Aug. 9—WILKES-BARRE — As students across the country and our communities return to the classroom this fall, FBI Philadelphia reminds the public that making hoax threats — whether spoken, written, posted online or shared on social media — is a serious criminal offense with lasting consequences.
Making a hoax threat of violence is a criminal act where a student can face serious consequences that can have a profound impact on their future.
Even if it was meant to be a joke, calling in a fake threat of violence is a state crime as well as a federal crime. In most cases, joke or not, hoax threats lead to the suspension or expulsion of the student, and in some cases arrest and imprisonment.
“The FBI takes every threat seriously — regardless of intent,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Hoax threats not only disrupt the community and divert law enforcement resources, but they can also ruin the perpetrators life. Making a threat, whether spoken, texted, or posted online — is a federal crime with serious consequences. What may seem like a joke can quickly become a life-altering mistake. Think before you act.”
Law enforcement is required to act once a threat is reported. It doesn’t matter if you say it, text it, or post it on social media, law enforcement handles each threat of violence as credible until proven otherwise. Even false threats can cause real harm — putting strain on students, school personnel, law enforcement and the community as a whole.
Multiple social media sites now self-report on verbiage they deem threatening in nature, even if the hoax threat was posted in a private group chat.
If you see a threat of violence such as a school shooting or bombing threat, or other any related threat posted on social media or sent in a text message, immediately contact local law enforcement or your local FBI field office.
Tips can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. FBI Philadelphia can be reached at 215-418-4000.
For more information, visit: Hoax Threats are Crimes — FBI at https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/hoax-threats-awareness-100518.
Rep. Meuser supports legislation to eliminate anti-competitive regulatory barriers
U.S. Rep. Dan Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week announced his support for H.R. 4869 — the Freedom to Compete Act — legislation to codify President Trump’s Executive Order titled Reducing Anti-Competitive Regulatory Barriers.
Meuser said the bill takes direct aim at outdated and burdensome federal regulations that reduce competition, limit entrepreneurship, and stifle innovation — ensuring a fairer playing field for small businesses and job creators.
The Freedom to Compete Act requires all federal agency heads to work with the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Attorney General to review existing regulations and identify those that create or facilitate monopolies, erect unnecessary barriers for new market participants, limit competition between entities, impose excessive licensing or accreditation requirements, or burden the federal procurement process in ways that shut out qualified companies.
It also targets any rule that distorts the free market through anti-competitive restraints. Once identified, agencies must take steps to repeal or revise these rules, ensuring that federal regulations promote innovation and economic opportunity rather than protect entrenched interests.
“Small businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and keep our communities strong, but too often they’re held back by burdensome regulations imposed by the federal government that make it difficult to compete,” said Meuser. “This legislation cuts through unnecessary red tape, levels the playing field, and empowers entrepreneurs to succeed based on merit—not political connections or compliance budgets. Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re restoring fairness to the marketplace and opening the door for growth across America’s Main Streets.”
The Freedom to Compete Act has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, where it awaits further action.
Sen. Baker: New law extends PA Guard family education benefit
Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, this week said the Military Family Education Program (MFEP) covers the cost of a state college education for dependents of Pennsylvania National Guard members in return for a six-year service commitment.
Baker said a new law was passed ensuring additional dependents are covered each time the member re-enlists.
“Many Guard members who benefited from the MFEP are deciding whether to commit to another six years,” Baker said. “Act 32 of 2025 clarifies that a Guard member can receive a new MFEP assistance grant — helping an additional dependent — with each new service obligation. I was proud to support this family benefit for our men and women in uniform.”
Shapiro Administration achieves fastest unemployment compensation call wait time in over 6 years
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) this week announced that the average call wait time for Pennsylvanians to get help through the Unemployment Compensation (UC) Service Center has dropped to just nine minutes, the fastest performance recorded since March 2019.
This milestone reflects significant progress in modernizing Pennsylvania’s UC system under the leadership of Gov. Josh Shapiro who prioritized improving the UC experience for Pennsylvanians with the goal of delivering efficient, timely support during periods of job loss.
“Reducing UC call wait times isn’t just about speed, it’s about access,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “Faster call times mean faster answers, fewer delays, and more Pennsylvanians getting the help they need when they need it. While this is an accomplishment, we will not rest on our laurels. We’re committed to continued improvements that make Pennsylvania’s UC system more responsive, accessible, and effective.”
Today’s achievement marks the first sub-10-minute average under normal staffing levels, indicating a long-term improvement in how services are delivered to claimants.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.