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Gov. Shapiro meeting with farmers, agriculture officials as Pennsylvania bird flu cases spread

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Gov. Shapiro meeting with farmers, agriculture officials as Pennsylvania bird flu cases spread



Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is set to meet with farmers and state agriculture officials Tuesday to discuss concerns about rising bird flu cases in the state.

Since the start of 2026, more than 7 million birds in commercial and backyard flocks in Pennsylvania have been affected by avian flu outbreaks, United States Department of Agriculture data shows. Most of those cases have been reported in commercial flocks in Lancaster.

According to the governor’s office, Pennsylvania has lost more than 14.3 million birds since the current bird flu outbreak first started in February 2022.

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Shapiro announced earlier this month that 42 USDA employees were dispatched to the commonwealth to help dozens of state employees working to mitigate the spread of avian flu.

In addition to bird flu concerns among commercial and backyard flocks, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking the public to be on alert for sickness in wild birds as migration ramps up in the coming weeks. Symptoms of avian flu in birds include neurological signs like swimming or walking in circles, unnatural head tilts, tremors, seizures and difficulty flying.

Bird flu spreads through feces and saliva, which can impact other animals and humans. People who come across a bird that might be infected with avian flu are urged not to touch the animals and report the case to the Game Commission.

The most significant wild bird flu response happened this winter, back in December and January, when about 2,000 birds — most of which were snow geese — were found dead in a Northampton County quarry.

Last week, two parks in Pitman, New Jersey, were closed as officials investigated suspected bird flu infections among dozens of Canadian geese. About half a dozen municipalities in Gloucester County reported “an abundance of dead geese,” officials said, and according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, more than 1,100 dead or sick wild birds were reported in the state from Feb. 14-16.

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Pennsylvania

A gap in Pennsylvania law has put fire companies and county treasurers at odds over online raffles

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A gap in Pennsylvania law has put fire companies and county treasurers at odds over online raffles






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Pennsylvania House approves bill to restrict cellphones in schools

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Pennsylvania House approves bill to restrict cellphones in schools


Pennsylvania is another step closer to restricting cellphone usage in schools after the state House passed a bill on a bipartisan vote on Monday, June 1, 2026.

House Bill 1814 would prohibit students in Pennsylvania’s public schools from using or possessing a cellphone during the school day. Under the bill, students would be required to secure their phones in a way that prevents access until the end of the day with exceptions being for certain emergency and medical needs approved by school administrators.

The bill now moves to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. The state Senate had previously passed legislation back in 2024 that encouraged school districts in Pennsylvania to start a pilot program that effectively banned cellphone use during the school day in an effort to improve the mental health and academic performance of students.

Governor Josh Shapiro and multiple Pennsylvania educators have also called for restrictions on cellphone usage in schools.

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“Our children need this bill,” Rep. Mandy Steele (D-33rd District) said. “It’s taken a lot of hard work to get this bill to this point, but it’s been worth the effort. Research shows that unfettered access to devices is harming our children, and many educators tell me this bill is desperately needed. Governor Shapiro has urged the General Assembly to send him a bill banning cell phones in schools, and I urge the Senate to send this bill to his desk for the benefit of our children.”

Currently, at least 38 states and the District of Columbia restrict cellphone usage in schools, according to Education Week.



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12 Things To Do in Hershey, Pennsylvania, This June 2026

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12 Things To Do in Hershey, Pennsylvania, This June 2026


“;

01

June

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2026

|

09:07 AM

America/New_York

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Top Events and Attractions in The Sweetest Place On Earth this month

Happy June! The summer season in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is in full swing with so many things to do all month long. Keep reading for some of our top picks. 

1. Spend The Day at Hersheypark

Open Daily; Hours Vary

Hersheypark amusement park is now open daily for its 120th summer season, with special events and activations in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary

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The largest amusement park in Pennsylvania features three parks in one this summer – all accessible via a single admission. Guests can enjoy more than 70 rides, including the most coasters in the Northeast, a full water park and an 11-acre zoo

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2. Cool Off at The Boardwalk 

Open Daily, Weather Permitting; Hours Vary

Make a splash this summer at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark water park! Enjoy thrill rides like the Whitecap Racer and Breaker’s Edge Water Coaster, or relax on the 1,360-foot Intercoastal Waterway lazy river. Plus, experience our two new water play areas, The Inlet and The Island at Bayside Pier, or get drenched by the massive East Coast Waterworks and its 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. Access to The Boardwalk is included with general Hersheypark admission.

