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 Phi...

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,...

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 returne...

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.