Lori Burkholder

Pennsylvania State Police charged Arlin Martin and his son Jaron Martin of Greencastle with multiple counts of child rape following reports from several victims describing years of sexual abuse beginning as early as 1997. Investigators identified Arlin as the primary abuser and allege that Jaron participated in some of the assaults. Charges were filed after victims independently came forward with accounts spanning several years.

Police charged Tiffany Rife of Arendtsville with arson for pouring gasoline on a Jeep and setting it on fire inside a Hanover garage, damaging the vehicle and structure. A 15-year-old from Arendtsville is also expected to face charges for allegedly planning the incident. Court documents state a firefighter was injured while putting out the flames.

Residents in Harrisburg bought protective masks as wildfire smoke degraded air quality, with hardware stores reporting high demand for N95 and KN95 respirators. Health experts emphasized that only these respirators provide effective filtration of fine particles in wildfire smoke, noting that dust masks, surgical masks, and cloth coverings offer little protection.

The 717 area code, one of the original North American area codes created in 1947, is celebrated annually on July 17 as 717 Day in central Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Utility Commission introduced the 223 overlay in 2017 to meet rising demand for phone numbers. The area code’s history includes a pop‑culture reference in the TV series The Office, which once used the outdated 717 code for a Scranton‑based character. Governor Josh Shapiro’s office marked the occasion by issuing a celebratory message.

Pennsylvania is sending a wildland firefighting crew to Minnesota to support suppression efforts in the Boundary Waters region, where heavy smoke and ongoing wildfires have prompted an expanded response. Minnesota’s National Guard has been assisting for several days using Black Hawk helicopters to slow fire growth from the air while ground crews work on containment. National Guard members describe coordinating water drops and emphasize the positive impact of their work on nearby communities.

A controlled explosion demolished the Commercial Street Bridge along Pittsburgh’s Parkway East to prepare for installation of a 22‑million‑pound replacement structure. The implosion was delayed from the previous night due to fading daylight but proceeded without damaging the new bridge. Residents reported vibrations and watched the demolition, while officials confirmed no air‑quality concerns. Cleanup will take several days before crews slide the new bridge into place, with the affected section of I‑376 expected to reopen by early August.

West Lampeter Township officials are reviewing zoning ordinances to prepare for potential AI data center proposals, despite believing the area currently lacks the land, water and power capacity needed for such facilities. Council members emphasized the need for clear definitions, location rules and protections to safeguard community resources. Staff will begin examining other municipalities' ordinances and drafting possible zoning language.

Authorities in Pennsylvania arrested 60-year-old Lisa Miller after an 8-year-old girl was found in a car suffering from a seizure, restrained by multiple seatbelts, and allegedly forced to drink bleach. Emergency alerts from West Virginia prompted police to locate the vehicle, where troopers documented signs of ongoing abuse including bruises and ligature marks. The child was airlifted to a hospital and was last reported to be in stable condition. Miller faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child.

Over 70 demonstrators gathered in downtown Carlisle, Pennsylvania, protesting the war in Iran and calling for the end of ICE. Organizers, including representatives from Cumberland Valley Rising, emphasized creating inclusive spaces for people learning about social injustices and noted that turnout exceeded expectations.

State police in Pennsylvania stopped a speeding van on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Cumberland County and discovered more than 700 pounds of marijuana and 200 THC vape cartridges valued at over $3.3 million. The driver, Yackov Bitan, lacked a valid license, and both he and passenger Yosef Marchette face charges.

A Chester County man, Kevin Krebs, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for possessing an unregistered firearm or explosive device after being found with weapons at a 2022 “No Kings” rally in West Chester. Police and the FBI observed him wearing a tactical vest and hiding a gun, and later searches uncovered additional firearms, ammunition, knives, and explosive devices.

Fulton Financial completed its acquisition of New Jersey‑based Blue Foundry Bank, prompting the rebranding of more than 215 financial centers under the Fulton Bank name. The company introduced a dedicated support system to help customers navigate the transition across the Mid‑Atlantic region.

Pennsylvania lawmakers approved several measures during a rare weekend session, including a bill requiring schools to notify parents about bullying incidents, legislation transferring ownership of a historic 1798 church to the Friends of Peace Church, and a major overhaul of human trafficking laws that emphasizes prosecuting traffickers and includes language decriminalizing HIV status when another crime is committed.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Carlisle to headline the 2026 Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit at the Army War College. Senator Dave McCormick confirmed Trump will attend Wednesday, as the summit begins Tuesday and gathers leaders from defense, technology, finance, and government sectors.

A World War II Army Good Conduct Medal found in an abandoned safe‑deposit box was returned to the family of Sgt. George Pershing during a ceremony. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity presented the medal, ribbon and lapel pin to Pershing’s son after research through the unclaimed property program. Pershing served at Utah Beach during D‑Day and later in the Battle of the Bulge, and the medal recognizes exemplary conduct and service.

