Today in PA | A PennLive daily news briefing with Claudia Dimuro artwork

Today in PA | A PennLive daily news briefing with Claudia Dimuro

1,229 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 42 ratings

It's what you need to know about what's happening in Pennsylvania, delivered to you in around 5 minutes every weekday morning by PennLive.com reporter Claudia Dimuro. "Today in Pa." brings you the biggest stories in the state, whether they're hard news, entertainment, sports or business.

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Episodes

Dec. 4, 2023

December 04, 2023 10:31 - 4 minutes

Police in Pittsburgh arrested two individuals last week following a threat on social media against a school. Philly officials have banned ski masks in certain public spaces. 2024 fishing licenses are now on sale, although at slightly higher costs. Plus, forget gingerbread houses – let’s make some pretzel cabins.

Dec. 1, 2023

December 01, 2023 10:31 - 4 minutes

A cyber defense agency is warning how vulnerable water utilities are to cyber attacks after an incident occurred in Aliquippa on Saturday. Stores and cops are preparing themselves for the holiday theft season, especially with retail thefts up nationwide. Pennsylvania is purportedly “freer” than most other states. Finally, one man’s trash is another woman’s piano.

Nov. 30, 2023

November 30, 2023 10:31 - 5 minutes

State officials are thinking about possibly divesting public funds from China. Yet another health network with locations in Pennsylvania and Jersey has been hit by a cyber attack. A new report from USA Today has detailed how parents are supporting their adult children. Lastly, the people who had wanted to leave their remains to the Mütter Museum are now unsure if their last wishes will be met.

Nov. 29, 2023

November 29, 2023 10:31 - 4 minutes

The owners of multiple McDonald’s located in western Pennsylvania have been hit with child labor violations courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor. A school district in Bucks County has ended its contract with a consulting firm which promised to create an “ideology-free education.” Rite Aid announced that more of its stores will close. And a beloved hot dog vendor retires.

Nov. 28, 2023

November 28, 2023 10:31 - 2 minutes

A string of strange lights were spotted over the central part of the state, but don’t be alarmed — there’s an explanation for this.

Nov. 27, 2023

November 27, 2023 10:31 - 2 minutes

There’s a “death positive” movement steadily gaining ground in Philadelphia that’s on a mission to “demystify and decommercialize the end of life,” according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Nov. 24, 2023

November 24, 2023 10:31 - 2 minutes

A 63-year-old woman completed her 100th marathon in Philadelphia, a race which, mind you, was also her seventh of the year.

Nov. 22, 2023

November 22, 2023 10:31 - 4 minutes

Many Pittsburgh residents are claiming that they’ve been charged thousands of dollars for towing after being in a car crash. State police are planning DUI checkpoints ahead of this weekend. The soon-to-open firearms deer season is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of hunters to the state. Lastly, what do you think Pennsylvania’s favorite Thanksgiving dish is?

Nov. 21, 2023

November 21, 2023 10:31 - 4 minutes

A restaurant owner reportedly shot a teenager who was trying to steal a tip jar. The Saucon Valley School District has settled with The Satanic Temple over an After School Satan Club. A property management company prevented tenants from posting negative reviews about them. And the owners of a jewelry store chain are leaving it to their loyal employees.

Nov. 20, 2023

November 20, 2023 10:31 - 2 minutes

While the majority of people are gathered ‘round a home-cooked meal during Thanksgiving, there’s the minority out there that are hitting up fast-food joints.

Nov. 17, 2023

November 17, 2023 10:31 - 3 minutes

State police will be opening a second round of hiring after seeing a spike in interest for the job ever since that college credit requirement was done away with. Giant Eagle is planning on getting rid of its fuelperks+ program next year. Pennsylvania’s not bad, as far as “the worst states to drive in” goes. Finally, this band is marching to the beat of victory.

Nov. 16, 2023

November 16, 2023 10:31 - 4 minutes

The state House has passed a bill that would lower fitness standards for new cops. A township that was trying to prohibit the display of the “thin blue line American flag” — one associated with the Blue Lives Matter movement — was denied that prohibition. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is one of the nation’s “most loathed highways.” Lastly, soup’s on for the Souper Bowl.

