Today in PA | A PennLive daily news briefing with Claudia Dimuro

The Central Bucks School Board has passed a new textbook policy that seeks to restrict sexually explicit material in classrooms. Yesterday evening, Allegheny County conducted treatments on mosquitoes in the hopes of mitigating the risk of the West Nile virus. There’s at long last going to be some enjoyable summer weather this weekend. And Pennsylvanians go gaga for these sundae toppings the most.

Nursing homes in Beaver and Allegheny counties have been accused of health care fraud. A state senator is looking to introduce legislation that will address hospital closures’ “destabilizing effect.” Hershey will, in fact, have enough candy for Halloween this year (thank God). Plus, a woman recently celebrated the arrival of her 100th great-grandchild.

Philadelphia police have denied over 200 applications for block parties this year due to “criminal activity.” A family of four will be paying quite the pretty penny to see a football game in three years’ time. Residents and businesses in Philly’s suburbs may get a new area code relatively soon. Finally, this is name Pennsylvanians are giving their dogs the most.

The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania is seeing the most legislative candidates it’s had in nearly 30 years ahead of elections, indicating a surge in interest due to many who are “sick and tired of a two-party system.” Meanwhile, the Steelers continue their “acrimonious battle” with the Sports & Exhibition Authority (SEA) over 2018 scoreboard improvements which cost millions of dollars. One of Philadelphia’s biggest employers wants workers back in the office. Plus, one man proves the sky isn’t the limit.

Pennsylvania ranks among best states for businesses.

County officials throughout Pennsylvania are mulling over whether or not to take state funds that would go towards elections. Many states are seeing gas prices fall below $4 per gallon, but Pennsylvania, unfortunately, is not one of them. The state’s largest old-growth forest has been nationally recognized. Finally, landscapers lent a hand in clearing hazardous trees from a historic cemetery.

Older Pennsylvanians as well as those with disabilities who qualify for rebates on rent or property taxes paid in 2021 can expect to get more money this year. $25 million has been set aside to help poultry farmers affected by avian influenza. Several monarch butterfly festivals that seek to inspire conservation efforts for the recently endangered species are happening throughout the state. Lastly, in honor of National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, a Pennsylvania bakery has been recognized as making some of the best chocolate chip cookies in the nation.

Bill barring those with domestic violence convictions from public office gains traction. Hospitals’ profits rose in 2021. “Shore Tea” accused of trademark infringement. Pennsylvania’s favorite chip brand, dip.

Roughly 8,000 patients have been affected by a data breach at Allegheny Health Network. First Hospital in Kingston will close its doors this fall due to staffing shortages. People are abandoning dogs in a wooded area in Philadelphia. And two bear cubs will soon call a Washington County sanctuary their home.

Identity theft in Pennsylvania has gone up by nearly 270 percent over the past three years. PennDOT’s speed cameras in work zones are hitting drivers where it hurts the most: their wallets. Sheetz is planning a 30-store expansion in Western Pennsylvania. Plus, one of Pennsylvania’s very own stadiums is apparently the second-best of its kind in the U.S.

Pottstown residents are still in the dark as to what caused a deadly explosion two months ago. One school district is “very close” to placing armed officers in every school during “the vast majority of the day.” A Philly-based condiment brand wants to make sure at least one stadium has a “sauce name” in Pennsylvania after Heinz left the field. And it only took 30 years, but a woman finally returned a bunch of books back to the library.

Police have arrested a Texas man who managed to steal about $7,000 worth of booze from state-run liquor stores. Williamsport recently celebrated a $25 million development project that will show “What the Old City can and will be.” Work has also gotten underway on a four-mile nature path around Bucknell University. Plus, Sheetz and the Pennsylvania Lottery want to give you “Free Gas for a Year.”

