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Articles by Lucy Albright
Real life romances behind 'insane' show that has viewers hooked
Viewers can't get enough of the "insane" series Tell Me Lies, which has officially returned for a third season. The first three episodes of the new season have already aired, and the romance is just as complicated as ever. "Tell Me Lies is one of the most insane shows I’ve ever watched. You have to be another level of twisted to create a character like Stephen DeMarco.
Time to Review ‘Tell Me Lies’ Stars Grace Van Patten and Jackson White’s Relationship Timeline
is finally here. Better yet: The show’s stars, Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, are still thriving IRL. Based on of the same name, the series follows the twisty, toxic love story between Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco—which is, thankfully, nothing like the very sweet, very real love that has blossomed between Grace and Jackson.
Issues in Elizabethtown nursing home's inspections could stem from staffing, experts say
Problems have surfaced at Emerald Nursing and Rehabilitation in Elizabethtown since at least 2023 that experts say could stem from the facility’s issues in staffing — an issue that also plagues the larger skilled nursing industry and that can prove difficult to address. A resident fell out of bed and broke an arm after a staff member left the room to get an incontinence pad, a failure to ensure adequate supervision, one inspection of the 73-bed skilled-nursing facility found.
'Robust' flu season may be in store for Lancaster County due to new variant
A local doctor predicts a “robust” influenza season in Lancaster County with earlier peaks and more cases, during a year when a new variant may render flu shots less effective. This variant, a version of the H3N2 influenza A virus known as subclade K, emerged too late to be accounted for in the development of the current flu shot.
'Robust' flu season may be in store due to new variant
A local doctor predicts a “robust” influenza season in Lancaster County with earlier peaks and more cases, during a year when a new variant may render flu shots less effective. This variant, a version of the H3N2 influenza A virus known as subclade K, emerged too late to be accounted for in the development of the current flu shot.
Virus linked to rare paralysis on the rise, state reports; pediatrician shares warning signs
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is concerned about an apparent increase in a virus linked to a rare form of paralysis in children, and a local pediatrician said that while parents shouldn't panic, knowing the warning signs is key. The department released an advisory about acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) on Nov. 7, warning of an increase in detection of one of the viruses that can cause the illness. As of Sept.
Virus linked to rare paralysis on the rise, state reports; pediatrician shares warning signs
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is concerned about an apparent increase in a virus linked to a rare form of paralysis in children, and a local pediatrician said that while parents shouldn't panic, knowing the warning signs is key. The department released an advisory about acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) on Nov. 7, warning of an increase in detection of one of the viruses that can cause the illness. As of Sept.
This Mount Joy Township business offers therapy sessions in a tree house [photos, video]
One hundred feet down a suspended footbridge and 20 feet into the branches of a massive silver maple tree, you pass through a rustic wooden entryway to a one-story structure and end up feeling a world away from the everyday. That’s a big part of why this tree house has a place at Gethsemane Counseling & Coaching Services in Mount Joy Township.
West Nile cases reach 20-year high in Lancaster County as season ends
Human cases of West Nile virus in Lancaster County reached a 20-year high this year as the typical season for transmission has come to a close, with one local resident likely among a handful of deaths statewide. Twenty human cases have been reported in Lancaster County this year, according to state Department of Health spokesperson Mark O’Neill. That’s more than any year since 2003, when human cases reached a record peak of 39, according to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection data.
Strasburg Township tour guide who died of West Nile virus left impact on community
An outgoing outdoorsman who made friends everywhere and led tours of Lancaster County’s Amish country is likely one of six or fewer Pennsylvanians to die of West Nile virus this year. Timothy Wade “Tim” Talley, who died Oct. 4 at age 70 after a 22-day illness, worked as a tour guide at the Amish Farm and House, a tourist business in East Lampeter Township, where he put his friendly disposition to use.
