Local: Two consecutive nights with reported gunfire

Shippensburg — At approximately 2 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1 Shippensburg University sent out the following SUALERT:

“Report of shots fired near College Park Commons. Please use caution. State Police investigating. Any info, please call PSP (717-249-2121).”

Some reported an individual fired the shots after a fight broke out in the area. The campus alert was issued about one hour after shots were fired.

Just before noon on Feb. 2, SU issued the following email to students:

“Pennsylvania State Police continue to seek assistance regarding a Sunday morning incident at College Park. Anyone with information is urged to contact them at 717-249-2121.”

On Monday, Feb. 2, at approximately 2 a.m. a single loud noise was heard around campus. According to members of the social media app Yik Yak, the noise came from a firearm’s discharge, which reportedly occurred in or around Bard Townhouses or College Park Commons.

“Gunshot at bard,” “College park back at it” and “That shot was too close to my apartment…” were some of the posts on the app.

An SU police car patrolled the area around USA Gas Station next to SU about 15 minutes after the reported gunshot was heard.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. Pennsylvania State Troopers arrived and began patrolling the area of Bard Townhouses and College Park Commons, which are situated directly across route 696 from each other.

About six police SUV’s, including one SU police vehicle and at least one unmarked black police SUV were investigating the incident. At the time of investigation there were no reported injuries or suspects.

No flashing lights from emergency vehicles, foot patrol, spotlights or ambulances were seen in the immediate area.

After about half an hour patrol vehicles began leaving the area, heading south on route 696, toward the Shippensburg borough.

-The Slate

State: Punxsutawney Phil makes decree on Groundhog Day

According to NBC10.com, Pennsylvania’s most famous ground hog, Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter.

Thousands came out for the annual event in the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to see the furry creature early Monday morning.

According to German legend, Feb. 2 is the day to observe a “furry rodent” to predict the length of winter and the coming of spring. If the animal sees its shadow, winter will last another six weeks, but if it does not then spring will supposedly come early.

NBC10.com reports that the members of the Inner Circle on Gobbler’s Knob are actually the ones who predetermine what the forecast will be.

The earliest records of Phil’s predictions date back to 1887. Phil only declared an early spring 17 times, while 101 times for a long winter.

-NBC10.com

World: Suicide bomber disrupts Nigerian presidential election rally

Gombe, Nigeria — According to BBC News, a female suicide bomber blew herself up in Gombe just after President Goodluck Jonathan left a campaign rally.

Eighteen people were wounded in the explosion, and at least one person was killed.

Boko Haram, an Islamist militant group, currently waging war against Nigeria, is the suspected culprit, but has not commented. They are increasing their attacks as the election date is approaching.

Other explosions in Port Harcourt, Isiokpo and Degema in southern Nigeria also experienced what police described as coordinated attacks.

A courthouse in Degema was razed and documents scorched.

The southern region of Nigeria, which produces a large quantity of oil, is not known to experience attacks from Boko Haram, though other militants have done so in the past.

Nigerian presidential elections are to be held on Feb. 14.

-BBC News

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