Wawa has agreed to pay several states for a 2019 data breach that compromised the information of about 34 million customers. A new threshold for tipped workers has some in the hospitality industry less than impressed. PennDOT has expanded its online services for those who use disabled parking placards. Lastly, a man donated half of his kidney to a complete and total stranger.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA will house 20 beagles rescued from a breeding facility in Virginia. Both the Phillies and the Pirates have seen a significant decline in fan attendance—roughly 20 percent each—since 2019. One wildlife center is asking people to please remove or cover spotted lanternfly tape. Plus, this is the Pennsylvania attraction locals and tourists disagree on the most.

AAA is warning Pennsylvanians—as well as other drivers—to take the proper precautions against the persistent heat. Lehigh County cops are warning about a group of thieves going around targeting blue USPS boxes. The replacement beams for the Fern Hollow Bridges begin their journey to Frick Park. And this the most popular shot Pennsylvanians are knocking back.

Penn State may hike tuition big time. Raccoon rabies program to begin. Clean water bill passes. Pennsylvania’s favorite milkshake.

Philly may surpass 2021 homicide rate. Lehigh Valley home prices set record. PWSA to get loan to fix reservoir. Pennsylvania’s hottest temperatures of all-time.

Pennsylvania reveals plan to tackle teacher shortage. Narberth suspects “rat city” behind infestation. Unpaid Pa. Turnpike tolls spike nearly 50 percent. Library will honor Civil War friendship.

Fake Pa. Revenue letters threaten recipients. PUC to investigate York Water rate hike. ‘Near drought’ conditions plague farmers, gardeners. Pittsburgh hosts Picklesburgh.

PIAA paves way for high school athlete payment. Allegheny County exec stands by fracking ban bill veto. Philly revamps home repair program. Harrisburg Dessert Festival this weekend.

Philly man fends off would-be robbers. Easton police chief vows to crack down on crime. June scratch-off winnings hit over $200M. Foxes steal shoes.

Snow, ice must be cleared off cars under new law. Philly Starbucks to close. Mayor Jim Kenney gets ‘Worst of Philly’ award. Brewery one of ‘coolest’ around.

Nursing home staff to get boost. Pennsylvania to cut corporate taxes. PHL gets $24M for bathrooms. Feed giraffes at Philly Zoo.

State senate approves ATV bill. COVID Alert PA to end. SEPTA trolley closed for maintenance. Penn develops “shapeshifting,” teeth-cleaning robots.

Some Pennsylvanians to choose new Medicaid plan. Counties struggle to determine hotel tax revenue. Grocery stores report strong sales. Museum offers free American Revolution classes.

State police may conduct study on rape kit tracking system. Police warn of “Orbeez Challenge.” Pennsylvania saw most animal-vehicle collisions in 2021. 109-year-old boat sets sail.

Calls for Mayor Jim Kenney’s resignation arise. Pennsylvania’s population older, more diverse. American marten may return. Marker dedicated to Liberty Bell rescue.

Goats cleaning up Aspinwall park.

In honor of July 4th, one website has ranked which states are the most patriotic out of the 50. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania…didn’t fair all too well.

SEPTA customers double-charged thanks to bug. Best time to travel during July 4. High mosquito activity in some areas. Haines Shoe House to become Airbnb.

Bill seeks to criminalize running away from cops. Reading mountaintop, riverfront rec area parties draw complaints. Rail service to be added between Harrisburg, Pittsburgh. Best, worst U.S. cities for July 4.

Drone used to find suspect. Bill seeks to allow 17-year-olds to complete firefighter training. 30,000 deer hunting permits available at state parks, forests. Pittsburgh hosts POGO world championships.

Philly police prepare for summer violence uptick. Man sues over misread COVID test result. Kennywood, others go cashless. Winning covered bridge photo chosen.

Reading Regional Airport may yet get commercial flights to Florida. 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show to return indoors. Pennsylvania town fundraiser helps to provide service dogs to veterans.

Officials are trying to figure out why and how a bunch of groundhogs turned up dead in Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park. A beer distributor strike may leave the Philly region drier than usual ahead of Fourth of July festivities. State lawmakers are considering a bill that would help Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage. Plus, this soda supposedly tastes out of this world.