West Nile transmission appears to be slowing in Lancaster County
West Nile virus led to the death of Strasburg Township resident Timothy Wade “Tim” Talley, and has reportedly infected 18 people across Lancaster County. But with no new human cases reported in the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Oct. 24 weekly report, the most recent data available, and only one reported in the previous report, West Nile virus transmission seems to be slowing down in the county. Here’s what you need to know about the mosquito-borne illness.
More cases of hand, foot and mouth disease seen this year: pediatrician
A Lancaster County pediatrician is seeing more cases of hand, foot and mouth disease during a year when some surrounding states are reporting increased outbreaks. Health officials in Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and other states reported that 2025 has seen more outbreaks than previous years, according to the New York Times.
Blueprints to open drop-in center in Lancaster city for those affected by substance use
Blueprints for Addiction Recovery, Inc. is opening a community drop-in center in Lancaster city on Wednesday. The Lancaster Recovery Center will provide services for families, individuals and communities affected by substance use disorder and mental health conditions, according to a press release. The center will be open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and all its programs and services will be free of charge, Blueprints Executive Assistant Ashlee Kaley said by email.
May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology to join LG Health
May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology will join Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, effective Nov. 3. The East Hempfield Township-based OB-GYN practice will temporarily close its four satellite offices, LG Health spokesperson Marcie Brody said, and will continue seeing patients at its 694 Good Drive location under the name Penn Medicine LG Health Physicians OB/GYN May-Grant.
Health insurance rates for individual policies to see double-digit percent increase in 2026 in Pa.
Finalized health insurance rates for 2026 show an average increase of 21.5% for individual plans and 12.7% for small business group plans in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department, which approved the new rates, attributed the increases in part to rising health care costs, higher use of benefits, changes in federal enrollment rules and the potential loss of enhanced premium tax credits, which will expire at the end of the year without action by Congress.
With 6 more West Nile cases over last two weeks, Lancaster County still leads state
Lancaster County has reported three new cases of West Nile virus a week for the last two weeks, reinforcing its status as the Pennsylvania county with the highest number of cases so far this year. While the exact dates of infection are not available, the state Department of Environmental Protection reported these cases in reports dated Oct. 3 and Oct. 10. The Lancaster County cases now account for 17 of the 69 human cases that have been reported in Pennsylvania this year.
New center to bring 133 childcare slots to East Hempfield Township
East Hempfield Township is expected to host 133 new childcare slots this spring with the planned opening of a Ducklings Early Learning Center in the Lime Spring community. The approximately 11,500-square-foot center will accept children ages 6 weeks to 6 years, and will be located in a newly constructed space at 2124 Ambassador Circle, according to Ducklings Early Learning Center Chief Development Officer Kim Collier.
Lancaster County has most West Nile cases in Pa. this year; here are possible factors
Favorable weather and temperatures, its mix of rural and urban areas and testing are likely among the factors that have Lancaster County leading the region in West Nile cases so far this year. Though experts are reluctant to point to a single cause, it is clear that Lancaster County stands out when it comes to reported human cases of West Nile. Among Pennsylvania counties, it has the highest total number of cases, with 14 as of an Oct.
Addiction treatment chain plans to open Ephrata location at former Retreat Behavioral facility site
An addiction treatment chain that operates primarily in western and midwestern states plans to open a treatment center at the Ephrata Borough property formerly owned by the defunct Retreat Behavioral Health. Sunshine Behavioral Health offers both residential and outpatient care, with six locations in California, Colorado, Illinois, Wisconsin and Texas, according to its website.
UPMC to complete expansion of Lancaster city neurology team in December
UPMC will complete an expansion of its Lancaster city neurology and neurosurgery team in December, when a neuropsychologist is slated to join. The expansion began in summer 2025 with the hiring of Dr. William Kurtis Jens, Dr. Mustafa Ridvan Donmez and nurse practitioner Jacqueline Sexton, said spokesperson Zachary Sweger. Jens, a neurologist, and Donmez, an epileptologist, are the only two who practice full time at the UPMC Neurological Institute at 1160 Manheim Pike.
