State Budget & Schools: Pennsylvania’s $50.8B budget signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro boosts education funding, including $157M more for Philadelphia schools and a $670M increase for next year’s district allocations, while leaving out a statewide school cellphone ban. Criminal Justice: PA Attorney General Dave Sunday is urging House action on second-degree murder sentencing and parole rules before a July 24 Supreme Court deadline that ends mandatory life without parole for felony murder. Local Government Transparency: Clearfield Borough Council reaffirmed its mayoral appointment after a Sunshine Law misstep, underscoring how Pennsylvania’s open-meeting rules can force councils back into public view. Energy & Industry: JCP&L told customers storm damage was “comparable to hurricanes” after July 4 weekend outages tied to severe storms and extreme heat. Environment & Air Quality: Shapiro announced $267M in RISE PA grants to cut industrial emissions, funded through EPA climate pollution grants. Public Safety & Courts: A judge dismissed most claims in Philadelphia’s President’s House dispute, narrowing the city’s federal challenge. Economic Development & Military: Hermitage cleared a key step to buy the National Guard readiness center property for $920,000, paving the way for a new facility and community use. Education Policy: Bills to enact bell-to-bell school phone bans passed both chambers but still need reconciliation before Shapiro can sign. Cyber Charter Graduation: Reach Cyber Charter School held its Class of 2026 commencement for 699 STEM-focused graduates statewide. Justice System Watch: AG pushes House to act on murder-sentencing guidelines as lawmakers face deadlines and legal uncertainty.