Phoenixville hosts its annual Blobfest, celebrating the 1958 film The Blob with screenings, themed events, and a reenactment of the movie’s iconic run-out scene at the Colonial Theatre. Festival organizers highlight the event’s growth, community impact, and enduring appeal rooted in classic sci-fi nostalgia and local cinema history.

Graham Platner suspended his Maine Senate campaign after denying a sexual assault allegation, prompting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to support both the decision and the alleged victims. The Democratic field is reopening, with Troy Jackson and Nirav Shah declaring their intentions to seek the nomination. The eventual nominee will face Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November election.

Federal prosecutors determined that Roll R Way violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by denying entry to families with diabetic children who brought necessary food and drinks for blood sugar regulation. The skating rink chain agreed to a settlement that includes paying $500 to each family that filed a complaint.

Harrisburg communications director Mischelle Moyer was removed from Mayor Wanda Williams’ administration after being placed on administrative leave the previous week. City officials did not disclose the reason for the decision, and Moyer had served in the position since December 2024.

Temple University will raise tuition 3.4% and lay off about 40 employees under its newly approved $1.3 billion budget, which still projects a $25 million deficit. Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education is launching the PASSHE Pledge, a last-dollar scholarship program that will eliminate tuition costs for eligible in‑state undergraduates and will take effect in fall 2027. PASSHE also approved a $172 per‑semester tuition increase for in‑state students next year, bringing the rate to just over $4,000 per semester.

Police responded to a July 4 shooting in Columbia where a woman was injured after being shot while fleeing from Skyler Barr. Officers recovered multiple 9mm casings and noted property damage to a home and vehicles. Barr, legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior convictions, was arrested and charged with attempted homicide.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission approved a 3.5% toll increase effective January 3, marking the 19th consecutive year of rising rates, though the commission noted it is the smallest increase since 2014.

Authorities discovered two young children living in a filthy Philadelphia home during a federal search tied to threats against the White House. Agents found unsanitary conditions, numerous dead animals, and signs of neglect. The parents were taken into custody and are expected to face child endangerment charges, while the children were placed under the care of the Department of Human Services as federal and local investigations continue.

Police in East Cocalico Township request the public’s help identifying the driver of a silver sedan that drove into a resident’s driveway in the Carriage Hill development and crashed into a garage door before fleeing early on June 26. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the township police department.

Fifteen‑year‑old Liam Fanning of York County competed for the U.S. national amputee soccer team in his first international tournament in Poland, starting in matches despite being the youngest player on a team of adults. Team officials praised his composure, skill, and potential for future stardom in amputee soccer.

A Pennsylvania state trooper was killed during safety inspections on Interstate 81, and 33‑year‑old Michael Bon is charged with homicide by vehicle and related offenses. Homeland Security officials say Bon, originally from Haiti, was in the U.S. illegally after his temporary protected status application was not granted and his parole was later terminated. He allegedly refused to leave the country and is now being held on an immigration detainer.

Philadelphia canceled its Salute to Independence Parade due to extreme heat after attempts to shorten the route failed to mitigate safety risks. Floats traveled the route without participants, and officials cited temperatures reaching 117 degrees and reports of workers feeling ill. Organizers determined they could not ensure the safety of performers, including marching bands and military groups.

A 16-year-old suspect, Azzubair Outen-Fleming, was arrested in Colorado in connection with the fatal shooting of Penn State student Billy Schmidt in Philadelphia. Authorities are offering a combined $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of another suspect, 16-year-old Kaiseem Smith. Schmidt was killed near his home after returning from watching the NBA Finals, and surveillance footage captured the suspects before the shooting. Both teens involved face murder charges.

A July 4 America250 Extravaganza at Penn Medicine Park will proceed despite a regional heat wave, with organizers implementing cooling measures such as splash zones, shade tents, added EMS staff and ice stations. The free event will include activities across the property and a performance by the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra. Guests may bring unopened water and non‑alcoholic beverages, and parking guidance and accessibility accommodations are provided. Event hours run from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Lancaster County district attorney ruled out criminal charges against a Warwick School District employee who inadvertently left Callie, a facility dog, in her car, leading to the dog's death. Investigators found no evidence of intentional, knowing, or reckless behavior, noting the handler forgot the dog was in the vehicle and was remorseful. Lititz Borough police said their investigation was thorough and that the subject cooperated. The school district superintendent acknowledged the tragedy, addressed circulating rumors, and explained that legal guidance delayed public communication.

Staff at Mount Gretna Lake & Beach are preparing for extreme heat by training lifeguards to handle heat-related emergencies and emphasizing hydration for both visitors and employees as temperatures rise in Lebanon County.

Lancaster Central Market in Pennsylvania, founded in 1730, remains the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States and continues to attract thousands of visitors weekly. Originally an outdoor market on land donated by Anne and Andrew Hamilton, it now features long-running family businesses such as Groff’s Farms and Long’s Horseradish, both emphasizing tradition and community continuity. As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, the market stands as a living reminder of American history, with its 300th anniversary set for 2030.