Young Bucks residents invited to share views on democracy in focus group – Bucks Round-Up – September 22, 2025
Young Bucks residents invited to share views on democracy in focus group
A national civic education nonprofit is turning its attention to Bucks County this fall, inviting young residents to weigh in on the future of American democracy. Keep Our Republic, a group dedicated to fostering informed civic engagement, will host a focus group discussion on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The event will be held locally and is open to Bucks County residents between the ages of eighteen and 25. The evening will be moderated by Dr. Christopher Borick, a well-known political scientist at Muhlenberg College, and will center on how young Pennsylvanians view the health of American democracy as well as current political issues facing the commonwealth. Organizers say the session is designed to give participants a structured forum to share their perspectives on both national and state-level challenges. To encourage participation, Keep Our Republic is offering attendees a $125 stipend. Food and beverages will also be provided. Space is limited, and advanced registration is required through an online form. The nonprofit, which has held similar sessions across the country, emphasizes that hearing directly from young citizens is essential in understanding how political shifts and civic attitudes are shaping public life. Bucks County, a perennial political battleground, is seen as a critical place to gauge the outlook of rising generations. Questions about the event can be directed to Dr. Borick at [email protected].
Bensalem drug bust nets two arrests, firearm, and marijuana
Bensalem Township police say a months-long investigation into suspected drug activity led to the arrest of two men this week, along with the seizure of two pounds of marijuana, a firearm, and other contraband. According to investigators, members of the Special Investigations Unit identified Keehmon Herring, 29, of Philadelphia, as a suspected dealer. On Sept. 15, an undercover officer arranged to purchase two pounds of marijuana from Herring. The following day, Herring arrived at the prearranged meeting site in Bensalem in a black SUV driven by 25-year-old Zymir Randall of Glenolden. Police say Herring carried a black bag toward the officer’s vehicle while Randall trailed behind acting as a lookout. Officers moved in and took Herring into custody without incident, recovering two large baggies of marijuana and additional paraphernalia. Randall fled into a nearby business but was quickly located and arrested. Authorities found the SUV keys in his pocket. The vehicle was impounded and searched under a warrant. Inside, police discovered a silver .380 caliber pistol, marijuana, and further paraphernalia. Investigators later confirmed Randall is barred from owning a firearm and is currently on federal parole for a prior gun offense. Randall now faces multiple charges, including possession with intent to deliver, persons not to possess a firearm, firearms carried without a license, and related drug counts. He was arraigned by District Justice Kevin Wagner and sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility on 10% of $1.5 million bail. In a statement, Bensalem police commended their Special Investigations Unit for “relentless efforts” to keep drugs and guns off township streets. The arrests highlight the department’s ongoing focus on disrupting drug trafficking and removing repeat offenders from the community.
Hockey icon Bernie Parent was a friend to Bucks County
The Philadelphia Flyers community and hockey fans across Bucks County are mourning the loss of goaltending great Bernie Parent, who passed away Sunday at the age of 80. Parent, who wore #1 in net during the Flyers’ Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975, was remembered not only as a sports icon but also as a warm and approachable figure who made deep ties in this region. Parent was a familiar presence on WBCB’s hockey broadcasts, often sharing behind-the-scenes stories of the “Broad Street Bullies” era and engaging directly with fans. Known for slipping one of his Stanley Cup rings onto the hand of a supporter and asking, “Doesn’t it feel great?”, Parent turned championship glory into personal moments for residents. Beyond the rink, he frequently appeared at Chickie’s & Pete’s locations with WBCB, mingling with fans and keeping his connection to Bucks County alive long after his playing days. While he embraced the Flyers’ rough-and-tumble reputation, Parent always emphasized the team’s exceptional skill, citing teammates like Bobby Clarke, Bill Barber, Rick MacLeish, Dave “The Hammer” Schultz, and Bob “The Hound” Kelly. Parent’s career was one of achievement unmatched in Flyers history. He won back-to-back Vezina Trophies as the NHL’s top goaltender, was the first Flyer inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984 and saw his #1 jersey permanently raised to the rafters. He was also part of the Flyers’ inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1988. His family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education, a program that reflects Parent’s lifelong love for the game and his commitment to passing it on to the next generation. As Bucks County reflects on the loss, the legacy of Bernie Parent remains one not only of championships, but of generosity, accessibility, and joy shared with the fans who loved him.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
