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.