“We can’t simply pass every increase along to our customer. We compete with manufacturers in other states and other countries. Our customers have choices. If the prices get too high, they can just go buy somewhere else. So a lot of these increases have to be absorbed by us as the business to the best of our ability.” — Richard Weyant, the facilities maintenance manager at Shirley’s Cookie Company in Blair County, on how rising energy costs are impacting businesses.

Good morning and happy Friday. The long farewell to August begins when the work day wraps up and the weekend begins. I’m okay with that — it’s time to break out the hoodies.

On this day in 2003, one of the strangest crimes in state history — which became known as the Pizza Bomber — unfolded outside Erie. Unfortunately, it had tragic consequences. Brian Wells, a pizza delivery driver, robbed a PNC Bank with a collar bomb locked around his neck. He was arrested soon after the crime, but the bomb exploded while state police were waiting for a bomb squad. The case took several twists and turns, but seven years later, a woman was convicted for her role in the plot. Wells’ true role in the case was never determined.

Thanks for starting your day with us. As always, we deeply appreciate you reading, sharing and supporting our work.  -- Tim 

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Maryland declares measles outbreaks in 3 counties: Despite Maryland’s relatively high measles vaccination rate statewide, those rates are slipping and varying coverage by county can leave community members exposed to potentially severe or deadly infection. One of the counties — Carroll — shares a border with Pennsylvania’s Adams and York counties.

Postal Service pushes ahead on Trump order limiting vote-by-mail: The U.S. Postal Service took another step in implementing a Trump administration policy to restrict mail-in voting, even as a high-stakes legal battle plays out and midterm elections approach. Pennsylvania and other states have argued the rule violates the U.S. Constitution, which grants them the power of administering elections.

Canadian tariffs to further raise prices, a top concern for voters: A developing trade war with Canada could bite Republicans ahead of the upcoming midterm elections as voters worry about rising prices. States like Pennsylvania could see effects if Canada follows through on retaliatory tariffs on things like alcohol, automobiles and dairy.

Trump has widened scope of anti-immigrant policy in second term: In President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, he has employed a governmentwide approach to fulfilling his immigration agenda that includes not only the central campaign promise of mass deportations, but curtailing what few federal benefits some immigrants had. 

In Tampa, RFK Jr. questions accuracy of report of measles deaths in Pa.: U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the Trump administration’s stances on childhood vaccinations Wednesday, questioning the accuracy of a report that that two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents have died amid a global measles outbreak.

Meta to pay Pa. and 46 other states in landmark child safety settlement: Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, on Wednesday agreed to pay 47 states, the District of Columbia, and a handful of U.S. territories, up to $17.1 billion in penalties over claims that its social media platforms are addictive and a danger to children. Pennsylvania is expected to receive at least $516 million over several years.

Judge allows independent candidate to remain on ballot in Pa. race: Chris Gambino, an independent candidate who is running in the 143rd state House District in Bucks County, will be allowed to stay on the ballot after a challenge to his nomination papers.