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3. Visit ZooAmerica

Open Daily; Hours Vary

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open every day in June for guests to explore a variety of habitats filled with North American animals such as river otters, Canada lynx and a black bear. The zoo offers daily summer activities, such as special animal enrichment and training sessions for guests to watch, weather permitting. 

Hersheypark tickets include entry to ZooAmerica only by accessing the Zoo through the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. Those interested in visiting ZooAmerica in the morning before Hersheypark opens must purchase separate Zoo admission tickets online or at the Zoo Admissions Building.

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4. Jazz On The Veranda at The Hotel Hershey

June 5 & 12; 7 to 10 p.m.

Unwind on the veranda at The Hotel Hershey on select Fridays this summer for live music, sweet views, cocktails and light shareables available for walk-up service. Seating is first-come, first-served. 

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6. Learn About Milton Hershey at the 1893 World’s Fair at The Hershey Story Museum

June 13 & 14; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Step into the excitement and innovation of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair at The Hershey Story Museum! Discover how the historic event shaped Milton Hershey’s future and the future of chocolate during a two-day, immersive event. The family-friendly indoor-outdoor experience features hands-on activities and interactive “innovation stations” inspired by the groundbreaking inventions and technologies showcased at the original 1893 fair.

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7. Father’s Day Celebrations at Hershey Gardens

June 21; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Treat Dad to a stunning display of classic Rolls-Royces and Bentleys at Hershey Gardens while learning the history of these luxury vehicles from the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club. Afterward, stroll through the grounds to enjoy 3,000 vibrant roses in full bloom just in time for the first day of summer. As a special gift, all dads receive free admission to the Gardens on Father’s Day, and the car display is included with general admission.

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8. Youth Takeover Day at The Hershey Story Museum

June 27; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Experience Hershey history through the eyes of the community’s youth on Youth Takeover day at The Hershey Story Museum. As part of this annual national event, local students will take center stage to highlight young voices, ideas and leadership within the museum. Guests are invited to engage in hands-on activities, explore the Museum Experience and gain fresh perspectives on our region’s past through the unique insights of our local participants. This special programming is included with general Museum Experience admission.

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9. Enjoy Outdoor Dining

Daily; Reservations Available at Selection Locations

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, join us for sweet outdoor dining (weather permitting) at the locations below across the destination:

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10. Relax With A Summer Spa Treatment

Daily; Appointments Highly Encouraged

The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa by Hershey mark the return of their summer seasonal treatments this month! Treat yourself to a day of pampering at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey with summer spa packages like the Vacation For A Day Package or indulge in the Summer Strawberry Collection at MeltSpa by Hershey with treatments including the Summer Strawberry Immersion, Scrub, Manicure and Pedicure. 

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11. National Rose Month at Hershey Gardens

June is National Rose Month, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Hershey Gardens, home to 3,000 blooming roses in 115 stunning varieties. To mark the occasion, any guest named “Rose” (or a variation thereof) will receive free admission all month long.

Plus, in honor of National Red Rose Day, Hershey Gardens is hosting special 30-minute guided tours of the Historic Hershey Rose Garden on Saturday, June 13, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tours are included with general admission.

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12. Book A Getaway at an Official Resort of Hersheypark

Extend your visit to The Sweetest Place On Earth with an overnight getaway to one of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark! Save with popular summer packages, including the guest-favorite Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE Package – back for a limited time at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites. Or, celebrate National Camping Month with the Hersheypark Summer Camping Package, including Park tickets and accommodations at Hersheypark Camping Resort

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Resort guests can make a splash at the outdoor pool complexes, open daily through Labor Day. Plus, enjoy daily resort activities, including Hershey Character appearances, s’mores roasts, chocolate bingo and more.

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