Good Morning, Pennsylvania: Erasing medical debt; hunting license sales; trooper update

Also, the state is under an air quality alert because of Canadian fires.

View in browser  |  Get our newsletters Good Morning, Pennsylvania THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 • TODAY'S WEATHER Another red alert Canadian wildfires are still burning, with hundreds out of control, and their smoke has returned over Pennsylvania and other U.S. states.   The entire state is under a Code Red air quality alert today, and things don't look like they'll clear tomorrow, either, according to the National Weather Service.   Small particles in the smoke can irritate eyes, noses and throats, and it can affect the heart and lungs, making it harder for some people to breathe. It's especially dangerous for children, the elderly and people with cardiac and respiratory issues, and they should stay inside as much as possible.   You can check the real-time air pollution levels for your town at airnow.gov.   Now, let's take a look at this morning's headlines. Curated by Janet Pickel PHOTO OF THE DAY: Families gathered at the Farm Show Complex yesterday to mark the Eid al-Adha holiday. (Photo by Mark Pynes, PennLive.com) Today's talkers Poor air quality: Because of smoke from Canadian wildfires, all of Pennsylvania is under a Red Alert for air pollution. The very old, very young and those with respiratory problems should limit outdoor activities. While the smoke is often described as smelling like a campfire, some people have reported an odor of plastic burning. Here's why.   Injured trooper update: A state police lieutenant remains in critical condition but is "recovering" after a shooting almost two weeks ago, according to reports. The gunman killed another trooper and was shot to death by police.   Police at fireworks: People planning to take in Harrisburg's July 4th fireworks can expect to see a large police presence. During last year's show, rumors started to circulate about an active shooter. Someone yelling "Gun!," plus the sound of firecrackers, caused a stampede    Hunting license issues: The head of the Pa. Game Commission admitted the launch of online sales of hunting licenses and antlerless deer tags "wasn't perfect," but called it instructive. Slowness and error messages in online and in-person sales that had hunters statewide complaining lasted only the first day, he said. Read more Profiles in Pride Pride continues: June, Pride month, is winding down, but celebrating and supporting LGBTQ+ people continues no matter what time of year it is. We are profiling some in central Pa. who are doing their part, including:  It's important for LGBTQ+ allies to listen: Floyd Stokes A commitment to social justice fuels Clare Twomey Creating inclusive learning spaces: John "Ski" Sygielski Messages of love, tolerance and acceptance: James Armbruster Advocate for safe spaces for students and teachers: Rich Askey Social justice, education equity: Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El Philanthropic advocate supporting cultural alliances: Bryan Tate Read more Entertainment Fireworks and not: Fourth of July fireworks will be set off at some larger festivals and carnivals as well as small events. Here's where to see them. The holiday is Tuesday, and weekend celebrations are on tap, too. Some of the events will not include explosives.   Pa. Superman: The newest Superman has been confirmed. He's not from  Kansas or Krypton, but from Pennsylvania.   Riverfront festival: Harrisburg will host an Independence Day celebration from 1-9 p.m. July 4 with food trucks, music, a wine and beer garden, kids activities and fireworks.   Free concerts: Harrisburg will host a series of free outdoor concerts at Reservoir Park in July. Read more Advertisement Politics Ending medical debt: The state House has approved a plan that would use tax money to pay off healthcare debt for some people.  See also: Bill would mandate nurse staffing levels at hospitals    School vouchers: Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro is trying to wrap up his first budget by the start of the fiscal year on Saturday. However, a fight over school vouchers – state money for some kids to attend private schools – could hold everything up. See also: Hey, Pa. lawmakers, opportunity's knocking | John Baer   Presidential poll: A poll released yesterday shows President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in a statistical tie in the 2024 presidential race. In Pa., Trump leads the Republican primary field. See also: FBI, Homeland Security ignored 'massive amount' of info before Capitol riot: report Read more Sports Your questions, his answers: Bob Flounders is answering readers' questions about Penn State football. See also: How Penn State's draft picks are faring in the NFL Read more OTHER DON'T-MISS STORIES Pa. cop charged with trying to kill his wife Restructuring Harrisburg University eliminates 9 job positions More U.S. prisoners to get government-paid college Penn State's student newspaper could lose university funding Child services workers arrested, accused of ignoring neglect: reports You're caught up. Thanks for joining us in Good Morning, Pennsylvania. You can always find the latest Pennsylvania news by visiting PennLive.com. If you value the hard work of our journalists, consider becoming a subscriber.   See you next issue. GAMES & COMICS Today's Crossword More free puzzles & games Today's Comics Today's crossword Puzzles & games Today's comics CRIME, CRASHES, CALAMITIES: UPDATES FROM THE PENNLIVE COPS DESK NEWSLETTER Know what's going in your neighborhood and beyond with the latest police, fire, traffic, courts and related news. Click here to subscribe. 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