School Phone Ban Heads to Shapiro

Pennsylvania public schools will ban student cellphone use from bell to bell starting in the 2027-28 school year after the state Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 1014, sending it to Gov. Josh Shapiro, who has said he’ll sign it.

Exceptions cover medical needs and educational purposes, and schools must give parents a way to reach their children during the day, such as a staffed office phone.

The bill first passed the Senate 46-1 in February, and the state’s largest teachers union says it will help teachers keep students engaged.

Pennsylvania will join 28 states with student cellphone restrictions, including 19 with bell-to-bell bans.

Allegheny Paid Leave Law Set for Signing

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato signed a paid parental leave mandate giving eligible workers up to 12 weeks of paid leave after a birth or adoption, the first such county requirement in the nation.

The county scaled back the original proposal from 18 weeks after pushback from businesses, also exempting smaller employers and lengthening how long workers must be on the job to qualify.

The Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association and the state Chamber argued the mandate could strain small businesses operating on thin margins.

Pittsburgh Angler Lands Record Catfish

A 36-pound, 2-ounce channel catfish caught by Dave Taylor during a nighttime tournament in the Pittsburgh area is officially Pennsylvania’s new state record.

It tops a 35-pound, 3-ounce record that had stood since Austin Roth caught his fish in the Lehigh Canal in 1991.

Taylor checked the record by phone after someone at the tournament suggested his fish might beat it, then had it weighed on certified scales with a state official present.

Pennsylvania state record fish are judged only by weight and must beat the old mark by at least two ounces.

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➤ Statewide: The Energy Department awarded $42 million toward the Constitution Pipeline, which would carry Pennsylvania natural gas to Northeast markets with limited access to it. (More)

➤ York: City schools lifted safety measures after a SWAT barricade ended on the 700 block of Courtland Street, where police were serving a warrant Wednesday. (More)

➤ Allentown: A supervisor at the Lehigh County Assistance Office is accused of stealing 48 EBT cards and using them in 270-plus transactions worth $20,558, including trading some for crack cocaine. (More)

➤ Philadelphia: The School District of Philadelphia pushed back on a congressional committee report accusing it of fostering antisemitism in its schools. (More)

➤ State College: The state House designated Aug. 15, 2026, as “One Million Degrees Day,” honoring Penn State for awarding its one millionth degree. (More)

➤ Reading: Habitat for Humanity plans to turn blighted houses in the Buttonwood Gateway and Ninth and Douglas neighborhoods into affordable homes. (More)

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➤ Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is reportedly expected to return from a hamstring injury Monday against the Dallas Cowboys. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni reportedly received a $250,000 NFL fine for his conduct toward officials, as did New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn. (See Details)

➤ Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel is back home after collapsing aboard the team’s flight from Salt Lake City, prompting the plane to return for an emergency landing. The 19-year-old experienced a vasovagal episode and could resume training this weekend. (More)

➤ The Philadelphia Flyers postponed a coaches’ “Chalk Talk” with season-ticket holders after the franchise’s first nine-game winless start and chants of “Fire Tocchet” at home. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NCAAF | NHL | NBA | Soccer | Golf

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➤ The state Agriculture Department awarded nearly $300,000 in grants to help sell and export Pennsylvania farm products, including to Adams County’s Big Hill Ciderworks. (More)

➤ Luzerne County reached an agreement to sell a rail line to Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad, which runs freight and passenger excursion trains across Northeastern Pennsylvania. (More)

➤ World Stage, the University City music venue formerly called World Cafe Live that shares a building with WXPN, is closing after months of bankruptcy, tax, and eviction troubles. (More)

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➤ Students from Spring Grove Area High School in York County will represent Pennsylvania in a NASA program, putting a literal spin on the advice to shoot for the stars. (More)

➤ Long lines wound through the Gettysburg National Military Park visitor center parking lot Wednesday as the U.S. Mint released its Gettysburg Address quarter, with visitors getting commemorative coin boards. (See Photos)

➤ The Pittsburgh Zoo’s CEO praised staff and neighbors who helped recapture two pelicans that escaped Saturday, and promised changes to keep the birds from getting out again. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. 

➤ Russia is reportedly using fishing trawlers to spy on the undersea cables that keep Britain connected to the world. (Hear Details)

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How often do you go fishing?

1. All season long
2. Once or twice a year
3. Every few years
4. Never

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever ridden an e-scooter?

1. No way: 57%
2. No, but I would: 33%
3. Once or twice: 8%
4. Yes, often: 2%

About how long did it take Abraham Lincoln to deliver the Gettysburg Address?

Show me the answer