• DEP extends air quality alert: Smoke from wildfires in Canada is sending clouds of particulate matter southward, making the air unhealthy for high-risk groups. (Source: LNP)
• Chesapeake Bay gets ‘C’ in latest report on cleanup efforts: The bay’s net health score has increased by six points over the past two years. (Source: WBAL)
• Pa. bans xylazine for one year: The drug is commonly mixed with street opioids and is linked to a rising number of overdose deaths. (Source: Fox 43)
• Pa. House passes bill requiring electronic filing of campaign finance reports: The measure, which passed on a 102-101 party-line vote, would remove the requirement of filing with the county board of elections. (Source: AP)
• Sen. Scott Martin proposes making FAFSA mandatory: Students need to be aware of the financial resources available to them for higher education, Martin said. Students would have the option to opt out. (Source: ABC 27)
• Nation/world: Canadian wildfires prompt air-quality alerts in 13 states. (Source: ABC News) Pope Francis to undergo abdominal surgery. (Source: BBC News) Mike Pence launches presidential campaign. (Source: NBC News) GOP hard right retaliates against McCarthy for debt deal, blocking bills. (Source: AP) Gun murders, suicides reached new highs in 2021, claiming nearly 49,000 lives. (Source: UPI)