Anthrax preparedness exercise shows Lancaster County ready 'to respond to everything'
When Terri Willner read that Lancaster County needed members of the public to participate in a public health emergency preparedness exercise, she saw a learning opportunity for the black poodle she is training to be a service dog. The East Lampeter Township resident brought Nile to the event at Penn Medicine Park on Wednesday to expose the 1-year-old dog to new people and sights, Willner said. The idea was to acclimate him to things that he might encounter when working with his future partner.
Free anti-scam event scheduled for next week in Manheim Township
Editor’s note: an earlier version of this story misstated the event’s partner organization. It is the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. A free, open to the public scam education event is set for Oct. 9 at Calvary Homes by Tandem Living. The event is organized by Democratic state Rep. Nikki Rivera. Hosted in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, the “$CAM JAM” event will teach attendees how to protect their money from financial fraud and abuse.
Another pair of West Nile virus cases reported in Lancaster County
Lancaster County has reported two new West Nile virus cases a week for the last three weeks, bringing the county’s human case tally to 11 this year. While the exact dates of infection are not available, the state Department of Environmental Protection reported the two most recent cases in a report dated Friday. The Lancaster County cases account for 11 of the 51 human cases that have been reported in Pennsylvania this year.
Marietta Ceiling Plant upgrade could increase emissions of pollutants near Marietta, Maytown
A planned upgrade at a manufacturing plant could increase emissions of pollutants linked to negative health impacts, with Marietta and Maytown the closest population centers.
Participants needed for emergency preparedness exercise at Penn Medicine Park
Lancaster County is seeking participants for a public health emergency preparedness exercise at Penn Medicine Park on Wednesday. Known as a points of distribution exercise, it will test emergency responders in setting up a location where the public can pick up items following a disaster, such as shelf-stable food, bottled water, blankets or medication. The event can also give participants an understanding of what to expect during a public health emergency.
Lancaster County reports 2 new West Nile virus cases
Lancaster County has reported two new West Nile virus cases a week for the last two weeks, bringing the county’s human case tally to nine this year. While the exact dates of infection are not available, the state Department of Environmental Protection reported the most recent cases in weekly reports dated Sept. 12 and Sept. 19. The week ending in Sept.
Lancaster Medical Center gets new emergency services director
Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center has a new director of emergency services, effective Aug. 25. Dr. Jonathan Shingles has more than 20 years of experience in emergency medicine, health care administration and physician advisory services, and has worked at Penn State Health since 2021, according to a press release from the health system.
2 Lancaster County residents appointed to state gun violence committee
Two Lancaster County residents have been appointed to the executive committee for the Pennsylvania Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Suicide prevention is a throughline in the work of both Maura Condon Umble and Lindsay Pringle, a retiree with a personal connection to gun death and the manager of community health and wellness at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, respectively.
Salmonella patients who reported raw milk consumption at 6-year high; Lancaster County affected
The share of salmonella patients in Pennsylvania who reported consuming raw milk is already higher in 2025 than in any of the previous five years, with the state’s southeast — which includes Lancaster County — seeing the largest impact. The percentage of salmonella patients who drank raw milk in the seven days before their illness is higher in 2025 than it was during the previous five years, according to a review conducted by Pennsylvania Department of Health epidemiologists.
Is Lancaster County in the clear after measles exposures in early August?
It has been more than 21 days since a traveler with measles visited Lancaster County — meaning that anyone who contracted measles during that time would have developed the illness by now. As no cases have been reported, Lancaster County is now unlikely to have an outbreak related to those specific measles exposures, said Dr. Pia Fenimore, a pediatrician at Lancaster Pediatric Associates and vice chair of pediatrics of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.