Nov. 15. 2023

November 15, 2023 10:31 - 4 minutes

Insurance coverage of fertility services could broaden in Pennsylvania now that there’s a new definition of “fertility” out there. While gas bills will rise for PGW customers soon, the utility actually wanted higher rates than what they got in order to cover low-income program funds. PNC Bank customers noticed something amiss on their statements. And Hersheypark’s oldest continuously operating roller coaster is getting a makeover.

Nov. 14, 2023

November 14, 2023 10:31 - 4 minutes

A school in Clinton County is under investigation after a report arose of a middle school student engaging in inappropriate conduct with several female staff members. Penn has been hit with a lawsuit over its handling of antisemitism on campus. Wild hogs have now been seen in over 20 percent of the state’s counties. Lastly, this is one old fish.

Nov. 13, 2023

November 13, 2023 10:31 - 3 minutes

A bill could transform Pennsylvania malls into housing and offices spaces should it come to fruition. About 20 percent of teachers in Philadelphia’s school district aren’t certified. A tiny home village for homeless vets takes shape. And a city’s bacon festival drew a crowd that was over two times its population.

Nov. 10, 2023

November 10, 2023 10:31 - 3 minutes

Philadelphia is thinking about possibly getting rid of food trucks at a busy intersection. About two dozen Rite Aids are now up for sale in Pennsylvania. The state has received nearly $4 million for renewal energy projects in rural areas. Finally, a Pittsburgh-produced movie about the Titanic makes its debut.

Nov. 9, 2023

November 09, 2023 10:31 - 4 minutes

The amount of Pennsylvanians moving to Florida has greatly accelerated over the past decade or so. The state’s business tax climate is staunchly “ok” when compared to other states. An airport is expected to be one of the busiest in the U.S. during the holidays. Lastly, after seven years, this dog gets a forever home.

Nov. 8, 2023

November 08, 2023 10:31 - 4 minutes

A worker at a pizza shop fired a gun back at two would-be robbers, killing one of them. An orthopedic health care network sued an ex-CEO that originally sued them. Convictions for people who drove past school bus stop arms are up by almost 50 percent, according to new statistics. Also, it’s a beautiful day in the real estate market.

Nov. 7, 2023

November 07, 2023 10:31 - 4 minutes

Tyson has recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of its popular fun-shaped chicken nuggets. The first stage of the I-95 rebuild after that massive fire is almost done. The American Ornithological Society has announced its plans to rename a number of bird species, some of which can be found in Pennsylvania. And a Jersey couple said “I do” during an Eagles tailgate.

Nov. 6, 2023

November 06, 2023 10:31 - 4 minutes

The FBI office in Pittsburgh is warning people that violent groups are targeting kids online. Also in Pittsburgh, public schools will adopt “anti-racist math” instruction. The ACLU wants a borough to get rid of its social gathering ordinance. Lastly, a student scored way more than just a half-court shot.

Nov. 3, 2023

November 03, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

Victims involved in the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse are clashing with officials over records that may shed more light on the incident. Business owners in Philadelphia express what they want out of the city’s next mayor. It’s the end of an era for SEPTA. Also, did you know the U.S.’s oldest photo was taken in Pennsylvania?

Nov. 2, 2023

November 02, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

The state House is willing to fund state-related schools, but under one condition. Towing companies are finding themselves paying more when dealing with electric vehicles. Say, can you sing? And this school has you seeing double — literally.

Nov. 1, 2023

November 01, 2023 09:31 - 5 minutes

Business owners in Pittsburgh are growing wearing of what they’re calling the “revolving door of justice” as Mayor Gainey clashes with Allegheny County DA Steve Zappala over crime. In the same vein, one official in Philly is calling for stronger law enforcement in Kensington. There’s a video of vegans expressing how much they’ve missed meat, although don’t buy it for a second. Lastly, this is Pennsylvania’s favorite domestic beer.

Oct. 31, 2023

October 31, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

One of the men involved in that Ohio fishing tournament scandal is facing new charges. A “disorderly” man got in trouble at the Steelers game on Sunday for swinging a towel around. Unmarked graves in Gettysburg are set to get headstones. Also, this is one of the best cities for Halloween.

