today’s news and information gleanings from here and there! Today’s Weather!   Today in History!

Quote for today… “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

• from the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era: “Gunman terrorizes children in Manor Township“
•  Cyloicious L. Barnstormer, better known as“Cylo”, the Lancaster Barnstormers’ mascot, will be visiting the Columbia Public Library on Tuesday, August 9 at 1o:00 am. Mark the date on your calendar. Cylo’s visit to local public libraries is to recognize “storytime.”
• News from Jonal Gallery! Jonal Gallery poster and this article from EntertainmentLancaster!
• from Lancaster’s Intelligencer Journal/New Era: “Fee, tax hike in Manheim Township schools” – “School District of Lancaster union cancels pay-freeze vote“
• Huh? Another instance of how tough  it is for “public servants” to make a good decision (one not reliant on separate contributing factors)? Do you think the soda and grocery interests lobbyists had any influence on this? from the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era: “PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Local lawmakers approved a proposal Thursday to raise taxes on real estate, not soda, in order to help Philadelphia’s school system plug a $629 million deficit that has officials threatening hundreds of teacher layoffs.”Stakeholders and students filled City Council chambers all day as the panel weighed options for avoiding job losses and drastic program cuts in the cash-strapped district, which was seeking about $100 million in aid.”Late Thursday night, council members passed a preliminary plan to raise property taxes about 3.5 percent for one year to generate $37 million for education. Combined with money from the city’s surplus fund and a hike in parking meter fees, the total aid package comes to $53 million. A final vote is expected next week.”Mayor Michael Nutter had proposed a 2-cents-per-ounce tax on soda and other sweet drinks to generate $60 million for the schools — similar to a plan that was scrapped last year.”
• from the York Daily Record: “Eastern York School District approves tax increase“
• from the Harrisburg Patriot-News: “Carlisle Area School Board approves budget with 3.5% tax increase“
• from the Allentown Morning Call: “Transplant patient died after series of hospital errors, state says“