Pleasant View Communities purchases Mount Joy Country Homes for $11,440,000
Pleasant View Communities has purchased the 55-plus Mount Joy Country Homes retirement community for $11,440,000, finalizing a plan first announced earlier this year. The deed transfer was recorded last week. Mount Joy Country Homes, formerly part of Messiah Lifeways, has 80 independent living cottages on 31 acres. Around 120 residents live there.
Central Pa. man loses over 100 pounds with help from robotic-assisted surgery; here’s how it works
Jerry Gilbert was hoping weight loss surgery would improve his health — and allow him to stay present in his grandchildren's lives as they grow into adulthood. Gilbert, age 63, weighed 309 pounds at 5 feet, 5 inches tall, had sleep apnea, and, in his own words, was “a prime candidate for diabetes.” But he had a strong motivation to better his health. “We adopted our three grandchildren, I want to be along (to) see them get married,” the resident of Fredericksburg, Lebanon County, said.
New case of mosquito-borne West Nile virus found in Lancaster County
A new Lancaster County case of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus was reported last week, bringing the county’s human case tally to five this year. While the exact dates of infection are not available, the state Department of Environmental Protection reported the most recent case in a weekly report dated Friday. The other four individuals were likely infected in July and August, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Eye Health Physicians of Lancaster to close in October, no longer seeing patients
Eye Health Physicians of Lancaster will close Oct. 31 following the retirement of its owner on Monday. Ophthalmologist Sandford C. Frisch, owner of the Manheim Township practice and the only full-time doctor on staff, said the move was due to age and health problems. He turns 68 next month and is undergoing the first of two spinal procedures today, he said, and anticipates a long recovery period.
Four cases of mosquito-borne West Nile virus in Lancaster County
Lancaster County has had four human cases of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus so far in 2025, with those individuals likely infected in July and August, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. While the exact dates of infection aren’t available, the state Department of Health indicated the time frame in which they likely occurred. The state DEP logs cases of the virus and includes the data in its report this week.
Data shows vax rates dropped in Lancaster County; outbreak risk increases
Lancaster County is at increased risk for outbreaks of preventable diseases as most student vaccination rates fall. Data from the state Department of Health shows that Lancaster County vaccination rates during the 2024-2025 school year have decreased from the year before, and in almost all cases are below pre-pandemic levels.
Where to get a measles shot in Lancaster County, and how to know if you need one
Some area residents may be wondering whether they need the measles vaccine, and where to get it, since the state Department of Health announced Thursday that a visitor to four counties in the region between Aug. 5 and 10 may have exposed residents to contagious measles. In Lancaster County, the visitor with measles was at the Midway Mennonite Reception Center in Warwick Township on Aug. 8 and Aug. 9. Several other exposure locations were recorded throughout Pennsylvania.
Measles cases expected after regionwide exposure that included Lancaster County
A Penn State Health doctor expects cases of measles to appear in the wake of an out-of-state visitor exposing others at several sites across the region, including one in Lancaster County. As a result of the exposures, the state Department of Health issued a warning Thursday and has urged residents to be on alert for symptoms. The exposures came from a visitor from another state who made stops in four Pennsylvania counties, including Adams, Clearfield, Lancaster and York.
New Landis Homes units to open this fall, part of $65 million expansion
Landis Homes is constructing 87 new units as part of a $65 million expansion on the eastern side of its 114-acre Manheim Township campus, with some units to open in late fall of this year. The expansion at the 1001 East Oregon Road continuing care retirement community will add two new neighborhoods — the Gardens at Landis Homes and the Meadows at Landis Homes, spokesperson Larry Guengerich said by email.
Could measles appear in Lancaster County schools this fall?
With measles cases nationwide at their highest in decades, local kids’ vaccination rates below levels needed to control the spread and the school year approaching, some experts are wary. A measles outbreak in Lancaster County “would not be a surprise,” said Dr. Jessica Ericson, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Penn State Health.
