Pennsylvania House Passes Bill to Enhance Funding and Oversight of Cyber Charter Schools

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a bill, H.B. 1422, aimed at increasing funding oversight for cyber charter schools in the state.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joe Ciresi, received support from both Democrats and Republicans.

If it becomes law, the bill will place a cap on cyber charter school fund balances and require greater transparency in their records. Supporters argue that the bill will benefit students and ensure equal regulations for cyber charters and traditional public schools, while opponents claim it will harm students who struggle in traditional learning environments.

Reading United AC Women's Team Secures Historic Playoff Victory

In a significant milestone for the franchise, the Reading United AC women's team emerged victorious in their first-ever postseason game on Saturday. The game unfolded as an intense battle, with midfielder Abby Doyle, a graduate of Wyomissing, sealing the win with a crucial goal during the second period of extra time. Her goal propelled Reading to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fever SC in the championship match of the Women's Premier Soccer League Mid-Atlantic Conference, held in Bensalem.

With this triumph, United, boasting a strong season record of 8-1-2, will progress to the WPSL East Region playoffs, set to commence on July 15. The specific details regarding the playoff venue, timing, and opponent are yet to be determined.

Fever SC, who displayed commendable performance throughout the season, concluded their campaign with a respectable record of 6-3-0.

Split Verdict Delivered in Trial of Man Accused of Sexual Assault in Pennsylvania

In a trial in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a man has been found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual assault of his stepdaughter. The split verdict was delivered by a jury consisting of 10 men and 2 women after deliberating for five hours.

The defendant was found guilty of charges including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and aggravated indecent assault. However, he was acquitted on some counts of the same charges.

The trial relied heavily on the testimony of the woman who made the allegations, as there was little corroborating evidence.

The sentencing will be determined by the judge at a later date.

Pennsylvania Game Commissioners Propose Changes to License-Issuing Agent Program

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners convened on Friday to give preliminary approval to several modifications in its license-issuing agent program.

One significant proposal put forth by the commission is a reduction in the annual issuing agent application fee. Currently set at $500, the commission aims to decrease it to $200, taking into account the advancements in internet sales and on-site printing that have rendered the existing fee outdated. Consequently, this adjustment would eliminate the need for the agency's issuing agent rebate program.

Additionally, the rise of on-site printing has led to a decrease in the agency's paper stock investment, falling below the mandated $18,000 bond threshold. To align with this shift, the commission has suggested lowering the annual bond rate from $18,000 to $11,000.

In conjunction with the bond rate reduction, the commission has also proposed a decrease in the annual minimum sales requirement for license products per agent. Currently set at 50, the proposed modification would reduce it to 25 per agent each year.

Furthermore, the commission aims to eliminate the November-to-March application window for issuing agent applications. Instead, they plan to accept applications throughout the year, aiming to provide greater accessibility for issuing agent applicants without burdening the Game Commission unreasonably, as stated in a press release.

These proposed changes will undergo a final vote at the commission's upcoming meeting on September 15 and 16 in Erie.

Meta's Twitter Alternative, Threads, Sees Strong Initial Response with 30 Million Sign-ups

📲 Meta's newly launched microblogging platform, Threads, has made an impressive debut since its release last Thursday. Early estimates suggest that within the first seven hours, the platform garnered around 10 million sign-ups. By the end of the day, that number had exceeded 30 million, indicating a strong and enthusiastic response from users. The Threads app enables Instagram users to seamlessly transfer their account information to this alternative platform, providing a fresh destination for those dissatisfied with Elon Musk's management of Twitter.

• Jennie Belle (Evans) Clouser, 100, of Pottstown, PA, passed away on July 4, 2023, at her daughter's home in North Coventry Twp., PA. She was the wife of the late Bruce B. Clouser, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage until he passed away on July 18, 2013

• Anthony Edward Ryzinski, 94, husband of the late Ann Margaret (Digeronimo) Ryzinski, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Amity Place.

Upcoming Local Events

• Open Mic at SoulJoel's Tuesday July 11th at 7:00 PM

• Warehouse Warriors / Free Outdoor Show at Rivet! July 14th - 6-10PM

• 5th Annual Lew’s Crew Ride for Veteran & First Responder Suicide Awareness - July 15th, 9AM-4PM

• The Alley Arts & Craft July Event - July 30th, 12PM-5PM

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PHILLIES

Miami Marlins end Philadelphia Phillies' 13-Game Road Winning Streak with a 5-3 Victory

Jorge Soler's home run and tiebreaking sacrifice fly helped the Miami Marlins defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 on Saturday, bringing an end to the Phillies' franchise-record tying 13-game road winning streak.

Rookie Dane Myers contributed two hits and two RBIs, while Garrett Cooper had two singles for the Marlins. The game took a turn for the Phillies when their star slugger, Bryce Harper, was hit on his surgically repaired right elbow by a pitch from Marlins starter Braxton Garrett in the third inning. Although X-rays were negative, Harper left the game due to discomfort in his elbow. Bryson Stott replaced Harper in the lineup in the fifth inning.

Soler's sacrifice fly in the fourth inning gave the Marlins a 4-3 lead. In the seventh, Luis Arraez, who entered the game as a pinch hitter, added an RBI single to extend Miami's lead to 5-3, maintaining his major league-leading batting average of .388.

Pitcher Braxton Garrett, who threw for five innings, was lifted from the game. Despite not having his best stuff, he battled and kept the Marlins in contention against a strong Phillies team. Huascar Brazoban and Steven Okert also delivered solid performances on the mound.

In the ninth inning, A.J. Puk closed the game for the Marlins, earning his 15th save. Puk's resilience was highlighted, as he bounced back from consecutive blown saves in previous outings.

The Phillies managed to tie the game at 3 with Christian Pache's run-scoring double and Kyle Schwarber's RBI groundout in the second inning. However, their efforts fell short, and they were unable to break through against the Marlins' pitching.

The Marlins' early offensive burst, combined with strong pitching performances, secured the victory, ending the Phillies' impressive road winning streak.

USWNT

Megan Rapinoe Announces Retirement After Fourth World Cup Appearance

Just days ahead of her fourth World Cup appearance, Megan Rapinoe has revealed her decision to retire from professional soccer at the conclusion of the National Women's Soccer League season.

The 38-year-old athlete took to Twitter to share her announcement, expressing her astonishment at the transformative impact that soccer has had on her life.

With a profound sense of tranquility and gratitude, the Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup champion declared that this upcoming season would mark the end of her illustrious career in the beautiful game.

As the Women's World Cup commences on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand, the U.S. team will strive for an unprecedented third consecutive title.

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