News for 12/14/12

Suspect                                                                   12 14 12

 The suspect who allegedly attacked a female Penn State grad student with a knife is still at large.

 After confirming yesterday that the attack occurred on a trail between Sunset Park and The Penn State Arboretum, which is part of Penn State’s property, university police are now leading the investigation. It was initially believed that the assault took place in Ferguson Township.

 Penn State police have also released more details about the suspect. He is believed to be a white male wearing all black clothing, including a puffy jacket and knit hat. He is also carrying a black backpack and his facial hair is unknown.

 Police said they are hoping to speak with an unidentified male jogger who was in the area of the attack at approximately 2:15pm and they want to speak with anyone in the area who may have seen a person matching the description of the suspect.  

Sandusky                                                                

 Attorneys for Jerry Sandusky are seeking a hearing to present new testimony that supports their claims made in post-trial motions filed by the defense in the case.

 In a motion filed in Centre County Court yesterday defense attorney Joseph Amendola said they would present evidence of the large amount of material turned to the defense when trial was imminent.

 In post trial motions filed in October, Sandusky’s defense team argued that presiding Judge John Cleland erred in failing to grant them a delay in the case. 

March

 About 30 students, faculty and staff took part in a silent march on campus yesterday to encourage diversity at Penn State.

 The group PSU for All Student Equality marched to help bring students together on campus and to speak out against social inequality.

 The walk came about a week after Chi (kai) Omega put its Penn State chapter on probation after a controversial Mexican-themed Halloween party photo surfaced on the internet.  

Corbett

 Governor Corbett decided against a state-based health insurance exchange under the Affordable care act, but he has not yet decided on taking an option to expand Medicaid.

 The federal health care law expanded Medicaid to cover people up to 138% of the federal poverty line, but the courts have made it an option for the states.

 The federal government would assume most of the costs of the expansion, but according to Radio Pa, Corbett is still seeking more information on the state’s flexibility and costs.   

Voter Id

 A summer trial seems likely on Pennsylvania’s Voter ID law. Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson said he is leaning towards the summer for a trial after discussing scheduling issues with lawyers yesterday.

 The time frame would allow a ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on any appeals before next November’s General Election. It’s not yet clear whether the requirement will be enforced in the May Primary election.

 According to the AP, Simpson says he will issue a scheduling order within two weeks. 

AAA

 If you plan to travel this holiday season, expect to see a little more traffic, but cheaper gas prices.

 According to AAA, more than 93 million Americans are expected to travel over the holidays, a 1 point 6 percent increase from last year. AAA also predicts that airfare will be about 3 percent cheaper this season and the price of gas to range between $3.20 and $3.40 by New Years Day.