Back when Harrisburg was the region’s retail center, someone started killing store owners one by one. The media dubbed it a "retail rampage," the "merchant murders," and to this day, the identity of the killer has never been revealed. PennLive reporter John Luciew joins us here, now, for a special interview episode of “Today in Pa.” as we dive deep into his five-part cold case investigation series into the Shopkeeper Killer.

Democrats in Lehigh County dismissed party rules regarding gender that left many confused after the May 17 primary. Giant has replaced the tens of thousands of bees that were stolen earlier this year. Plus, the “Queen of Walt Whitman Boulevard” steps down from her throne.

Philly city employees charged with PUA fraud. Proposal bars for-profits from owning, managing hospitals. Million-dollar lotto ticket sold. Pennsylvania listed among “most fun” states.

A group of 13-year-olds have been charged for a vandalism spree that resulted in almost $30,000 in damage. Meanwhile, a recent poll shows Pennsylvania voters are more concerned about the economy over other issues such as abortion. A new complex in Gettysburg will house over a million historical items. Finally, these Navy vets said “I do”—45 years after they first met.

Teachers discuss guns in classrooms. Diesel prices hurting farmers. Town council votes against euthanizing geese. Here’s one of Pennsylvania’s most romantic spots.

Philly police underreported 2021 crime data to FBI. Wawa to expand into Tennessee. Berks County gets first licensed recovery house through new requirement. “Pawn Stars” to film in Valley Forge.

Sanctions are being sought against the FBI over videos of a dig for Civil War gold. In Philadelphia, residents are smarting over a transition to smart water meters. The state Fish and Boat Commission has inched closer to hiking fishing and boating fees. Plus, a grandma in Pittsburgh played pickleball with some Steelers—and had no idea who they were.

One Philadelphia lawmaker has suggested a revision to the city’s curfew law for teens this summer as a safety measure. Meanwhile, state lawmakers have advanced new limits on fireworks. The Lehigh Valley Zoo is blazing forth with work on its first new exhibit in five years. Lastly, a vision-impaired woman rappelled down a building.

While Pennsylvania’s cities took a hit to their population over the past couple of years, some of the state’s smaller towns saw a boost. Meanwhile, invasive snakehead fish continue their spread. A man developed a fun, interactive way for kids to learn math. Plus, Pennsylvania screams for this ice cream flavor the loudest.

In the wake of the deadly South Street shooting over the weekend, business owners in Philadelphia have expressed concerns over a lack of police. Teachers in Hanover are looking for better solutions to a spike in student fights and other incidents. Millions of dollars in a number of schools throughout the state have been deemed “unauditable.” Plus, the world’s biggest bounce house is coming to Pennsylvania.

Crime victims as well as others gathered outside the state Capitol yesterday to call for action against crime. The Pittsburgh City Council has once again put a hold on that new stop-and-frisk bill. Some of Pennsylvania’s remaining organized rattlesnake hunts will get underway this weekend. Finally, a man was digging in a churchyard for fossils when he happened upon an entirely new species.

A business in Pittsburgh shuttered its doors due to violence that one official calls “overwhelming.” The Pennsylvania Turnpike is hoping its new partnership with a retail network will help make paying toll bills a whole lot easier. The state Department of Agricultural revealed there’s some funding available for a recycling program. And some super good news: the rare whiskeys up for grabs during the PCLB’s latest lottery have been announced.

There’s trouble brewing as slowing distribution may make it harder to enjoy a cold beer this summer. There’s another Walmart fulfillment center coming to Franklin County. You can watch fireflies in the name of science this season. Finally, a city in Pennsylvania is the number two best for hockey fans in the entire country.

One lawmaker wants to redirect funds from the state’s big kahuna colleges like Penn State and redirect them towards in-state students at all universities. A parent has filed a lawsuit claiming his kids were targeted by their school district over his anti-mask advocacy. Authorities would like to remind you to please buckle up. And someone threw what was essentially Monopoly money all over Route 54 the other day.