Pennsylvania Capital-Star

National laboratories, such as the Idaho National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, are addressing cybersecurity threats specific to smaller modular reactors (SMRs). Researchers are working to establish a methodology to minimize potential disruptions by integrating security frameworks during the reactor design phase. Discussions also questioned whether traditional physical security systems designed for large reactors will be applicable for SMRs, particularly due to expected increases in communication channels.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police concluded its investigation into the death of Daphy Michel, which occurred after she was released by ICE and found unresponsive at a South Shore bus shelter. Since her passing was characterized as a homicide, the case has been sent to Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala’s office for review regarding potential charges. The DA holds the authority to decide whether, who, and what charges should be filed.

The School District of Philadelphia is implementing a digital hall pass system at all schools that tracks students' movements through campus using Chromebooks. Students must request to leave class, and administrators can log their location on an accessible 'hall monitor grid.' While designed to help prevent physical violence between students, the system has drawn criticism concerning over-surveillance.

Food banks across Pennsylvania are struggling to meet increasing demand due to economic issues like inflation, rising energy costs, and poor harvests. A key factor contributing to this struggle is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which saw an 11% enrollment drop that some attribute to new rules passed in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act.'

Incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro has based many of his policy stances on elections in opposition to President Donald Trump, while facing difficulty passing new election laws through the state legislature. His Republican challenger, Stacy Garrity, indicated she would defer to Trump’s election priorities, but her views regarding the legitimacy of the 2020 election remain controversial, despite attempts to walk back previous comments.

Several U.S. cities are adopting AI tools to modernize and accelerate the complex housing permitting process by handling tasks like scanning applications and flagging errors. Federal initiatives support these efforts through a new Innovation Fund providing $200 million annually, alongside grants from HUD up to $3 million for local deployment of automated systems.

A crash involving a state police helicopter and a Cessna 150 private plane occurred in Cumberland County at Carlisle Airport. The sole occupant of the small plane died, while two Pennsylvania State Police troopers, Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills, were injured but are reported stable. Lt. Col. George Bivens stated that the fatal incident happened when the Cessna approached the helicopter from behind and veered hard to the right.

State test scores, including PSSA and Keystone exams for Philadelphia, have been delayed because the state announced that the results are on hold. This delay prevents school districts from using the 2025-26 assessment data to evaluate student achievement or for mandatory school selection decisions. Students will instead take an alternative assessment during the fall.

A federal appeals court upheld an injunction that bars Department of Homeland Security agents from conducting immigration enforcement at over 1,400 houses of worship across 33 states and D.C. The ruling protected religious groups arguing that the administration’s policy would substantially burden their ability to worship communally. The appeals court agreed with the plaintiffs that enforcing the restrictive policy could cause a decline in attendance at these services.

A watchdog group filed a complaint alleging that conservative activist Scott Presler and his political action committee, Early Vote Action, may have violated Pennsylvania campaign finance law during the 2025 election. The allegation concerns the failure to disclose sources of revenue or detailed expenditures as required by state law while campaigning for state Supreme Court retention judges.

Dozens of cities, counties, and fire departments across the nation are suing fire truck manufacturers over skyrocketing costs, alleged anti-trust conspiracies, and years-long delivery delays. The lawsuits were rolled up into a trio of antitrust class action lawsuits in a Wisconsin district court against REV Group Inc., Oshkosh Corporation, and Rosenbauer Group. Fire engine prices have nearly doubled since 2020, raising concerns among departments that struggle to maintain operational capacity.

A new analysis indicates that refugee admissions to the United States are on pace to hit their lowest record level during the first 10 months of the fiscal year. This steep decline has been noted since President Donald Trump began his second term, and the administration has capped refugee admissions for fiscal 2026 at 17,500. Historically, the U.S. admitted significantly higher numbers of refugees in previous years.

New research found that white-footed mice, rather than deer, are closely linked to increases in young blacklegged ticks, challenging assumptions about Lyme disease drivers. Researchers also determined that large acorn crops can set off a chain reaction, potentially leading to more ticks two years later. The study notes that mouse populations help predict the number of ticks, though not necessarily how many will carry Lyme bacteria.

The Innovate in PA 2.0 program aims to close the gap between invention and commercialization using $125 million provided in the recent state budget. The initiative supports companies like Carnegie Foundry, which created VoxEQ, a voice analysis tool used by banks to protect against impersonation attempts. Department of Economic and Community Development Secretary Rick Siger emphasized that this effort will strengthen Pennsylvania's competitive position amidst rapid technological change.

Maryland counties are implementing temporary data center moratoriums or outright bans due to concerns about the facilities' impact on local environments, noise, and community infrastructure. Grassroots organizations and lawmakers are advocating for sustainable development practices while assessing how these industrial projects fit into their communities. Harford County stands out as the only county cited that has imposed a full ban.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is ending its Deputy Game Warden program on September 1, affecting approximately 140 wardens across the state. These part-time or volunteer workers assist with law enforcement patrols and wildlife control. The decision stems from a goal of establishing a full-time professional workforce and follows a ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court regarding warrantless searches in "open fields."

State and local leaders are pushing for new laws to hold parents accountable for their children’s serious criminal offenses, proposing measures like fines, community service, or jail time. Examples include Louisiana's law allowing up to $5,000 fine for a school threat conviction and New Jersey making parents liable for incited public brawls. However, experts note there is little empirical evidence proving these laws actually reduce youth crime.

District attorneys expressed concern over potential 'chaos' resulting from the state legislature’s failure to create a sentencing structure for felony murder following an unconstitutional Supreme Court ruling regarding mandatory life sentences. Larry Krasner pointed to successful individualized resentencing efforts for juveniles as a template, citing Robert Saleem Holbrook as an example of community reintegration. The General Assembly was given 120 days to draft a solution but failed to achieve consensus.

Pennsylvania lawmakers proposed measures to regulate automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and the data they gather. Following reports of officers misusing the technology for stalking, Flock Safety announced it would shorten its default system storage period from 30 days to seven days. The article noted that police officer Michael McSherry pleaded guilty after being accused of using a similar system to stalk an ex-partner.

A leak in a 68-year-old petroleum pipeline beneath Mount Eyre Manor caused contamination of local drinking water supplies with toxic fuel components like benzene and xylenes. Energy Transfer discovered the leak in January 2025, leaving residents facing concerns over remaining fuel in the groundwater. Although the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is providing oversight, federal regulators, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, declined to intervene.