Oct. 30, 2023

October 30, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

Business owners in Philadelphia are still feeling the impact of the looting which took place last month. A proposal would fine the parents of school bullies. Weis has ended its pay-for-a-cart pilot program. Finally, a bear was caught with some donuts.

Oct. 27, 2023

October 27, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

Chester’s been taking Philly’s trash, and residents are not happy about it. Experts in Pittsburgh are saying that the growing trend of corporations buying up homes is “happening nationwide.” This program wants lawns to become meadows. And here’s a question: “How do you kill something that’s undead?”

Oct. 26, 2023

October 26, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

A principal of a middle school stated how students are “promoting, recording, and celebrating physical violence” on campus. The state Senate has passed a bill that would allow for parents to control their kids’ access to books deemed sexually explicit. One state lawmaker’s preparing to propose a later start time for school. Finally: a Kevin Bacon update.

Oct. 25, 2023

October 25, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

Cops found books containing “exorcism spells” in the house of a man accused of shooting his girlfriend. A school district got hit with a cyberattack. Pennsylvania is among the states that are suing Meta. And a woman will open up a cafe in the bank that once denied her a loan.

Oct. 24, 2023

October 24, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

A school board is considering hiring someone to work with teachers on getting rid of what they believe is math instruction’s “racist” nature. The state’s tax credits are a “mixed bag” as far as job creation goes. Schools are trying to figure out what to do with a bunch of empty student housing. Plus, this is what Pennsylvanians plan on dressing up as for Halloween (and what they’re dressing their dogs up as, too).

Oct. 23, 2023

October 23, 2023 09:31 - 2 minutes

Pennsylvania has a deep and storied history with zombies, believe it or not, a history a trail tells to all who dare follow it.

Oct. 20, 2023

October 20, 2023 09:31 - 2 minutes

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is coming back next year, baby, butter sculpture and all.

Oct. 19, 2023

October 19, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

While violent crime rates are dropping — a trend seen nationwide — homicides in Philadelphia aren’t nearly what they were before the pandemic. Residents in the Mechanics burg area are still being told to conserve water after a creek got contaminated. A gigantic Amazon fulfillment center is all set to open next week. And this cancer treatment is said to be “more personalized.”

Oct. 18, 2023

October 18, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

An American Airlines executive was “dismissive” in his response to safety concerns after the death of a flight attendant in a Philadelphia hotel last month, according to a union statement. State and federal law may sour Reese’s new sweepstakes. There’s some new updates on Beaver Stadium’s renovations. Lastly, he’s loose, footloose.

Oct. 17, 2023

October 17, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

Rite Aid has filed for bankruptcy. SEPTA has released the findings of its study on AI’s potential usefulness in combatting traffic violations. A very mountain lion-like animal was spotted in Lehigh Valley. And Pennsylvania’s one of America’s “spookiest states.”

Oct. 16, 2023

October 16, 2023 09:31 - 2 minutes

Pennsylvania has a favorite Halloween candy, although it may not be the one you’re thinking of.

Oct. 13, 2023

October 13, 2023 09:31 - 3 minutes

Businesses and consumers alike in Pittsburgh are preparing themselves for the ban on plastic bags that’ll go into effect tomorrow. Open enrollment for Medicare is also coming up. One school wants to let its business students invest in real estate projects. Plus, this is one of the U.S.’s best spots for Halloween.

Oct. 12, 2023

October 12, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

The state AG’s office has reached a $1 million settlement with Rutter’s over a data breach that occurred between 2018 and 2019. A court is currently considering the constitutionality of one city’s tax on pro-athletes and entertainers. New research has found that about 800,000 tons of oil and gas waste can’t be accounted for. Finally, this is one of the “world’s most haunted hotspots,” and it’s right here in Pennsylvania.

Oct. 11, 2023

October 11, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

EMS is suffering in the western part of the state over a lack of funding and of workers. Critics of the recently expanded Amtrak service between NYC and Pittsburgh are claiming it’s picking “the pockets of Pennsylvania’s taxpayers.” A man stole $4,000 with a fake lotto ticket. Speaking of which, Pennsylvania’s one of the “luckiest” states for Powerball.  

