Friday, October 16, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1859, John Brown and 21 followers raided the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry. He spent that summer planning it from a Chambersburg boarding house under the alias “Dr. Isaac Smith,” where Frederick Douglass was among his visitors.

A Camp Hill nonprofit just hit a major milestone with the help of one big orange tabby. Find out what it was in Et Cetera. Do you have a rescue pet? Hit reply and tell us their story.

Peptides are getting a lot of attention these days, but knowing where to start isn’t always easy. A few of us here at The Flyover recently tried today’s sponsor, The Pep Report, and were impressed by how simple the process was and how interesting it is to learn more about your own genetics.

CDC Sends ‘Disease Detective’ to PA

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is sending an epidemic intelligence officer to help contain Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak, which has sickened at least 1,222 people and killed six, the nation’s worst in 30 years.

The deployment follows a months-long public feud between Gov. Josh Shapiro and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine messaging and how the state’s deaths were counted.

Kennedy had offered CDC help in August, but Shapiro said he wouldn’t accept it until the agency acknowledged Pennsylvania’s measles-associated deaths on its public dashboard.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective, and state officials say the outbreak has spread almost entirely among unvaccinated people.

Perry, Stelson Meet in Congressional Debate

Republican Rep. Scott Perry and Democrat Janelle Stelson clashed over the war in Iran, health care, and immigration Wednesday night in their Harrisburg debate over the 10th District seat.

Stelson said she would end the war “immediately,” blaming it for record diesel and high gas prices, while Perry defended it as necessary to keep Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.

Perry argued a federal fuel mandate keeps gas prices high and backed ICE, while Stelson said she supports a strong border but believes ICE has gone too far.

Perry beat Stelson by about 5,100 votes in 2024, but a September Franklin & Marshall poll showed Stelson up 3 points this time.

Merck Commits $2.9B to West Point Plant

Merck is committing $2.9 billion to expand its biopharmaceutical plant at West Point in Montgomery County, near Lansdale.

The 400-acre campus is Merck’s largest manufacturing site, and the company employs about 14,000 people across Pennsylvania.

The investment is part of a broader push by Merck to expand U.S. production, including new and expanded plants in North Carolina, Delaware, and Virginia.

It comes as Merck carries out global cost cuts that include eliminating about 6,000 jobs worldwide by the end of 2027.

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Thinking About Peptides? Your DNA Might Be a Good Place to Start.

From longevity and weight management to muscle growth and recovery, peptides are one of the hottest topics in health and wellness. But with so many options out there, figuring out what might make sense for your body can feel like a guessing game.

That’s why we were excited to try The Pep Report.

A few members of The Flyover team have tested it ourselves, and the process couldn’t have been easier. Just a simple at-home cheek swab, and you’re on your way to learning more about your unique genetics.

The Pep Report analyzes over 710,000 genetic markers, comparing them against published research to provide personalized insights into peptides and nutraceuticals.

It’s not a crystal ball, but having more information about your own biology is a pretty great place to start.

Flyover readers get 10% off automatically, no code needed. Discover what your DNA says here.

➤ Statewide: The state is expanding its winter road safety technology and urging drivers to get their vehicles ready early, as crash risks climb in the winter months. (More)

➤ Philadelphia: A new report found “forever chemicals” in 96% of Pennsylvania’s waterways, with high levels in the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, which supply Philadelphia’s drinking water. (More)

➤ Lancaster County: A vehicle burst into flames on the Pennsylvania Turnpike around 5:30 a.m. Thursday. Crews worked quickly to put out the fire. (See Photos)

➤ Clearfield County: A man faces attempted homicide charges after state police say he fired more than two dozen shots at several businesses, including his former employer, to “send a message.” (More)

➤ Erie County: State Police unveiled their new 63,623-square-foot Troop E headquarters, replacing a 58-year-old building with modern training areas and evidence storage. (More)

➤ State College: Penn State police won’t renew their contract with Flock Safety for license plate reader cameras on campus, citing cost and limited value. (More)

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➤ Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers after an ultrasound showed movement in a blood clot in his leg. (More)

➤ Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren earned his first AFC Offensive Player of the Week award after gaining a career-high 188 yards from scrimmage against the Indianapolis Colts. (More)

➤ Philadelphia Union teenager Cavan Sullivan set an MLS single-season record for teenagers by reaching a combined 21 goals and assists in a 3-1 win over the Chicago Fire. (More)

➤ The Philadelphia Flyers will induct Bob Kelly and Simon Gagné into the team’s Hall of Fame on Feb. 27 before a home game against the San Jose Sharks. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NFL | NCAAF | NHL | NBA | Soccer | Tennis

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➤ Peptides are the newest breakthrough in anti-aging, longevity, weight loss, and muscle growth. But not every peptide works the same way for every person. Your DNA never changes, so you only have to test it once. The Pep Report analyzes more than 710,000 genetic markers against published research to show which peptides your biology actually supports—before you spend a dollar guessing. Flyover readers get 10% off automatically, no code needed. See Which Peptides Match Your DNA

➤ Ridley Park’s Sellers Avenue Bridge reopened after four years and a $10 million PennDOT rebuild, bringing relief to nearby businesses hurt by the closure. (More)

➤ Dick’s Sporting Goods opened a Going, Going, Gone! discount store on Route 30 behind Westmoreland Mall, with weekly markdowns on brands like Nike and Adidas. (More)

➤ The Hershey Trust Company, which oversees the Milton Hershey School’s fortune and owns about 10% of Hershey Co., sold $4.9 million of the candy maker’s stock. (More)

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One Simple Test. 710,000+ Genetic Markers.

What if you could learn more about your genetics before spending money on peptides and supplements?

That’s the idea behind The Pep Report, and after trying it ourselves, we’re impressed.

With one simple at-home cheek swab, The Pep Report analyzes over 710,000 genetic markers to provide personalized insights into peptides and nutraceuticals based on published research.

The best part? You only need to test your DNA once. It’s fascinating information to have as you explore your health and wellness options.

Flyover readers automatically save 10%, no code needed. Get your personalized Pep Report here.

➤ The state has purchased development rights to 22 farms, preserving more than 1,200 acres for $5.8 million, including several in the Midstate. (More)

➤ A Pennsylvania hunter has harvested a rare piebald buck. Piebalds, which have patchy white coats but keep brown eyes unlike albinos, make up less than 1% of the state’s deer. (See Photos)

➤ Nobody’s Cats Foundation in Camp Hill celebrated trapping, neutering, and releasing its 70,000th feral cat, a large orange male tabby. (See Photos)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes.

➤ France has begun deploying military assets to protect Saudi oil facilities as Houthi attacks escalate around a vital Red Sea export route. (Full Story)

➤ Amazon has launched two always-listening AI devices that turn conversations into to-dos, reviving privacy questions around the tech giant. (See Product)

➤ One common instinct makes stubborn knots in necklaces, cords, and holiday lights even worse. (Hear Story)