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Pennsylvania Treasurer Issues Alert on Fraudulent Emails Posing as Department Communications

Treasurer Stacy Garrity has issued a warning about scammers who are using sophisticated phishing emails to target residents of Pennsylvania.

The scammers are impersonating the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and sending emails that appear genuine. These emails contain a link that leads to a fake version of the Treasury's website, where recipients are asked to enter their login credentials.

Treasurer Garrity advises people not to click on any links in suspicious emails or share personal information. She emphasizes that the Treasury will never request personal information through unsolicited emails and encourages anyone who has received such messages to contact the Treasury through their official website.

Governor Josh Shapiro Announces Reopening of Collapsed I-95 Section in Philadelphia in Two Weeks

@billykyle

I never thought I’d be making 3 posts in a row about an overpass on 95 BUT… I have to give credit to the teams working hard clearing the d... See more

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania announced that the collapsed section of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia will reopen within two weeks.

This comes after a helicopter tour of the affected area with President Joe Biden. Biden expressed the importance of the highway and pledged federal support for both immediate and long-term solutions. Governor Shapiro assured commuters and truckers that traffic will resume soon, thanks to the ongoing efforts.

The collapse occurred when a gasoline-carrying tractor-trailer overturned on an off-ramp and caught fire. The state's plan involves using lightweight glass nuggets to quickly rebuild the highway, followed by the construction of a replacement bridge.

Biden praised the innovative approach to expedite the project. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited the site earlier and assured federal assistance. The tour included several Democratic officials, and Biden later attended a campaign event with union workers.

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Unsealed Indictment Reveals Berks County Man's Role in Alleged Trafficking Ring of Human Remains

Unsealed court documents reveal the alleged involvement of Joshua M. Taylor, a man from Berks County, Pennsylvania, in a multi-state conspiracy involving the trafficking of stolen human remains.

Taylor, along with six others, including another Pennsylvania resident, has been charged in connection with the case. Federal authorities arrested Taylor, who is currently in custody pending his arraignment. The indictment states that Taylor purchased stolen human remains from New Hampshire, transported them from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, and sold them to buyers, including Jeremy Pauley.

Pauley, charged separately, plans to plead guilty to his role in the conspiracy. The court documents describe how the defendants used cellphones and social websites to arrange the purchase, shipping, and receipt of body parts such as brains, skulls, skin, faces, organs, and fetuses.

The trafficking of stolen human remains dates back to 2018, with individuals involved in stealing organs and other body parts from cadavers donated for medical research. The motive behind the crimes was profiting from the theft, sale, and resale of the stolen remains.

Financial transactions and PayPal payments were made between the defendants, including Taylor, Pauley, and others involved in the illegal trade.

Pottstown Woman Sentenced to Jail for Illegally Purchasing Guns through Straw Purchases

Maliqa Deja Jack, a woman from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to jail time, house arrest, and probation for her involvement in a multi-county gun trafficking organization.

Jack pleaded guilty to charges related to the illegal purchase of firearms for the organization, which operated in Montgomery, Berks, Bucks, Lancaster, and Philadelphia counties between June 2019 and February 2021.

The sentencing includes 11½ to 23 months in county jail, followed by house arrest after serving eight months, and two years of probation.

Jack was one of 14 individuals charged in connection with the organization, which illegally obtained and resold 43 firearms through straw purchase schemes. The network provided guns to individuals prohibited by law from buying firearms.

Only 13 of the 43 guns have been recovered so far. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and utilized various methods such as tracking firearm purchases, surveillance, interviews, and data analysis to identify the suspects.

The leaders of the organization, Alexander Aaron Smith and Daveese Smith, have previously been sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

Woman with Previous Embezzlement Record in Berks County Admits to Embezzling in Chester County

Amber Lynn Goodman, a woman from Chester Springs, is facing a possible state prison sentence after stealing nearly $100,000 from her employer, according to a memo from the Chester County District Attorney's Office. Goodman, who previously embezzled money from another company, pleaded guilty to forgery and theft charges in relation to her role as a bookkeeper at Sulpizio Inc., a plumbing and HVAC contracting firm in West Goshen. Over several months, she altered checks meant for the company's vendor, Goodman Manufacturing, redirecting the funds to her personal bank account. This embezzlement was discovered, leading to her arrest in August 2022.

Prior to this incident, Goodman was arrested for stealing over $120,000 from a previous employer in Berks County. She used the PayPal account of Strunk Media, a web developer and digital design firm, to transfer the money to herself for personal expenses. In that case, she was sentenced to prison time but served the minimum term on electronic home monitoring along with probation.

The prosecutor in the current case has requested a prison sentence of 15 months to five years and restitution of the stolen amount. The memo highlighted the breach of trust by a trusted employee and the broader consequences of employee theft on a company, including financial, operational, and psychological impacts.

Goodman's sentencing was initially scheduled for Friday but has been postponed at the request of her attorney. A new date for the sentencing has not been set.

Topgolf Expands with New Montgomery County Location

Topgolf, a prominent golf entertainment company, is set to open its latest location in Upper Merion on June 19. This new facility, located at 588 North Gulph Road, will be Topgolf's 89th location and the third in Pennsylvania, joining the ones in Northeast Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Topgolf offers an inclusive and high-tech golf game experience that appeals to both avid golfers and those who have never played before. The company aims to create a fun and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their skill level.

