Help for homeless vets; spelling bee results; grad photos: Good Morning, Pennsylvania

Look, but don’t touch

This batch of rainless, sunny, hot weather might not be good for plants, but it’s made for a great time to be outside.

Naturally, wildlife is also outside. And, as our Brian Linder pointed out this week, that means there will be run-ins between humans and animals. The Pa. Game Commission has issued a “Springtime Alert” in the hopes of making those run-ins problem-free.

What should you do if you see an animal in the wild, maybe something cute like a baby deer by itself or a tiny bird out of its nest? Leave it alone, the Game Commission says. Don’t touch.

“While some animals might appear to be abandoned, usually they are not,” the commission said. “It’s likely their mothers are watching over them from somewhere nearby. So, when encountering young wildlife, be it deer, birds, raccoons or other animals, the best thing you can do is leave it alone.”

Keep moving, humans. Thanks.

Now, let’s take a look at this morning’s headlines.

Arrests in children’s killings: Two brothers, ages 8 and 9, were playing outside their Lebanon home when three men opened fire, officials said. The shooters were targeting a 19-year-old, who was killed with the boys, police said. One of the suspects was connected to other shootings this year, police said. A fundraiser has been started for the boys’ family.

Plane crashes near turnpike: A 74-year-old man in a small plane was killed when the craft went down near Capital City Airport Wednesday and hit a truck on the turnpike exit ramp. A source says the plane was trying to make an emergency landing.

Shooting charges: A man was shot in the face while in a bedroom of a Harrisburg home last week, police said. The shooting suspect, who lived at the home, is charged with attempted homicide, police said.

Man accused in standoff: A man who barricaded himself inside a stranger’s Harrisburg apartment and held a 2-year-old girl at gunpoint had tried to get into other homes, according to court documents. He’d been wanted on a parole violation. The standoff ended when police shot him.

Special seafood dish: Tatiana’s Restaurant in Mechanicsburg adds to our Best Eats list with its unique tropical rum coconut-crusted sea bass with lump crab and jumbo shrimp. The restaurant serves a blend of Mediterranean, Ukrainian and other European cuisines.

Wish list: As central Pa. population grows, more chain restaurants are opening in the region. However, there are notable franchises still missing.

A day for treats: Today is National Doughnut Day. Both Dunkin’ and Duck Donuts are among the places giving out free doughnuts (with some restrictions, naturally).

Spelling Bee: A Pennsylvania boy was one of 11 finalists in the Scripps National Spelling Bee last night. He did not win, but a 14-year-old from Florida did.

Thrill ride: Wildcat’s Revenge, Hersheypark’s newest roller coaster, opens to the public today. However, the park gave the media a sneak peek yesterday. Here’s what it’s like.

Homes for veterans: Groundbreaking has been scheduled for a village of tiny houses in Harrisburg that would give homeless veterans a place to live.

High school grads: Seniors from central Pa. high schools are graduating this month. Last night, we took photos at ceremonies for Hershey and Harrisburg students.

Smells good: It’s been 25 years since Bath & Body Works introduced the cucumber melon scent. It’ll be back for a sale starting tomorrow.

Young heroes: Three Pennsylvania middle school students are being hailed as heroes for saving a woman from a burning home. They saw flames as they were walking by.

New head Penguin: After seven weeks, dozens of interviews and a last-minute entrant into their search process, the Pittsburgh Penguins have their new hockey operations leader, and it is the person who was the most obvious candidate from the start.

Camp counselor: Penn State football quarterback Drew Allar will receive tips of the trade from Peyton and Eli Manning as he attends the Manning Passing Academy as a counselor.

• See also: Penn State football mailbag