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Freight Backbone
With 65 operating railroads spanning approximately 5,600 miles, Pennsylvania’s freight system is unmatched in its scale and importance. It is the backbone of the state’s economy, connecting local industries to national and global markets. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in collaboration with private rail operators and local businesses, has prioritized modernization through programs like the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP).
“Expanding and improving Pennsylvania’s rail freight network will support family-sustaining jobs and connect Pennsylvania communities to the global economy while bolstering local economic development,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These investments will create opportunities for generations of Pennsylvanians to come and will provide key mobility across the Commonwealth.”
Spotlight on East Penn Railroad
The East Penn Railroad project exemplifies the power of targeted infrastructure investment. The company will rehabilitate eight bridges across the Octoraro, Perkiomen, Lancaster Northern, and York branch lines—critical routes for businesses and industries in Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and York Counties. These bridges are essential for the safe and efficient transportation of goods, and their rehabilitation will ensure that local businesses have the reliable infrastructure they need to thrive.
The funding will address aging infrastructure that has long hampered performance and safety. Once complete, these improvements will facilitate smoother operations, reduced delays, and greater capacity for freight transport. For local communities, this means more robust economic growth driven by increased business activity and better connections to other markets.
Building a Better Freight Future
East Penn’s effort is just one of 30 projects approved for funding, each addressing specific challenges within Pennsylvania’s rail network.
Some of the other key projects include:
- CSX Transportation, Inc. ($13.1M) to rehabilitate the 25th Street Viaduct in Philadelphia, a crucial freight artery.
- Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway ($5.8M) to improve six bridges across Allegheny, Washington, Fayette, and Westmoreland Counties, ensuring long-term safety and reliability.
- NorthPoint Development, LLC ($3.8M) for Kinder Morgan terminal rail yard expansion in Bucks County, adding over 13,000 feet of new track to boost industrial capacity.
Each of these initiatives will address bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and position Pennsylvania as a leader in freight innovation.
Why It Matters
Improving freight infrastructure isn’t just a convenience—it’s an economic imperative. For businesses, reliable rail transport lowers costs, increases efficiency, and enhances competitiveness in global markets. For workers, these projects create good-paying jobs during construction and unlock new opportunities for long-term employment in logistics and adjacent industries.
East Penn Railroad’s project, in particular, underscores how smart infrastructure investment can ripple outward. By ensuring that critical bridges are safe and reliable, the company will help make Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and York Counties more competitive while bolstering the local economy.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits, these rail freight improvements also align with environmental goals. Rail transport is significantly more fuel-efficient than road freight, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. By expanding and modernizing Pennsylvania’s rail system, these projects signal a commitment to sustainable growth.
A Commitment to Progress
The Shapiro Administration and the General Assembly have demonstrated a shared commitment to infrastructure as a foundation for progress. Pennsylvania’s rail freight industry isn’t just about moving goods; it’s about creating a future where communities and businesses can flourish.
Pennsylvania’s bold leap forward on rail freight projects marks a turning point for the state. With East Penn Railroad paving the way, the Commonwealth is creating a more connected, competitive, and sustainable future for all.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.
Have a question about Philly’s neighborhoods or the systems that shape them? PlanPhilly reporters want to hear from you! Ask us a question or send us a story idea you think we should cover.
A Pennsylvania law that lays out how and when utility companies can shut off customers’ electricity, gas or water expires Dec. 31.
But the state’s ban on shutoffs for low-income customers during the winter months and other protections will continue uninterrupted.
“The message that we’ve been hoping that people really hear is not to panic,” said Elizabeth Marx, executive director of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project.
Utility shutoffs are an experience many Pennsylvania households deal with. In the first 10 months of 2024, utilities in the state disconnected more than 300,000 households and reconnected fewer than three-quarters of them.
In Philadelphia, one in four low-income households spends at least 16% of its income on energy bills — an energy burden that’s considered severe. Black and Hispanic households in Philadelphia spend more of their income on energy than households overall, and national surveys have shown non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic households are disconnected from utility service at higher rates than non-Hispanic white households.
Here’s what you need to know about the sunsetting statute.
Pa.’s ban on shutoffs for low-income customers during the winter continues
Pennsylvania’s winter shutoff moratorium will continue even after the law expires, because this and other protections are duplicated in another part of state code.
Between the frigid months of December through March, public utilities in Pennsylvania are restricted from terminating low-income customers’ service for nonpayment without permission from the Public Utility Commission.
Water utilities cannot terminate heat-related service during this time period.
Gas and electric utilities cannot terminate service for households earning below $3,137 monthly for an individual or $6,500 for a family of four, based on the 2024 federal poverty guidelines.
“We understand the importance of these protections to Pennsylvanians and remain committed to balancing the needs of consumers and utilities,” said Stephen DeFrank, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission chairman, in a statement.
There is a partial exception for city gas utilities, which can terminate service for households earning $1,882 to $3,137 monthly for an individual or $3,900 to $6,500 for a family of four, during part of the winter under certain circumstances.
If you can’t pay your utility bills in full, Marx recommends making at least some payment, because utilities consider a positive payment history when setting up payment plans.
“Paying what you can, when you can, is very important, especially even through the winter, when the winter moratorium is in place,” she said.
Mandel’s Final Thoughts: Don’t blame Playoff committee for first round getting out of hand
Always on the move, Rickey Henderson leaves legacy as one of baseball’s greatest showmen
'May love rest gently in your broken heart': What to say to a grieving friend
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25535557/STK160_X_TWITTER__D.jpg "X raises Premium Plus subscription pricing by almost 40 percent")
X raises Premium Plus subscription pricing by almost 40 percent
US military conducts successful airstrikes on Houthi rebel forces in Yemen
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after he was bucked off a horse
Fact check: How deadly was 2024 for journalists?
Why Trump's tariffs on Mexico would mean higher avocado prices at the grocery store
Trump names several new White House picks to work on AI, crypto and more: 'America First Patriots'
Small plane crashes into Brazil town popular with tourists, killing 10
-
Politics1 week agoCanadian premier threatens to cut off energy imports to US if Trump imposes tariff on country
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25789444/1258459915.jpg "OpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever says the way AI is built is about to change")
Technology1 week agoOpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever says the way AI is built is about to change
-
Politics1 week agoU.S. Supreme Court will decide if oil industry may sue to block California's zero-emissions goal
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25546252/STK169_Mark_Zuckerburg_CVIRGINIA_D.jpg "Meta asks the US government to block OpenAI’s switch to a for-profit")
Technology1 week agoMeta asks the US government to block OpenAI’s switch to a for-profit
-
Business1 week agoFreddie Freeman's World Series walk-off grand slam baseball sells at auction for $1.56 million
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23951353/STK043_VRG_Illo_N_Barclay_3_Meta.jpg "Meta’s Instagram boss: who posted something matters more in the AI age")
Technology1 week agoMeta’s Instagram boss: who posted something matters more in the AI age
-
News1 week agoEast’s wintry mix could make travel dicey. And yes, that was a tornado in Calif.
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24924653/236780_Google_AntiTrust_Trial_Custom_Art_CVirginia__0003_1.png "Google’s counteroffer to the government trying to break it up is unbundling Android apps")
Technology2 days agoGoogle’s counteroffer to the government trying to break it up is unbundling Android apps