The Upper Merion location boasts 102 outdoor hitting bays spread across three levels. Each bay is covered, climate-controlled, and equipped with lounge-style furniture or high-top tables. Topgolf's advanced technology allows players to track their shots, score accurately, and provides metrics such as flight path and distance through its Toptracer technology.

Customers can choose from a variety of games and virtual golf courses, taking aim at giant targets on the field. Golf clubs are provided at no additional charge, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Reservations can be made in advance or guests can walk in, with larger parties encouraged to use the online reservation system.

In addition to the hitting bays, the new Topgolf location features a full restaurant and bar, with friendly bay hosts available to take orders and serve guests. The facility also offers lessons through the Topgolf coach program, led by the venue's director of instruction. Topgolf is well-suited for hosting parties, tournaments, corporate events, team building activities, and field trips.

The company originated from a golf question and developed proprietary technology to provide answers. The first Topgolf opened in the UK in 2000.

The Montgomery County location will employ around 400 associates, referred to as "playmakers." Operating hours for Topgolf King of Prussia are Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.

For more information about Topgolf King of Prussia, visit their website at https://topgolf.com/us/king-of-prussia/. Job seekers can find employment opportunities at https://careers.topgolf.com/.

Upcoming Local Events

The Berks Celtic Fest, formerly known as the Berks Celtic Oyster Fest, was founded in 2002 as an annual fundraiser for the Berks County Irish-American Fraternal Association (BCIAFA) with the aim of establishing a permanent community establishment. This event serves as a vibrant celebration of Celtic heritage, featuring a wide range of food, drinks, Irish entertainment, and diverse vendors.

When: June 24, 2023 11AM - 9PM EDT
Where: Reading Liederkranz, 143 Spook Ln, Reading PA, 19606
Website: http://www.berkscelticfest.org/

• Young Professionals Netwalking and Refreshments June 21 6:00-8:00 PM

• TooManyGames - 2023 - June 23-25

• Midget Mayhem Wrestling Goes Wild! June 25th, 5-7PM EDT

• Electronics Recycling Collection @ Warwick Park, Chester County June 27, 9AM-1PM EDT

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

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PHILLIES

Phillies Complete Series Sweep with Schwarber's 20th Home Run, Defeat A's 3-2

Kyle Schwarber's strong performance propelled the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. Schwarber started the game with his 20th home run and contributed an RBI single among his three hits. The Phillies extended their winning streak to six games and completed a three-game sweep of the A's, who have now lost five consecutive games.

Former Athletic Cristian Pache made significant contributions for the Phillies, recording two doubles and scoring two runs. Aledmys Diaz managed to hit a home run against Phillies reliever Matt Strahm, while the A's scored another run in the eighth inning off Jose Alvarado. Yunior Marte sealed the win for the Phillies, striking out the side in the ninth and earning his first career save. Notably, Craig Kimbrel was unavailable for the game after pitching in three of the previous four games.

Zack Wheeler showcased his excellence on the mound, pitching six shutout innings for the Phillies. The team's starting rotation has been dominant, maintaining a 1.74 ERA with three home runs allowed in the past 15 games, contributing to the Phillies' impressive run of 13 wins during that span.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson's decision to move Schwarber to the leadoff spot paid off, as the designated hitter has been performing well since the change. In 16 games as the leadoff hitter, Schwarber has a batting average of .270 with a 1.061 OPS. Schwarber wasted no time making an impact in the game, hitting his seventh home run of the span on the fourth pitch, a 409-foot shot to left field.

Thomson acknowledged the positive effect of Schwarber's explosive start on the team, noting that it brings energy and puts the opposing team on guard. Schwarber attributed his turnaround to the continuous work he puts in and emphasized the importance of being mentally prepared to compete.

Despite being swept, A's manager Mark Kotsay remained positive, highlighting that his young team had opportunities to win against a strong Phillies team, who were World Series contenders last year.

USMNT

Folarin Balogun netted his maiden goal for the United States as they triumphed over Canada 2-0 on Sunday in the final of the Concacaf Nations League, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The United States' victory was initiated by goals from Chris Richards and Balogun in the first half, propelling them towards an unprecedented third-straight title in Concacaf events, following their previous victories in the 2021 Nations League and Gold Cup.

Goal #1

In the absence of Sergino Dest and Weston McKennie, who were both sidelined due to red cards received in the heated semifinal victory over Mexico on Thursday, the U.S. team was overseen by interim coach B.J. Callaghan. Callaghan, who remained in charge after the reappointment of Gregg Berhalter on Friday, selected Joe Scally and Brenden Aaronson to fill in for the two suspended players.

The United States' winning momentum from Thursday was sustained by Richards, who opened the scoring early on, sending a powerful header from Giovanni Reyna's corner kick beyond the reach of Canada's goalkeeper, Milan Borjan, in the 12th minute.

Later in the first half, the U.S. team doubled their lead courtesy of a polished finish by Balogun, who received a through ball from Reyna following a Canadian mistake, and accurately fired past Borjan from a narrow angle. This marked Balogun's inaugural goal for the United States, having pledged his international future to the team.

Goal #2

Reyna, who had a standout performance in the first half for Callaghan's team, was replaced by Luca de la Torre at half time following a rough tackle from Canada's Richie Laryea.

In the second half, Canada posed a threat on a few occasions, but a determined U.S. defense and an additional solid performance from goalkeeper Matt Turner prevented John Herdman's team from finding the back of the net. Consequently, the United States were able to clinch the trophy for a second time.

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