PA Dominates U.S. News Best Places To Retire Rankings

Seven Keystone State metro areas are listed among the 10 Best Places to Retire in the U.S., and the state capitol topped a new ranking released recently by U.S. News & World Report.

This year’s list is based on the evaluation of the nation’s 150 most populated metropolitan areas based on how well they meet Americans’ expectations for retirement. Measures used in the evaluation were affordability, health care, desirability, retiree taxes, the job market and overall happiness.

Pennsylvania dominated the top five in this year’s list and had seven metro areas in the top 10 — compared to five in last year's list. Cities in the top tier are:

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Reading, Pennsylvania
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Scranton, Pennsylvania
New York City
York, Pennsylvania
Daytona Beach, Florida
Youngstown, Ohio
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Harrisburg finished 1st with an overall score of 7.1, an affordability score of 6.8 and a health care ranking of 7.9. The U.S. News profile highlights Harrisburg's easy access to the great outdoors, and availability of weekend getaways to Amish country, Hersheypark, Philadelphia, and New York City.
Michelle Rotuno-Johnson, Patch Staff

Doctor in Northampton County Faces Charges of Sexual Assault Against a Patient

Eric Thomas Cochran, aged 52 and residing in Bethlehem Township, faces legal charges including one count of indecent assault with consent and four counts of aggravated indecent assault following his interactions with a woman at Concentra Urgent Care situated in Hanover Township, Northampton County.

According to an arrest affidavit from the Colonial Regional Police:

The woman's initial appointment with Cochran involved a standard evaluation, following which he referred her for physical therapy.

During a subsequent visit, Cochran allegedly informed her that her employer would cease paying her salary during medical appointments. He advised her to discontinue therapy and perform exercises at home while suggesting she continue her follow-up visits exclusively with him.

Throughout visits in February, Cochran purportedly massaged the woman's back—an action she initially believed to be a standard part of treatment based on previous encounters. However, during these interactions, he allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct.

On a third visit, the woman discreetly recorded Cochran on her cellphone as he proceeded with more invasive sexual behavior. Subsequently, he expressed personal interest in her and proposed meeting outside the office. She declined, reported the incidents to the authorities, and provided the recorded video as evidence.

Cochran opted to waive his right to a preliminary hearing on Nov. 8, leading to the case being forwarded to Northampton County Court. He is currently out on $150,000 unsecured bail.

Individuals possessing relevant information pertaining to this case are encouraged to contact the Colonial Regional Police Department at 610-861-4820.

Joan Baez’s iconic 1929 Martin 0-45 guitar and signature prototype is seen in the new exhibit “Joan Baez: Musician & Artist” on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at The Martin Guitar Museum in Nazareth. The exhibit celebrating the life and musical legacy of the singer/songwriter, marks the first time a museum show will be dedicated solely to her guitars and original artwork. The exhibit runs through April. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Emmaus Beats Lower Dauphin to Reach State Championship Game

The Hornets returned to the site of their heart-wrenching defeat from the previous year, where they were denied a chance at a third consecutive title. This time, they secured success as Melea Weber's two goals propelled Emmaus to a 2-0 victory over Lower Dauphin in the PIAA Class 3A semifinals. This triumph finally laid to rest the ghosts of past letdowns endured at Hamburg during the state semifinals.

Weber netted her 64th goal just 3 minutes and 5 seconds into the game, assisted by Autumn Held. Additionally, Weber converted a penalty stroke with no time left in the third quarter, granting the Hornets a much-needed cushion in their 10th state playoff encounter against perennially strong opponents.

During the second quarter, Cari showcased her prowess by thwarting four formidable offensive attempts by the Falcons. Emmaus coach Sue Butz-Stavin hailed it as Cari's standout performance of the season. By the game's end, Cari had amassed seven saves.

Emmaus' collective defense stood tall against Lower Dauphin, weathering their six penalty corners and seven shots, while also managing six corners and 10 shots of their own.

This collective effort culminated in a significant victory, propelling Emmaus to contend for their third state championship in four years, following last year's semifinal loss on the same field to Wilson-West Lawn.

Emmaus Spotlight Polls

Really?

Most Embarrassing

"My kid projectile-vomited all over an aisle at a grocery store, and someone came flying around the corner, slipped and fell, flipped their full shopping cart, and a bunch of their items broke, adding to the mess. Then, my darling little boy looked at them and said, 'You should have been more careful.'"

"Not me, but when my wife was probably around 10, she and her family went to a Red Lobster. After the meal, while her parents were paying, she felt bad for all the lobsters in the tank, so she took a chair and smashed the tank to free them. It worked, and they were all told never to come back to Red Lobster again."

"While at the till at the convenience store paying for my lunch, the girl behind the counter asked if I wanted to go for a drink. Being married, I made my apologies, hastily pointing to the ring on my finger, to which she replied, 'Your lunch was a meal deal and would be cheaper with a drink."

November 15