Good Morning, Pennsylvania: School bus drivers; new pizza place; housing plans

Also, Cuba's Little League World Series coach left Pennsylvania.

View in browser  |  Get our newsletters Good Morning, Pennsylvania TUESDAY, AUG. 22, 2023 • TODAY'S WEATHER Feeling unwell and unsafe After two central Pa. women were killed by their partners within a month of each other, it felt like a huge jump in murder-suicides was happening.    It wasn't – but the crime is still on the rise. And, as the victims' heartbroken loved ones will say, even one is too many.   Our Christine Vendel wrote that, while rare, murder-suicides are happening more often across the nation. The number hit an all-time high last year: 670. Pennsylvania ranks among the top 10 states for murder-suicides, which happen here on average about three times a month.   Central Pa. also has seen an increase, but the trend is harder to see because murder-suicides are still relatively uncommon.   Can they be prevented? Experts and analysts point to mental health care, reducing access to firearms and being more open to talking about suicide.    If you or someone you know is suicidal or in crisis, call or text 988 anytime from anywhere.    Now, let's take a look at this morning's headlines. Curated by Janet Pickel PHOTO OF THE DAY: South Mountain Elementary School students arrive Monday for the first day of school in the Northern York County School District. (Dan Gleiter, PennLive.com) Today's talkers Coach disappears: The coach of the first Cuban team at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., disappeared over the weekend. He had help leaving the complex, officials said. Reports say he's in Spain.  See also: Only girl in 2023 Little League World Series can do it all   New places to live: A developer wants to convert the 11-story former federal building in Harrisburg into 162 apartments. Another is planning on a housing development in South Middleton Township. See also: Business, housing projects planned for central Pa.   Jan. 6 charges, connections: Lowell Gates of Cumberland County made headlines when he was arrested on federal assault charges in the probe of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Donald Trump supporters. The case was more eye-popping in the Harrisburg area, though, because of Gates' leading position in the commercial real estate market, his forays into Republican politics, and an earlier brush with the law. See also: Trump to surrender Thursday in Georgia Read more School starts School bus drivers: Companies in central Pa. say they have enough bus drivers to get kids back and forth to school. Beyond that, there might not be enough drivers for other activities as thousands of jobs are open statewide.     When they go: The first day of school varies across central Pennsylvania, but most students will be back in class by the end of the month. Some start today, including Carlisle, Bishop McDevitt and Lancaster. See also:  Photos from the first day of school   Uniforms for students: The Harrisburg School District is ending its uniform policy after more than 10 years. This year, kids can wear what they want, as long as it conforms to the district's dress code.   Free breakfast: All Pennsylvania public school students, regardless of income, are eligible this year for free school breakfast. Read more Food & fun New pizza place: A household name in Philadelphia, Santucci's Original Square Pizza has arrived in Cumberland County. See also: Pa. restaurant chosen as one of the best in the U.S.   Holiday show: The Grammy-winning a capella group Pentatonix will bring its winter holiday-themed show to Hershey in December See also: Lee Brice at Hollywood Casino recap Read more Advertisement Crashes 5 in SUV hurt: Three adults, including a 20-year-old driver, and two children were hospitalized after a Monday morning crash along Route 422 in Hershey, police said. Their vehicle hit a tree.   Trooper charged: Prosecutors charged an off-duty Pennsylvania state trooper with homicide by vehicle for causing a fiery head-on crash that killed a woman this year.   Driver injured: A high-speed crash ripped a BMW into pieces and seriously injured its 36-year-old driver in Lebanon County, authorities said.   Firefighter killed: A Pennsylvania man is facing charges after state police say he sped into an accident zone and hit and killed a volunteer fireman directing traffic. See also: State police investigating 2 fatal crashes in 1 county Read more Sports Good start: Hershey's Christian Pulisic moved from one storied European club to another last month. Yesterday, he scored in his debut with AC Milan. See also: Spanish soccer head apologizes for kissing player on lips after Women's World Cup win   National honors: A pair of Penn State football standouts were recognized nationally, named to the Associated Press preseason All-America team. See also: Photos of Penn State freshmen in uniform Read more OTHER DON'T-MISS STORIES Man on parole shot 4 people in Harrisburg: police Big 33 Football Classic moving to fourth location since 2017 Curfews have helped control mobs of teens at Jersey Shore: police You're caught up. Thanks for joining us in Good Morning, Pennsylvania. You can always find the latest Pennsylvania news by visiting PennLive.com. If you value the hard work of our journalists, consider becoming a subscriber.   See you next issue. GAMES & COMICS Today's Crossword More free puzzles & games Today's Comics Today's crossword Puzzles & games Today's comics CRIME, CRASHES, CALAMITIES: UPDATES FROM THE PENNLIVE COPS DESK NEWSLETTER Know what's going in your neighborhood and beyond with the latest police, fire, traffic, courts and related news. Click here to subscribe. EAT, SHOP, GO WITH PENNLIVE NEWSLETTER Your weekly report on food, restaurants, businesses, retail centers, things to do and places to go all around central Pa. Click here to subscribe. TODAY'S OBITUARIES Click here to read PennLive obituaries. TODAY IN PA PODCAST: Pa. cops thwart nightclub shooting Listen to PennLive's daily news briefing at this link, or on your favorite apps, including Alexa, Apple, Spotify and Stitcher. NOT ENOUGH NEWS? PennLive content is included with both print and digital subscriptions. You can also choose from our selection of local news, sports or lifestyle newsletters and apps. WANT TO SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH A FRIEND? Did someone share this newsletter with you? Click here so you don't miss a day! CONTACT THE NEWSROOM To contact the newsroom with a tip or question, please click here.   Unlimited Digital Access. Start today for $1 (cancel anytime) Subscribe now! Start today for $1 (cancel anytime) Subscribe now! 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