Monday, August 31, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1798, thieves pulled off what’s considered America’s first major bank robbery, lifting a staggering $162,821 from the Bank of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia’s Carpenters’ Hall.

Healthcare is back in the Harrisburg spotlight, as one Philadelphia lawmaker prepares to pitch a sweeping plan for a single state-run system. Would you support this healthcare system for Pennsylvania? Hit reply and let us know.

Today’s sponsor, Incogni, helps protect your privacy by removing personal information from data brokers and continuously monitoring for new exposures that could leave you vulnerable to scams, phishing, and identity theft.

Lawmaker to Pitch Single-Payer Plan

State Sen. Nikil Saval, a Philadelphia Democrat, plans to introduce a bill establishing a single-payer universal healthcare system covering every Pennsylvania resident.

The plan would create an Office of Healthcare within the state Department of Health to provide coverage, with no copays, deductibles, or caps, funded through a payroll tax.

Eligible participants would include all residents and non-residents working at least 20 hours a week in the state.

Saval argues Pennsylvania families pay more for less than their peers abroad, pointing to over $1.8 billion in medical debt statewide. Similar single-payer bills have stalled in Harrisburg every session since 2007, and this one faces a divided legislature.

PA Ends Century-Old Deputy Program

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is ending its deputy waterways conservation officer program on Sept. 1, after more than a century.

The move lays off 36 volunteer deputies who assist about 100 full-time officers across 29 counties, and it follows the Game Commission’s near-simultaneous decision to cut its own deputy game warden program.

Deputies, quasi-volunteers paid $100 for an eight-hour shift, were notified Aug. 12 and told the program’s end is a “natural evolution” of modern conservation law enforcement.

Board Chair Don Anderson said dwindling recruitment among younger generations drove the decision, with some regions down to just a handful of deputies.

Philadelphia Celebrates the Slinky, a PA Original

Philadelphia threw a weekend celebration for the Slinky, the walking-spring toy invented in the city, as the 35th stop in its yearlong 52 Weeks of Firsts series marking America’s 250th birthday.

Naval engineer Richard James dreamed up the toy in 1943 after a spring tumbled off a shelf at a Philadelphia shipyard, and his wife Betty coined the name. Their first 400 units sold out at Gimbels within minutes in 1945.

The two-day Firstival took place at the American Philosophical Society, Benjamin Franklin’s 1743 hub for useful knowledge. It featured a custom Slinky sculpture by local artist Jenn Procacci, hands-on toys, and a preview of a coming Slinky museum in Hollidaysburg, where the toy is still made.

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Unknown Number Calling? It’s Not Random

The BBC caught scam call center workers on hidden cameras as they laughed at the people they were tricking. One worker bragged about making $250k from victims. The disturbing truth? Scammers don’t pick phone numbers at random. They buy your data from brokers.

Once your data is out there, it’s not just calls. It’s phishing, impersonation, and identity theft. That’s why we recommend Incogni: They delete your info from the web, monitor and follow up automatically, and continue to erase data as new risks appear.

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➤ Statewide: PennDOT and the Department of Education are launching a $12 million grant program to expand highway-industry career pathways, with awards up to $500,000 and a Sept. 1 application deadline. (More)

➤ Centre County: Jerry Sandusky maintains his innocence from prison ahead of a Sept. 8 hearing that will explore claims an accuser wants to recant, as he serves a sentence for 45 counts of child sexual abuse. (More)

➤ Philadelphia: A fuel supplier is suing the owner of Freedom Fuel Network, which launched 25 discount gas stations, alleging non-payment of nearly $4 million. A judge ordered $2.75 million set aside. (More)

➤ Washington County: ICE has lodged a detainer against a Venezuelan national who was jailed in a hit-and-run that injured a preteen. (More)

➤ Pittsburgh: Motorcyclists rode to the Flight 93 National Memorial in a fundraiser commemorating the 9/11 attacks. (More)

➤ Easton: The fight over a proposed 1-million-square-foot Wood Avenue warehouse grinds on through four active court cases, after the planning commission rejected a plan that neighboring Wilson Borough had approved. (More)

➤ The Eagles released former Ohio State and Patriots cornerback Shaun Wade as they trimmed their roster to the regular-season limit. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, the Steelers made a surprising cut, moving on from veteran hard-hitting linebacker Elandon Roberts. (More)

➤ Katie Volynets claimed the inaugural Ennoble Care Philly Open title, capping a strong debut week for the WTA event that organizers believe has room to grow. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | IndyCar | LLWS

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➤ Do you know what the 4 Warning Signs that your vision is Declining… Nearly 93 million Americans are considered at high risk for serious vision loss. (More)

➤ Archbald’s Black Diamond Hose Company, a volunteer fire company serving the community for over 125 years, is fighting to stay open amid consolidation talks. (More)

➤ JPMorgan Chase is in talks to sublease a 63,000-square-foot floor at 2400 Market Street, consolidating its Center City operations as it grows its Philadelphia branch count past 100. (More)

➤ Kelly’s Seafood, a Northeast Philadelphia institution in Bustleton, is closing after 68 years in business. (More)

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➤ The Blood Sugar Warning Sign Most People Ignore. Feeling tired after eating, battling sudden cravings, or crashing midday? Don’t ignore these signs. Researchers are investigating a surprisingly simple daily habit that may help support healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range while promoting steadier energy throughout the day. See the simple blood sugar tip everyone is talking about >>

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It only takes one piece of your data to find you.

Your phone number can lead to your address, relatives, workplace, and more.

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➤ Hershey unveiled its largest-ever Hersheyween lineup, including over 20 new treats like a Kit Kat Witch, returning Cookies ‘N’ Creme Fangs, and its first big push into Halloween salty snacks. (See Details)

➤ Wildlife rescuers in Pennsylvania nursed a feisty cottontail nicknamed The Monty Python Rabbit that bit, kicked, and growled at volunteers, behavior that actually signaled it was healthy enough to return to the wild. (See Bunny)

➤ A Hocus Pocus speakeasy is taking over a former Hot Topic at Montgomery Mall from Sept. 12 to Nov. 8, with immersive shows and themed drinks. (More)

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➤ Surgeon Warns About “Drunken Gut” Phenomenon. Former surgeon and gut expert Dr. Steven Gundry is shedding light on “Drunken Gut,” a phenomenon where poor gut conditions may cause the body to produce alcohol internally. If you struggle with bloating, fatigue, weight gain, or trouble concentrating, Gundry says these could be warning signs worth knowing. Check for the signs now ==>

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

➤ One simple change to your eating habits could lower your risk of depression and dementia. It has nothing to do with what’s on your plate. (Hear Why)

➤ Canada is hiring away dozens of American researchers with a $362 million fund. The move opens a new front in the trade war. (Hear Details)

➤ A survival expert was dropped alone in the Arctic Circle with 10 tools, a camera, and grizzly bears for neighbors. His training began with boiling sea snails as a boy. (Hear Adventure)