Oct. 10, 2023

October 10, 2023 09:31 - 5 minutes

The shooting that occurred in Indiana County over the weekend that left at least eight wounded and one person dead was the U.S.’s 540th mass shooting of the year. Sewer rates may go up in Bethlehem. A pagan shop claims to have gotten a visit from cops over some obscure “fortune-telling” laws Pennsylvania still has. Lastly, Stoneman Willie finally gets a grave and a name.

Oct. 09, 2023

October 09, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

There’s one area that’s seeing a greater number of “potentially preventable hospitalizations” than the state average. Meanwhile, SEPTA may potentially strike. You can see the “ring of fire” this week (just make sure you don’t hurt your eyes while doing it). And meet the “Heritage Hotties.”

Oct. 06, 2023

October 06, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

Federal investigators have put the blame on the R.M. Palmer Co. chocolate plant for an explosion that killed seven employees. Carnegie Museum has decided to permanently remove a diorama which, in part, was created using a real human skull and jaw. Some places have already put on their fall best, foliage-wise. Also, not a lot of places can boast about having an official monster, but Clinton County can.

Oct. 05, 2023

October 05, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

The driver of a tractor-trailer was certainly very crabby after events that took place yesterday. One health network is using simulators to test teens for potential risky driving behavior. One university’s offering free tuition to anyone whose family makes less than $75,000. Lastly, Chance the German Shepherd finds a home.  

Oct. 04, 2023

October 04, 2023 09:31 - 5 minutes

A nurse has been accused of killing three people in nursing homes with insulin. A school in Westmoreland County has upped its security after students were caught passing guns to each other on a bus. A proposed change to a state law would “level the playing field” between people and the telemarketers looking to scam them. Also, in honor of National Taco Day, here’s Pennsylvania’s favorite kind of taco.

Oct. 3, 2023

October 03, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

Pennsylvania authorities are revisiting ways to stop guns at TSA checkpoints. A board member tried getting two English’s courses dropped from school for being what he believed to be “politically charged.” Over 100 lakes and streams are set to be stocked with trout. Plus, wear your “snot otter” with pride.

Oct. 2, 2023

October 02, 2023 09:31 - 3 minutes

Bethlehem has moved forward with plans to build Lehigh Valley’s first and only year-round homeless shelter. FIFA officials dropped by Philly ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Utz is closing one of its manufacturing plants in York County. And Philadelphia will host a conference of “vexillophiles” this weekend.

Sept. 29, 2023

September 29, 2023 09:31 - 3 minutes

Giant Eagle has announced a partnership with Instacart for same-day delivery. SEPTA riders can now officially go contactless with payments. The last supermoon of 2023 has come and gone. And this stadium said, “Later, gator.”

Sept. 28, 2023

September 28, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes

The Philadelphia area has seen over 20 Rite Aids close over the past year with potentially more closures to come. Airbnbs and other rental properties will have to undergo inspection and get permits in Pittsburgh. One newspaper’s CEO is pushing for local news’ fair compensation. Lastly, these are the best spots to be a ghost in.

Sept, 27, 2023

September 27, 2023 09:31 - 3 minutes

York County has had the highest amount of murder-suicides it’s ever seen. Pennsylvania has joined a multi-state lawsuit against Amazon. “Leaf advisers” are here for all your fall foliage needs. Speaking of which, these towns are “stunning spots” as for as leaf peeping goes.

Sept. 26, 2023

September 26, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

Despite recent events, a new analysis has found that Pennsylvania doesn’t see jailbreaks all too frequently. Luzerne County officials are posed to discuss the area’s over $191 million in outstanding debt. Someone stole a bunch of hornets. And an icon turns five.

Sept. 25, 2023

September 25, 2023 09:31 - 4 minutes

Advocates plan to denounce Norristown at next month’s U.N. meeting for allegedly “criminalizing” homelessness. About 60 percent of state residents are paying above the average rent price from just two years ago. Fall season means spider season. Finally, these are Pennsylvania’s “supernatural hotspots.”