Professor calls for investigation of CVS after pharmacist suicides
In the wake of two suicides of Lancaster County pharmacists, a former pharmacy professor has raised the alarm by calling for state regulators to investigate nationwide pharmacy chain CVS. In his July 4 complaint to the Pennsylvania Department of State, Daniel A. Hussar expressed concern about the deaths of Robert S. Reybok and George Edward “Mason” Porta, and called for an investigation into staffing and workload at the CVS stores where the men worked.
Here's a look at the financial health of Lancaster County's hospitals
Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center’s operating deficit has improved, but is still among the largest in the state — while other Lancaster County hospitals have posted some of Pennsylvania’s best numbers last fiscal year, according to an independent report. Lancaster County’s newest hospital was still operating at a loss during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. A 142-bed hospital in East Hempfield Township, Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center began seeing patients in early October 2022.
How will Medicaid changes impact hospitals and providers in Lancaster County?
Some portion of revenue worth nearly $130 million to Lancaster County’s four hospitals last fiscal year is now in jeopardy, but none of the four have provided estimates for the impact and how services could be affected. The anticipated changes in revenue — due to the recently signed federal tax and spending cut bill — will come as new rules decrease the number of patients who pay through Medicaid and increase the number of patients who cannot pay for the care they receive.
Child care center planned for Luther Acres campus in Lititz
Luther Acres’s Lititz campus is getting a child care center, with renovations of the space expected to be completed in early 2026. The third location in the Luthercare for Kids Early Learning Center network, the center will include around 2,800 square feet of licensed classroom space and will care for children between 6 weeks and 4 years of age, Luthercare spokesperson Amy Kenn said. It will be located on the senior living campus at 600 E.
Luthercare to buy 37 homes for independent living across its 2 Lancaster County campuses
In a $26 million project, senior living community Luthercare will purchase 37 homes for independent living and will renovate dining areas, common areas and a fitness center across its two Lancaster County campuses. The homes, which are under construction now and expected to be done in 2026, are located in the Lititz Reserve neighborhood about a mile by road from Luthercare’s Luther Acres campus at 600 East Main St., Lititz.
Union Community Care president steps down from Lancaster County Health Advisory Council
Union Community Care President and CEO Alisa Jones has resigned from the Lancaster County Health Advisory Council more than six months before the conclusion of her term. Established in 2022, the advisory council does not function as a health department, but it does play a role in public education and shaping public policy. Jones resigned in May, she said by email. She declined to comment on the reason for her resignation.
Alisa Jones steps down from Lancaster County Health Advisory Council
Union Community Care President and CEO Alisa Jones has resigned from the Lancaster County Health Advisory Council more than six months before the conclusion of her term. Established in 2022, the advisory council does not function as a health department, but it does play a role in public education and shaping public policy. Jones resigned in May, she said by email. She declined to comment on the reason for her resignation.
Flooding and vandalism didn't stop Lititz from enjoying Fourth of July
Much of Lititz Springs Park was covered in floodwaters earlier this week, but with Fourth of July festivities underway Friday, you’d hardly know it. Food trucks and visitors filled the park, and the fireworks viewing area was covered with blankets spread out during the morning’s Blanket Run, where early bird attendees claimed their space.
Central PA Food Bank to get new CEO in July Original
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank will get a new top executive in a succession plan that will see the current president assume the role of CEO on July 1. Shila Ulrich, a 42-year-old resident of Lebanon County’s Palmyra Borough, was appointed president in January. She is succeeding Joe Arthur, who has been CEO since 2012 and has been involved with the nonprofit since 2000, Ulrich said. The food bank has a service area of 27 counties, according to its website, which includes Lancaster.
Local housing nonprofits receive WellSpan grant money
Two Lancaster County housing nonprofits will receive funds through a $3.5 million grant commitment from WellSpan Health. Two of 12 organizations to benefit from the housing-focused grant money, HDC MidAtlantic and Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity will receive $10,000 and $25,000 respectively, WellSpan spokesperson Maggi Barton said by email.
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